During my honeymoon, I explored the enchanting landscapes of Australia—from the cozy streets of Melbourne and the scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road to the vibrant life of Sydney, including the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Discover how to experience the best of Australia in just 12 days!
As I arrived bright and early in Melbourne, I checked into The Victoria Hotel Melbourne, nestled in the heart of the city. Starting my day with a steaming cup of coffee, I ventured out to explore the bustling Flinders Street Station and the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral nearby. My curiosity led me to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), where I learned about the Aboriginal custodians at the nearby native museum.
My morning stroll along the Yarra River brought me to the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape. For lunch, I indulged in some of Melbourne’s best budget-friendly sandwiches in the Collins Street Precinct. The afternoon was dedicated to immersing myself in history at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.
As the sun began to set, I treated myself to a buttery croissant from Luna Bakery against the backdrop of Carlton Gardens.
Dinner became an exciting affair at the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where I delighted in chocolate-dipped strawberries and other culinary delights.
With a satisfied belly and memories of the day’s adventures, I leisurely strolled through the vibrant market atmosphere before retiring to the comfort of the Victoria Hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Pro-tip: Utilize the Melbourne trams for getting around. Trams within the CBD limits are free to an extent, so feel free to hop on and off while exploring the city center. For trams outside the CBD limit, you can acquire a travel card at 7/11 or Flinders Station.
Rising early, I hopped on a tram bound for St. Kilda and Brighton Beach, eager to uncover Melbourne’s coastal treasures. Melbourne’s tram system proved efficient and convenient, providing smooth rides throughout the city. Upon arriving in St. Kilda, I found myself enchanted by its bohemian streets, pausing to savor a legendary 100-year-old cheesecake from a local bakery—a definite must-try!
While I opted out of Luna Park, it remains a fantastic photo spot and a hit for families with kids. Next, I boarded a bus to Brighton Beach, renowned for its vibrant bathing boxes adorning the sandy shores.
As evening approached, I hopped on the train back to the city and treated myself to some soft apple cinnamon donuts from Walkers Donuts. For dinner, I ventured into Chinatown, conveniently located within walking distance from Little Collins Street. There, I relished a satisfying meal of dumplings and fried rice.
Pro-tip: You can easily cover both St. Kilda and Brighton Beach in one day using public transportation. Don’t be swayed by claims to the contrary—trust Google Maps to navigate your way!
We set off before the crack of dawn, eagerly beginning our much-anticipated drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road. After picking up our pre-booked rental car, we hit the road, ready to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty that awaited us. The starting point of the Great Ocean Road itself left us in awe, marking the beginning of an adventure that had topped my bucket list for years.
Our first stops included Bells Beach, the Split Point Lighthouse, the Memorial Arch, and a delightful lunch at a charming cafe in Lorne. Continuing our road trip, we ventured through Kennett River, where we were delighted to spot some seriously adorable koalas.
We then made a pit stop and stayed overnight at Apollo Bay, where we found accommodation at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse Apollo Bay, home to the southernmost pub in Australia. Quite an unexpected discovery!
To fully appreciate this landmark, I recommend making regular pit stops at each location to take in the stunning views and stretch your legs. I suggest planning at least two days for the Great Ocean Road to truly capture its beauty without feeling rushed.
Our journey along the Great Ocean Road resumed with an early start, leading us to the breathtaking Gibson Steps as our first stop of the day. Descending to the beach, we marveled at the sheer scale of the cliffs and the powerful ocean waves up close. No visit to the Great Ocean Road would be complete without admiring the iconic Twelve Apostles. These towering limestone stacks, sculpted over millions of years by the relentless forces of nature, stand as majestic sentinels along the rugged coastline. It’s simply awe-inspiring! We took our time here, soaking in the views and capturing countless photographs.
Although Lord Ard Gorge was closed during our visit, it’s definitely worth checking out if you have the opportunity. Our journey then led us to the Grotto, a picturesque natural formation that provided a visual treat. We wrapped up our road trip in Port Campbell, indulging in some delicious fish and chips before heading back to Melbourne city.
