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14-Day Shoestring Adventure in Australia by Rail

Viewed by 58 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Sydney

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
Find Hotels in Blue Mountains

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
Find Hotels in Canberra

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
Find Hotels in Melbourne

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
Find Hotels in Great Ocean Road

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
Find Hotels in Wilsons Promontory

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
Find Hotels in Philip Island

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
Find Hotels in Adelaide

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
Find Hotels in Kangaroo Island

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
Find Hotels in Melbourne

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
Find Hotels in Brisbane

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
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

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
Find Hotels in Byron Bay

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
Find Hotels in Sydney
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