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20-Day Ultimate Australia Adventure: From Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef
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20-Day Ultimate Australia Adventure: From Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef
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Day 1: Sydney Exploration
Sydney, Australia on May 24, 2025
8:30am
Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria
Start your day enjoying a delicious breakfast in this charming café featuring fresh, organic dishes and a beautiful garden setting.
AUD35, 1h
9:45am
Sydney Opera House Tour
Take a guided tour of this iconic landmark to learn about its history and architecture, a must-see symbol of Australia.
AUD43, 1h30m
11:30am
Walk Circular Quay and Royal Botanic Garden
Enjoy a scenic stroll with views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and relax in the lush gardens right next to the Opera House.
Free, 1h
1:00pm
Lunch at Opera Bar
Dine with unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour; try some fresh seafood and local wines.
AUD55, 1h
2:30pm
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Explore cutting-edge contemporary Australian and international art with free general entry.
Free, 1h30m
4:15pm
Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Experience spectacular panoramic views of the harbour from the pedestrian pathway of this famous bridge.
Free, 45m
6:00pm
Dinner at Quay Restaurant
Indulge in award-winning modern Australian cuisine with spectacular harbour views; booking recommended.
AUD150, 2h
Find Hotels in Sydney
Day 2: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Blue Mountains, Australia on May 25, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the day trip, included with your accommodation or at a local café.
Included or AUD20, 45m
8:00am
Travel to Blue Mountains
Take the train or guided tour from Sydney to the Blue Mountains region, approximately 2 hours travel time.
AUD40, 2h
10:30am
Three Sisters Lookout and Scenic Walk
Visit this iconic rock formation and enjoy breathtaking views and walking trails in the Jamison Valley.
Free, 2h
12:30pm
Lunch at Echoes Restaurant
Lunch with stunning views over the valley with fine Australian dining options.
AUD60, 1h
2:00pm
Scenic World – Ride the Skyway and Walkway
Experience thrilling cable car rides and walk among the rainforest canopy and ancient trees.
AUD49, 2h
4:30pm
Return to Sydney
Head back to Sydney by train or van, allowing for some rest or relaxation time at the hotel.
Included, 2h
7:00pm
Dinner at Darling Harbour
Choose from various restaurants offering seafood and international cuisine with a lively waterfront atmosphere.
AUD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Blue Mountains
Day 3: Fly to Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia on May 26, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at hotel
Quick breakfast before transfer to the airport.
Included or AUD20, 45m
9:00am
Fly Sydney to Brisbane
Catch a morning flight to Brisbane, approximately 1.5-hour flight.
AUD120, 1h30m
11:00am
Visit South Bank Parklands
Explore Brisbane's premier leisure and cultural area with gardens, paths, and the famous Streets Beach.
Free, 2h
1:00pm
Lunch at Stokehouse Q
Enjoy modern Australian cuisine overlooking the river with seasonal menus and fresh seafood.
AUD50, 1h
2:30pm
Visit Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Discover interactive and diverse exhibitions of Australian and international art.
Free entry, some exhibitions paid, 2h
5:00pm
Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro
Indulge in a vibrant menu inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours in Fortitude Valley.
AUD70, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Brisbane
Day 4: Gold Coast Adventure
Gold Coast, Australia on May 27, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Elk Espresso
Start with excellent coffee and creative breakfast dishes in the heart of the Gold Coast.
AUD25, 1h
9:30am
Visit Surfers Paradise Beach
Relax on the famous sandy beach or try surfing lessons available from local schools.
Free, surfing lessons approx. AUD60, 2h
12:00pm
Lunch at Hurricane’s Grill
Enjoy hearty ribs and steaks right on the beachfront.
AUD45, 1h
1:30pm
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience Australia’s native wildlife up close including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles.
AUD45, 3h
5:00pm
Dinner at The Fish House
Dine on fresh and sustainable seafood with refined coastal style in Burleigh Heads.
AUD90, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Gold Coast
Day 5: Travel to Cairns
Cairns, Australia on May 28, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at hotel
Fuel up with breakfast before your flight to Cairns.
Included or AUD20, 45m
9:00am
Fly Gold Coast to Cairns
Take a direct flight to Cairns, approximately 2 hours, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
AUD130, 2h
11:30am
Check-in and relax
Settle into your accommodation and explore the nearby Esplanade.
Free, 1h
1:00pm
Lunch at Ochre Restaurant
Try modern dishes featuring native Australian ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
AUD55, 1h
2:30pm
Visit Cairns Aquarium
Discover marine life from the Great Barrier Reef and tropical Northern Australia with interactive exhibits.
AUD42, 1h30m
5:00pm
Dinner at Prawn Star
Enjoy fresh seafood on a floating boat restaurant right on the Cairns waterfront.
AUD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cairns
Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Tour
Cairns, Australia on May 29, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at hotel
Early light breakfast to prepare for a full day on the reef.
Included or AUD20, 30m
7:30am
Full-day Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour
Spend the day exploring the world’s largest coral reef system with snorkelling, diving and marine life spotting, departing from Cairns marina.
AUD250, 8h
4:00pm
Return to Cairns
Relax and refresh after a fantastic day immersed in nature.
Included, Flexible
6:30pm
Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront
Casual dining with fresh seafood and Australian cuisine overlooking the water.
AUD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cairns
Day 7: Daintree Rainforest Discovery
Daintree, Australia on May 30, 2025
6:30am
Breakfast at hotel
Grab breakfast early to maximise your rainforest adventure day.
Included or AUD20, 30m
7:00am
Guided Daintree Rainforest Tour
Take a full day tour exploring one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, including wildlife spotting and river cruises.
AUD150, 8h
3:30pm
Return to Cairns
Relax at your accommodation after a fascinating day of nature exploration.
Included, 1h30m
6:00pm
Dinner at Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse
Enjoy succulent steak and waterfront dining in Cairns.
AUD70, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Daintree
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
May 24, 2025
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