Back in the city, we checked in at Miami Hotel Melbourne for the night.
Warning: If you’re renting a car like I did, ensure you pay full attention to traffic rules. We ended up paying a fine of 400 AUD for missing a red light by 0.8 seconds. Booking a car well in advance can also help manage costs. Alternatively, consider exploring the Great Ocean Road through group or private tours.
We kicked off our day by diving into the vibrant culture and artistic charm of Fitzroy and Collingwood. Renowned for their trendy boutiques, captivating street art, and bustling cafes, these neighborhoods provided a colorful backdrop for our morning stroll. We meandered through the lively streets, exploring unique shops and soaking in the creative energy.
Our next destination was the historic Abbotsford Convent, nestled amidst lush gardens along the banks of the Yarra River. As evening approached, we embarked on a short drive from the city center to Phillip Island, eagerly anticipating the world-famous Penguin Parade. With our tickets booked well in advance, we secured prime seats to witness the enchanting sight of hundreds of Little Penguins waddling ashore at sunset, returning from their day at sea. It was absolutely adorable!
Phillip Island is one of the few places in the world where you can witness saltwater penguins. Make sure to book your Penguin Parade tickets online well ahead of your visit, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Before the Penguin Parade, we made the most of our time by exploring activities booked through Agoda at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Here, we had the incredible opportunity to observe koalas up close in their natural habitat, while learning about conservation efforts to protect these beloved Australian icons. Additionally, you can book activities to visit the wildlife park, the Nobbies, Churchill Island, and Woolamai.
After a day brimming with art and wildlife encounters, we returned to Melbourne, ready for a brief rest before our early flight to Cairns the following morning.
We kicked off our day by catching a flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Upon landing, we swiftly checked into our hostel, where we secured a private room, and promptly rented a car from a nearby rental agency for 60 AUD. Excited to begin our Cairns exploration, we set out on a road trip around the area.
Our first stop was the Boulders, just a short drive from the city. Here, we embarked on a scenic hike through lush rainforest, tracing the trail to the mesmerizing Barron Falls. Next, we ventured into the Atherton Tablelands, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear creeks. A definite highlight was the visit to Millaa Millaa Falls—absolutely breathtaking!
With a packed itinerary for the following day, we decided to return to Cairns. To cap off our day, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the beach, conveniently located just steps away from our hostel. It provided the perfect opportunity to unwind after a busy day of exploration.
Pro tip: If time is limited, you can skip this day and head directly to see the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. However, opting for this itinerary allowed us to discover the lesser-known beauties of Cairns, especially since we arrived on Christmas Day when many services were closed. It turned out to be a beautiful way to begin our Cairns adventure.
Our day began bright and early at 7 am as we made our way to the port to join Sea Star Cruises for our Great Barrier Reef adventure. Once onboard, the dive crew provided us with a comprehensive safety briefing, ensuring we were fully prepared for our underwater exploration by outfitting us with all the necessary scuba gear—wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks.
As we descended into the vibrant coral gardens, we were immediately captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors and the diversity of marine life surrounding us. Our first dive was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Following our dive, we enjoyed a surface interval aboard the boat, indulging in a delicious lunch while sharing stories of our underwater encounters. Basking in the warm sunshine, we relished the breathtaking views of the reef and the sparkling waters stretching to the horizon.
In the afternoon, we switched to snorkeling, exploring the reef from a new perspective and encountering even more wonders of the underwater world.
We returned to port at 4 pm, exhausted yet exhilarated from a day filled with underwater marvels.
If you’re planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef, ensure you book ahead and allocate a whole day for the experience. Always book with a well-known service provider, prioritizing safety above all else!
The following day, we departed early to catch our flight to Sydney. Arriving in the late afternoon, fatigue settled in, so we opted for a leisurely walk around the city center.
Our hotel, the Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, boasted a prime location right next to the harbor and the opera house, providing easy access to some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.
