How many days do you need in Australia?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Australia, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Australia?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Australia. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Adventure Through Australia's Top Highlights

Day 1: Sydney City Exploration

Sydney, Australia on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills in Surry Hills

Enjoy a classic Aussie breakfast with ricotta hotcakes and fresh juices at this popular café open from 7:30am to 3:00pm.

AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour to explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, learn about its architecture and history; tours run from 9am to 5pm daily.

AUD42, 1h

11:00am

Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Walk across or climb the bridge for stunning views of Sydney Harbour; the bridge walk is free and open all day, climb requires booking.

AUD0 to AUD308 depending on activity, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Glenmore Hotel

Dine on the rooftop with a harbor view in this heritage pub, popular for casual Australian meals, open 12pm to 10pm.

AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Stroll through the lush gardens that offer peaceful city views and native flora, open 7am to sunset.

AUD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining with views of the Opera House, offering contemporary Australian cuisine; open 5:30pm to 10pm.

AUD150, 2h

Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 2: Blue Mountains Nature

Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Leura Garage

Start the day with fresh coffee and breakfast in a trendy spot in Leura, open 7am to 3pm.

AUD20, 1h

8:30am

Visit Echo Point and Three Sisters

Enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and the Jamison Valley, accessible all day with free entry.

AUD0, 1h

10:00am

Scenic World Blue Mountains

Experience cable cars, skyways, and scenic railway with amazing views of the rainforest and waterfalls; open 9am to 5pm.

AUD49, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Yellow Deli

Enjoy wholesome sandwiches and soups in a cozy underground setting in Katoomba, open 11am to 5pm.

AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Wentworth Falls Walking Track

Take a scenic hike with stunning waterfall views, trails open daylight hours.

AUD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Carrington

Dine in a historic hotel featuring classic Australian cuisine in Katoomba, open 5pm to 9pm.

AUD40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Blue Mountains

Day 3: Melbourne Culture

Melbourne, Australia on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start with French-inspired breakfast dishes at this popular Melbourne cafe, open 7:30am to 3:00pm weekdays.

AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia’s oldest art museum with wide-ranging collections, open 10am to 5pm daily.

AUD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Enjoy vibrant modern Thai dishes at this lively Melbourne hotspot, open 12pm to 3pm and 5:30pm to 11pm.

AUD35, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Laneways and Street Art

Walk through Melbourne’s famous laneways like Hosier Lane to see colorful street art and boutique shops, open all day.

AUD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Relax in these beautiful gardens located near the city center, open dawn to dusk.

AUD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Attica

Experience innovative Australian cuisine at one of Melbourne’s top restaurants, open for dinner 6pm to 10pm; booking required.

AUD200, 2h

Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 4: Great Ocean Road Drive

Victoria, Australia on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at the hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before starting the drive, many hotels offer early morning options starting at 6:30am.

AUD20, 30m

7:30am

Start Great Ocean Road Drive

Drive from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, stopping at various scenic points along the 243km coastal drive.

AUD0, All day

10:00am

Stop at Bells Beach

Famous surfing beach known for its waves and scenic coastline, visit and take photos, open all day free.

AUD0, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Lorne

Dine at The Bottle of Milk for fresh burgers and shakes, open 12pm to 3pm weekdays.

AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Twelve Apostles

See the iconic limestone stacks rising from the ocean; the visitor center is open 8am to 8pm and views are accessible anytime.

AUD0, 1h

4:00pm

Drive back to Melbourne

Return drive to Melbourne after a scenic day along the coast.

AUD0, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Supernormal

Casual dining with Asian fusion flavors located in downtown Melbourne, open 5:30pm to 10pm.

AUD50, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Victoria

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Cairns, Queensland, Australia on April 23, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for a full day tour, many hotels open from 6am onwards.

AUD20, 30m

7:00am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Take a full-day snorkeling or diving tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, tours operate from 7am to approx. 5pm.

AUD250, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Savor native Australian dishes specializing in fresh seafood, open 5:30pm to 9pm.

AUD60, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Adventure Through Australia's Top Highlights

Day 1: Sydney City Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

Day 2: Blue Mountains Nature

7:00am

8:30am

10:00am

1:30pm

2:30pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Melbourne Culture

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:30pm

Day 4: Great Ocean Road Drive

7:00am

7:30am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

6:00am

7:00am

6:30pm

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