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8-Day Melbourne and Cairns Itinerary: Explore Victoria and Tropical Queensland

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Day 1: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne, Australia on June 6, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your Melbourne experience with a visit to Hardware Société for their renowned brunch menu featuring French-inspired dishes. The cafe opens at 7:30am, so it’s perfect for a morning meal.
AUD20, 1h

11:00am

Explore Federation Square and ACMI

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural precinct with contemporary architecture and hosts the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), ideal for movie and digital art lovers. ACMI is open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Enjoy vibrant Southeast Asian flavors at Chin Chin, a popular modern eatery known for its lively atmosphere and delicious dishes. Open daily from noon to 11pm.
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Spend the afternoon walking around the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, a 38-hectare garden featuring native Australian plants and serene lakes. Open daily from 7:30am to sunset.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll along Southbank Promenade

Take an early evening stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank Promenade, great for views, street performances, and riverside cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Flower Drum

Experience fine Cantonese dining at Flower Drum, a Melbourne icon known for impeccable service and exquisite dishes. Reservation recommended.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 2: Melbourne Culture

Melbourne, Australia on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Enjoy a stylish breakfast at Higher Ground, known for creative dishes and excellent coffee. Opens at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Explore Australia's oldest and most visited art museum with diverse collections spanning classical to contemporary art. Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
Free for permanent collection, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Movida

Experience Spanish tapas at Movida, acclaimed for authentic flavors and a lively atmosphere. Open 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm.
AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Eureka Skydeck 88

Visit the Eureka Skydeck for panoramic views of Melbourne from the 88th floor. Open daily 10am to 10pm.
AUD25, 1h

4:00pm

Explore laneways and street art

Take a guided walking tour or self-explore the famous laneways like Hosier Lane, renowned for vibrant street art and cozy cafes.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Attica

Dine at Attica, one of Australia's top restaurants offering innovative modern Australian cuisine. Reservations are essential. Open 6pm to 10pm.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip Great Ocean Road

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, Australia on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation or nearby cafe before heading out on the day tour.
AUD15, 0.5h

7:30am

Depart for Great Ocean Road Tour

Join a guided full-day Great Ocean Road tour to visit iconic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay. Tours often run from 7:30am to 7:30pm.
AUD120, 12h

12:30pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in Apollo Bay, a charming coastal town en route. Most cafes open till afternoon.
AUD30, 1h

7:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne following the day-long coastal adventure.
Included in tour, 0h

8:30pm

Light Dinner or Relax at Hotel

Have a relaxed light dinner or room service after your long day, recharge for next day.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 4: Melbourne Markets & Chapel Street

Melbourne, Australia on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a healthy and stylish breakfast at The Kettle Black, known for its fresh ingredients and excellent coffee. Opens at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Queen Victoria Market

Explore Melbourne’s largest open-air market, filled with fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisan goods. Market open from 6am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Market eateries

Sample a variety of street food options within Queen Victoria Market for a casual and delicious lunch.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Explore Chapel Street

Spend your afternoon browsing boutiques, cafes, and street art on Chapel Street, one of Melbourne’s premier shopping and entertainment strips.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Coda

Savour Asian-inspired dishes at Coda, a trendy spot on Chapel Street with inventive cocktails. Open 5pm to late.
AUD40, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Cairns

Melbourne to Cairns, Australia on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Fly from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Airport. Flight duration approximately 3.5 hours. Recommended to book a morning flight.
AUD150 - 300, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mojo Restaurant Cairns

Take lunch at Mojo Restaurant, a reputable dining option in Cairns serving modern Australian cuisine.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Check into your Cairns accommodation and rest after the journey.
Varies, 2h

5:30pm

Evening walk at Cairns Esplanade

Enjoy a relaxing evening at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and waterfront promenade.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Experience contemporary Australian cuisine including native ingredients at Ochre. Open for dinner from 6pm.
AUD55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the full-day Great Barrier Reef tour.
Included in stay, 0.5h

7:30am

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

Embark on a full-day snorkeling and sightseeing tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Most tours depart from 7:30am and return around 5:00pm.
AUD200, 9h

12:30pm

Lunch on boat

Enjoy provided lunch and refreshments as part of your reef tour.
Included in tour, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Cairns and relax

Relax at your hotel or take a gentle walk to unwind from the day’s activities.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Salt House

Dine at Salt House, a waterfront restaurant offering seafood and panoramic views of the marina. Open 5pm to late.
AUD60, 2h
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Day 7: Daintree Rainforest

Cairns, Australia on June 12, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your rainforest adventure.
Included in stay, 0.5h

7:00am

Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

Take a full-day guided tour to Daintree Rainforest including Cape Tribulation, wildlife spotting, and river cruises. Tours usually last 9–10 hours.
AUD150, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch included on tour

Enjoy a packed or local lunch as part of the rainforest tour.
Included in tour, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Cairns

Return back to Cairns in the evening.
Included in tour, 0h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront

Try local and modern Australian dishes by the Cairns waterfront. Open from 5pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax and Departure

Cairns, Australia on June 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Perrotta’s at the Gallery

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast in Cairns’ charming cafe known for Italian inspired dishes and coffee. Opens at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Cairns Botanic Gardens

Spend a relaxing morning stroll through Cairns Botanic Gardens, showcasing tropical plants and rainforest species. Open 8am to 6pm daily.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Caffiend

Casual lunch with great coffee and innovative food options in Cairns city centre. Open 7am to 3pm.
AUD20, 1h

3:00pm

Departure preparations

Return to your hotel for check-out and airport transfer preparations.
Free, 1h
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