Discover Australia Like a Local: Hidden Gems, Affordable Luxury, and Must-See Adventures for Solo Travelers (Full Itinerary)

9 min readSep 24, 2024

The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Australia: Where to Stay, What to Eat, What to See

Imagine waking up to the sounds of tropical birds in Queensland, taking a scenic drive along the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road, or standing in awe beneath the towering majesty of the Sydney Opera House. Australia is more than just kangaroos and the Outback — it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. From the vibrant cityscapes of Sydney and Melbourne to the tranquil beauty of hidden gems like Phillip Island and the Blue Mountains, this incredible country offers experiences that will take your breath away. Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned adventurer, Australia’s mix of modern luxury and natural wonders will captivate your heart.

Australia is a dream destination, packed with natural wonders, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. Whether you’re an adventurer or looking for a laid-back escape, this detailed 7-day itinerary will help you explore the best of Australia while enjoying affordable luxury. From where to stay and what to eat, to finding flight and hotel deals on Skyscanner and Agoda, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll include tips on transportation, non-touristy hidden gems, and a BONUS section featuring Australia’s famous wildlife, including a must-see visit to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.

We specialize in creating seamless, worry-free, and luxurious travel experiences at ZachusTravel, so let us plan everything for you — for free! We’ll handle your flights, hotels, tours, and even help you maximize your Amex Gold points for some sweet deals.

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney and Explore the City

Morning: Arrival and Check-In

Flight: Fly into Sydney International Airport (SYD). Use Skyscanner to find great flight deals, including Business Class tickets that can give you extra comfort on the long-haul flight.
Where to Stay: Check into The Langham Sydney or Ovolo Woolloomooloo for a mix of luxury and great harbor views. For affordable luxury, check out Skyscanner or Agoda for hotel deals.

Afternoon: Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge

What to See: Head to the Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour. Then, stroll across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Lunch: Stop at The Grounds of Alexandria for a farm-to-table meal in a rustic, beautiful setting.

Evening: Darling Harbour

What to Do: Visit Darling Harbour for dinner by the water. Nick’s Seafood Restaurant is a great option for fresh seafood while enjoying the sunset.

Transportation Tip: Sydney has a fantastic public transport system. Pick up an Opal Card for easy access to buses, trains, and ferries.

Day 2: Sydney’s Beaches and Hidden Gems

Morning: Bondi Beach and Coastal Walk

What to See: Start your day at Bondi Beach for a morning swim or surf session. Then, walk along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a beautiful 6km trail that offers panoramic views of the coast.
Breakfast: Grab a healthy breakfast at Bondi Wholefoods before hitting the trail.

Afternoon: Hidden Gem — Wendy’s Secret Garden

What to See: After lunch, explore Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. It’s a beautiful, peaceful space hidden in the middle of the city — a true local gem.
Lunch: Head to The Boathouse Balmoral Beach for fresh seafood with stunning beach views.

Evening: Non-Touristy Dinner in Surry Hills

What to Eat: For a more local dining experience, head to Surry Hills. Firedoor offers a unique wood-fired dining experience that’s a hit with locals.

Transportation Tip: Renting a car for the day? Use Skyscanner to find great deals on rental cars. Driving around Sydney is easy and gives you access to coastal gems that public transport might miss.

Day 3: The Blue Mountains Adventure

Morning: Scenic Drive to the Blue Mountains

What to See: Pick up your rental car and drive two hours to the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. Check out the Three Sisters rock formation and take a hike along Wentworth Falls.
Viator Tour Option: If you prefer a guided tour, book a Blue Mountains Day Trip on Viator — be sure to read the reviews to pick the right tour for you.

Afternoon: Lunch and Scenic World

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Conservation Hut with incredible views of the mountains.
What to Do: Take the Scenic Skyway at Scenic World for unbeatable views of the rainforest and Jamison Valley.

Evening: Return to Sydney

What to Eat: Back in Sydney, have dinner at Bennelong inside the Sydney Opera House for a luxurious end to your adventurous day.

Transportation Tip: Check out Skyscanner for rental car deals before heading to the Blue Mountains. Renting a car allows you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

Day 4: Fly to Melbourne and Explore the City

Morning: Travel to Melbourne

Flight: Book an early flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Skyscanner. Look for Business Class deals for extra comfort.
Where to Stay: Check into the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins or QT Melbourne for a blend of style and luxury. Use Skyscanner or Agoda to find the best deals.

Afternoon: Explore Melbourne’s Laneways

What to See: Wander through Melbourne’s famous laneways, including Hosier Lane, known for its street art, and Degraves Street for charming cafes.
Lunch: Try Chin Chin, one of Melbourne’s most popular Southeast Asian fusion restaurants.

Evening: Rooftop Bars

What to Do: Enjoy a cocktail at Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street or check out the stunning views from Eureka Skydeck.

Transportation Tip: Melbourne’s tram system is free within the city center. Grab a Myki card if you plan to explore outside the central zone.

Day 5: The Great Ocean Road

Morning: Start Your Road Trip

What to See: Rent a car from Skyscanner and head out on one of the most scenic drives in the world — the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Bells Beach, famous for surfing, and take in the views at Anglesea.
Breakfast: Stop at The Bottle of Milk in Torquay for a hearty breakfast to fuel your journey.

