11-Day Family Adventure in Australia: Cities, Nature, and Tasty Treats

Day 1: Explore Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Fine Food Store

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Fine Food Store, renowned for its freshly baked goods and breakfast bowls packed with local produce.
Walk to Circular Quay for views of the Sydney Opera House.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Sydney Opera House

Take a guided walk around the iconic Sydney Opera House, learning about its fascinating architecture and history.
25-minute walk from Circular Quay.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Harry's Cafe de Wheels

Savor a classic Aussie meat pie or hot dog at Harry's, a beloved eatery known for its delicious comfort food.
Take a light rail from Toondahra Station.
AUD 40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens, perfect for kids to run around and for a picturesque view of the harbor.
5-minute walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Taronga Zoo

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo where children can learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying the spectacular views.
15-minute ferry ride.
AUD 65, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rocks

Dine in the historic Rocks area with various family-friendly restaurants serving local cuisine.
Ferry back and a short walk.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up at your hotel or a local bakery before an exciting day.
Prepare for the train journey.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Blue Mountains

Take a scenic train ride from Sydney to Katoomba to explore the breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Direct train from Central Station.
AUD 15, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Scenic World

Experience the Scenic Railway and Skyway for stunning views and adventure suitable for all ages.
Walk or take a local bus to Scenic World.
AUD 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Blue Mountains Café

The café offers delicious locally-sourced meals perfect for refueling after your adventures.
On-site at Scenic World.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Wentworth Falls

Take an easy hike down to Wentworth Falls through breathtaking rainforest with natural springs and views.
Drive or take a bus from Scenic World.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Sydney

Head back to Katoomba station for the return journey to Sydney.
Direct train back.
AUD 15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Spice Alley

Enjoy a variety of delicious Asian street food options in a vibrant courtyard atmosphere.
Take an Uber or local bus to Spice Alley.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Culture and Exploration

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee from one of Sydney's best bakeries.
Walk to the bakery.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Royal Australian Museum

Discover Australia's natural and cultural history with interactive exhibits for kids.
Take a short bus ride or walk.
AUD 15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Museum Café

Enjoy light snacks or a full meal in the convenient café at the museum.
On-site.
AUD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Darling Harbour

Stroll around Darling Harbour, enjoying street performers and family-friendly attractions.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Explore underwater life at this impressive aquarium featuring a variety of marine species.
Short walk from Darling Harbour.
AUD 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Choose from numerous dining options along the waterfront for a beautiful dining experience.
Easy walk from the aquarium.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for your day of travel.
Packing up for Melbourne.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Melbourne

Catch an early morning flight to Melbourne.
Taxi to Sydney Airport.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Check-in at accommodation

Arrive in Melbourne, check into your family-friendly accommodation.
Taxi or shuttle service.
AUD 50, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Explore Federation Square

Take a family photo at this iconic site and check out local art galleries or the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Walk from your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at ACMI Café

Enjoy a delightful lunch at this café with kid-friendly options.
On-site at Federation Square.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Melbourne Museum

Explore Australia’s largest museum with engaging exhibits for all ages.
Short tram ride from Federation Square.
AUD 15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Royal Exhibition Building

Walk through the beautiful gardens and have a look at the historic building.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Lygon Street

Dine on Italian cuisine at one of many family-friendly restaurants on this iconic street.
Take tram or walk.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Great Ocean Road Trip

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast to prepare for a day of adventure.
Gather at the hotel lobby.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Day Tour to Great Ocean Road

Join a guided day tour to experience the stunning views and coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road.
Board bus or van from accommodation.
AUD 120, 12 hours

12:00PM

Lunch during Great Ocean Road tour

A packed lunch will be provided or you may stop in one of the coastal towns for lunch.
Part of bus tour itinerary.
Included, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner back in Melbourne

After a long day, relax with dinner at a casual dining spot back in Melbourne.
Return to the city from tour.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Melbourne Discovery

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Flinders Lane

Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the many cafes on Flinders Lane.
Explore Flinders Lane on foot.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Melbourne Zoo

Spend the morning at the Melbourne Zoo seeing various animals in their habitats.
Take a tram to the zoo.
AUD 30, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the zoo café

