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20-Day Australian Adventure: Coastal Cities, Outback Wonders & Wildlife Encounters

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Sydney Arrival

Sydney, Australia on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this popular café known for its fresh coffee, baked goods and rustic garden setting. Opens at 7am, perfect for early arrivals.
AUD25, 1h0m

10:00am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House on a guided tour, learning about its history and architecture. Tours run from 9am to 5pm.
AUD43, 1h15m

11:30am

Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Take the pedestrian walkway across the bridge for stunning harbour views and excellent photo opportunities. Open 24/7; early hours less crowded.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Opera Bar

Dine with spectacular views of the harbour and Opera House. A great spot for seafood and Australian dishes. Open 11am-10pm.
AUD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Stroll through the beautiful gardens adjoining the Opera House, featuring native Australian plants and harbour vistas. Open 7am-8pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Experience fine dining with panoramic harbour views, showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine. Make reservations ahead as it’s highly sought after. Open 5:30pm-9:30pm.
AUD150, 2h0m
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Day 2: Sydney Culture

Sydney, Australia on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bills Sydney

Start the day with their famous ricotta hotcakes and fresh juices. Opens at 7am.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:00am

The Rocks Historic Walking Tour

Discover Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood with guided stories of convict history and colonial times. Tours at 9:30am and run for about 2 hours.
AUD25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Glenmore Hotel Rooftop

Enjoy casual dining and drinks atop this heritage-listed pub with views of the Opera House and bridge. Open 11am-10pm.
AUD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Browse through Australian, Aboriginal, and international artworks in this major free art gallery. Opens 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

An iconic 6km scenic walk along the coastline featuring beaches, cliffs and parks. Walk takes approximately 2 hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

Dine overlooking Bondi Beach with delicious modern Australian cuisine. Open 5:30pm-9:30pm.
AUD80, 1h30m
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Day 3: Blue Mountains Day

Sydney to Blue Mountains, Australia on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up before an early day trip to the Blue Mountains with buffet style breakfast. Available from 6:30am.
Included in hotel, 0h45m

8:00am

Blue Mountains Tour

Join a full-day guided tour exploring the Three Sisters rock formation, Scenic World rides (Skyway, Cableway), and native wildlife. Tours usually set off early and return by 6pm.
AUD120, 10h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Darling Harbour Sydney

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a waterfront restaurant back in Sydney, such as Nick’s Seafood Restaurant open until 10pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sydney to Blue Mountains

Day 4: Sydney to Melbourne

Sydney to Melbourne, Australia on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bills Sydney

Enjoy a light and delicious meal before heading to the airport.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Melbourne

Fly from Sydney to Melbourne, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes flight time.
AUD100, 2h0m including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Popular and vibrant restaurant offering modern Thai influenced dishes in the city centre. Open 12pm-11pm.
AUD45, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Federation Square & Ian Potter Centre

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub and its excellent art gallery devoted to Australian art. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll along Yarra River

Walk along the scenic river pathway with views of the city skyline and mangrove gardens.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Experience elegant Australian fine dining on the 55th floor with panoramic city views. Ensure you book in advance. Open 6pm-9:30pm.
AUD180, 2h0m
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Day 5: Melbourne Explore

Melbourne, Australia on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Must-visit café offering French-inspired breakfast dishes and good coffee. Opens 7:30am.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Queen Victoria Market

Walk through the historic open-air market and sample local produce, gourmet delights and Aussie souvenirs. Market hours 6am-3pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Movida

Traditional Spanish tapas restaurant in the city. A must-try for sharing plates and authentic flavours. Open 12pm-11pm.
AUD50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building

Explore extensive exhibits including Aboriginal culture, natural history and Melbourne heritage. Museum open 10am-5pm.
AUD15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Laneways and Street Art Walking Tour

Discover Melbourne’s famous laneways filled with vibrant street art, boutique shops and cafés. Walks available daily.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Attica

One of Australia’s top restaurants serving innovative local ingredients with contemporary flair. Booking essential. Open 6pm-10pm.
AUD180, 2h0m
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Day 6: Great Ocean Road

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, Australia on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Hotel Breakfast

Quick breakfast at hotel before full-day road trip. Available from 6:30am.
Included in hotel, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Great Ocean Road

