Ultimate 11-Day Australian Adventure: Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your Australian adventure with a delicious breakfast at this vibrant café famous for fresh, locally sourced produce and beautiful garden setting.

AUD35, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site to learn about its unique architecture and cultural significance.

AUD42, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk around Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Garden

Enjoy scenic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, take photos, and relax in the lush gardens nearby.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Doyles on the Beach

Relish fresh seafood right on the beachside at Watsons Bay with panoramic sea views and a laid-back atmosphere.

AUD50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience breathtaking views of Sydney from atop the Harbour Bridge on a thrilling guided climb (must pre-book).

AUD308, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with spectacular harbour views and innovative Australian cuisine in one of Sydney’s best-loved establishments.

AUD150, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beach & Culture

Sydney, Australia on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bills in Surry Hills

Famous for fluffy ricotta hotcakes and fresh juice, Bills provides a relaxed start to your day.

AUD25, 1h

9:00am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Take this stunning 6km scenic cliff-to-cliff walk featuring beaches, parks and ocean pools; perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bondi Icebergs Club

Have a casual lunch with a view of the iconic Bondi Beach and enjoy the famous ocean pool exactly where you walked.

AUD40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore Australian and international art collections housed in a beautiful classical building, open until 5pm.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll and dinner in Newtown

Discover vibrant street art, quirky shops and dine at Lentil as Anything, a pay-what-you-feel vegetarian restaurant.

AUD30, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Sydney to Cairns

Sydney to Cairns, Australia on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your flight to Cairns.

Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Flight Sydney to Cairns

Take a 3-hour flight to tropical Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

AUD250, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Enjoy fresh seafood with views overlooking the marina and Trinity Inlet.

AUD35, 1h

2:30pm

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Relax at the free public lagoon ideal for swimming and enjoying tropical weather.

Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Cairns Night Markets

Shop for souvenirs, local crafts and enjoy casual street food in this lively market (open until 10pm).

Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Sample native Australian ingredients and modern cuisine in an intimate setting.

AUD60, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Perrotta’s At The Gallery

Enjoy a hearty and fresh breakfast ideal for a big day ahead.

AUD20, 1h

8:00am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Join a full-day snorkelling and diving tour to experience the world’s largest coral reef system, including lunch aboard the boat.

AUD200, 8h

5:00pm

Return to Cairns - Relax

Unwind after your reef adventure with some downtime or explore the esplanade.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Dine with waterfront views enjoying seafood and cocktails in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

AUD70, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Rainforest Exploration

Cairns, Australia on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start with great coffee and inventive breakfast dishes in a trendy setting.

AUD25, 1h

8:00am

Day trip to Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

Experience ancient tropical rainforest ecosystems with guided walks and wildlife spotting; tours typically run 8am-6pm and include lunch.

AUD180, 10h

7:00pm

Casual dinner nearby hotel

Relax with a light meal after the big day at a local café or hotel restaurant.

AUD30, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Fly to Melbourne

Cairns to Melbourne, Australia on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in tropical Cairns before flying south.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Cairns to Melbourne

Traverse from tropical north to cultural south on a ~4 hour flight.

AUD300, 4h

2:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Higher Ground

Indulge in wholesome, creative brunch and lunch dishes in a stylish Melbourne café.

AUD40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Discover Melbourne’s vibrant cultural heart with galleries, cafes and iconic architecture.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Enjoy exciting modern Thai cuisine in a trendy and bustling environment (book ahead).

AUD70, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Melbourne City & Laneways

Melbourne, Australia on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Savour Parisian-inspired breakfast dishes in this popular Melbourne laneway café.

AUD28, 1h

9:30am

Street art and laneways walking tour

Join a guided 2-hour tour to explore hidden alleys full of vibrant street art and local stories.

AUD35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Movida

Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a cosy environment, perfect to share and taste a variety of dishes.

AUD50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, open until 5pm, featuring a broad collection.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or nearby coffee shop

Recharge before dinner with a coffee or light snack.

AUD10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Attica

Experience one of Australia’s best fine dining restaurants offering unique indigenous ingredients and creative menus (reservations essential).

AUD200, 3h

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Great Ocean Road Tour

Melbourne, Australia on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full-day Great Ocean Road tour.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Take a guided tour along this spectacular coastal drive to see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and rainforests. Tours usually include lunch and last about 12 hours.

AUD150, 12h

8:00pm

Return to Melbourne - Light dinner or rest

After a long day, opt for a light meal or room service at your accommodation.

AUD30, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Melbourne Markets & Gardens

Melbourne, Australia on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Degraves Street Cafés

Choose from many vibrant small cafés offering great coffee and pastries in the iconic laneway.

AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Queen Victoria Market

Explore fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs at this historic market open daily except Mondays and Wednesdays (opens 6am-3pm on Wednesday, 6am-2pm on Monday).

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Market

Sample diverse street food stalls inside the market for an authentic Melbourne experience.

AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens

Relax and stroll the beautiful gardens open from 7am to sunset, a peaceful nature escape in the city.

Free, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee break at Jardin Tan

Rest and enjoy a specialty coffee and snack in this chic café.

AUD15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonka

Experience modern Indian cuisine with sophisticated flavours in the heart of Melbourne.

AUD70, 2h

View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Phillip Island Wildlife

Melbourne, Australia on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a wildlife day with a nourishing breakfast.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Phillip Island Day Tour

Join a full-day tour to see koalas, visit Churchill Island, and the famous Penguin Parade at sunset; tours last about 12 hours including pickup and drop-off.

AUD150, 12h