14-Day Shoestring Adventure in Australia by Rail

Day 1: Sydney Sightseeing

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grounds

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria, famous for its fresh ingredients and beautiful setting.
Take public transport to Circular Quay.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House to learn about its fascinating architecture and history.
Walking distance from The Grounds.
AUD45, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Have lunch at one of the many cafés along Circular Quay, enjoying views of the Sydney Harbour.
Choose any café on Circular Quay.
AUD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis with stunning views of the harbor.
Short walk from Circular Quay.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bondi Beach Visit

Catch a bus to Bondi Beach to sunbathe or take a coastal walk to Coogee Beach.
Bus from Bondi Junction.
AUD5, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bondi's Fish

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view at Bondi's Fish, perfect after a long day of exploring.
Located on the beach.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out.
N/A
AUD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Katoomba

Take an early train from Sydney to Katoomba to explore the stunning Blue Mountains.
Board the train at Central Station.
AUD10, 2 hours

10:00AM

Three Sisters Lookout

Visit the stunning Three Sisters rock formation for breathtaking views.
Special shuttle bus available from the station.
AUD8, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Potager

Enjoy lunch at The Potager, a hidden gem offering local produce and farm dishes.
Walk from the lookout.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hiking the National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking one of the many trails in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Follow marked trails from The Potager.
FREE, 3 hours

4:00PM

Return Train to Sydney

Head back to Katoomba and take the train back to Sydney.
Boarding at Katoomba Station.
AUD10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Happy Hour at a local pub

Wind down your day with dinner at a local pub, enjoying happy hour deals.
Choose a pub near your accommodation.
AUD15, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Canberra Culture

Canberra, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Cupping Room

Enjoy a delightful breakfast of specialty coffee and gourmet pastries.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Canberra

Head to the station to catch a train to the capital, Canberra.
Board the train at Sydney's Central Station.
AUD35, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lonsdale Street Roasters

Grab a quick lunch at this café known for its local ingredients and great coffee.
A short walk from the train station.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Parliament House Visit

Explore Australia's Parliament House and the surrounding gardens.
Public bus to Parliament House.
FREE, 2 hours

3:00PM

National Gallery of Australia

Visit the National Gallery of Australia to view impressive collections of Australian art.
Walking distance from Parliament.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ramen Kan

Enjoy a warm bowl of noodles at Ramen Kan to finish your day.
Walking distance from the gallery.
AUD25, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Melbourne Delights

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start the day with a lively breakfast at the famous Hardware Société.
N/A
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Melbourne

Board an early train from Canberra to continue your adventure in Melbourne.
Canberra train station.
AUD45, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy delicious street food at the famous Queen Victoria Market, trying local specialties.
Short walk from Southern Cross Station.
AUD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Melbourne's Laneways

Discover the hidden laneways filled with street art, cafés, and boutique shops.
Walking through the vicinity.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visiting the Melbourne Museum

Explore the Melbourne Museum for fascinating exhibits on natural history and culture.
Tram ride from the city center.
AUD15, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Delve into the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown with an authentic Chinese meal.
Head back to the city center.
AUD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Moonlight Café

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your day trip along the Great Ocean Road.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Road Trip to Great Ocean Road

Join a budget day tour from Melbourne to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Great Ocean Road.
Pickup from your accommodation.
AUD99 (tour), 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner on Return to Melbourne

Choose from an assortment of local eateries near your accommodation for dinner.
Various options around your hotel.
AUD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Crux & Co

Fuel up with a healthy breakfast at this popular café.
N/A
AUD18, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Wilsons Promontory

Take a train from Melbourne to nearby Foster and a shuttle to Wilsons Prom.
Board train from Southern Cross Station.
AUD35, 3 hours

11:00AM

Hiking at Wilsons Promontory

Explore the beautiful trails within Wilsons Promontory's natural beauty.
Walk to trailheads from park entrance.
AUD10 (park entry), 4 hours

3:00PM

Picnic Lunch in Nature

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by stunning scenery.
Prepare at the park.
AUD10 (packed food), 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Catch the shuttle back to Foster and train back to Melbourne.
Same as morning directions.
AUD35, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at D.O.C. Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

Enjoy authentic Italian pizza in a lively atmosphere.
Located in Carlton.
AUD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Philip Island Adventure

