Day 1: Sydney – Iconic Sights and History
Your journey through Australia begins in its largest city: Sydney. Once you arrive, head to Circular Quay, which offers sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. From here, you can take a walk along the waterfront or check out The Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney that’s filled with historical buildings, quaint cafes, and museums.
Take a tour through the Sydney Opera House. Guided tours run regularly, giving you a chance to learn about its unusual architecture and history. It’s a must-see in Sydney, whether you’re into the arts or not.
Then, take a stroll to the Royal Botanic Garden. It’s close by, and you can explore about 74 acres of green spaces filled with native plants, birds, and scenic harbor views. If you’re up for some walking, take the seaside walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the best viewpoint of the Sydney skyline.
In the afternoon, hop on a ferry to Manly Beach from Circular Quay. The ferry ride itself will give you more views of the harbor, and once you’re there, Manly Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for an afternoon swim or just lounging around on the sand.
End the day with some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants by the water. If you’re still feeling energetic, the nightlife in the CBD (Central Business District) has plenty of lively bars and rooftop venues.
Day 2: The Blue Mountains – Nature and Adventure
On day two, give yourself a break from the city and head to the Blue Mountains. It’s about a two-hour train ride from Sydney, so start your day early.
Once you’re in the Blue Mountains, go straight to Echo Point for a view of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. This iconic viewpoint will give you a breathtaking introduction to the area’s dramatic cliffs and valleys.
After admiring the view, head to Scenic World. Here you can ride the Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway, or the Scenic Cableway, all offering different ways to experience the mountains. Grab a pass to explore them however you like. It’s definitely touristy, but the views are incredible.
If you’re up for some hiking, hit one of the nearby trails. The Giant Stairway and Leura Cascades are popular hikes that offer beautiful views of waterfalls, gorges, and scenic lookouts. Keep an eye out for native wildlife; it’s common to see birds, kangaroos, and, if you’re lucky, even a wombat.
End the day back in Sydney. Take it slow in the evening; maybe grab a drink and watch the sunset near Darling Harbour.
Day 3: Melbourne – The Cultural Capital
After soaking in Sydney, catch an early flight to Melbourne. It’s about a 1.5-hour flight, so you won’t lose too much of the day traveling. Once you land, dive into the city’s famous coffee culture by stopping at one of the many excellent cafes in Fitzroy or Collingwood, which are known for their creative vibes and street art.
Spend your first day exploring Melbourne’s laneways and arcades. Head to Hosier Lane for some of the best street art in the city. Then go over to the Block Arcade or Royal Arcade, where you’ll find boutique shops and small cafes.
If shopping is your thing, you might want to check out Bourke Street Mall or Queen Victoria Market, especially if you’re traveling on a weekend. The market is worth a stroll even if you’re not there to buy anything.
In the afternoon, visit Federation Square. There are often events happening here, and you’ll also find iconic landmarks like the National Gallery of Victoria and ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image). Both are worth a visit if you have the time.
For a more laid-back evening, take a walk along the Yarra River before grabbing some dinner in Southbank, where you’ll find some great restaurants with views of the city skyline.
Day 4: Great Ocean Road – Stunning Coastal Drive
Today, get out of the city and onto one of Australia’s most scenic drives: The Great Ocean Road. If you can, rent a car, as this will give you the flexibility to stop wherever you like. Otherwise, there are plenty of day tour buses that make the trip from Melbourne.
The entire road stretches about 240 kilometers (150 miles), but you don’t have to drive the whole thing. Most people drive to the Twelve Apostles, which are famous limestone stacks rising out of the ocean. Along the way, stop by beaches like Bells Beach and lookouts like the Aireys Inlet lighthouse. The coastal views along the Great Ocean Road are stunning at every turn.
Take your time on the drive. There are lots of small towns to stop at along the way where you can have lunch or take short walks through nature reserves.
You should arrive at the Twelve Apostles by mid-to-late afternoon. This is a perfect time to see the dramatic rock formations as the sun begins to set over the ocean. If you managed to drive on your own, there are camping areas in Port Campbell if you want to stay overnight. Otherwise, you’ll make the return trip to Melbourne by evening.
Day 5: Melbourne – Gardens and Final Stroll
Spend your last day seeing some of the spots in Melbourne that you might have missed. Start your day with a walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens offer over 38 hectares of beautiful paths, lakes, and native plants. If you’re interested in indigenous history, consider taking the Aboriginal Heritage Walk offered here.
Then, head over to St Kilda. It’s one of the city’s most famous beachside suburbs, perfect for a wander around. You can relax at St Kilda Beach, walk the pier, and if you’re visiting in the evening, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Little Penguins that come ashore there each night.
If you’ve got some energy left, you can also explore Fitzroy further. It’s known for its local art galleries, thrift shops, and some of the best cafés in Melbourne. It’s a great place to pick up anything you might want to bring back from your trip.
Wrap up your time in Melbourne by having a final meal at one of the city’s many standout restaurants. The city has an incredible dining scene with everything from Asian fusion to European-inspired dishes.
As your 5-day trek comes to an end, you’ll probably find yourself already planning the next time you’ll visit. There’s so much more to discover across Australia, but this itinerary gives you a great mix of what makes it special: cities, landscapes, and local culture.
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