Itinerary Overview

Days 1–4: Sydney (including Blue Mountains) → Days 5–6: Melbourne → Day 7: Great Ocean Road → Day 8: Return. Flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. For the Great Ocean Road, renting a car or joining a day tour is recommended.

Days 1–2: Classic Sydney

• Day 1: After arrival, head to Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stroll along the historic Rocks district, and take an evening ferry to Manly to watch the sunset.
• Day 2: Walk the coastal trail from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach → Taronga Zoo (where you can get up close to koalas and kangaroos) → Darling Harbour for night views.

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Take a train from Sydney to Katoomba (about 2 hours), visit the Three Sisters rock formation, Echo Point Lookout, and Scenic World cable car. Wild kangaroos and lyrebirds are often spotted in the eucalyptus forests. Those with energy can hike the Grand Canyon Track before returning to the city in the evening.

Days 4–6: Melbourne

• Day 4: Fly to Melbourne in the morning, then explore Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and Hosier Lane’s graffiti street. End the day with street food at Queen Victoria Market.
• Day 5: Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road, focusing on the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay. The coastal sunset is breathtaking.
• Day 6: Visit the Melbourne Art Gallery and Royal Botanic Gardens, spend the afternoon at St Kilda Beach, and dine on Italian cuisine along Lygon Street in the evening.

Days 7–8: Phillip Island & Return

On Day 7, go to Phillip Island to visit the Koala Conservation Centre and Seal Rocks during the day, then wait for the little penguins to return to their burrows in the evening. Bring a warm jacket—the sea breeze is cold. On Day 8, shop in central Melbourne before heading to the airport.

Tips

• Parking in central Sydney and Melbourne is expensive; trains, trams, and walking are the most convenient ways to get around.
• Driving the Great Ocean Road takes a full day, with many winding roads. Stay alert for left-side driving and check petrol station locations.
• For domestic flights, Jetstar or Virgin are recommended. Booking early in peak season can save you money.