18-Day Cost-Effective Australia Adventure from Adelaide to Cairns

Day 1: Arrival & Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Flight London to Adelaide

Depart London on an overnight budget flight to Adelaide, booking in advance with airlines such as Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines for competitive fares.
GBP450, 15h0m

8:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Adelaide, check in at a budget hotel like Ibis Adelaide or a hostel for cost effectiveness, then rest to prepare for a full day of exploring.
AUD80, overnight
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Day 2: Adelaide City Tour

Adelaide, Australia on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery on O'Connell

Start your day with affordable and delicious pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery, open from 7am.
AUD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Adelaide Central Market

Explore the vibrant food market open from 7:30am to 3:00pm, offering fresh local produce and snacks to sample with no entry fee.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit South Australian Museum

Discover natural history and Aboriginal culture in this free-entry museum open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vili's Bakery

Enjoy affordable classic Australian pies and sandwiches, open 8am to 5pm.
AUD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll through Adelaide Botanic Garden

Relax and enjoy free admission in this beautiful garden open from 7:30am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Africola

Affordable modern African cuisine with great reviews. Make a reservation in advance. Open 5pm to 10pm.
AUD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Adelaide to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Flight Adelaide to Melbourne

Take a budget flight with airlines like Jetstar or Tigerair, approximately 1h30m. Booking early secures best prices.
AUD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and brunch at Seven Seeds

Enjoy specialty coffee and hearty brunch in a hip cafe near the city center.
AUD18, 1h0m

12:30pm

Walk Federation Square and Yarra River

Explore iconic public space and scenic riverside walk for free.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Free entrance to vast art collections open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chinatown Melbourne

Taste affordable Asian cuisine from numerous budget-friendly options, open till late.
AUD25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Melbourne City Sights

Melbourne, Australia on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Societe

Visit this well-liked cafe for affordable French-inspired breakfast open from 7am.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Queen Victoria Market

Vendor stalls with fresh produce, souvenirs, and snacks open 6am to 3pm, no entry fee.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Free entry to large peaceful gardens, perfect for a walk or picnic.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at HuTong Dumpling Bar

Enjoy affordable and delicious dumplings open 11:30am to 9pm.
AUD18, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Eureka Skydeck

Observation deck with sweeping city views; tickets about AUD25.
AUD25, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at 8bit

Budget-friendly burger joint with friendly vibe, open till 10pm.
AUD15, 1h0m
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Day 5: Melbourne to Sydney

Sydney, Australia on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Flight Melbourne to Sydney

Budget airline flight lasting 1h30m, book early for best price.
AUD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Brunch at Brewtown Newtown

Trendy cafe with excellent coffee and affordable breakfast options.
AUD20, 1h0m

12:30pm

Walk Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Iconic landmarks with scenic waterfront views, free to explore.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Free gardens with spectacular views open 7am to sunset.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Newtown Thai

Affordable and authentic Thai dinner in a casual setting.
AUD25, 1h0m
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Day 6: Sydney Highlights

Sydney, Australia on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Single O

Specialty coffee and freshly baked goods in Surry Hills.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Free scenic cliff-top walk along the coast, approximately 6km and takes 2-3 hours.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bondi Markets

Taste local street food and affordable snacks at the weekend markets, open 10am to 4pm.
AUD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore The Rocks historic area

Free walking and browsing heritage sites and markets open until 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mamak

Highly rated Malaysian street food in the city, casual and affordable.
AUD20, 1h0m
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Day 7: Sydney to Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on June 10, 2025

9:00am

Flight Sydney to Brisbane

Approximately 1h30m flight with budget airlines like Jetstar or Virgin Australia.
AUD50, 1h30m

11:00am

Brunch at New Farm Deli

Affordable and tasty breakfast in a casual setting.
AUD15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore South Bank Parklands

Free public park with gardens, walking paths, and man-made beach open daily from early morning to late evening.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Free entry with interactive exhibits open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Eat Street Northshore

Vibrant market atmosphere with affordable food stalls open 4pm to 9pm Fridays and weekends.
AUD20, 1h30m
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Day 8: Brisbane Nature & Culture

Brisbane, Australia on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at King Arthur Cafe

Budget-friendly modern Australian breakfast in West End, open 7am.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Climb Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Affordable outdoor rock climbing or simply hiking with scenic Brisbane views, open all day with no entry fee.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Free entry to this major gallery open 10am to 5pm, showcasing contemporary art.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at South Bank Simeon’s Butcher Shop

Affordable and delicious sandwiches and snacks.
AUD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Roma Street Parkland

Free lush gardens open until sunset, perfect for relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Julius Pizzeria

Budget-friendly and authentic Italian-style pizzas, open till 10pm.
AUD25, 1h0m
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Day 9: Brisbane to Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 12, 2025

9:00am

Flight Brisbane to Cairns

Budget flight lasting approximately 2h30m with carriers like Jetstar.
AUD70, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and light lunch at Caffiend

Trendy cafe offering good coffee and affordable meals near city center.
AUD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Free public swimming lagoon and parkland open daily, ideal for relaxing after travel.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk Cairns Night Markets

Affordable street food, souvenirs, and budget shopping open from 4pm to 11pm.
Free to browse, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Perrotta’s at the Gallery

Cost-effective Italian meals in a casual gallery setting, open 5pm to 9pm.
AUD25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Cairns Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Join a cost-effective snorkeling and sightseeing tour with companies like Reef Magic Cruises. Includes gear and lunch. Book in advance. Tours depart ~7am and return ~5pm.
AUD150, 10h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Affordable, fresh, local and vegetarian-friendly options near the esplanade.
AUD20, 1h0m
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Day 11: Daintree Rainforest Trip

Cairns, Australia on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour

Budget-friendly full day guided tour visiting the rainforest and coast with wildlife spotting. Includes hotel pick up, lunch and entry fees. Tours last approx 10 hours.
AUD140, 10h0m

6:30pm

Relaxed Dinner at Rattle ‘n’ Hum

Casual bistro with good Australian dishes, open till late with moderate prices.
AUD25, 1h0m
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Day 12: Cairns Leisure & Flight

Cairns, Australia on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Refuel with great coffee and quality breakfast meals before departure.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

Free entry to beautiful tropical plants, open 7am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Betty’s Burgers

Affordable and popular burger chain with a casual setting.
AUD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pack and rest

Prepare for evening flight; relax at accommodation.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Flight Cairns to London

Depart Cairns on a flight back to London via major hub, booking budget-friendly options in advance for best price and duration about 24 hours with stopover.
GBP500, 24h0m
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