Afternoon: 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge

What to See: Continue to the famous 12 Apostles, towering limestone cliffs rising out of the ocean. Don’t miss Loch Ard Gorge, a hidden beach with a fascinating shipwreck history.

Evening: Return to Melbourne

What to Eat: Back in Melbourne, have dinner at Tipo 00, one of the city’s best Italian restaurants.

Transportation Tip: The Great Ocean Road is a 243km stretch, so take your time and enjoy the many lookout points along the way. Renting a car is the best option to explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Wildlife and Non-Touristy Spots

Morning: Phillip Island Penguin Parade

What to See: Take a morning drive to Phillip Island to catch the famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore after a day at sea.
Viator Tour Option: If you don’t want to drive, book a Viator tour for a seamless day trip to Phillip Island — remember to check the reviews.

Afternoon: Explore St Kilda

What to See: On your way back to Melbourne, stop by St Kilda for a walk along the beach and visit Luna Park for some old-school fun.
Lunch: Have lunch at Republica St Kilda Beach for great seafood and beach views.

Evening: Non-Touristy Dinner in Fitzroy

What to Eat: Head to Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s trendiest neighborhoods, for dinner at Naked for Satan, known for its amazing tapas and rooftop views.

Day 7: Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo

Morning: Fly to Brisbane

Flight: Take an early flight to Brisbane on Skyscanner and rent a car to drive to Australia Zoo, the famous wildlife park founded by Steve Irwin and his family.

Afternoon: Australia Zoo

What to Do: Spend the day exploring Australia Zoo, where you’ll encounter kangaroos, koalas, and crocs. Be sure to check out the Crocoseum for a live crocodile show. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Bindi Irwin or other family members.

Evening: Return to Brisbane

Dinner: End your trip with a casual dinner along South Bank in Brisbane. Try River Quay Fish for a final taste of Australia’s famous seafood.

Transportation Tip: Renting a car for your day at Australia Zoo is the easiest way to get there. Use Skyscanner to find a rental deal for your day trip.

Bonus: Must-Have Travel Items from Amazon

Here’s a list of 10 essential items from Amazon that will make your trip to Australia even better:

Portable Power Bank: Keep your devices charged while exploring.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while traveling.
Travel Adapter: Australia uses Type I plugs, so don’t forget an adapter.
Packing Cubes: Keep your luggage organized.
Travel Umbrella: Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for long flights and city noise.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.
Lightweight Travel Backpack: Ideal for day trips.
Waterproof Phone Case: Essential for beach days and adventure tours.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort on long flights.

Pro Tip: Best Time to Visit Australia

The best time to visit Australia depends on the region:

Sydney and Melbourne: Visit during spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Brisbane and Queensland: Best visited in winter (June-August) when temperatures are pleasant and humidity is low.

Travel Health Insurance

Don’t forget to get Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing for your trip. It’s affordable and offers coverage for medical emergencies and accidents, ensuring peace of mind while you’re abroad.

Plan Your Perfect Australian Adventure with Us!

At ZachusTravel, we believe in affordable luxury. Let us handle everything for you, from finding flight deals on Skyscanner, booking your hotels on Agoda, organizing tours through Viator, and even helping you maximize your Amex Gold points for some amazing deals. We make your trip **seamless, stress-free, and tailored to your needs — **and the best part is, we do it for free.

Story of Australia

My first trip to Australia wasn’t just a vacation — it was a journey through a country that felt both familiar and completely otherworldly. I still remember stepping off the plane in Sydney and feeling the warm, salty breeze from the harbor. The first stop on my list was, of course, the Sydney Opera House. Standing beneath its iconic white sails, I could feel the pulse of the city’s energy. But the true magic of Australia hit me when I took a detour from the tourist hotspots and explored its lesser-known corners — walking through the ancient forests of the Blue Mountains, tasting farm-to-table cuisine in Melbourne’s laneways, and wandering along the untouched beaches of Phillip Island.

One of my most unforgettable memories was at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo in Queensland. It wasn’t just a tourist attraction; it felt like a love letter to the wild. Seeing kangaroos hop freely and watching crocodile demonstrations in the Crocoseum, I couldn’t help but think about how this place embodies Australia’s deep respect for nature.

Australia isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place that stays with you, long after you’ve left.

History of Australia

Australia’s history is as diverse and rich as its landscapes. Known as the Land Down Under, Australia was first inhabited by Indigenous Australians over 60,000 years ago. These First Nations people developed complex societies, languages, and spiritual beliefs deeply connected to the land. Their stories and sacred traditions, like Dreamtime, continue to be shared and respected today.

In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed Australia for Britain, and the first British settlers — primarily convicts — arrived in 1788. This marked the beginning of Australia’s transformation from a series of penal colonies to the vibrant, multicultural nation it is today. Over time, Australia became known for its pioneering spirit, resourceful settlers, and booming gold rushes in the 19th century. By the 20th century, Australia had become a key player in global politics and economics, known for its progressive values, incredible biodiversity, and a deep respect for both its Indigenous heritage and its natural environment.

From the ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Northern Territory to the cosmopolitan hustle of its major cities, Australia seamlessly blends its rich past with its modern, forward-thinking future — making it one of the most captivating destinations in the world.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel

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