Set out along the breathtaking coastal Great Ocean Road visiting key sights: Bells Beach, Otway Rainforest, Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Plan stops and photos along the way.
Fuel cost approx. AUD50, 8h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Stop in Apollo Bay for fresh seafood lunch with ocean views at Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant. Open 11:30am-3pm.
AUD45, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne in late afternoon/evening after a long day of sightseeing.
Fuel cost included, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taxi Kitchen

Relax with casual comfort food in Fitzroy, Melbourne's vibrant arts district. Open 6pm-11pm.
AUD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Day 7: Grampians National Park

Melbourne to Grampians, Australia on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before travelling inland to Grampians National Park. Available from 7am.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Grampians (approx 3h)

Early start to reach the national park renowned for rugged mountain ranges, Aboriginal rock art and scenic lookouts.
Fuel cost approx. AUD40, 3h0m

11:00am

Hiking and Lookouts Visit

Explore walking trails like the Pinnacle Walk and visit views from Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout. Trails vary from easy to moderate.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Halls Gap Eatery

Casual lunch spot serving hearty meals made with local produce. Open 12pm-4pm.
AUD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Aboriginal Rock Art Site Visit

Visit the historic Gulgurn Manja Shelter to see Aboriginal rock paintings. Self-guided visit, park entry hours until dusk.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kookaburra Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed meal in Halls Gap’s central hotel with traditional Australian fare. Open 5:30pm-9:30pm.
AUD45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Melbourne to Grampians

Day 8: Adelaide Journey

Grampians to Adelaide, Australia on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before a scenic drive to Adelaide.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Adelaide (approx 5h)

Travel from Grampians to Adelaide, enjoy countryside and outback views en route.
Fuel cost approx. AUD60, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Adelaide

Diverse food stalls and fresh produce, ideal for choosing from various gourmet bites. Open 7am-3pm.
AUD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Adelaide Botanic Garden

Wander large gardens featuring native and exotic plants, conservatories, and tranquil walks. Open 7:30am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Orana

Award-winning restaurant focusing on native Australian ingredients and modern cuisine. Book ahead. Open 6pm-10pm.
AUD150, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Grampians to Adelaide

Day 9: Adelaide to Uluru

Adelaide to Uluru, Northern Territory on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for flight; early breakfast available from 6:30am.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight to Uluru (via Alice Springs)

Fly from Adelaide to Uluru, usually connecting via Alice Springs; total travel about 4-5 hours including layover.
AUD250, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Outback Pioneer Kitchen

Casual dining at Yulara resort with Aussie and bush food specialties. Open 11am-3pm.
AUD35, 1h0m

3:30pm

Uluru Base Walk

Leisurely 10.6 km walk around the base of Uluru to experience its immense size and sacred sites up close. Best to start late afternoon to avoid midday heat; walk takes 3.5 hours but can be shortened.
Park entry AUD38 per adult valid 3 days, 2h30m

7:00pm

Sunset Viewing at Uluru

Watch the colour changes of Uluru at sunset from designated viewing areas. Open year-round.
Included with park entry, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku BBQ Area

Have a simple BBQ-style meal under the stars at this picnic spot close to Uluru sunset viewing. Purchase supplies beforehand.
Cost of supplies approx AUD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Adelaide to Uluru

Day 10: Uluru to Alice Springs

Uluru to Alice Springs, Northern Territory on June 2, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise at Uluru

Experience the spectacular sunrise with changing colours of Uluru. Viewing areas open from before dawn.
Included with park entry, 1h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at Yulara Resort

Enjoy a wake-up breakfast at one of the resort cafés open from 7am.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Alice Springs

Approximately 4.5 hour drive to Alice Springs with scenic desert landscapes along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways.
Fuel cost approximately AUD60, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Bean Tree Café

Popular café in Alice Springs with a relaxed garden atmosphere and fresh dishes. Open 7:30am–3pm.
AUD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Alice Springs Desert Park

Explore natural desert habitats, Aboriginal culture displays, and nocturnal animal exhibits. Open 7:30am-6pm.
AUD38, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hanuman

Flavoursome Thai and Indian dishes with a contemporary setting. Open 5:30pm-10pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Uluru to Alice Springs

Day 11: Cairns Flight

Alice Springs to Cairns, Queensland on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before airport transfer.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Flight to Cairns

Connect via Sydney or Melbourne for a full day of travel to tropical Cairns, typically around 6-7 hours including transfers.
AUD250, 7h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Check in to Cairns accommodation and refresh after travel.
N/A, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Experience modern Aboriginal-inspired cuisine with native ingredients in Cairns. Open 5:30pm-9:30pm.
AUD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Alice Springs to Cairns

