Ultimate 13-Day Australian Adventure: From Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Day 1: Sydney Arrival

Sydney, Australia on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills

Start your day with a fresh and delicious breakfast at Bills in Surry Hills, famous for its ricotta hotcakes and corn fritters.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour around the iconic Sydney Opera House to explore its stunning architecture and learn its fascinating history.
AUD42, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Rocks

Enjoy classic Australian pub fare at The Glenmore Hotel rooftop bar in The Rocks, offering great views of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
AUD35, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Garden Walk

Stroll through the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden with spectacular harbour views and native Australian plants.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Embark on the thrilling Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and witness panoramic views of the city and harbour from the summit.
AUD308, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Dine at Mr. Wong, a stylish Cantonese restaurant in Sydney CBD, known for its delectable dim sum and roasted meats.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Sydney Exploration

Sydney, Australia on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks

Enjoy a healthy, farm-to-table breakfast at Three Blue Ducks in Bronte, with fresh local produce and creative dishes.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Spend the morning at Taronga Zoo discovering native Australian wildlife and breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour.
AUD49, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zoo Cafe

Grab a casual lunch at the Zoo Cafe inside Taronga Zoo featuring sandwiches and light meals.
AUD20, 1h

2:30pm

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Take a scenic 6km walk along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee, enjoying stunning ocean views and beaches along the way.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bondi Icebergs Club

Refuel with a seafood dinner at Bondi Icebergs Club, overlooking the famous Bondi Beach ocean pool.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Blue Mountains

Katoomba, Australia on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your Sydney hotel before heading out to the Blue Mountains.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Blue Mountains

Travel west to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, a 2-hour scenic drive from Sydney.
AUD60 (car rental), 2h

10:30am

Echo Point & Three Sisters

Visit Echo Point lookout to see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and panoramic valley views.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Scenic World Blue Mountains

Experience the Scenic Skyway, Railway, and Walkway through ancient rainforest and dramatic cliffs.
AUD49, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Leura Garage

Eat modern Australian cuisine in a trendy garage-style venue located nearby in Leura.
AUD35, 1h

2:45pm

Bushwalking in Blue Mountains National Park

Take a nature walk on one of the many trails to see waterfalls and lush forest landscapes.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Carrington Hotel

Enjoy classic bistro fare in the historic Carrington Hotel, a beautiful landmark building in Katoomba.
AUD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Grab an early breakfast and check out of your accommodation in Blue Mountains.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive / Fly from Blue Mountains to Melbourne

Head back to Sydney to fly to Melbourne (1.5 hr flight) or take a connecting drive. Flying strongly recommended for time efficiency.
AUD120 (flight approx.), 4h including transfers

12:30pm

Lunch at Hardware Société

Relish one of Melbourne’s best brunch cafes with French-inspired dishes in the CBD.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Federation Square & Flinders Street Station

Explore Melbourne's iconic Federation Square and admire the city’s historic Flinders Street Station.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Melbourne Laneways & Street Art Tour

Take a walking tour to discover vibrant street art, hidden cafes, and local culture in central Melbourne.
AUD35, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Savor bold Southeast Asian flavors at the bustling and popular Chin Chin restaurant in the city center.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Melbourne Culture

Melbourne, Australia on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Enjoy a modern Australian breakfast served in a stylish, spacious cafe setting.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Spend the morning admiring extensive collections of Australian and international art at NGV.
Free entry; special exhibitions extra, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample fresh local food and multicultural snacks at the iconic open-air market.
AUD20, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Relax with a stroll or guided tour in the lush botanical gardens centrally located near the city.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Eureka Skydeck

Visit the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere for spectacular city views.
AUD25, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Dine on upscale Australian cuisine with a modern twist in this popular Melbourne restaurant.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

Adelaide, Australia on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before catching your flight to Adelaide.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Fly Sydney to Adelaide

Fly from Melbourne or Sydney to Adelaide, gate to gate approximately 2 hours flight time from Melbourne.
AUD150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Central Market

Explore Adelaide Central Market, tasting local produce and enjoying casual dining stalls.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Kangaroo Island Tour Departure

Depart for Kangaroo Island with a 2-hour ferry and guided tour of key natural highlights.
AUD200, 5h including travel and sightseeing

7:00pm

Dinner at Kangaroo Island lodge

Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared from local ingredients at your lodge accommodation on Kangaroo Island.
Included with stay or approx. AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Kangaroo Island Nature

Kangaroo Island, Australia on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast overlooking island scenery.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Take a guided tour to see Australian sea lions in their natural habitat on the beach.
AUD20, 1h30m

10:30am

Flinders Chase National Park

Explore spectacular coastal views, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch within this wilderness park.
AUD12 entry, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro

Enjoy fresh seafood and casual fare in a relaxed beachside bistro setting.
AUD30, 1h

3:30pm

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Spotting

Spend the afternoon spotting kangaroos, echidnas, and native birds around the island near your lodge.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at lodge

Relax with a lovely dinner back at your lodge with tranquil island surroundings.
Included or approx. AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Adelaide & Fly to Cairns

Cairns, Australia on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Eat an early breakfast before ferry and transfer back to Adelaide airport.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry and Transfer to Adelaide Airport

Return trip to Adelaide, approximately 2 hours ferry plus driving to airport.
Included in tour, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adelaide Airport

Quick lunch at Adelaide Airport airport lounge or cafes.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Fly Adelaide to Cairns

Take afternoon flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, approx 3 hours flying time.
AUD220, 3h

5:30pm

Check into hotel and relax

Arrive in Cairns, check into your hotel and unwind by exploring the Esplanade waterfront area.
Hotel cost varies, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Dine on native Australian-inspired dishes in a well-regarded Cairns restaurant.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on June 17, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your full-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling or diving tour.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Sail out to the reef for snorkeling, scuba diving, and marine wildlife viewing on certified eco-friendly boats.
AUD250, 7h

3:00pm

Return to Cairns and rest

Return to port in Cairns, relax and freshen up at your hotel after an active day.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Salt House

Enjoy waterfront dining at Salt House with modern Australian cuisine and beautiful harbour views.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Daintree Rainforest

Cairns, Australia on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your breakfast before a day tour to the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Daintree Rainforest Guided Tour

Explore the world’s oldest tropical rainforest with guided walks, wildlife spotting, and the famous Cape Tribulation beaches.
AUD200, 8h

4:00pm

Return to Cairns

Return from the rainforest and relax at your hotel or explore the Cairns Esplanade.
Included, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant

Try classic Australian dishes including barramundi fish in a lively setting on the Cairns Esplanade.
AUD45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Travel to Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before checking out.
Included, 30m

9:30am

Fly Cairns to Brisbane

Catch a mid-morning flight to Brisbane, approximately 2.5 hours flight time.
AUD150, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at South Bank Parklands

Enjoy lunch at one of South Bank’s many cafes with views of the Brisbane River.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Spend the afternoon exploring impressive art exhibitions featuring Indigenous and contemporary art.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Brisbane Riverwalk

Take a scenic stroll along the riverfront and nice parks nearby.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stokehouse Q

Dine sustainably sourced seafood and modern cuisine at this stylish South Bank restaurant.
AUD55, 1h30m
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Day 12: Brisbane Highlights

Brisbane, Australia on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Arthur Cafe

Start your day with excellent coffee and a creative breakfast menu.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Visit the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary and hold a koala or feed kangaroos.
AUD40, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Summit Espresso

Casual lunch with fresh cafe offerings near the sanctuary.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens

Drive up to Mount Coot-tha for stunning city views and wander through the adjacent botanic gardens.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gauge

Indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine with bold flavors in a chic setting.
AUD55, 1h30m
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Day 13: Departure Day

Brisbane, Australia on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and pack for your journey home.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Last-minute shopping at Queen Street Mall

Spend final hours shopping or souvenir hunting at Brisbane’s main shopping precinct.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Airport transfer and departure

Head to Brisbane Airport for your onward flight back home or next destination.
Taxi approx. AUD50, 1h
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