Two-Week Australian Adventure: Melbourne & Sydney Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Melbourne, Australia on July 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Societe

Start your day with a delicious French-inspired breakfast at this cozy café known for its creative dishes and excellent coffee.
AUD25, 1h

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Check in to your accommodation and take some time to relax and recover from your flight.
Varies, 2h

2:00pm

Stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk through these lush gardens, perfect for acclimating to Melbourne's environment and enjoying natural beauty.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Experience Melbourne's vibrant dining scene with flavorful modern Thai cuisine at Chin Chin, a popular eatery with a lively atmosphere.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 2: City Highlights

Melbourne, Australia on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Degraves Espresso Bar

Enjoy Melbourne’s iconic café culture with a great cup of coffee and fresh breakfast options in the bustling laneways.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Federation Square & ACMI

Explore the cultural heart of Melbourne with iconic architecture, museums, and galleries. ACMI offers fascinating media and art exhibits.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample local and international foods at this historic marketplace, open from 6am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building

Discover natural history, indigenous culture, and global exhibits in this award-winning museum complex.
AUD15, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee break at Proud Mary

Take a break at this specialty coffee café known for its expertly brewed coffee and relaxed vibe.
AUD10, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Attica

Dine at one of Australia’s top restaurants offering innovative Australian cuisine and a memorable experience. Booking in advance is recommended.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 3: Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Melbourne, Australia on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Great Ocean Road Tour

Join a guided tour or self-drive to explore stunning coastal scenery including the Twelve Apostles, beaches, and rainforest.
AUD100 (tour), 10h

9:00am

Breakfast en route at Lorne

Stop for breakfast at a seaside café in Lorne, enjoying fresh coastal views with your meal.
AUD25, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood or local fare at one of the charming cafes or restaurants in Apollo Bay.
AUD30, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Melbourne

Arrive back in Melbourne in the early evening; rest and relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at your hotel or nearby casual dining

Choose a nearby restaurant or order room service to unwind after your long day.
AUD40, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Art and Culture

Melbourne, Australia on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a beautiful brunch spot blending classic and modern dishes with lovely interiors.
AUD30, 1h

10:00am

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum with collections spanning across centuries and continents.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Return for another taste of this lively restaurant’s exciting Thai menu or try their nearby sister venues.
AUD50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Hosier Lane Street Art

Discover Melbourne’s famous street art in this open-air gallery showcasing contemporary urban creativity.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Eureka Skydeck

Head to the 88th floor for panoramic views of Melbourne city and beyond; open until 9pm.
AUD25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Flower Drum

Experience exquisite Cantonese cuisine at this upscale Melbourne institution, renowned for exceptional service.
AUD120, 2h
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Day 5: Melbourne Markets and Parks

Melbourne, Australia on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Auction Rooms

Start your day at this trendy café known for its specialty coffee and innovative menu items.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Queen Victoria Market

Explore fresh produce, artisan foods, and local crafts at this iconic Melbourne market; open from 6am to 3pm with Sunday market too.
Free entrance, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Market St. bakery

Enjoy freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at a popular spot inside Queen Victoria Market.
AUD20, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Fitzroy Gardens

Take a peaceful stroll through these historic gardens featuring conservatories, sculptures, and Captain Cook's Cottage.
AUD10 for cottage entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee at Patricia Coffee Brewers

Stop for one of Melbourne’s best brews at this minimalist coffee shop.
AUD10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Supernormal

Enjoy modern Asian dining inspired by Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney celebrating bold flavors in a relaxed setting.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day trip to Philip Island

Melbourne, Australia on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Philip Island Nature Parks

Experience wildlife including the famous penguin parade, koalas, and native birds during this scenic day trip about 90 minutes from Melbourne.
AUD120 tour, 9h

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe on the Island (Cowes)

Enjoy fresh Australian café fare with views on Philip Island.
AUD25, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Cape Kitchen

Dine on fresh local ingredients with coastal views on the island.
AUD40, 1h

7:00pm

Penguin Parade viewing

Watch the nightly return of little penguins to their nests on Summerland Beach; arrives around sunset, booking recommended.
AUD27, 1h30m
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Day 7: Melbourne Leisure Day

Melbourne, Australia on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at Windsor General

