How many days do you need in Australia for?

This itinerary covers 12 days in Australia for, 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 for?

Plan your perfect 12 days trip to Australia for. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Budget-Friendly 18-Day Australia Highlights Itinerary from Adelaide to Cairns

Day 1: Adelaide Introduction

Adelaide, Australia on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Adelaide Central Market Breakfast

Start your day with fresh and affordable breakfast options at Adelaide Central Market, open from 7am to 3pm, offering a vibrant atmosphere and local produce stalls.

AUD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Enjoy a relaxing walk through the beautiful, free-to-enter Adelaide Botanic Garden with its diverse plant collections.

AUD0, 1h30m

11:30am

South Australian Museum

Visit this free museum to explore natural history and Aboriginal culture exhibitions, perfect for budget travelers.

AUD0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Moka Cafe

Enjoy affordable and tasty sandwiches and coffee at this cozy cafe near the market, open until 3pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll along River Torrens Linear Park Trail

Take a free scenic walk along the River Torrens to experience local nature and city views.

AUD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Africola

Enjoy affordable and delicious African-inspired cuisine at Africola. Reservations recommended; it closes around 9:30pm.

AUD30, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Adelaide

Day 2: Adelaide to Melbourne

Travel from Adelaide to Melbourne, Australia on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Flying Fig

Affordable, hearty breakfast with good coffee to fuel your travel day. Open 7am-3pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Adelaide to Melbourne

Take a budget flight to Melbourne (~1.5 hours). Book in advance for the best fares.

AUD80, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and settle in

Arrive at accommodation in Melbourne and rest briefly before exploring. Choose budget hostels or Airbnb options.

AUD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample diverse and inexpensive foods from the wide range of vendor stalls at this famous market, open 9am-4pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Federation Square and Walk along Yarra River

Explore Melbourne’s iconic public square and enjoy a leisurely free walk along the Yarra River.

AUD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Enjoy the vast free art collections at NGV International to explore Australia’s art culture.

AUD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at 8bit Pizza

Casual spot offering affordable gourmet pizzas and snacks close to the city center, open until 10pm.

AUD20, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Travel from Adelaide to Melbourne

Day 3: Melbourne City Day

Melbourne, Australia on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brother Baba Budan

Grab a budget-friendly coffee and pastry at this well-loved Melbourne café, open from 7am.

AUD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Visit these beautiful gardens for free; open 7am-7pm, perfect for morning stroll and picnic.

AUD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Melbourne Museum

Entry fee is low cost and you can discover history, culture, and science with engaging exhibits.

AUD15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Brunetti

Enjoy Italian pastries and affordable meal options in this popular café, open till 6pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk laneways and street art tour

Self-guided or join a free street art walking tour to experience Melbourne’s unique urban art scene.

AUD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Food Court in Chinatown

Enjoy budget-friendly Asian meals from multiple vendors open till late.

AUD15, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 4: Melbourne to Sydney

Travel from Melbourne to Sydney, Australia on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Societe

Start early with affordable French-inspired breakfast food, open from 7am.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Melbourne to Sydney

Catch an early budget flight (~1.25 hours). Book tickets in advance to save.

AUD90, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and settle

Check into budget accommodation in Sydney and rest briefly.

AUD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sydney Fish Market

Affordable seafood and fresh meals, open 7am-4:30pm weekdays.

AUD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Circular Quay and visit The Rocks

Free access historic area with views of Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

AUD0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Free entry park offering spectacular harbour views, open until 8pm.

AUD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chat Thai

Popular budget-friendly Thai food close to the city, open till 9:30pm.

AUD20, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Travel from Melbourne to Sydney

Day 5: Sydney Culture and Sights

Sydney, Australia on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery

Enjoy award-winning pastries and coffee at reasonable prices, open 7am-5pm.

AUD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take an affordable guided tour to learn about this iconic landmark, open times vary, book online.

AUD43, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk through Barangaroo Reserve

Free waterfront park area with stunning views and picnic spots.

AUD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hungry Bear Café

Budget cafe offering sandwiches and light meals near Darling Harbour, open 7am-3pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales

Free entry to see Australian and international art collections, open 10am-5pm.

AUD0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Popular scenic 6km free walk along the coastline with beaches and parks.

AUD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bondi Trattoria

Casual Italian eatery at Bondi Beach offering affordable meals, open until 9:30pm.

AUD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 6: Sydney to Brisbane

Travel from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Single O

Enjoy affordable specialty coffee with light breakfast options, open from 7am.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Sydney to Brisbane

Take a low-cost flight (~1.5 hours), book in advance for better deals.

