Budget-Friendly Australian Adventure from Melbourne to the Great Barrier Reef and Back

Day 1: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne, Australia on August 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with great vegetarian options at this trendy Melbourne cafe known for its creative dishes in a beautiful setting.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Melbourne City Walk

Take a self-guided walking tour through Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the laneways filled with street art and boutique shops.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Smith & Daughters

Savour delicious upscale vegan and vegetarian Latin-inspired dishes for a satisfying lunch in Fitzroy, popular for plant-based cuisine.
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens

Relax and explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, a peaceful oasis with diverse plant species and lakes, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Transformer Fitzroy

Dine on creative vegetarian dishes with a focus on sustainable, local ingredients in a chic yet casual atmosphere.
AUD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Melbourne Culture

Melbourne, Australia on August 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Vegie Bar

Start your day with budget-friendly vegetarian and vegan breakfast options in a lively Fitzroy venue beloved by locals.
AUD20, 1h

10:00am

National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia's oldest public art museum with extensive local and international art collections; entry to permanent exhibitions is free.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lentil As Anything

Enjoy a community-run, pay-what-you-feel vegetarian restaurant offering global cuisine – great for a budget-friendly, meaningful meal.
Donation, 1h

2:00pm

Eureka Skydeck

Visit the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere for stunning views of Melbourne and beyond.
AUD25, 1h

4:00pm

St Kilda Beach Walk

Stroll along the popular beach promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, and perhaps spot penguins near the pier at dusk.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yong Green Food

Sample innovative and flavoursome vegetarian Korean dishes in an urban Feast with some affordable prices.
AUD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Cairns

Melbourne to Cairns, Australia on August 13, 2025

6:00am

Fly Melbourne to Cairns

Catch an early budget flight (~4.5 hours) from Melbourne to Cairns to maximise your time on the Great Barrier Reef.
AUD150 per person approx, 4h30m

11:00am

Check into Budget Accommodation in Cairns

Settle into comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation near the Esplanade for easy access to activities and dining.
AUD80, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Raw Prawn

Offers a good menu with fresh seafood and vegetarian options in a casual dining atmosphere along the Cairns waterfront.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Relax and unwind at the free public saltwater lagoon that's perfect for swimming and enjoying tropical surroundings.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Cairns Night Markets

Browse local arts, crafts, and tasty vegetarian street food in this vibrant market – great for a budget-friendly dinner option.
Variable, 2h
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Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Dive

Cairns, Australia on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Trip

Join a budget-friendly full-day dive tour to the Great Barrier Reef with certified operators; includes two dives and vegetarian meals onboard.
AUD250, 8h

4:30pm

Rest and Refresh

Return from the dive and relax at your accommodation, preparing for the next day's rainforest adventure.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shayah Vegetarian Cuisine

Enjoy authentic and affordable Indian vegetarian dishes close to the city centre, perfect for a comforting meal after a day at sea.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 5: Rainforest Tour

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia on August 15, 2025

7:30am

Day Trip to Daintree and Mossman Gorge

Book a budget-friendly guided tour through Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge, including walks and wildlife spotting with vegetarian lunch provided.
AUD130, 9h

5:00pm

Return to Cairns

Travel back to Cairns after an immersive nature experience in one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
Included in tour, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Caffiend

Casual cafe serving great coffee and vegetarian-friendly dishes, ideal for a relaxing evening meal.
AUD25, 1h
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Day 6: Cairns to Brisbane

Cairns to Brisbane, Australia on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Fly Cairns to Brisbane

Morning budget flight to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, to explore more urban and cultural attractions.
AUD100 approx, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check into budget accommodation near Brisbane city centre followed by lunch at Govinda's, a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

South Bank Parklands Walk

Discover this lively riverside precinct with gardens, Lagoon swimming pool and markets offering local crafts.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Vegerie Restaurant

Enjoy Northern Thai vegetarian cuisine at this well-reviewed restaurant, offering budget-friendly options.
AUD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Brisbane Local Culture

Brisbane, Australia on August 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sourced Grocers

Start with fresh coffee and vegetarian breakfast options in this community-focused deli and cafe.
AUD15, 1h

10:00am

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

Explore fantastic free-entry art galleries with contemporary and indigenous Australian art collections.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Green Edge

Dine at Brisbane’s first 100% plant-based and zero waste grocery store/restaurant offering innovative dishes.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Walk through Roma Street Parkland

Relax in one of the world’s largest subtropical gardens in a vibrant city park setting, perfect to unwind.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shahi Palace

Enjoy authentic North Indian vegetarian cuisine with excellent flavours and great prices.
AUD25, 1h
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Day 8: More Brisbane & Surrounds

Brisbane, Australia on August 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Botanica

Enjoy fresh vegetarian-friendly breakfast options in a leafy, bohemian vibe cafe in West End.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Day Trip to Moreton Island

