Steal my 10 Days Australia Itinerary
10 DAYS AUSTRALIA ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Melbourne & City Exploration
Morning:
- Check into your hotel and freshen up after your journey.
- Breakfast at Cafés: Start your day with a delicious meal at one of Melbourne’s famous laneway cafés, like Degraves Street or Centre Place.
Mid-Morning:
- Queen Victoria Market: (WEDNESDAY CLOSED)
- Explore the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Shop for fresh produce, souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Tip: Try some local delicacies like hot jam doughnuts or freshly shucked oysters
Afternoon:
- Hosier Lane: Wander through this iconic lane way adorned with ever-changing street art.
- AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place: Check out more street art and pay homage to the legendary rock band.
- Federation Square: Visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) for interactive exhibits on film and digital culture. or National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International: Explore Australia’s oldest public art museum with collections from worldwide.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Shrine of Remembrance, St Paul’s Cathedral, State Library Victoria, & more.
Evening:
- The Edge Experience: Step into a glass cube that slides out from the building for a thrilling view.
OR
- Brighton Beach: Head to see the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes and Capture the stunning sunset over. You can’t miss this
Night:
- Southbank Promenade: Enjoy dinner along the Yarra River with a variety of international cuisines.
- Crown Entertainment Complex: Explore the casino, luxury shops, and catch the Gas Brigades fire show.
Day 2: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip
All Day: (Rent a car or book a package starting @8k-12k)
Great Ocean Road Tour:
Departure: Start early to make the most of the day.
Surf Coast: Visit Torquay, the surfing capital, and stop by the Surf World Museum.
Bells Beach: Famous for its powerful surf and the Rip Curl Pro competition.
Great Otway National Park:
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: Stroll through ancient cool temperate rainforest.
Cape Otway Light station: Visit mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
Port Campbell National Park:
Gibson Steps: Walk down to the beach for a different perspective of the towering cliffs.
Twelve Apostles: View these magnificent limestone stacks from the boardwalk.
OR
Loch Ard Gorge: Learn about the famous shipwreck and explore the beach and caves.
The Arch, London Bridge, and The Grotto: Visit these unique rock formations along the coast.
Evening:
Return to Melbourne: If time permits, plan a dinner at Chinatown, to enjoy some of the delicious Asian cuisines.
Day 3: Melbourne Highlights & Overnight Train to Sydney
Morning & Afternoon:
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Puffing Billy Train Ride: Hop on a train from Melbourne to Belgrave for a scenic 40-minute ride that takes you right into the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, perfect for starting your Puffing Billy adventure.
The Train Schedule: The train runs both in the morning and evening, so you can choose which time suits you best. While I opted for the morning ride, which starts at 10:30 AM, you also have the option of the evening ride, where the train is beautifully lit up with glowing lights, offering a magical experience in the dark
Ticket Information: Tickets for the Puffing Billy ride start at $61 AUD for adults and $31 AUD for children. You can easily book them through the official Puffing Billy website or at the station, but it’s highly recommended to book in advance due to its popularity among both locals and tourists. Booking Link: https://puffingbilly.com.au/buy-tickets/
Things to do:
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Visit Emerald Lake Park : Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake, rent a paddleboat, or take a leisurely walk around the gardens.
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Lunch at Local Cafés : The area around Belgrave and the Dandenong Ranges has many cozy cafés offering delicious meals with a scenic backdrop. Try some local produce and treats at one of the cafés nestled in the hills.
Evening:
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On your return make a pitstop at St Kilda: Luna Park: Ride the historic roller coaster and enjoy carnival attractions.
OR
- St Kilda Pier: Walk to the end for city skyline views and possibly spot little penguins after sunset. And don’t miss Dinner at Acland Street: Indulge in European cakes and pastries at famous bakeries.
Late Night:
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Take an Overnight Train to Sydney: Board the NSW TrainLink XPT service from Southern Cross Station.
Booking link: https://transportnsw.info/regional/regional-train-coach-facilities/xpt-regional-trains
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Tip: Bring snacks and entertainment for the journey.
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Day 4: Arrival in Sydney & Iconic Landmarks
Morning:
Check into your hostel or hotel, try to book near darling harbor or city center so you can easily walk around to major attractions.
Breakfast at a local café by the harbor.
Mid-Morning:
Explore Darling Harbor: Enjoy the vibrant waterfront, nearby shops, and local street performances.
Relax by the Chinese Garden of Friendship for a peaceful break.
Afternoon:
Visit The Rocks: Wander through this historic area filled with cobblestone streets and markets.
Enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.
Stroll along Circular Quay and take in the iconic landmarks.
Evening:
Vivid Sydney Cruise or Opt for Ferry totally FREE:
Cost: 49 AUD on weekends, 55 AUD on weekdays.
Runs from 6 PM to 11 PM (24 May – 15 June).
Enjoy the mesmerizing light displays across the harbor.
Optional: Go for a whale watching tour as part of the experience.
Dinner at a Japanese restaurant by the harbor.
Day 5: Blue Mountains Day Trip
All Day:
Blue Mountains Tour: Take a 1 hour 40 minutes scenic train ride from Sydney using the Opal card.
Pro Tip: Travel on Sundays for unlimited rides at just AUD 2.80!
