7-Day Affordable Exploration of Australia's Highlights on a Budget

Day 1: Sydney City Tour

Sydney, Australia on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Reuben Hills

Enjoy specialty coffee and affordable breakfast options like avocado toast or pastries in this popular, budget-friendly café open from 7:30am to 3pm.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Walk the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House exterior and Circular Quay harbor area, free of charge, taking in views of the Harbour Bridge.
AUD0, 2h

11:30am

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Take a budget-friendly climb to the Pylon Lookout for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD18, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chinatown Dumplings Plus

Enjoy a hearty and affordable dumpling lunch in Sydney's Chinatown, open 11am-9pm, offering great value under AUD15.
AUD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Royal Botanic Garden

Free entry visit to the lush Royal Botanic Garden adjacent to the Opera House, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
AUD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Mary's in Newtown

Try affordable and delicious burgers and comfort food in this popular, funky spot open till 10pm.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 2: Blue Mountains Nature

Blue Mountains, Australia on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab a takeaway breakfast sandwich and coffee from a local bakery before heading out – budget friendly and opens 6am.
AUD10, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel to Blue Mountains by Train

Catch the early train from Sydney Central to Katoomba, approximately 2 hours and budget-friendly with an Opal card.
AUD10, 2h

10:00am

Explore the Three Sisters and Echo Point

Visit the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy scenic views from Echo Point, free access.
AUD0, 1.5h

11:30am

Hiking at Wentworth Falls

Take a moderate hike to Wentworth Falls to experience breathtaking scenery and waterfalls, no entry cost.
AUD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy an affordable lunch at a café near Katoomba offering sandwiches and soups within budget.
AUD15, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic World Lookout (Optional)

Visit Scenic World for optional rides on the cableway or skyway with beautiful views, note entrance fee and optional nature walks.
AUD49 (optional), 1.5h

4:30pm

Return to Sydney by Train

Train ride back to Sydney in the late afternoon to rest and prepare for next day.
AUD10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chat Thai

Casual, authentic Thai food close to central Sydney with delicious affordable dishes under AUD20.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 3: Cultural Canberra

Canberra, Australia on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Sydney

Grab a quick and affordable breakfast sandwich or croissant at a Sydney bakery.
AUD10, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel to Canberra by Bus

Take an early NSW TrainLink bus to Canberra, approximately 3 hours from Sydney, budget-friendly option.
AUD25, 3h

10:30am

Visit Australian War Memorial

Explore this important cultural and historical site with free entry and informative exhibits open until 5pm.
AUD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at a Canberra Food Court

Choose from multiple affordable international options available at Canberra Centre Food Court for budget meals.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

National Gallery of Australia

Free entry to view a rich collection of Australian and international art, open 10am-5pm.
AUD0, 2h

3:30pm

Walk around Lake Burley Griffin

Leisurely walk around the scenic lake area, ideal for photos and relaxation, free access.
AUD0, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Sydney by Bus

Catch the evening bus back to Sydney to prepare for next day’s travel to Melbourne.
AUD25, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Local Sydney Diner

Affordable casual meal near hotel to keep within budget after long travel day, try a pub meal.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 4: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne, Australia on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Start the day with an inexpensive coffee and toast combo near your accommodation.
AUD10, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight from Sydney to Melbourne

Catch a low-cost early flight to Melbourne; book in advance for best deals, approx 1.5 hours flight.
AUD60, 3h (including airport time)

11:00am

Explore Federation Square

Visit Melbourne’s cultural precinct with free events and exhibitions available daily.
AUD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Affordable variety of fresh produce and food stalls open until 3pmWed-Sun, perfect for budget eating.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Free entry to extensive gardens, ideal for relaxing and nature photography.
AUD0, 2h

3:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Explore free permanent collections showcasing Australian and international art, open 10am-5pm.
AUD0, 1.5h

5:30pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Affordable and delicious Taiwanese dumplings and noodles located in Melbourne CBD, open till 9pm.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 5: Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Melbourne, Australia on June 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to prepare for full-day trip along Great Ocean Road.
AUD10, 0.5h

7:00am

Great Ocean Road Group Tour

Join an affordable group day tour to explore highlights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and coastal views. Full day approx till 7pm.
AUD90, 12h

7:00pm

Dinner near Hotel

Back in Melbourne, enjoy a light and budget-friendly meal such as pizza or takeaway around the city.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 6: Phillip Island Wildlife

Phillip Island, Australia on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with an affordable breakfast before your day at Phillip Island.
AUD10, 0.5h

8:00am

Self-Drive or Bus to Phillip Island

Take bus or self-drive early to Phillip Island (approx 2 hour travel), budget transport options available.
AUD20, 2h

10:00am

Visit Koala Conservation Centre

See koalas in their natural habitat; entry fee is modest and center open from 10am to 5pm.
AUD14, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy affordable local café food on the island such as sandwiches and coffee.
AUD15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Phillip Island Nature Parks and Wildlife

Walk along scenic trails and beaches with potential to see seals and birdlife, mostly free access except specific paid attractions.
AUD0, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Travel back to Melbourne by bus or car, resting after a wildlife-filled day.
AUD20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinatown Melbourne

Affordable and delicious Asian cuisine options in Melbourne’s Chinatown open until late evening.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 7: Melbourne Departure

Melbourne, Australia on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy an affordable French-style breakfast at this popular café opening at 7am.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute shopping or walk at Hosier Lane

Explore Melbourne’s famous street art lane and pick up souvenirs nearby, free and enjoyable short walk.
AUD0, 1.5h

12:00pm

Head to Melbourne Airport

Travel to airport for departure flight home, utilizing public transport or shuttle.
AUD20, 1h
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