How many days do you need in Australia?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Australia, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Australia?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Australia. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration Across Australia's Key Cities

Day 1: Sydney Highlights

Sydney, Australia on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast in a charming rustic setting to start your day with locally sourced produce.

AUD30, 1h30m

9:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a one-hour guided tour of this iconic landmark to learn about its architecture and history.

AUD42, 1h

11:00am

Walk around Circular Quay and Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy peaceful greenery next to the harbour.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Opera Bar

Dine with views of the Opera House and harbour while enjoying modern Australian cuisine.

AUD45, 1h

2:30pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience a thrilling 3.5-hour guided climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with spectacular 360-degree views.

AUD275, 3h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Savor an award-winning fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the harbour at this iconic Sydney restaurant.

AUD150, 2h

Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 2: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Sydney

Quick breakfast before the day trip, featuring local favorites to energize you.

AUD20, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Blue Mountains

A scenic 2-hour train ride from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba, gateway to the Blue Mountains.

AUD12, 2h

10:00am

Visit Echo Point and Three Sisters

Admire the famous rock formation and panoramic views over Jamison Valley from the Echo Point lookout.

Free, 1h

11:30am

Hiking Wentworth Falls Track

A moderate 2-hour scenic hike highlighting beautiful waterfalls and native bushland.

Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Leura Cascades Cafe

Enjoy fresh, casual meals with views of the waterfalls and nature.

AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic World Experience

Ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway to experience the stunning valley from multiple perspectives.

AUD45, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Sydney

Travel back to Sydney by train, reaching the city by early evening.

AUD12, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Savor upscale Cantonese dishes in a stylish setting, a great way to wind down the day.

AUD70, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Blue Mountains

Day 3: Melbourne City Tour

Melbourne, Australia on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Flight Sydney to Melbourne

A quick early morning flight (approx. 1.5 hours) to Melbourne to maximize your day.

AUD110, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Enjoy exceptional coffee and brunch dishes at this chic Melbourne café known for innovative menus.

AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Federation Square and ACMI

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub and visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image for interactive exhibits.

Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Experience vibrant Southeast Asian flavors at this lively and popular Melbourne restaurant.

AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Queen Victoria Market

Stroll through the iconic market sampling local produce, artisan foods, and crafts.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Street Art Walking Tour

Discover Melbourne’s famous laneway murals and street art in a guided 1.5-hour tour.

AUD30, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Attica

Indulge in an acclaimed contemporary Australian tasting menu, reserved in advance for a special culinary experience.

AUD200, 2h30m

Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 4: Great Ocean Road Drive

Great Ocean Road, Australia on May 30, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light and early breakfast to prepare for the scenic day ahead.

AUD20, 30m

7:00am

Great Ocean Road Self-Drive

Drive the stunning coastal road from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles, with stops at key viewpoints along the way.

Fuel cost approx. AUD50, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at this charming seaside town.

AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Twelve Apostles

Walk the boardwalks for breathtaking views of these majestic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.

Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne with scenic stops for occasional photo opportunities along the way.

Included in fuel cost, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc

Relax with contemporary Australian dishes in a trendy and casual dining atmosphere.

AUD60, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Great Ocean Road

Day 5: Tropical Cairns

Cairns, Australia on May 31, 2025

6:00am

Flight Melbourne to Cairns

Early morning flight to tropical Cairns (approx. 3 hours) for your next adventure.

AUD180, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Rusty's Markets

Sample fresh tropical fruits and local dishes at this lively market that opens at 6am.

AUD20, 1h

11:00am

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Relax and swim in this popular saltwater lagoon with views of the tropical coastline.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Enjoy fresh seafood and Australian staples overlooking the marina.

AUD45, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

Explore tropical plants and native flora in beautifully landscaped gardens open until 5pm.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Try modern Australian cuisine focusing on native ingredients and flavors.

AUD70, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef, Australia on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Experience snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides at one of the world's most spectacular coral reefs, returning by 5pm.

AUD250, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Salt House

Enjoy waterside dining with signature cocktails and modern Australian dishes celebrating fresh local seafood.

AUD65, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Great Barrier Reef

Day 7: Brisbane Urban Experience

Brisbane, Australia on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Flight Cairns to Brisbane

Morning flight (approx. 2.5 hours) to Brisbane to explore the city’s cultural scene.

AUD140, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Felix for Goodness

A local favorite for healthy and hearty breakfast options in a casual ambiance.

AUD25, 1h

12:00pm

South Bank Parklands

Relax in lush gardens, check out the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (entry free), and stroll along the riverfront.

Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Stokehouse Q

Elegant riverside dining offering refined contemporary Australian cuisine.

AUD50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Climb the iconic Story Bridge for spectacular city views; tours run until sunset.

AUD88, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gauge

Experience innovative and locally sourced dishes in a buzzing casual setting to round off your trip.

AUD60, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Brisbane

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration Across Australia's Key Cities

Day 1: Sydney Highlights

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Blue Mountains Adventure

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Melbourne City Tour

7:00am

9:00am

10:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Great Ocean Road Drive

6:30am

7:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Tropical Cairns

6:00am

9:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

6:00pm

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef

7:00am

6:30pm

Day 7: Brisbane Urban Experience

8:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

More About Australia

Plan Your Australia Trip