Ultimate 12-Day Australia Adventure: From Sydney to Great Barrier Reef

Day 1: Sydney Exploration

Sydney, Australia on April 2, 2025

9:00AM

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. You'll learn about its fascinating architecture and history.
AUD 45, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Rocks

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Rocks, where you can try local delights like meat pies and kangaroo steaks at various restaurants.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Sydney Harbour Cruise

Experience beautiful views of Sydney’s skyline and nearby beaches on a 1.5-hour harbour cruise. You might even spot some dolphins!
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Bondi Beach

Spend your late afternoon soaking up the sun at Bondi Beach, known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fish Market

Indulge in the freshest seafood at the Sydney Fish Market, open till 7PM, and sample local catches like Sydney Rock oysters.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

Day 2: More of Sydney

Sydney, Australia on April 3, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Two Good Eggs

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Two Good Eggs, famed for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious avocado toast.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy a variety of native and exotic plant species.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Enjoy waterfront dining at Circular Quay, with plenty of options ranging from casual cafés to upscale restaurants.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Taronga Zoo

Visit Taronga Zoo for a chance to see Australia’s unique wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, with stunning views of the Sydney skyline.
AUD 45, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sydney Tower Buffet

Dine at the Sydney Tower Buffet for an unforgettable meal with panoramic views of the city, open till 9:30 PM.
AUD 80, 2 hours

Day 3: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia on April 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Carrington

Enjoy breakfast at The Carrington, known for its delightful pancake stacks and fresh coffee, before heading to the Blue Mountains.
AUD 25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Blue Mountains

Embark on a scenic drive or take a train to the stunning Blue Mountains, famous for breathtaking views and hiking trails.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Three Sisters Viewpoint

Visit the renowned Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, where the views of the Jamison Valley are simply stunning.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hiking at Scenic World

Take a walk along the scenic trails in Scenic World and, if you're feeling adventurous, hop on the cableway for a spectacular view.
AUD 40, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Have lunch at one of the local cafés in Katoomba, offering fresh, farm-to-table dishes and hearty meals.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return to Sydney

Head back to Sydney in the afternoon, taking in the beautiful scenery on your return trip.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Wrap up your day with dinner at Darling Harbour, where you can choose from a variety of international cuisines in a vibrant setting.
AUD 50, 2 hours

Day 4: Cultural Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on April 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Hardware Société, known for its French-inspired dishes and gourmet coffee.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Melbourne’s Laneways Tour

Explore the vibrant laneways of Melbourne, famous for their street art, quirky cafés, and boutique shops.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Discover Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, showcasing an impressive collection of local and international artworks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Savor local delicacies at the Queen Victoria Market, with plenty of food stalls and restaurants to choose from.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Federation Square

Spend your afternoon at Federation Square, known for its unique architecture and as a hub of cultural activities.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Relish the vibrant Thai dishes at Chin Chin, an iconic Melbourne restaurant renowned for its atmosphere and delicious flavors.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Melbourne Day Trips

Melbourne, Australia on April 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Fuel your day with breakfast at The Kettle Black, famous for its inventive menu and stylish interior.
AUD 25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Great Ocean Road Trip

Embark on a full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road, famous for its stunning coastal views and the Twelve Apostles.
AUD 120, 12 hours

Day 6: Cairns Arrival

Cairns, Australia on April 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Cairns.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Take a leisurely walk along the Esplanade, where you can enjoy views of the ocean and local wildlife.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Ochre Restaurant

Dine at Ochre Restaurant, known for its unique Australian cuisine incorporating seasonal and local produce.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to explore the lush rainforests and waterfalls surrounding Cairns.
AUD 75, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Raw Prawn

Enjoy fresh seafood at The Raw Prawn, a relaxed dining experience near the Esplanade, with gorgeous sunset views.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on April 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a day of adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Spend the day exploring the astonishing Great Barrier Reef with a guided snorkeling or diving tour.
AUD 150, 8 hours

5:00PM

Return to Cairns and Dinner at the Hotel

After a long day, indulge in a relaxed dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurant.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Adventure in Port Douglas

Port Douglas, Australia on April 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Corner Café

Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast at The Corner Café, known for its laid-back vibe and menu.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Port Douglas

Spend your day exploring the beautiful beaches and charming boutiques of Port Douglas.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Nautilus Restaurant

Savor exquisite alfresco dining at Nautilus Restaurant, surrounded by lush greenery.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Mossman Gorge

Take a trip to Mossman Gorge for stunning rainforest views and opportunities for a guided indigenous experience.
AUD 30, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Port Douglas Surf Club

Wrap up your day at the Port Douglas Surf Club, where you can grab a casual dinner with ocean views.
AUD 35, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Exploring Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for your day at your hotel’s complimentary breakfast.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and see kangaroos and other Australian wildlife.
AUD 40, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southbank Parklands

Enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries at Southbank Parklands. Choose from various global cuisines.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, featuring various plant life and picturesque views.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

River Cruise

Take a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River to see the city from a different perspective.
AUD 30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Eagle Street Pier

End your day with waterfront dining at Eagle Street Pier, offering a fantastic range of restaurants with river views.
AUD 60, 2 hours

Day 10: Gold Coast Fun

Gold Coast, Australia on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at The Coffee Emporium, a local favorite on the Gold Coast.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Surfers Paradise Beach

Sunbathe, swim, or surf at the famous Surfers Paradise Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Island Gold Coast

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at The Island, known for its burgers and relaxed vibes.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shopping at Pacific Fair

Spend your afternoon shopping at Pacific Fair, one of Australia’s largest shopping centers.
Free to browse, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Hotaluna

Dine at Hotaluna, offering a modern Japanese dining experience with a view of the sunset.
AUD 65, 2 hours

Day 11: Byron Bay Bliss

Byron Bay, Australia on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Byron Bay General Store

Enjoy organic, locally-sourced breakfast options at this charming café known for its homemade pastries.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Take a scenic walk to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for stunning ocean views and a chance to spot whales during migration seasons.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Relax on Main Beach

Spend your morning relaxing on Main Beach, one of the most popular spots in Byron Bay.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Farm

Dine at The Farm, where you can enjoy farm-to-table dining with a focus on sustainability.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore local shops

Wander through Byron Bay’s local shops, filled with crafts, fashion, and unique souvenirs.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Balcony

Spend your last night at The Balcony, offering a relaxed atmosphere and delicious share plates.
AUD 70, 2 hours

Day 12: Return to Sydney

Sydney, Australia on April 13, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on your adventurous trip.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight back to Sydney

Catch your flight back to Sydney for your onward journey or to catch your connecting flights.
AUD 100, 2 hours