8-Day Ultimate Australia Adventure: Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Day 1: Sydney Arrival

Sydney, Australia on May 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your trip with a delicious breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria, known for its fresh produce and charming garden setting. It's perfect for a relaxing morning meal.
AUD35, 1h

10:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House with a guided tour to learn about its architecture and history. The tours start at 9:00am and run until 5:00pm daily.
AUD43, 1h

12:00pm

Walk around Circular Quay and The Rocks

Stroll through Circular Quay and The Rocks district to enjoy historic laneways, markets, and a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shops and street performances.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Opera Bar

Dine with spectacular views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Opera Bar, offering casual Australian fare and fresh seafood.
AUD50, 1h

3:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden

Relax and enjoy the lush greenery and stunning harbour views at the Royal Botanic Garden, open daily from 7:00am to sunset.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience a thrilling climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge to take in panoramic views, available until sunset for best lighting.
AUD300, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Bennelong Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience inside the Sydney Opera House with contemporary Australian cuisine and an unforgettable ambiance.
AUD150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sydney City Tour

Sydney, Australia on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills in Darlinghurst

Taste the famous ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter at Bills, a popular Sydney brunch spot open from 7:00am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo to meet native Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. The zoo operates from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
AUD49, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taronga Zoo Café

Enjoy light meals and refreshments at the café with views over the harbour before returning to the city by ferry.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore collections of Australian, European, and Asian art. The gallery is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Bondi Beach

Head to Bondi Beach to watch the sunset and soak up the coastal vibe. Ideal for a stroll or light swim, accessible any time.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

Dine overlooking the ocean at this upscale restaurant offering fresh seafood and superb views of Bondi Beach.
AUD90, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Blue Mountains, Australia on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on the go from Bourke Street Bakery

Grab delicious pastries and coffee from Bourke Street Bakery before heading out for your day trip.
AUD20, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Blue Mountains

Take a 2-hour scenic drive or train from Sydney to Blue Mountains National Park for breathtaking natural landscapes.
AUD10, 2h

10:00am

Echo Point Lookout

View the famous Three Sisters rock formation and panoramic valley vistas from Echo Point, open all day.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Scenic World Blue Mountains

Enjoy cable car rides and the Scenic Railway through the ancient rainforest and valleys. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
AUD47, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Leura Garage

Relish modern Australian cuisine in a stylish setting in nearby Leura village, open from 12:00pm.
AUD40, 1h

3:00pm

Leura Village Walk

Boutique shopping and cafes in one of the Blue Mountains' prettiest villages.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Sydney

Head back to Sydney to relax after a full day of sightseeing, arriving around 6:00pm.
AUD10, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

End your day with award-winning cuisine and spectacular harbor views at Quay, open until 10:00pm.
AUD180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Fly to Cairns

Cairns, Australia on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your Sydney hotel before your morning flight to Cairns.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Flight Sydney to Cairns

Fly from Sydney to Cairns (approx. 3 hours). Airlines such as Qantas and Jetstar operate this route.
AUD150, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ochre Restaurant

Sample contemporary indigenous Australian cuisine featuring native ingredients in Cairns city center.
AUD50, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll Esplanade Lagoon

Relax at the man-made lagoon on Cairns Esplanade with stunning ocean views and tropical gardens.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

Explore tropical flora and indigenous plants at the Cairns Botanic Gardens open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Salt House

Dine at Salt House, a waterfront venue offering fresh seafood and cocktails with a lively atmosphere.
AUD80, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on May 31, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before an early start out to the reef.
AUD30, 30m

7:00am

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

Full-day snorkeling and diving cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, with equipment, lunch, and reef guides included. Departing 7:30am, returning 5:00pm.
AUD220, 9h30m

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and freshen up after an active day on the reef.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant

Enjoy laid-back, local seafood dining with nice outdoor seating in Cairns city.
AUD60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cairns and Surrounds

Cairns, Australia on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Start your day at Caffiend, a trendy café known for excellent coffee and brunch in Cairns.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Village

Take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Explore markets, wildlife parks, and art galleries. The railway runs from 8:00am to 3:30pm.
AUD70, 4h

2:00pm

Return via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Descend from Kuranda over the rainforest canopy via the scenic Skyrail cableway, open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
AUD60, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax back at your hotel before the evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant (if missed another chance)

Casual Aussie dining with fresh seafood specialties.
AUD60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Fly to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cairns with fresh tropical fruits and Aussie favorites.
AUD25, 1h

9:00am

Flight Cairns to Melbourne

Fly from Cairns to Melbourne, approximately 4 hours. Qantas and Virgin Australia operate multiple flights daily.
AUD180, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Hardware Societé

A popular Melbourne café famous for creative brunch and lunch options, open daily from 7:30am.
AUD30, 1h

3:30pm

Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub, including museums, galleries, and lively street performances.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk through Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Relax in this beautiful garden space open until 7:30pm, featuring lakes, native plants, and walking paths.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Experience vibrant Southeast Asian flavors at the famous Chin Chin restaurant in downtown Melbourne, open until late.
AUD70, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Melbourne Highlights

Melbourne, Australia on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

Taste classic Italian coffee and pastries at this historic Melbourne café open from 7:30am.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Explore local history, indigenous culture, and natural exhibits at the Melbourne Museum, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
AUD15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy fresh food stalls and diverse international cuisine in Melbourne’s bustling market, open 6:00am to 3:00pm.
AUD30, 1h

1:30pm

Street Art Tour in Hosier Lane

Discover Melbourne’s famous street art and colorful graffiti in Hosier Lane with plenty of photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee break at Market Lane Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and a relaxing break before your departure.
AUD10, 30m

4:00pm

Departure or evening stroll along Yarra River

End your trip with a peaceful walk along the Yarra River or head to the airport for your departure.
Free, 1h
View Hotel Availability