ONE WEEK ITINERARIES FOR AUSTRALIA
EAST COAST
ARRIVE IN SYDNEY
DEPART FROM BRISBANE
SYDNEY (2 NIGHTS)
- Book a free walking tour of the city.
- Walk around The Rocks, a historic neighborhood in Sydney.
- On Saturday or Sunday, head to The Rocks Markets.
- Take the bus and go swimming at Bondi Beach.
- Buy a ferry ticket and relax on Manly Beach.
- Try to get tickets for show at the famous Sydney Opera House. (Download the TodayTix app to try to get your hands on cheaper tickets).
- Take a stroll around Darling Harbor and stop to eat in one of the restaurants or get a drink at a bar.
BLUE MOUNTAINS (1 NIGHT)
- Take the train to the Blue Mountains.
- Take a short (and easy) hike to see the Three Sisters.
- Go to Wentworth Falls and hike to its summit.
- If you can get there, the Grand Canyon Trail is worth the trip.
- Spend the night in Katoomba.
BYRON BAY (PARTY PARADISE) (2 NIGHTS)
- Fly from Sydney to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Byron Bay.
- Sing along with pianists and other backpackers at the Northern Hotel's piano bar. Fun time and sore throat guaranteed!
- Party in one or more of the city's bars and nightclubs. Although I mostly spent my evenings at the piano bar, I also went to Woody's Surf Shack and Lovers Lane where I had a great time.
**BRING YOUR PASSPORT (they'll ask for it at the door, no matter how old you are).
- Take a surf lesson! Several surf schools offer group lessons. I went with Soul Surf School and loved my experience.
- Enjoy Byron Bay’s beautiful beaches.
- Watch dolphins and whales from the top of Cape Byron Lighthouse.
- Rent snorkeling gear and go snorkeling.
**For a great and affordable meal, try Orgasmic Food Byron Bay.
SURFERS PARADISE (1 NIGHT)
- Take a bus to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
- If you're there on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday evening, check out the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets.
- Relax on one of the area's golden beaches.
- Explore the city’s terraces, restaurants and cafes.
- If you have time, take a (second?) surf lesson.
- Do standup paddleboarding (SUP) or rent a kayak.
BRISBANE
- Take a train or bus to Brisbane where you’ll catch your flight back home.
If you have the time:
- Cross Victoria Bridge and explore South Bank.
- Do the Rainforest Walk.
- Try some of the CBD’s cafes, restaurants and bars.
- Go see koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
ARRIVE IN CAIRNS
DEPART FROM CAIRNS
CAIRNS (2 NIGHTS)
- Book a diving or snorkeling day tour to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Take a ferry and spend a day exploring Fitzroy island.
**Book your ferry ticket in advance.
- Party in the city's bars and nightclubs.
- Walk on the esplanade.
- Go to the Night Market.
- Sunbathe on the beach.
- If you're afraid of stepping foot in the water because of the marine life, go swim in Cairns Lagoon.
- If you can get a car, explore the hiking trails and beautiful falls around Cairns.
- If it fits in your budget, take the Kuranda Scenic Railway train to Kuranda Station and explore the hiking trails in Barron Gorge National Park.
PORT DOUGLAS (2 NIGHTS)
- Take a bus or train to Port Douglas.
- Take a half-day river drift snorkelling and hiking tour to Daintree Rainforest.
- Or book a full-day tour to Daintree Rainforest.
- Enjoy Port Douglas' beaches.
- Explore the village's cafes and restaurants.
CAIRNS (2 NIGHTS)
- Book a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands.
- Take your flight home.
VICTORIA STATE - OPTION 1
ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE
DEPART FROM MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE (6 NIGHTS)
Sleep in Melbourne all week, but book some tours to see some of the surrounding attractions.
- There are many activities to do in the city of Melbourne. Start by taking a free walking tour of the city to get your bearings, learn about the city's history, and get some activities, restaurants, and bars suggestions.
- Explore the alleys and lanes to find the most beautiful works of street art. Don't miss AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, Croft Alley, Rankins Lane, Duckboard Place and Caledonian Lane.
- Stroll down Degraves Street.
- Pass through some arcades. Places to see: Royal Arcade, The Block Arcade and Cathedral Arcade.
- Taste some international foods or do a little shopping at the Queen Victoria Market.
- Discover Fitzroy, Collingwood, South Wharf or Brunswick neighborhoods, their microbreweries, cafes and boutiques.
- Art and culture lovers, take a stroll through the Southbank district.
- Look at the multi-colored huts on St. Kilda Beach.
- Visit the National Gallery of Victoria.
- Learn more about Australian music at The Australian Music Vault exhibition.
- Walk in the State Library Victoria.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD
- Take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road and see the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, Loch Ard Gorge, the Maits Rest rainforest and try to find wild kangaroos and koalas.
PHILLIP ISLAND
- Take a bus to Phillip Island yourself or join a day tour.
- Explore the island and its beaches during the day.
- Watch penguins during their famous parade at dusk.
YARRA VALLEY
- Book a day trip to the Yarra Valley, famous for its wines.
- Visit vineyards, do some wine tastings or savor the local flavors during a lunch or a dinner.
VICTORIA STATE - OPTION 2
ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE
DEPART FROM MELBOURNE*
*This itinerary requires car rental in Melbourne
MELBOURNE (1 NIGHT)
- Book a free walking tour of the city to get your bearings, learn about the city's history, and get some activities, restaurants, and bars suggestions.
- Explore the alleys and lanes to find the most beautiful works of street art. Don't miss AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, Croft Alley, Rankins Lane, Duckboard Place and Caledonian Lane.
- Stroll down Degraves Street.
- Pass through some arcades. Places to see: Royal Arcade, The Block Arcade and Cathedral Arcade.
APPOLO BAY / GREAT OCEAN ROAD (1 NIGHT)
- Leave early in the morning to explore the spectacular Great Ocean Road.
- Park your car near Kafe Koala in Kennett River and walk along Gray River Rd to try to spot koalas, kangaroos or wallabies.
- Stop to take pictures of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
- Walk down the Gibsons Steps to a beautiful beach and look at the rock formations from a different perspective.
- Take a coffee break in Port Campbell Village and check out the menu at Grassroots Deli Cafe.
- Spend the night in a coastal town like Apollo Bay.
MELBOURNE (1 NIGHT)
- Continue exploring the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Great Otway National Park or Beauchamp Falls or the town of Lorne.
- Go back to Melbourne at the end of the day.
WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK (1 NIGHT)
- Drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park.
- Hike or swim at Squeaky Beach.
- Spend the night in the area.
PHILLIP ISLAND (1 NIGHT)
- Hit the road again and go to Phillip Island.
- At nightfall, watch the penguins parade.
- Explore the island during the day, visiting beaches and nature reserves.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA (1 NIGHT)
- Drive to Mornington Peninsula.
- Visit the hot springs, kayak on Port Phillip Bay or discover wineries.
- Spend the night in the area.
MELBOURNE
- Head back to Melbourne, return your rental car and catch your flight back home.