Take a budget day tour for snorkelling, sandboarding, and exploring shipwreck snorkel sites – vegetarian lunch included.
AUD130, 8h

7:30pm

Light Dinner at Your Accommodation or Local Cafe

After a full day out, enjoy a light vegetarian meal at a local cafe or at your accommodation.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 9: Flight & Relax

Brisbane to Melbourne, Australia on August 19, 2025

10:00am

Fly Brisbane back to Melbourne

Enjoy a comfortable mid-morning budget flight returning you to Melbourne for the final week.
AUD100 approx, 3h

2:00pm

Check into Budget Accommodation Melbourne

Settle into a centrally located budget hotel or Airbnb close to key attractions and dining.
AUD90, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Queen Victoria Market

Explore the historic market offering fresh produce, vegetarian street food, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vegie Bar (repeat recommended spot)

Return to Vegie Bar for a relaxed vegetarian meal to unwind after your trip.
AUD25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Melbourne Shopping & Culture

Melbourne, Australia on August 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Auction Rooms

Trendy cafe offering vegetarian-friendly meals with great coffee to start your day.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Shopping in Bourke Street Mall & Emporium

Explore Melbourne’s central shopping precincts with plenty of local shops and souvenirs.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Gigi Vegetarian Restaurant

A budget-friendly Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant featuring fresh, tasty dishes.
AUD20, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Discover fascinating history and natural sciences including Indigenous cultures; museum entry is low cost.
AUD15, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Lord of the Fries

Enjoy casual vegetarian fast food — a local favourite — perfect for the last night with your parents.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 11: Parents Depart

Melbourne, Australia on August 21, 2025

Morning

Assist Parents' Departure

Ensure your parents have transport to airport and a comfortable farewell as they fly home.
Variable, 2h

Afternoon

Relax and Plan Solo Activities

Spend your afternoon preparing for the next phase of your trip, perhaps with a chilled cafe visit.
AUD15, 2h
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Day 12: Melbourne Solo Exploration

Melbourne, Australia on August 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Top Paddock

Enjoy award-winning vegetarian dishes with a relaxed atmosphere.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Day Trip to Mornington Peninsula

Explore wineries, beaches and national parks with vegetarian-friendly cafes; budget independent travel or guided tour options exist.
AUD80, 8h
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Day 13: Melbourne Local Experience

Melbourne, Australia on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Matcha Mylkbar

Refresh with a healthy vegetarian-focused breakfast and matcha beverages.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Abbotsford Convent

Explore this unique cultural hub with gardens, arts and community cafés offering vegetarian delights.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Smith & Daughters (if missed earlier)

Return to this vegan hotspot for a vibrant, creative dining experience.
AUD30, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Yarra River Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Yarra River soaking in views of Melbourne’s skyline and lively cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Om Vegetarian

Dine at this budget-friendly vegetarian Indian restaurant famed for flavour and ambience.
AUD20, 1h
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Day 14: Adventure & Nature

Yarra Valley, Australia on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Day Trip to Yarra Valley

Visit this beautiful wine region with vegetarian-friendly wineries and stunning natural scenery; consider a budget group tour or self-drive.
AUD90, 8h
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Day 15: Free Day Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on August 25, 2025

All Day

Explore Melbourne at Leisure

Use this day to revisit favourite locations, try new cafes, or take in any events or exhibitions of interest with your preferred pace.
Variable, All day
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Day 16: Great Ocean Road

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, Australia on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Join a budget-friendly coach tour to iconic spots like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and rainforests with vegetarian picnic stops.
AUD100, 12h
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Day 17: Relax Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on August 27, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at The Cornish Arms Hotel

Enjoy a casual vegetarian brunch at this popular local pub with good value and friendly atmosphere.
AUD25, 1h

11:00am

Visit Melbourne Zoo

Spend a few hours viewing wildlife including Australian natives; entry is affordable and well-maintained.
AUD40, 3h

3:00pm

Coffee and Cake at Market Lane Coffee

Relax with excellent coffee and vegetarian treats in one of Melbourne’s best cafes.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 18: Day Trip to Phillip Island

Melbourne, Australia on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Phillip Island Tour

Join a guided budget-friendly tour to see the famous Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and stunning wildlife.
AUD120, 12h
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Day 19: Last Day Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on August 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Vegie Bar (final visit)

Wrap up your vegetarian culinary adventure with one last meal at this beloved spot.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Shopping and Souvenirs

Pick up final souvenirs at local markets or boutiques around Melbourne's CBD.
Variable, 3h

3:00pm

Relax at Carlton Gardens

Enjoy a quiet moment in these beautiful heritage gardens, perfect for reflecting on your trip.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Lord of the Fries

End your trip with casual vegetarian fast food local style, stylish and affordable.
AUD15, 1h
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Day 20: Departure

Melbourne, Australia on August 30, 2025

Morning

Pack and Airport Transfer

Prepare for your departure and arrange transport to Melbourne Airport for your flight home.
Variable, 2h
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