Philip Island, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Philip Island

Travel by train and bus to Philip Island for a day of wildlife experiences.
Board close to the hotel to catch the bus.
AUD40, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Penguin Parade Show

Experience the famous Penguin Parade as little penguins come ashore at dusk.
Head to the Penguin Parade venue.
AUD25, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cowes

Enjoy local fish and chips in Cowes, the main town of Philip Island.
Walk from the Penguin Parade.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Nobbies Centre & Seal Rocks

Explore the stunning coast and lookout at Nobbies Centre for seals and views.
Local bus from Cowes.
AUD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to your accommodation in Melbourne after a full day.
Follow the same bus route.
AUD40, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Lygon Street

Conclude your day with Italian dinner at one of the renowned restaurants on Lygon Street.
Nearby your accommodation.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Adelaide Experience

Adelaide, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Little Hunter

Indulge in a farm-fresh breakfast to start your day.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Adelaide

Take a direct train from Melbourne to Adelaide, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Board from Southern Cross Station.
AUD65, 10 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hawker Street

Savor delicious Asian street food at The Hawker Street in Adelaide.
Nearby the train station.
AUD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast provided at your accommodation.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kangaroo Island

Join an all-day tour to Kangaroo Island for stunning scenery and wildlife.
Pickup from your hotel.
AUD120 (tour), 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner back in Adelaide

Choose a cozy place in Adelaide for a satisfying dinner after a full day.
Various choices near your hotel.
AUD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Coward & Black

Start your day with an amazing breakfast and fresh juice.
N/A
AUD18, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train back to Melbourne

Catch an early train back to Melbourne.
Board at Adelaide Railway Station.
AUD65, 10 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Collins Street

Find a nice bistro on Collins Street for a gourmet dinner.
Walk from Southern Cross.
AUD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Brisbane Charm

Brisbane, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Rex Cafe

Savor the breakfast menu at this cozy café.
N/A
AUD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Brisbane

Depart from Melbourne to Brisbane, taking in the Australian countryside.
Board from Southern Cross Station.
AUD75, 17 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fortitude Valley

Enjoy a lively dinner in Fortitude Valley, known for its vibrant dining scene.
A short walk from the station.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Gold Coast Getaway

Gold Coast, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Grit Cafe

Enjoy tasty breakfast bowls in this trendy café.
N/A
AUD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Gold Coast

Take a short train ride from Brisbane to Gold Coast for a day at the beach.
Board from Brisbane Central Station.
AUD13, 1 hour

9:00AM

Surfers Paradise Beach

Relax at one of Australia’s most famous beaches, Surfers Paradise.
Walking distance from the station.
FREE, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kebab Shop

Grab a delicious kebab or wrap for a refuel on the beach.
Nearby the beach.
AUD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Activities

Try swimming, surfing, or simply soak in the sun.
Stay near Surfers Paradise.
FREE, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Beachside Market

Enjoy dinner at the night markets along the beach with a variety of food options.
Head to the markets.
AUD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Byron Bay Bliss

Byron Bay, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Bayleaf Cafe

Dig into fresh, local produce at this popular spot.
N/A
AUD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Byron Bay

Take the train to Byron Bay for a day of relaxation and beach fun.
Board from Gold Coast Station.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

Hike up to the famous lighthouse for stunning views and some local nature.
Short walk from the station.
FREE, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Beach Hotel

Enjoy a casual lunch with ocean views at the Beach Hotel.
A quick walk from the lighthouse.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing on Byron Bay's beautiful beaches.
Directly adjacent to the lunch spot.
FREE, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return Train to Gold Coast

Head back to Gold Coast to rest after a lovely beach day.
Same route back to Gold Coast.
AUD10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Prawns and Chips

End your trip with fresh prawns and chips from a well-loved local eatery.
Nearby your accommodation.
AUD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Sydney

Sydney, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast at your accommodation before heading back to Sydney.
N/A
AUD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train back to Sydney

Catch a morning train back to Sydney for your departure.
Board from Gold Coast Station.
AUD70, 10 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Circular Quay

End your adventure with a farewell dinner at Circular Quay, enjoying stunning views of the Harbour.
Choose a restaurant by the waterside.
AUD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability