Day 1: Sydney – Arrive and Explore the City
Start your trip in Sydney. You’ll likely fly in, so give yourself time to recover from the journey. Once you drop off your bags, take a walk through Circular Quay and see the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
If you’re up for it, head to The Rocks, a historic neighborhood with cobblestone lanes lined with pubs and restaurants. Grab dinner at one of the many places there, and soak in your first night in Australia.
Day 2: Sydney – Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Wake up early and head to Bondi Beach. It’s famous for a reason. Take a swim or just people-watch while you grab a coffee.
From there, walk the Bondi to Coogee path. This coastal walk stretches for about 6 kilometers. You’ll pass beautiful beaches and rock pools on the way. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy nature in the middle of Australia’s biggest city.
End your day in Coogee. Grab some dinner and perhaps a drink at the Coogee Pavilion, a popular spot with great ocean views.
Day 3: Sydney – Harbour Bridge Climb and Free Time
If you’re adventurous, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s one of the best ways to get panoramic views of the city.

The rest of the day is free for exploring on your own terms. You could visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales or the Royal Botanic Garden. If you’re into history, take a ferry to Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO site that used to be a prison.
Finish the evening by having dinner in Darling Harbour, a lively part of the city.
Day 4: Fly to Melbourne
Take a short flight to Melbourne. Once you arrive, spend the day getting to know the city. Melbourne has a great street art scene, so check out Hosier Lane, where the walls are covered in graffiti art.
In the evening, grab dinner on Lygon Street, known for its Italian cuisine. You can get some of the best pizza and pasta here.
Day 5: Melbourne – Explore the Coffee and Culture Scene
Melbourne is famous for its coffee. Start day 5 by visiting a local café. Then, walk around the city’s laneways. These are narrow streets that lead to some of the coolest bars, boutique shops, and art galleries.
If you feel like exploring further, head to the National Gallery of Victoria, one of Australia’s best museums. Or take a stroll along the Yarra River.
In the evening, check out a rooftop bar. Melbourne has plenty of them, and they’re great spots to enjoy the city’s skyline.

Day 6: Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Time for a day trip along the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the most scenic drives in the world. You can rent a car or join a tour, but make sure you stop at the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone cliffs rising out of the ocean.
You’ll pass lots of small towns along the way. Grab some lunch in Apollo Bay and enjoy the views as you drive back toward Melbourne.
Day 7: Melbourne – Free Day or Optional Phillip Island Trip
This day is free to spend as you like. You could explore more of Melbourne, or if you’re feeling up for it, take a trip to Phillip Island. It’s about a 2-hour drive and is famous for its penguin parade.
In the evening, relax back in Melbourne. Maybe try out Queen Victoria Market for some fresh seafood or local produce.

Day 8: Fly to Cairns – Arrive and Relax
Board a flight to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Once you land, take it easy. Cairns is much smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, so enjoy the relaxed vibes.
Head to the Esplanade in the late afternoon. It’s the main area to hang out by the water. There’s a big outdoor pool (called “the Lagoon”), which is a great spot to cool off before grabbing dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants.
Day 9: Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling
No trip to Australia is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef! Take a boat tour out onto the reef, where you can snorkel or dive. You’ll see bright coral, fish, and maybe even turtles.

This will likely be a full-day experience, so come prepared with sunscreen and a hat.
Day 10: Cairns – Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
On Day 10, head north to the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. You’ll want to go on a guided tour to make the most of it. You’ll learn about the rich biodiversity in this lush area.
If you’re feeling brave, join a crocodile spotting tour along the Daintree River. Just be sure to keep your hands inside the boat!
Day 11: Cairns – Explore Kuranda
Take a day trip to Kuranda, a small village in the mountains. You can get there via the Skyrail, which is a scenic cable car ride through the rainforest.
Once in Kuranda, you can visit local markets, try some Australian wildlife encounters, or just enjoy the rainforest atmosphere. Take the scenic train ride back to Cairns—a peaceful way to end the day.
Day 12: Fly to the Whitsundays (Airlie Beach)
Next stop: the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Fly into Airlie Beach, and spend the day relaxing. Take a walk along the beach or dip in the pool at your accommodation.
Airlie Beach has a laid-back vibe, so this is your chance to kick back and enjoy some downtime.
Day 13: Whitsundays Sailing Trip
Time to explore the Whitsundays! Many tours and boat trips leave from Airlie Beach. Join a day cruise to sail around the islands, and visit Whitehaven Beach, famous for its super soft white sand.
You can also snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunch on the boat. It’s an unforgettable way to wrap up the second-to-last day of your trip.
Day 14: Whitsundays – Relax and Fly Out
It’s your last day, so take it easy before catching your flight back to wherever home is. Enjoy Airlie Beach one final time. Have a leisurely breakfast, pick up any last-minute souvenirs, and relax by the water.
Head to the airport to fly out, already thinking about your next trip back!
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