Day 12: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Queensland on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Marina Café

Start early at a café overlooking Cairns Marina, with fresh coffee and pastries. Opens 7am.
AUD25, 0h45m

8:30am

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

Full day boat tour exploring coral reefs, marine life and snorkelling with professional guides. Tours depart 8am and return about 4pm.
AUD200, 7h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant

Beachfront dining serving tropical and Aussie cuisine, popular for fresh seafood. Open 6pm-10pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 13: Rainforest and Aboriginal Culture

Cairns, Queensland on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Perrotta’s at the Gallery

Art gallery café with creative dishes and great coffee. Opens 7:30am.
AUD25, 1h0m

8:30am

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Guided day tour through the world’s oldest tropical rainforest including wildlife spotting, walks and river cruise. Tour lasts about 8 hours.
AUD150, 8h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salt House

Trendy restaurant on Cairns waterfront offering fresh seafood and cocktails. Open 5pm-10pm.
AUD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 14: Cairns to Brisbane

Cairns to Brisbane, Queensland on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Flight to Brisbane

Flight duration around 2.5 hours. Check into hotel on arrival.
AUD150, 3h0m including airport transfers

1:30pm

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Unique food market with international dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Open weekends 11am-9pm.
AUD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

South Bank Parklands

Leisurely stroll around the riverfront parklands featuring gardens, eateries and the Queensland Art Gallery. Open daily 6am-11pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro

Contemporary dining focusing on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences in Brisbane's West End. Open 6pm-9:30pm.
AUD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cairns to Brisbane

Day 15: Gold Coast Beaches

Gold Coast, Queensland on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Elk Espresso

Known for creative dishes and quality coffee. Opens 7am.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Surfers Paradise Beach

Relax or try surfing at the iconic Gold Coast beach. Lifeguard supervised and open year-round.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Betty’s Burgers

Classic and fresh burgers in a casual setting. Open 11am-9pm.
AUD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Visit the observation deck atop Q1 building for panoramic views of the Gold Coast coastline. Open 9am-8pm.
AUD22, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Broadbeach

Beachfront area with shops, cafés and parks to wind down your day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Fish House

Upscale seafood dining with ocean views located in Burleigh Heads. Reservation recommended. Open 6pm-10pm.
AUD80, 2h0m
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Day 16: Gold Coast Adventure

Gold Coast, Queensland on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bam Bam Bakehouse

Innovative bakery and cafe specializing in pastries and breakfast dishes. Opens 6:30am.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:00am

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Interact with native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos and lorikeets. Open 8am-5pm.
AUD50, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Collective Palm Beach

Trendy dining precinct with multiple cuisines and casual environment. Open 11am-9pm.
AUD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tamborine Mountain Visit

Short scenic drive into the hinterland to explore rainforest walks, galleries and wineries.
Free, cost for winery tastings if interested, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rick Shores

Beachside restaurant serving inventive Asian fusion dishes on Burleigh Heads Beach. Open 5:30pm-9:30pm.
AUD80, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

Day 17: Brisbane & Departure Prep

Brisbane, Queensland on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at John Mills Himself

Popular café focusing on seasonal Australian produce and creative dishes. Opens 7am.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Australia's oldest koala sanctuary where you can hold a koala and feed kangaroos. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD46, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Eagle Street Pier

Riverside dining precinct with many options including modern Australian and seafood. Open all day.
AUD40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Interactive exhibits covering natural history, science and Queensland heritage. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Pack and relax at accommodation

Prepare for international departure the next day.
N/A, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Alchemy Restaurant and Bar

Elegant dining on Brisbane river with modern dishes. Open 6pm-10pm.
AUD70, 2h0m
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Day 18: Departure Day

Brisbane, Australia on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast included or from nearby café to fuel up before travel.
Included or AUD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Transfer to Brisbane Airport

Ensure timely arrival for international and domestic flights.
Taxi approx AUD50, 1h0m
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Day 19: Travel Day / Transit

In Transit, Australia on June 11, 2025

Day

Transit and Travel

Flight or travel day depending on your onward journey plans.
N/A, All day
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Day 20: Final Day or Extension

Optional on June 12, 2025

Day

Relax or Explore Further

Use this day for rest or additional exploration based on your interests and schedule.
Varies, Flexible
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