AUD85, 1h30m

11:00am

Settle into Brisbane Accommodation

Check into budget accommodation and freshen up.

AUD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Vibrant market offering a variety of budget-friendly food stalls, open from 4pm on some days, but check weekend daytime openings; if closed, head to South Bank eateries.

AUD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk South Bank Parklands

Free recreational area with gardens, beaches, and walking paths along the Brisbane River.

AUD0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Free entry; explore diverse plant species and riverside views.

AUD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Grilled

Affordable casual dinners specializing in flame-grilled food, open until 9pm.

AUD20, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Travel from Sydney to Brisbane

Day 7: Brisbane Exploration

Brisbane, Australia on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Arthur Café

Budget-friendly breakfast with vegan options, open from 7:30am.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Entry fee moderate; interact with native wildlife including koalas and kangaroos, open 9am-5pm.

AUD40, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed meal at the sanctuary’s café or nearby affordable dining options.

AUD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Free entry viewpoint offering panoramic views over Brisbane.

AUD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Free entry with interactive exhibits for all ages, open 10am-5pm.

AUD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Charming Squire

Budget-friendly meals and a great atmosphere in Brisbane’s CBD.

AUD25, 1h30m

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Day 8: Brisbane to Cairns

Travel from Brisbane to Cairns, Australia on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Yiros Shop

Affordable Greek-style breakfast options, open 7am-3pm.

AUD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Brisbane to Cairns

Take a budget flight (~3 hours). Advance booking recommended for best prices.

AUD100, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in Cairns Accommodation

Settle in budget accommodation options close to the city and Esplanade.

AUD0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rusty's Market

Fresh and cheap local produce and meals at this open-air market, open until 3pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Enjoy free access to this large swimming lagoon with nearby parks.

AUD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chow Restaurant

Modern Asian fusion with affordable meal options, open till 10pm.

AUD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Travel from Brisbane to Cairns

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Day

Cairns, Australia on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bayside Marketplace

Quick and budget-friendly breakfast options near the marina, open from 7am.

AUD10, 1h0m

8:00am

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

Full-day budget-friendly tour includes snorkeling gear and lunch. Book in advance; tours usually 8am-5pm.

AUD150, 9h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gilligan’s

Casual and budget-friendly meals in lively Cairns, open till late.

AUD20, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 10: Cairns Nature

Cairns, Australia on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Affordable specialty coffee and light bites in a hip café, open 6:30am-3pm.

AUD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

Free entry; explore tropical plants and rainforest trails, open daily.

AUD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Kuranda Skyrail Scenic Cableway

Moderate cost scenic ride offering views of the rainforest, book budget tickets in advance, open 8:30am-5:30pm.

AUD60, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Kuranda Village

Enjoy inexpensive meals at cafes in this charming village.

AUD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Kuranda Markets and Wildlife Park

Free to browse arts, crafts markets; small entry fee to wildlife parks showing native animals.

AUD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Cairns and Dinner at Tha Fish

Affordable seafood dishes in a casual setting, open till 9:30pm.

AUD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 11: Cairns Free Day

Cairns, Australia on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Raw Prawn

Offers budget-friendly breakfast and coffee options, open from 7am.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Relax and Enjoy Cairns Esplanade

Free entry; explore walking paths, public pools, and markets along the esplanade.

AUD0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local café – Caffiend or nearby

Casual spot for light and affordable lunch options.

AUD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cairns Museum

Low-cost entry showcasing regional history and indigenous culture, open 10am-4pm.

AUD10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk up The Green Ant Trail

A scenic, free bush walk close to the city, for nature lovers and to stretch the legs.

AUD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Perrotta’s at the Gallery

Casual Italian dining with budget-friendly options, open till 9:30pm.

AUD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 12: Cairns to Home Departure

Cairns, Australia on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Chambers

Enjoy affordable breakfast in a trendy café near the airport, open from 6:30am.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Prepare for Departure

Check out from accommodation and travel to Cairns Airport for your flight home.

AUD0, 2h0m

Find Hotels in Cairns

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Budget-Friendly 18-Day Australia Highlights Itinerary from Adelaide to Cairns

Day 1: Adelaide Introduction

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 2: Adelaide to Melbourne

8:00am

9:00am

11:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Melbourne City Day

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Melbourne to Sydney

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 5: Sydney Culture and Sights

8:00am

9:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Sydney to Brisbane

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 7: Brisbane Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 8: Brisbane to Cairns

7:30am

9:00am

12:30pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Day

7:00am

8:00am

6:00pm

Day 10: Cairns Nature

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 11: Cairns Free Day

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

6:30pm