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

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 charming café popular for fresh, affordable meals in a garden setting.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Explore the iconic Opera House exterior and Circular Quay; free to roam around and take photos, with optional guided tours for AUD40.
AUD0-40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Spice Alley

Affordable and diverse Asian street food in an atmospheric laneway near the city center.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Garden Walk

Take a relaxing stroll through the free-entry gardens with stunning harbor views and native Australian flora.
AUD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in – ibis Budget Sydney East

Comfortable budget hotel near the city center with rooms from approximately AUD80/night and modern amenities.
AUD80

7:00pm

Dinner at Mary's Burger

Casual eatery serving delicious, affordable burgers with a fun atmosphere, 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 quality coffee before your drive north.
AUD10, 1h

9:00am

Car Rental – Thrifty or Budget Car Rental Sydney

Pick up a compact rental car for approx AUD40/day, ideal for fuel-efficient coastal travel.
AUD40, 30m

10:00am

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

Approximately 2-hour scenic drive (160 km) following the Pacific Highway north.
AUD0 (fuel separate), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf

Enjoy affordable fresh seafood dishes with picturesque harbor views.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Newcastle Beach and Foreshore Walk

Free access to beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walk perfect for relaxing and swimming.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in – Travelodge Hotel Newcastle

Comfortable budget hotel near Newcastle Beach with rooms around AUD90/night featuring modern conveniences.
AUD90

7:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Moustache’s Tacos

Casual dining offering tasty and affordable Mexican-style 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

Enjoy an affordable breakfast with views over the surf beach.
AUD15, 1h

8:30am

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

A 3-hour, 240 km drive north via Pacific Highway with a scenic stop at Myall Lakes National Park.
AUD0 (fuel separate), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Stunned Mullet

Popular local restaurant serving fresh regional seafood at reasonable prices.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Coastal walk to Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy a free, well-maintained coastal walking trail with stunning ocean views.
AUD0, 2h

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in – Ibis Budget Port Macquarie

Budget hotel offering clean, basic rooms from around AUD80/night close to the town center.
AUD80

7:00pm

Dinner at Sandbar Brewing Co.

Casual brewpub with affordable meals and local craft beers.
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, budget-friendly café serving coffee and baked goods.
AUD12, 1h

9:00am

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

A relaxing 2-hour drive covering 156 km north along the coast.
AUD0 (fuel separate), 2h

11:30am

Visit the Big Banana

Iconic roadside attraction with free access; paid activities like water park and mini golf are optional (~AUD30).
AUD0-30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Latitude 30

Casual dining offering fresh, affordable meals near the beach.
AUD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Jetty Beach

Free sandy beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in – BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

Reasonably priced hotel/resort accommodation starting around AUD90/night, located near Jetty Beach.
AUD90

7:00pm

Dinner at Ocean Street Bistro & Bar

Budget-friendly dinner option featuring tasty dishes in central Coffs Harbour.
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 cafe serving excellent coffee and fresh pastries to start your day.
AUD15, 1h

8:30am

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

A scenic 160 km coastal drive taking approximately 2.5 hours through lush hinterlands.
AUD0 (fuel separate), 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Byron Bay Lighthouse and Cape Byron Walking Track

Free to enjoy iconic lighthouse, spectacular views, and possible wildlife sightings including whales and dolphins.
AUD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Top Shop

Casual and budget-conscious option with fresh and eclectic foods.
AUD15, 1h

2:30pm

Relax on Main Beach

Free access to a beautiful sandy beach, ideal for swimming and surfing.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in – Atlantic Byron Bay

Affordable boutique hotel under AUD100/night, close to town and beach.
AUD95

7:00pm

Dinner at The Happy Frog

Affordable international cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
AUD20, 1h
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