TWO WEEKS ITINERARIES FOR AUSTRALIA

ARRIVE IN SYDNEY

DEPART FROM SYDNEY

SYDNEY (3 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.
• Book a day tour to the Blue Mountains or take the train to go there by yourself.
• 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.

BRISBANE (1 NIGHT)

• Take a plane or train to Brisbane. If you take the train, keep in mind that it's an overnight journey, so spend one less night in Sydney.
• 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.

NOOSA (2 NIGHTS)

• Take a bus to the city of Noosa.
• Enjoy the beaches, Noosa National Park, and the famous Hastings Street.
• MUST DO: Book a day trip to K'gari (Fraser Island).

BRISBANE (1 NIGHT)

• Take the bus back to Brisbane.
• Keep exploring the city. 

AIRLIE BEACH/WHITSUNDAYS ISLANDS (2 NIGHTS)

• Take a plane to Proserpine, then a bus or taxi to Airlie Beach.
• MUST DO: Book a day cruise to the Whitsundays and go snorkeling. Many companies have these kind of tours. I ended up choosing this one from Ocean Rafting and really enjoyed it.

MAGNETIC ISLAND (3 NIGHTS)

• Take a bus to Townsville, then a ferry to Magnetic Island.
• To explore “Maggie,” rent a bicycle or a convertible electric cart.
• Watch the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay.
• Hike one of the island's trails.
• Spot wild koalas while doing The Forts Walk.
• Watch the sunset at Horseshoe Bay or Hawkings Point Lookout.
• Do snorkeling to see corals and marine wildlife.
• Relax on the island's beaches.

SYDNEY (1 NIGHT)

• Take the ferry back to Townsville and take a plane back to Sydney.
• Explore the places you didn't ge to see on your first days.
• Catch your flight back home.

 ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE

DEPART FROM MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE (3 NIGHTS) 

• 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.
• 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.

SYDNEY (3 NIGHTS)

• Fly to Sydney.
• 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.
• Book a day tour to the Blue Mountains or take the train to go there by yourself.
• 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.

NIGHT BUS  (1 NIGHT)

• Take a night bus to Byron Bay. You could also fly there (if you choose to take a plane, stay an extra night in Byron Bay).

BYRON BAY (PARTY PARADISE) (1 NIGHT)

• Take a bus or a domestic flight to Byron Bay. If you take the bus, keep in mind that it's an overnight ride, so you'll have to spend one less night in Sydney.
• 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.

BRISBANE (1 NIGHT)

• Take a bus to Brisbane.
• 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.
• Take a train to the Gold Coast and spend the day exploring the golden beaches, restaurants and stores.

CAIRNS (3 NIGHTS)

• Fly to Cairns.
• Book a diving or snorkeling day tour to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Book a Daintree Rainforest Day Tour.
• 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.
• Take a ferry and spend a day exploring Fitzroy island.

**Book your ferry ticket in advance.

• 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.

MELBOURNE (1 NIGHT)

• Fly back to Melbourne.
• Take your return flight.