Enjoy a light lunch with fresh options amidst the zoo setting.
On-site.
AUD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Fitzroy Gardens

Wander through picturesque gardens and discover the beautiful Conservatory.
Take a tram to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Captain Cook's Cottage

Step into history at this charming cottage located within Fitzroy Gardens.
Walk from the gardens.
AUD 14, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Southbank

Enjoy a relaxed family dinner along Southbank Melbourne with riverside dining options.
Short walk from the gardens.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Flight to Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before leaving for Brisbane.
Packing for departure.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Brisbane

Catch a morning flight to sunny Brisbane.
Taxi to Melbourne Airport.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at accommodation

Arrive in Brisbane and check into your hotel.
Taxi or shuttle service.
AUD 50, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Taste various street foods and local delicacies at this lively food market.
Take a ferry or bus to Northshore.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit South Bank Parklands

Stroll through the parklands with gardens, lagoons, and art installations, perfect for picnicking.
Take a ferry back.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Optional: Wheel of Brisbane

Experience stunning views of the city from above on this giant observation wheel.
Walk to the wheel.
AUD 25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at South Bank

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants at South Bank with delicious riverside views.
Walk back to dinner options.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Fun at Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Gold Coast.
Prepare for the day’s adventure.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Gold Coast

Travel via rental car to Gold Coast for a day of sun and surf.
Ensure you have a rental car booked.
AUD 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Beach time at Surfers Paradise

Enjoy a day at the famous beaches of Surfers Paradise, ideal for swimming and sandcastle building.
Park nearby and head to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a beachside café

Relax with a light lunch at a casual café with ocean views.
Walk a short distance from the beach.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit SeaWorld

Dive into family fun with marine animal shows and amusement rides at SeaWorld.
10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise.
AUD 99, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gold Coast

Pick a local dining venue with family-friendly options to end the day.
Short drive from SeaWorld.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Brisbane Exploration

Brisbane, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before exploring more of Brisbane.
Prepare for the day's activities.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Take a relaxed morning stroll through the lush botanic gardens, complete with a riverside setting.
Take a bus or tram to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Queensland Museum

Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about Queensland's natural and cultural heritage.
Walk from the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at GOMA Café

Refuel at the Gallery of Modern Art's café with plenty of delicious snacks and meals.
On-site.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore GOMA

Get inspired by modern and contemporary art, making it fun for the family with many interactive exhibits.
Just steps from the café.
AUD 15, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Take the CityCat Ferry

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride along the Brisbane River while capturing the city's skyline.
Walk to the river ferry terminal.
AUD 10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Fortitude Valley

Explore the vibrant precinct of Fortitude Valley and find eateries serving international cuisines.
Bus or short walk.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Journey to Cairns

Cairns, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Brisbane accommodation before heading to Cairns.
Packing up for the journey.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Cairns

Catch a morning flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Taxi to Brisbane Airport.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at accommodation

Arrive in Cairns and get settled in your accommodation.
Taxi or shuttle service.
AUD 50, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at the Cairns Esplanade

Dine at one of the many eateries lining the Esplanade, with beautiful views of the water.
Short walk from your accommodation.
AUD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Enjoy free swimming at this large lagoon, a fantastic spot for families to relax and play.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Cairns Night Markets

Head to the Night Markets to sample local snacks and shop for souvenirs.
Easy walk from the lagoon.
Free to browse, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Night Markets

Feast on a variety of local foods available at the Night Markets’ food stalls.
On-site.
AUD 50, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Nature at Kuranda

Kuranda, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your adventure with breakfast at your accommodation in Cairns.
Prepare for the day ahead.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Board the historic railway to Kuranda, enjoying spectacular views of the rainforest.
Taxi to the train station.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kuranda Village

Wander through the village markets, filled with local handicrafts and goods.
Walk from the railway station.
Free to browse, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuranda

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many cafes in Kuranda, offering local cuisine.
On-site.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Rainforest Cableway

Take the gondola ride for stunning views over the rainforest canopy.
Walk to the cableway station.
AUD 40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Cairns

Make your way back via the scenic railway or a bus ride.
Return same way.
AUD 100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Final Dinner in Cairns

End your trip with a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.
Choose a favorite restaurant from your visit.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability