14-Day Shoestring Adventure Across Australia: Rail & City Experiences

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Grounds

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria, known for its fresh produce and coffee.
Take a light rail or bus to get there.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Sydney Opera House

Take a guided tour of this iconic architectural masterpiece and learn about its history.
Walk to Circular Quay from the cafe.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Grab a delicious, budget-friendly lunch at a nearby food stall or cafe.
Choose from various options in the area.
AUD15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden

Enjoy a relaxing walk through these beautiful gardens with stunning views of the harbor.
Head directly south from the Opera House.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Harry's Cafe de Wheels

Enjoy a classic Aussie meat pie at this iconic takeaway joint.
Take a bus or walk back to Woolloomooloo.
AUD10, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sydney Adventures

Sydney, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bill's Darlinghurst

Savor Bill's famous ricotta pancakes in a cozy environment.
Catch a bus or walk there in Darlinghurst.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Taronga Zoo

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay for a day filled with wildlife encounters.
Take the ferry from Circular Quay.
AUD48, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Zoo

Enjoy a quick bite at the zoo café with scenic views.
Located inside the zoo.
AUD20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Bondi Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun or going for a swim at this world-famous beach.
Take the ferry back and catch a bus to Bondi.
Free, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Bondi’s Fish Shop

Indulge in freshly caught fish and chips on the beach.
Walk along Campbell Parade.
AUD20, 1 hour
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Day 3: Excursion to Blue Mountains

Katoomba, Australia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day with a simple meal from the local grocery store.
Prepare a takeaway style breakfast.
AUD10, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Train to Blue Mountains

Catch the train from Sydney Central to Katoomba to explore breathtaking landscapes.
Direct train ride on the Blue Mountains Line.
AUD8, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Visit the Three Sisters

See this iconic rock formation, and maybe take a hike on one of the many trails.
Walk from the train station to Echo Point.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Lookout Echo Point

Enjoy a midday meal with stunning views of the valley.
Located near the viewpoint.
AUD25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Scenic World

Experience the scenic railway and skyway for truly spectacular views.
Short bus ride from the lookout.
AUD45, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Sydney

Catch the train back to Sydney to unwind after a full day.
Direct train ride back on the Blue Mountains Line.
AUD8, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Shuttle Services

Choose from any local dining options near your accommodation.
Take a quick stroll to find something nearby.
AUD20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne, Australia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Enjoy your provided breakfast at the hostel to save cost.
Available at your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train to Melbourne

Catch an early train to Melbourne to make the most of your day.
Direct V/Line train from Sydney Central.
AUD70, 12 hours

10:00 PM

Dinner at Queen Victoria Market

Explore the market's food stalls for a delicious and affordable meal.
Take a tram to the market.
AUD15, 1 hour
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Day 5: Discover Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your morning with a French-inspired breakfast at this charming café.
Take a tram for a short distance.
AUD22, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Stroll through the Laneways

Wander through Melbourne's famous laneways filled with street art and cafés.
Walk to Hosier Lane.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Degraves Street

Take a break in this vibrant side street full of eateries.
Walk a few blocks to Degraves Street.
AUD15, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Federation Square

Experience the hub of culture, creative events, and dining.
You can walk or tram there directly.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore State Library of Victoria

Admire the stunning architecture and enjoy the peaceful reading rooms.
A short walk from Federation Square.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Dinner at Lygon Street

Try out budget-friendly pizzas in Melbourne’s famous Italian precinct.
Tram ride to Lygon Street.
AUD20, 1 hour
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Day 6: Geelong Day Trip

Geelong, Australia

7:30 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast from your hostel before heading out.
Available at the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train to Geelong

Catch a train to Geelong, a charming coastal city.
Direct train from Southern Cross Station.
AUD14, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Geelong Waterfront

Walk along the scenic waterfront and check out the Geelong Carousel.
Directly accessible from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Little Creatures Brewery

Have a relaxed lunch at this popular brewery overlooking the bay.
A short walk from the waterfront.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Geelong Gallery

Discover regional Australian art in this award-winning gallery.
Walk up the main street.
AUD10, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Melbourne

Catch the train back to Melbourne.
Direct train ride back.
AUD14, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Melbourne Central

Explore the food court for budget-friendly options.
Tram back to Melbourne Central.
AUD15, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel to Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia

6:30 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with breakfast before your long travel day.
Available at the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train to Adelaide

Catch an early-morning train to Adelaide.
Direct short trip via V/Line.
AUD62, 12 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Adelaide Central Market

Dive into the vibrant market food scene for dinner options at your leisure.
Take a short tram from the station.
AUD15, 1 hour
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Day 8: Kangaroo Island Day Trip

Kangaroo Island, Australia

5:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have an early breakfast before departing for Kangaroo Island.
Hostel breakfast options available.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 AM

Ferry to Kangaroo Island

Take the early ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island.
Short bus ride to ferry terminal.
AUD100, 45 minutes

8:00 AM

Explore Flinders Chase National Park

Experience remarkable rock formations and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Use a local tour bus service.
AUD60 (tour), 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at local café

Enjoy a packed lunch or food from a local café.
Lunch on Kangaroo Island.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Continue exploring the island

Visit Seal Bay and see Australian sea lions in their native habitat.
With your tour group.
Included in tour, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return ferry to the mainland

Head back to Adelaide after a day of adventure.
Same ferry terminal.
AUD100, 45 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at the local pizzeria

Indulge in a casual dinner after your return.
Walk to the nearby local pizzeria.
AUD25, 1 hour
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Day 9: Explore Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the café

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at a local spot.
Walk to a nearby café.
AUD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Adelaide Botanic Garden

Explore this beautiful garden and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Haigh's Chocolate Factory

Take a tour and enjoy a chocolate-themed lunch.
Walk or take a tram to the factory.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Central Market

Wander the stalls for food sampling and local crafts.
Short walk from the factory.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Adelaide Oval

Check out the famous sports stadium, with a guided tour available.
Walk to the sport complex.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a local food truck

Grab a budget-friendly meal from one of the popular food trucks.
Check the local listings for nearby food trucks.
AUD15, 1 hour
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Day 10: Fly to Perth

Perth, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have breakfast provided by the hostel before your flight.
Available at the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Fly to Perth

Take a domestic flight from Adelaide to Perth.
Direct flight; check-in at the airport.
AUD150, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Perth City

Grab a budget meal from the local cafes in Perth City.
Walk around the city center.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Discover beautiful native gardens and stunning views of the skyline.
Take a bus or walk there.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia

Enjoy an extensive collection of art from Australia and beyond.
Walk from Kings Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Northbridge

Sample delicious Asian cuisine in this vibrant precinct.
Take the short walk to Northbridge.
AUD25, 1 hour
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Day 11: Margaret River Day Trip

Margaret River, Australia

6:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Early breakfast at your hostel before a long day ahead.
Provided by the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Bus to Margaret River

Catch a bus to Margaret River, known for its wine and surf culture.
Direct bus service available.
AUD50, 3 hours

10:00 AM

Wine Tasting at Local Winery

Enjoy complimentary wine tasting at a renowned winery.
Located within Margaret River's wine region.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Explore the local beaches

Spend time relaxing by the surf beaches and soaking up the sun.
Short taxi or bus ride to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a local café

Choose from a selection of casual lunch spots.
In the vicinity of the beach.
AUD20, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Return to Perth

Catch the bus back to Perth after a memorable day.
Direct bus available.
AUD50, 3 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at a local food market in Perth

Enjoy casual dining options at a local food market.
Explore local food markets.
AUD20, 1 hour
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Day 12: Explore Albany

Albany, Australia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Quick breakfast at the hostel before heading out.
Breakfast provided.
Free, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Bus to Albany

Catch an early bus to Albany, point of natural beauty.
Direct bus service available.
AUD40, 5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a coastal café

Relax with lunch at a café with stunning ocean views.
Found along the coast.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Torndirrup National Park

Marvel at natural rock formations, blowholes, and stunning coastal scenery.
Taxi or local tour service to the park.
AUD15, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at local pub

Wind down with comfort food at a classic Aussie pub.
Found along the main street.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Return to Perth

Travel back to Perth via bus after an adventurous day.
Bus back to Perth.
AUD40, 5 hours
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Day 13: Fremantle Day Trip

Fremantle, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Quick breakfast at your hostel.
Available breakfast at the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Fremantle

Catch a train to Fremantle, a lively port city.
Direct train from Perth Station.
AUD5, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore Fremantle Markets

Wander through the famous markets for local crafts and produce.
Walk from the train station to the markets.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Little creatures Brewery

Sample locally crafted beer and delicious home-cooked meals.
A short walk from the markets.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Fremantle Prison

Take a guided tour of the historic prison and learn about its past.
Walk or take a bus to the prison.
AUD23, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Perth

Catch the train back to Perth for the evening.
Direct train back to Perth.
AUD5, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Elizabeth Quay

Finish your day with a meal overlooking the waterfront.
Tram or walk to Elizabeth Quay.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Departure from Perth

Perth, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast in Perth before check-out.
Provided by the hostel.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Cottesloe Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at the beautiful beach.
Take a bus to Cottesloe.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at local café

Enjoy a light lunch at a beachfront café.
Located along the beach boardwalk.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Travel to Perth Airport

Catch the bus to the airport for your departure flight.
Direct bus service available.
AUD15, 1 hour
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