7-Day Australia Itinerary
Australia is massive, and while a week isn’t enough to see it all, you can still hit some highlights without feeling rushed. This itinerary balances cities, beaches, wildlife, and nature. It’s structured to give you time to relax while seeing a wide range of things Australia has to offer.
Day 1: Sydney — Exploring the Harbour and City Sights
Start your trip in Sydney. It’s Australia’s most iconic city, and there’s plenty to see, but you don’t need to cram your schedule. Keep things relaxed and focus on the harbor area today.
Head to Circular Quay where you’ll find the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take a leisurely walk around the harbor and maybe even grab breakfast at one of the cafes with a view. If you’re up for it, the Sydney Opera House has daily tours where you can learn about its design and history.
Next, hop on a ferry to Manly Beach. It’s only 30 minutes, and riding the ferry gives you incredible views of the harbor and skyline. Once in Manly, stroll the promenade, relax on the beach, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of the area. It’s a great spot to grab lunch.
In the afternoon, head back to the city and wander The Rocks district. This historic area is full of old cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and pubs. If you like markets, check out the stalls here on weekends for souvenirs and local food.
Day 2: Bondi Beach and Coastal Walk
Today’s all about surf, sun, and stunning coastal views. Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand, and it’s great for a swim or just laying out in the sun.
If you prefer to keep moving, hit the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. It’s a 6km (3.7-mile) scenic path along the coast. The trail passes through several smaller beaches and coves, and there’s plenty of spots for swimming or grabbing a coffee along the way. You can do the whole route, or just part of it, depending on how much time you want to spend.
Head back to central Sydney in the late afternoon, and if you’re up for some nightlife, Newtown (near the University of Sydney) has a cool bar scene and some great places to grab dinner.
Day 3: Blue Mountains (Day Trip from Sydney)
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, located about 2 hours by train from Sydney. It’s a stunning area of forests, cliffs, and waterfalls, making it perfect for a day of hiking and nature.
The most popular stop is Echo Point to see the Three Sisters rock formation. From there, you’ll have access to several walking trails. If you’re feeling active, take the scenic walk down the Giant Stairway; it’s quite steep, so take your time. For those who prefer something less intense, the Leura Cascades bushwalk takes you through rainforest and offers incredible views of the water cascading down the cliffside.
You can spend most of your day here, but don’t forget to come back in time to relax before gearing up for your next adventure.
Day 4: Fly to Melbourne — The Laneways and Street Art
Catch a morning flight to Melbourne. Flights are quick, only about 1.5 hours, and by mid-day, you’ll be ready to explore this vibrant city.
Melbourne is known for its street art, coffee culture, and laneways. Wander through Hosier Lane (one of the most famous spots), where you’ll find colorful murals, graffiti, and ever-changing art pieces that turn the narrow alleyway into a gallery. The nearby Union Lane is worth exploring as well.
Make sure to grab a coffee from one of Melbourne’s renowned cafes. The city prides itself on its coffee culture, so treat yourself to a latte or flat white and relax.
In the evening, check out Federation Square and take a riverside walk along the Yarra River. End the day with dinner on Lygon Street, famous for its Italian restaurants.
Day 5: Great Ocean Road (Day Trip)
This will be an unforgettable day. Hire a car and drive the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. It’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne before you’ll start hitting the breathtaking coastal views.
Key landmarks along the way include the Twelve Apostles (a collection of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean), Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can explore a beach sheltered by towering cliffs. Make a stop at the seaside towns of Lorne or Apollo Bay for lunch.
The full drive could take over 10 hours round trip if you’re stopping often, but you won’t regret it. If you’re short on time, feel free to head back to Melbourne once you’ve reached the Twelve Apostles.
Day 6: Wildlife at Phillip Island
Today, head to Phillip Island for some wildlife encounters. The highlight here is the penguin parade, where you can watch hundreds of little penguins waddle back to their nests at sunset after a day spent fishing. It’s a touristy event, but it’s popular for a reason — it’s a unique experience you won’t see many places.
Before the penguins arrive, visit the Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island, where you can walk through the treetops and observe koalas in their natural habitat. There’s also a great chance of spotting kangaroos and wallabies.
If you’ve got time, check out the Nobbies Boardwalk that offers stunning views of the Southern Ocean and Seal Rocks (home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony).
Day 7: Fly to Cairns — The Great Barrier Reef
Spend your final day in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations: the Great Barrier Reef. From Melbourne, fly to Cairns (about 3 hours) and hop on a boat tour to the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, and if you love snorkeling or diving, this will be the highlight of your trip. There are countless day tours to choose from, whether you’re an experienced diver or just want to snorkel and relax on the boat. Most tours offer a mix of snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides, making sure everyone has a chance to see the coral and marine life.
If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing, you can spend your afternoon exploring Cairns itself. Have a stroll along the Esplanade and check out the Cairns Lagoon, an outdoor public swimming area that’s perfect for a final dip before your Australia trip wraps up.
End your day with dinner at one of Cairns’ waterfront restaurants, enjoying a laid-back meal while watching the sun set over the marina.
Final Tips
This 7-day itinerary gives you a taste of Australia’s major cities and natural beauty. If you don’t want to move as quickly between cities or prefer a more relaxed pace, feel free to focus more time on Sydney or Melbourne, skipping a day trip or two. Australia’s cities are great, but its nature is equally impressive, so try to include a mix of both. Above all else, take it easy and enjoy the ride.
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