Echo Point: Get breathtaking views of the Three Sisters rock formation, a must-see in the Blue Mountains.
Once back at the Skywalk, we caught a bus back to Katoomba Station, wrapping up our full-day adventure.
Adventure Activities @ Scenic World (Tickets):
Skywalk: Ride the glass-floored cable car for stunning valley and mountain views.
Cableway: Take the cable car down and enjoy a peaceful walk around the Three Sisters.
Steepest Railway: Experience the world’s steepest railway ride, bringing you back to Skywalk – a thrilling end to the day.
Return: Catch a bus to Katoomba Station and complete your adventure-filled day
Featherdale Wildlife Park: Hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and see koalas.
Katoomba: Scenic World, enjoy Unlimited rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, Sky way, and Walkway.
Echo Point Lookout: View the Three Sisters rock formation.
Leura Village: Enjoy lunch in this charming town known for its gardens.
Jenolan Caves (Optional): Explore some of the oldest open caves in the world.
Late Evening:
Return to Sydney: Rest or explore local nightlife. If time permits, go try street food in chinatown.
Day 6: Sydney Beaches & Coastal Walks
Morning:
Bondi Beach: Take a surfing lesson or relax on the beach.
Bondi Icebergs Club: Swim in the ocean pool overlooking the beach
Mid-Day:
Coastal Walk: Bondi to Coogee Walk: A 6 km (3.7 miles) trail with stunning coastal views.
Stop at Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly Beaches: Rest and enjoy the scenery.
Afternoon:
Manly Beach:
Reach there by a Ferry Ride: Take the ferry from Circular Quay for harbor views.
Activities: Snorkel at Shelly Beach or explore the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
Evening:
The Rocks Ghost Tour (Optional): Discover the spooky history of Sydney’s oldest neighborhood.
Dinner at a Harbourfront Restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the illuminated Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
OR
Street Food Pitstops in Sydney:
Cinnabonau – Try the chocolate cream roll, perfectly sweet and creamy.
Yomiesau – Famous for their yogurt drinks.
Emperor Puff – A 45-minute wait, but these soft, warm puffs were worth every second!
Last: Egg Tart – Light, crispy, and a melt-in-your-mouth custard. Absolutely lived up to the hype!
Day 7: Cairns Arrival & Helicopter Ride
Morning:
Early morning Flight from Sydney to Cairns:
Arrived early in the morning.
Pre-book a cab (Only cabs available at the airport).
Check into hostel and freshen up after your journey.
Explore Cairns Esplanade: Take a peaceful stroll or sit by the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for some calm, refreshing downtime.
Afternoon:
Helicopter Ride over the Great Barrier Reef: Depart for an epic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef.
Cost: 24k INR (an unforgettable experience, totally worth it).
Evening:
Relax at the Lagoon: Take a swim in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for FREE. Locker facility are available with change and washroom. Enjoy the sunset while you soak yourself in the water.
Night:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps by the waterfront, and soak in the evening atmosphere.
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Diving & Snorkeling
Morning:
Head to the Dive Center: (Make sure you book yourself a diving or snorkeling package)
Arrive at the dive center early for a briefing and gear setup.
Dive booked at two Great Barrier Reef locations.
Cost: 22k – 24k INR (includes diving gear, instructor, and lunch with snacks)
Pro Tip: For the best experience, choose a dive operator that allows underwater cameras or offers professional photo packages. Make sure to check their policies in advance to avoid any restrictions during your dive!
Evening:
Return to Cairns:
After an action-packed day underwater, return to Cairns and relax with a meal by the beach or at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Green Island & Departure
Morning:
Green Island: Activities: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, underwater observatory.
The package will cost you around 5-6k per person. (It includes, transfer, snorkeling gears)
Island Boardwalk: Explore the rainforest and beaches.
Afternoon:
Return to Cairns: Enjoy your last lunch in the city.
Evening:
Flight to Sydney: Prepare for departure.
Day 10: Last Day in Sydney
Morning:
If time permits you can explore the remaining spots or sights which you want to see:
Sydney Tower Eye: Experience the Skywalk for outdoor views from 268 meters above ground.
Tickets: https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets-passes/
Hyde Park: Visit the Anzac Memorial and Archibald Fountain.
Afternoon:
Art Gallery of New South Wales: Explore Australian, European, and Asian art collections.
Australian Museum: Discover natural history and cultural exhibits.
Late Afternoon:
Shopping: Queen Victoria Building (QVB): Boutique shops in a historical setting.
Pitt Street Mall: Major retail brands.
Evening:
Enjoy your last meal in Australia and get ready to fit in your souvenirs to bring back to India.
Day 11, Head to the airport for your flight back to India.
Tip: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight.
Additional Places to Consider:
Melbourne:
Old Melbourne Goal: Historic prison where Ned Kelly was held.
Chinatown: Vibrant area with Asian eateries and cultural sites.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: Enjoy views over Docklands and the city.
Sydney:
Chinese Garden of Friendship: Tranquil oasis in Darling Harbour.
Australian National Maritime Museum: Explore maritime history and ships.
Barangaroo Reserve: Waterfront park with walking paths.
Cairns:
Fitzroy Island: Day trip for hiking, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Palm Cove: Charming beach side village north of Cairns.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: Wildlife park with crocodile cruises.