Strolling through the Queen Victoria Building and Millers Point, we made our way toward the harbor. There, we were treated to a spectacular sunset with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House—a truly unforgettable welcome to the city!
Given the hustle and bustle of the New Year’s festivities, we had to secure accommodations at two different hotels during our stay. Thankfully, we found excellent options on Agoda, which proved to be a stroke of luck during such a busy season. After a satisfying but tiring day of exploration, we decided to rest up and fully recharge for the exciting days ahead.
We began our day by journeying from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf, soaking in the stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House along the way. Spending half a day at Taronga Zoo, we marveled at the extensive collection of animals from around the world. From majestic elephants to playful penguins, the zoo offered a captivating glimpse into the world of wildlife. Thanks to the discounted tickets from Agoda, our visit was even more affordable—a smart buy indeed.
After our zoo adventure, we hopped on a ferry to Manly Beach. A must-visit spot is the ‘Butterboy Bakery,’ where we indulged in freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee, providing the perfect recharge for the rest of our day in Manly.
We took the time to explore local shops and boutiques, collecting souvenirs and gifts to commemorate our day. As the sun began to set, we returned to Manly Beach to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sunset over the ocean. We concluded our day with a waterfront dinner, savoring the vastness of the ocean before us.
Pro-tip: Keep an eye on the ferry schedules, especially if you plan to return to the city later in the evening. Missing the last ferry could put a damper on an otherwise perfect day!
At the crack of dawn, we embarked on an invigorating coastal trek from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach, brimming with energy and anticipation. The sculpted path along the cliffs offered uninterrupted views of the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Taking our time, we savored the breathtaking sights from vantage points like Clovelly Headland and Mackenzies Point, with the ocean breeze as our constant companion.
Note that the annual Sculpture by the Sea event is typically held in October/November, so unfortunately, we missed it during our December travels.
Upon arriving in Bondi, we eagerly plunged into the famous ice pools to cool down, enjoying the refreshing dip. Entry to the pools is free as long as you can show some form of ID.
As the day drew to a close, we were treated to the golden hues of sunset at Bondi Beach, a picturesque backdrop for enjoying a classic meal of fish and chips. With New Year’s Eve on the horizon, we decided to call it an early day to prepare for the festivities ahead!
New Year’s Eve in Sydney is an unforgettable experience, but it requires some careful planning to ensure you have the best time possible.
If you’re considering spending the evening on a luxury yacht or cruise, it’s essential to buy tickets well in advance. However, for those looking to save money, finding the perfect viewing spot is key. We opted for the Kirribilli viewpoint and arrived super early around 9 am to secure a spot on the grass, offering panoramic views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
It’s crucial to pack enough snacks and water to sustain you throughout the long wait—15 hours can be quite a stretch!
As midnight approached, the sky above the harbor erupted in a dazzling display of light and color. The fireworks were absolutely breathtaking, and the best part was that this incredible experience didn’t cost us a dime.
With resolutions for the new year already forming in our minds, we made our way back to our hotel at 2 am, ready to kick off the first day of the year in Sydney with renewed energy and excitement.
Our last day was packed because we had to change hotels and also had a flight to catch in the night. So we kept it light and simple by starting the day by taking a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay.
We spent some time exploring the coastline, the Hornby Lighthouse, the Lady Bay Beach among other things to do there. It’s also such a great place to just sit, have a picnic and relax.
For lunch, we indulged in the quintessential Australian dish, fish and chips, at a seafront restaurant, reaffirming that you really can’t go wrong with this classic while Down Under.
After lunch, we took the ferry back and headed to the Sydney Fish Market, which happens to be one of the largest fish markets in the world.
You could take a guided tour around the market. But for us, we just walked around and fueled up with even more fish and chips, calamari and a cheesy lobster.
The prices here are super economical and will not burn a hole in your pocket. Soon after we had a flight to catch, so we headed back to our hotel to prepare for the flight.
All in all, Australia has so much to offer and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to travel and see all it’s beauty. I will truly cherish all these memories.
