15-Day Australian Adventure: Sydney, Melbourne & Gold Coast from Seattle

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Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Sydney, Australia on December 15, 2025

7:00pm

Arrive in Sydney

Fly from Seattle to Sydney, arriving in the evening and transferring to your accommodation to rest after the long journey.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Grounds of Alexandria

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this trendy café known for fresh produce and rustic dishes, open until 10pm.
AUD40, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 2: Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia on December 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills in Surry Hills

Start your day with the famous ricotta hotcakes or scrambled eggs in this iconic Sydney café, open from 7:30am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of the architectural marvel, learning about its history and unique design. Tours operate 9am-5pm.
AUD42, 1h

11:00am

Walk the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Enjoy a scenic stroll through beautifully maintained gardens leading to stunning views of the harbour and Opera House.
CURRENCY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Opera Kitchen

Dine with views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, featuring fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine, open from 12pm.
AUD45, 1h

2:00pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience breathtaking panoramic views on a guided climb up the iconic Harbour Bridge. Climbs available until late afternoon.
AUD308, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Relish award-winning cuisine with spectacular views over Sydney Harbour. Reservation recommended, open until 10pm.
AUD150, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 3: Beaches & Culture

Sydney, Australia on December 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, Bronte

Enjoy a beachfront breakfast focusing on fresh, sustainable ingredients. Open from 7am daily.
AUD30, 1h

9:00am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Embark on a scenic 6 km walk along dramatic cliffs, beaches, and parks. Beautiful views and photo spots abound.
CURRENCY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Casual dining with beachfront views featuring fresh seafood, open from 11:30am.
AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales

Discover Australian and international art including Aboriginal collections, open 10am-5pm.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in The Rocks

Explore Sydney's historic district with shops, markets, and pubs.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Glenmore Hotel Rooftop

Enjoy casual dining and drinks with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, open until 11pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 4: Blue Mountains Day

Near Sydney, Australia on December 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for your day trip with a hearty breakfast available at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Blue Mountains Tour

Join a guided full-day tour to the Blue Mountains. See the Three Sisters rock formation, Scenic World skyway, and native wildlife. Tours typically run 8am-6pm.
AUD150, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung Sydney

After a long day, enjoy world-famous Taiwanese dumplings and noodles at this casual, late-opening restaurant (closes 10pm).
AUD30, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 5: Explore Sydney & Flight to Melbourne

Sydney, Australia on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Devon Café

Known for inventive breakfast dishes and great coffee, open from 7:30am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney

Take a ferry to Taronga Zoo, home to native and exotic animals with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Open 9:30am-5pm.
AUD49, 3h

1:00pm

Light lunch at Taronga Food Market

Casual dining options inside zoo offering sandwiches and snacks with harbour view.
AUD20, 1h

3:30pm

Fly Sydney to Melbourne

Afternoon flight to Melbourne (approx. 1.5 hours).
AUD100, 1h30m

5:30pm

Check into Melbourne hotel & relax

Rest and refresh after the flight.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Experience vibrant Thai-inspired cuisine in a lively atmosphere, open until late.
AUD60, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 6: Melbourne City Tour

Melbourne, Australia on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Delight in classic French-inspired breakfast dishes in a cozy café, open from 7:30am.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Federation Square & ACMI

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, open 10am-5pm.
CURRENCY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample local and international foods at the market’s diverse food court, open until 3pm Monday and 5pm other weekdays.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Street Art Tour in Hosier Lane

Discover Melbourne’s famous urban street art alleys and creative expressions.
CURRENCY0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Relax in beautifully landscaped gardens open daily 7am-8pm.
CURRENCY0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Dine at one of Melbourne’s top fine dining restaurants with panoramic city views. Reservations required, open until 10pm.
AUD250, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 7: Great Ocean Road

Near Melbourne, Australia on December 21, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a scenic day trip along the coast.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Great Ocean Road Tour

Take a full-day guided tour to the iconic coastal road, including stops at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and seaside towns. Tours usually return evening.
AUD150, 11h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or nearby casual dining

Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner after your long day. Many hotels offer in-house dining options.
AUD40, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 8: Melbourne Relax & Shopping

Melbourne, Australia on December 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a beautifully crafted breakfast in a stylish café with innovative dishes, open from 7:30am.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Bourke Street Mall & Emporium

Explore Melbourne’s premier shopping precinct with a mix of high-end and boutique stores.
CURRENCY0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hardware Lane

Enjoy diverse café dining options in this laneway known for its lively atmosphere, open until late afternoon.
AUD35, 1h

2:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Discover Australia’s oldest and most extensive art museum. Open 10am-5pm.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

5:30pm

Relax at hotel or café

Take some personal time to rest before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Coda

Experience inventive modern Asian cuisine in an elegant setting, open until 10:30pm.
AUD80, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 9: Day Trip to Phillip Island

Phillip Island, Australia on December 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Eat early before your day trip to Phillip Island begins.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Phillip Island Nature Park Tour

Enjoy wildlife viewing including penguin parade at sunset, koalas, and other native animals. The park opens at 9am; the penguin parade begins around 8:30pm.
AUD50, 12h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cowes

Casual beachside dining in main Phillip Island town.
AUD35, 1h

8:30pm

Penguin Parade Viewing

Watch the famous little penguins return to shore after sunset, a magical experience.
Included in Nature Park ticket, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 10: Fly to Gold Coast

Melbourne to Gold Coast, Australia on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Fly Melbourne to Gold Coast

Take a mid-morning flight to Gold Coast, approximately 2.5 hours.
AUD120, 2h30m

1:00pm

Check into Gold Coast hotel & lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at the hotel or nearby café after settling in.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax on Surfers Paradise Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on iconic golden sands with opportunities for swimming and people-watching.
CURRENCY0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rick Shores

Dine on upscale Asian-inspired coastal cuisine with beachfront views, open until 10pm.
AUD80, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 11: Theme Parks & Beach

Gold Coast, Australia on December 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a holiday breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sea World

Explore marine life exhibits, shows, and rides. Sea World is open 9:30am-5pm during Christmas.
AUD90, 5h

2:30pm

Relax at Main Beach Park

Unwind at the calmer Main Beach with parks and cafés nearby for refreshments.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Fish House

Savour premium seafood in an elegant setting overlooking the ocean, open until 9pm.
AUD90, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 12: More Theme Parks

Gold Coast, Australia on December 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Elk Espresso

Start the day with a trendy breakfast spot known for excellent coffee and creative dishes, open from 6:30am.
AUD25, 1h

8:30am

Day at Dreamworld

Spend the day enjoying Australia's largest theme park with thrill rides, wildlife, and family fun. Open 10am-5pm.
AUD100, 7h

5:30pm

Light Dinner at Surfers Paradise

Choose one of the casual beachfront eateries for a relaxed meal after the park closes.
AUD30, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 13: Nature & Hinterland

Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day exploring nature with a fulfilling breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Lamington National Park

Take a day trip to this World Heritage-listed rainforest for walking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Park open 24/7 but ranger base open 8am-5pm.
CURRENCY0, 7h

5:00pm

Return to hotel & dinner

Relax and enjoy dinner at hotel or local restaurant.
AUD40, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 14: Gold Coast Leisure Day

Gold Coast, Australia on December 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bam Bam Bakehouse

Enjoy specialty coffee and freshly baked goods at this popular café, open from 7am.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Pacific Fair

Visit one of the largest shopping centers on the Gold Coast with a wide variety of stores.
CURRENCY0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Social Eating House + Bar

Sample modern Australian dishes with a focus on shared plates, open for lunch till 3pm.
AUD50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax on Broadbeach

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon swimming or strolling along Broadbeach.
CURRENCY0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

Experience elevated Asian flavors in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
AUD70, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 15: Departure

Gold Coast, Australia on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Australia before preparing for departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Gold Coast Airport

Head to the airport for your flight back to Seattle or onward destination.
Transport fare varies, 1h
Book a Hotel
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed