Australia delivers epic variety in one vast package—from coastal cities with cutting-edge dining to ancient rainforests and the largest coral reef on earth. Indigenous cultures have shaped this continent for tens of thousands of years; today, the nation’s creative cities and protected wild places offer a rich tapestry of stories, flavors, and landscapes.

Across seven days, this itinerary highlights two standout bases for first-timers: Sydney and Cairns. In Sydney, you’ll explore the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, stroll dramatic coastal paths, and duck into laneway wine bars. In Cairns, you’ll jump off to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical hinterland, balancing adventure with relaxed evenings by the water.

Practical notes: Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere; summer runs December–February. Contactless payments are ubiquitous; in Sydney, tap on/off public transport with an Opal card or your credit card. Reef stinger season in Tropical North Queensland peaks November–May; operators provide suits, and conditions are checked daily.

Sydney

Sydney dazzles with a deep-blue harbour framed by the Opera House’s sails and the steel arc of the Harbour Bridge. Beyond postcard views, you’ll find neighborhood coffee temples, lively food halls, and sandstone lanes where colonial history meets contemporary art.

• Top sights: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge (and Pylon Lookout), Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Manly, Art Gallery of NSW, MCA, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour.
• Why it’s special: A city made for walking ferries—harbour journeys feel like mini cruises, and coastal trails deliver ocean drama at every bend.
• Eat & drink: From dim sum in Haymarket to pasta in Surry Hills and fresh-caught seafood on the quay, Sydney’s culinary scene sings with global influences and Australian produce.

Getting to Sydney: Fly into Sydney (SYD). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop from the U.S. West Coast is ~14–15 hours (seasonal round-trip fares often $900–$1,600). From Southeast Asia, ~8–10 hours.

Where to stay (Sydney): Browse citywide options on VRBO Sydney or Hotels.com Sydney. Handpicked options: Park Hyatt Sydney (ultimate harbour views by the Bridge), Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour (family-friendly location), Sydney Harbour YHA (budget with a priceless rooftop), Wake Up! Sydney (social backpacker favorite), or The Capsule Hotel (quirky, central, great value).

Day 1: Arrival and The Rocks + Opera House

Afternoon: Land in Sydney and drop bags at your hotel. Start with a gentle wander around The Rocks—Sydney’s oldest quarter—peeking into heritage lanes and the Museum of Contemporary Art forecourt for harbour views. Coffee fix at nearby Edition Coffee Roasters (Nordic-Japanese pastries) or Single O in Surry Hills if you’re settling there.

Late afternoon highlight: Take the official tour inside one of the world’s most recognizable buildings:

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

This guided walk reveals design drama, backstage lore, and performance history as you step inside its theaters and foyers.

Evening: Sunset drinks at Opera Bar (open-air, right on the water). Dinner options: Mr. Wong (Cantonese with a 1930s-shanghai vibe), Restaurant Hubert (French classics, live jazz), or NOMAD (wood-fired Australian-Mediterranean). Nightcap at The Baxter Inn (whisky den) or Maybe Sammy (award-winning cocktails inspired by 1950s glamour).

Day 2: Harbour Icons, Gardens, and Sunset Cruise

Morning: Breakfast at The Grounds of the City (ornate, old-world café) or Bourke Street Bakery (legendary sausage rolls). Walk Circular Quay to the Royal Botanic Garden—follow the waterfront to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a perfect Opera House + Bridge photo frame. Climb the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout for sweeping views.

Afternoon: Art time: Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern building and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Lunch nearby at Opera Kitchen (harbourfront bites), Pho Pasteur in Haymarket (beloved Vietnamese), or Fish Butchery in Paddington (sustainable seafood rolls).

Evening on the water: Dine with the skyline glowing on a harbour cruise:

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

Prefer to splurge? A scenic heli-flight adds a spectacular aerial perspective:

Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight

Day 3: Full-Day Blue Mountains (UNESCO)

Trade the city for eucalyptus valleys, sandstone escarpments, and waterfalls on a small-group tour that includes Scenic World, a zoo stop, and a return ferry ride. This is a full day; no need to break into morning/afternoon/evening.

Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World, Sydney Zoo & Ferry

Tip: Bring a light jacket—mountain weather can change quickly even on sunny days.

Day 4: Bondi to Coogee Coast Walk and Neighborhood Eats

Morning: Coffee and a bagel at Lox Stock & Barrel or brekkie bowls at Bills in Bondi. Walk the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal path (6 km) past Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly—dramatic cliffs, rock pools, and surfers carving blue walls below.

Afternoon: Lunch at North Bondi Fish (Australian seafood, sea breeze seating) or Bondi Trattoria (handmade pasta, ocean views). Swim at Bronte Baths if conditions permit. Ferry to Manly for a golden-hour stroll to the wharf; look back for a classic skyline silhouette.

Evening: Dinner in Surry Hills: NOMAD (if you missed it), Firedoor (wood flame mastery; book ahead), or Chin Chin (buzzy Thai). Bar-hop nearby: Poly (wine + snacks) then Golden Age Cinema & Bar for a cocktail with old-Hollywood mood.

Cairns (Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef)

Warm, tropical, and easygoing, Cairns is the launchpad for reef snorkels and rainforest railways. The palm-lined Esplanade hums with outdoor dining, and day trips fan out to islands, beaches, and the heritage village of Kuranda.

• Top experiences: Great Barrier Reef cruises, Green Island, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Rusty’s Markets (Fri–Sun), Flecker Botanic Gardens, Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail, Palm Cove.
• Food & vibe: Tropical produce, fresh seafood, and alfresco evenings—think prawns on the deck and gelato on a warm stroll by the water.

Travel to Cairns from Sydney (Day 5 morning): Fly SYD → CNS (~3 hours nonstop) with Qantas, Virgin Australia, or Jetstar; typical one-way fares $80–$220 if booked early. Search and compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Morning departures get you reefside by lunchtime.

Where to stay (Cairns): Explore VRBO Cairns or Hotels.com Cairns. Standouts: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns (walk-to-reef boats), Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort (social, central), Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort (great for families), or Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns (alt listing for availability).

Day 5: Fly to Cairns, Esplanade Stroll, and Tropical Plates

Morning: Depart Sydney; flight time ~3 hours. Grab a window seat for reef-and-rainforest views on approach.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander the Cairns Esplanade. Cool off in the public Lagoon (lifeguard-patrolled) and browse Rusty’s Markets (Fri–Sun) for mango, dragon fruit, and fresh sugarcane juice. Coffee at Caffiend (house-roasted, inventive brunch) or Bang & Grind (espresso stalwart).

Evening: Sunset drinks at Salt House (marina-front). Dinner at Ochre Restaurant (native ingredients—kangaroo, pepperberry, lemon myrtle), Tamarind (Thai-inspired fine dining at the Pullman), or Waterbar & Grill (steaks, lively atmosphere). Gelato at Gelocchio on the stroll home.

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel & Dive

Spend the day on clear water and vibrant coral gardens. This full-day cruise includes two different reef sites, excellent gear, and attentive crew. No need to split the day—soak it all in.

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Back onshore, grab casual bites at Prawn Star (fresh prawns and bugs served on docked trawlers) or settle into Perrotta’s at the Gallery for Mediterranean plates under the trees.

Day 7: Green Island Morning + Departure

Morning: Make the most of your final hours with a half-day island hop—snorkel seagrass meadows, spot turtles, or ride a glass-bottom boat if you prefer to stay dry.

Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

Afternoon: Quick lunch at The Chambers (light, modern Australian) before your flight. Taxis/Ubers to the airport take ~10 minutes from the CBD. Search outbound flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Local Logistics & Food Notes

• Getting around Sydney: Ferries double as sightseeing; tap on/off with Opal or a contactless card. Taxis and rideshare are plentiful; the airport train reaches the CBD in ~15 minutes.
• Getting around Cairns: The CBD and marina are walkable. Many tours include hotel pickup. Sunbus services link to suburbs and beaches; Palm Cove is ~30 minutes by car.
• Coffee culture: Sydney’s Single O and Campos set the standard; in Cairns, Caffiend and Bang & Grind pull excellent shots. Order a flat white to drink like a local.
• Iconic bites: Meat pies from Bourke Street Bakery, seafood platters at North Bondi Fish or Ochre, mango anything at Rusty’s, and a post-walk gelato from Gelato Messina (Sydney) or Gelocchio (Cairns).

Optional Add-Ons If You Have More Time

• Melbourne (3–4 extra days): Street art lanes, world-class coffee, and day trips like the Great Ocean Road.
• Port Douglas & Daintree (2–3 extra days): Base in Port Douglas for reef and the world’s oldest rainforest; scenic drives and croc-spotting cruises abound.

Why this 7-day Australia itinerary works: It balances icons and easygoing days, fits domestic flight times, and leans on small-group tours where logistics are smooth and storytelling is strong. Expect unforgettable harbour sunsets, kaleidoscopic reefs, and meals that taste of place.