90-Day Budget Travel Itinerary in Australia: Sydney to Cairns Coastal Adventure

Day 1: Sydney Exploration

Sydney, Australia on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your trip with breakfast at this popular café known for its fresh, affordable meals in a garden setting.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Walk around Circular Quay and explore the iconic Sydney Opera House. Free to roam the outside and take pictures; guided tours available for about AUD40.
AUD0-40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Spice Alley

Affordable street food-style Asian meals in a vibrant laneway close to the city center.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Garden Walk

Free entry garden with beautiful harbour views and native plants, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
AUD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Accommodation Check-in – Budget Hostel: Base Sydney

Stay in a central, budget-friendly hostel with dormitory and private rooms starting around AUD35 per night.
AUD35

7:00pm

Dinner at Mary's Burger

Casual spot known for affordable and delicious burgers, open till late.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 2: Sydney to Newcastle

Sydney to Newcastle, Australia on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee before setting off on the road.
AUD10, 1h

9:00am

Car Rental – Thrifty or Budget Car Rental Sydney

Pick up a compact rental car for around AUD40/day, ideal for coastal road trips and fuel-efficient.
AUD40/day, 30m

10:00am

Drive Sydney to Newcastle - Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3bZJCnRyUBzHZCzw6

Head north via the Pacific Highway, enjoying coastal views. Takes approximately 2 hours for 160 km.
AUD0 (fuel extra), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf

Affordable fresh seafood by the Newcastle harbor.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Newcastle Beach and Foreshore Walk

Free beach access, great for walking, swimming, and relaxing.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Accommodation Check-in – Newcastle Beach YHA

Budget-friendly hostel just a short walk from the beach, dorm beds around AUD30/night.
AUD30

7:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Moustache’s Tacos

Casual spot offering tasty and inexpensive tacos and drinks.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 3: Newcastle to Port Macquarie

Newcastle to Port Macquarie, Australia on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Merewether Surfhouse

Affordable breakfast with views overlooking the surf beach.
AUD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Newcastle to Port Macquarie - Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bTNmb9Sn1WWVHoCUA

Journey north along the Pacific Highway covering about 240 km in 3 hours; stop for scenic views along the way at Myall Lakes National Park.
AUD0 (fuel extra), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Stunned Mullet

Local favorite offering fresh regional seafood in a casual setting.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Coastal walk to Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy the well-maintained coastal walk with beautiful ocean views, free to access.
AUD0, 2h

4:00pm

Check in to Port Macquarie YHA

Affordable dormitory-style accommodation near the town center, around AUD30/night.
AUD30

7:00pm

Dinner at Sandbar Brewing Co.

Casual restaurant with craft beers and hearty meals at budget prices.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 4: Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour

Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour, Australia on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe 244

Simple, affordable breakfast café with coffee and baked goods.
AUD12, 1h

9:00am

Drive Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour - Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hrCZLMgmS2YEwQiV8

A 156 km drive north on the Pacific Highway taking around 2 hours, enjoy the rural and coastal landscapes.
AUD0 (fuel extra), 2h

11:30am

Visit the Big Banana

Iconic roadside attraction featuring a giant banana, free to visit with optional paid attractions like water park and mini golf.
AUD0-30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Latitude 30

Casual café offering fresh, affordable meals close to the beach.
AUD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Jetty Beach

Beautiful beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing, free access.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check in at YHA Coffs Harbour

Budget hostel accommodation with dormitory and private rooms starting at AUD30.
AUD30

7:00pm

Dinner at Ocean Street Bistro & Bar

Economical yet delicious dining option right in the heart of Coffs Harbour's Ocean Street.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 5: Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay

Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay, Australia on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Meraki Espresso

Affordable, artisanal breakfast café known for coffee and fresh pastries.
AUD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay - Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/jdt6KTxPA7gc85Ys7

A scenic 160 km drive on the coastal highway taking around 2.5 hours, passing through lush hinterlands and coast.
AUD0 (fuel extra), 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Byron Bay Lighthouse and Cape Byron Walking Track

Free to walk and explore; iconic lighthouse with stunning views and chance to spot dolphins and whales.
AUD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Top Shop

Casual dining with a variety of budget-friendly dishes and fresh options.
AUD15, 1h

2:30pm

Relax on Main Beach

Free access to beautiful sandy beach perfect for a swim or surf lesson.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check in at Byron Bay Backpackers Hostel

Budget accommodation with dorms around AUD30, centrally located.
AUD30

7:00pm

Dinner at The Happy Frog

Affordable international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
AUD20, 1h
View Hotel Availability