Relax and enjoy a laid-back brunch with excellent coffee, cocktails, and contemporary dishes in Windsor.
AUD35, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping at Chapel Street

Spend your late morning browsing fashion boutiques, vintage stores, and local designers on this famous shopping street.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Visit Scienceworks Museum

Engage with interactive science exhibits suitable for all ages in this fun and educational venue; open 10am-5pm.
AUD15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tipo 00

Enjoy handcrafted Italian pasta and authentic dishes in this intimate and popular Melbourne spot.
AUD70, 1h30m
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Day 8: Melbourne to Sydney Travel

Melbourne to Sydney, Australia on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before traveling to Sydney.
Included (varies), 1h

9:00am

Flight from Melbourne to Sydney

Take a short 1.5-hour flight from Melbourne Airport to Sydney Airport. Plan for transport time to/from the airport.
AUD150 approx., 3h (including airport transfers)

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch nearby

Check into your Sydney accommodation and have lunch at a nearby café such as The Grounds of Alexandria, known for its fresh, eclectic menu.
AUD35, 1h

2:30pm

Walk around Circular Quay and The Rocks

Explore Sydney’s historic Rocks district and Circular Quay with its views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee break at The Fine Food Store

Stop at this popular café in The Rocks for excellent coffee and light bites.
AUD15, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Dine at one of Sydney’s premier fine dining venues with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Reservation required.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 9: Sydney Iconic Sights

Sydney, Australia on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills

Enjoy a relaxed, sunny breakfast featuring fluffy ricotta hotcakes or scrambled eggs in Surry Hills.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour inside this world-famous architectural icon to learn about its history and design; tours operate 9am-5pm.
AUD40, 1h

11:00am

Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

For an unforgettable experience, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views; bookings required in advance.
AUD300, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Opera Bar

Enjoy casual dining with views under the Opera House sails and harbour waterfront.
AUD40, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Stroll this beautiful garden with spectacular harbour views, open until sunset.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Automata

Dine at this stylish, multi-course tasting menu restaurant focusing on modern Australian cuisine in Chippendale; book ahead.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 10: Beach and Culture

Sydney, Australia on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, Bronte

Start your day near the beach with fresh, organic food and coffee at this popular spot.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Take a scenic 6 km coastal walk featuring stunning cliffs, beaches and parks; takes about 2 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Relax with fresh seafood and casual dining at this beachfront venue.
AUD40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore diverse exhibitions from Australian, Aboriginal, and international artworks; open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at Pablo & Rusty’s

Enjoy specialty coffee at this well-regarded Sydney roaster.
AUD10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ester

Dine on modern Australian dishes featuring wood-fired cooking in the hip suburb of Chippendale.
AUD70, 1h30m
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Day 11: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Sydney, Australia on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Blue Mountains Tour

Join a day trip to explore waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and hiking trails about 2 hours from Sydney.
AUD120 tour, 9h

9:00am

Breakfast in Leura Village

Enjoy breakfast in this charming mountain village on the way to scenic sites.
AUD25, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Echoes Restaurant, Katoomba

Dine overlooking the Jamison Valley at this upscale mountain restaurant.
AUD50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Sydney

Arrive back in Sydney for a restful evening after your mountain adventure.
Included in tour, 2h

7:30pm

Casual dinner near hotel

Opt for a relaxed meal at a nearby eatery or room service after your day trip.
AUD40, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Sydney Free Day

Sydney, Australia on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Single O

Enjoy specialty coffee and innovative breakfast dishes in Surry Hills.
AUD30, 1h

10:30am

Free time for Shopping or Museums

Choose to visit shopping districts like Pitt Street Mall or revisit any museums or landmarks you wish to explore further.
Varies, 4h

3:00pm

Afternoon tea at The Langham Sydney

Relax with a luxurious afternoon tea offering in a sophisticated setting.
AUD60, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Tetsuya’s

Celebrate your Australian adventure with a multi-course Japanese-French fusion fine dining experience at this renowned restaurant; book well in advance.
AUD200, 2h
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Day 13: Departure

Sydney to IAD on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Pack

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and finalize packing before heading to the airport.
Varies, 2h

11:00am

Travel to Sydney Airport

Make sure to allow ample time for airport transfer and check-in for your international flight back to Washington Dulles (IAD).
AUD60 taxi, 1h
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