Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure Day
Today you'll head to the airport and board your flight to Brisbane. It's a long journey ahead, so settle in and get comfortable for the flight. This marks the beginning of your Australian adventure.
- Day 2
Brisbane
You arrive in Brisbane and have the afternoon to yourself. The Story Bridge is there if you want to walk across it, or you can just relax and take in the evening atmosphere. Later, head over to Eagle Street Pier for dinner where you'll get views of the Brisbane River as the city lights come up.
Optional Activities
- Stroll across Story Bridge
- Visit Eagle Street Pier for dinner and evening views
Landmarks Story Bridge Eagle Street Pier Brisbane River - Day 3
Brisbane
This morning walk through the Botanic Gardens along the river and look for flying foxes in the trees. After that, take the free ferry from North Quay to South Bank to check out the Nepalese temples and tropical rainforest. Swim at Streets Beach, an artificial lagoon where you can see the city skyline from the water.
Included Activities
- Visit Brisbane Botanic Gardens
- Free ferry ride from North Quay to South Bank
- Explore South Bank parklands
Optional Activities
- Grab a coffee to go
Landmarks Brisbane Botanic Gardens South Bank Parklands Streets Beach North Quay - Day 4
Brisbane
Head to Fortitude Valley and walk around the street art and indie shops. Find a cozy café for a cappuccino and browse the second-hand stores along James Street. As the sun sets, make your way to a rooftop bar to watch the city light up in the evening.
Optional Activities
- Explore Fortitude Valley street art and indie boutiques
- Visit record stores and second-hand shops
- Grab cappuccino at a local café
- Browse James Street
- Sunset experience at a rooftop bar
Landmarks Fortitude Valley James Street - Day 5
Brisbane
Go to West End and spend time at Davies Park Market checking out the colorful fruit stalls and local food. Later, walk through Roma Street Parkland with its tropical plants and streams for some quiet time. In the evening, head to the Valley and catch some live music, whether it's jazz, indie or something else.
Optional Activities
- Explore Davies Park Market
- Visit Roma Street Parkland
- Enjoy live music in the Valley
Landmarks Davies Park Market Roma Street Parkland West End - Day 6
Brisbane to Queenstown
You'll fly from Brisbane to Queenstown, New Zealand today. Pick up your rental car and start exploring the 'Adventure Capital.' Take a stroll along Lake Wakatipu to get the feel of the place, then walk around the city center checking out cafés and breweries. Grab a burger at Fergburger and eat it by the lake as the sun goes down.
Included Activities
- Rental car pickup
- Stroll along Lake Wakatipu
Optional Activities
- Explore Queenstown city center cafés and bars
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu Fergburger - Day 7
Queenstown
Today you can tackle some adrenaline activities in Gibbston Valley. Bungee jumping at Kawarau Center gives you a 134-meter free fall, or try zip-lining over the river and rocks. If you prefer something different, take the Skyline Gondola up to the Bike Park for mountain biking. After all that, relax by the lake and let your heart rate settle.
Optional Activities
- Bungee jumping at Kawarau Bungee Center (134 meters)
- Zip-lining over 130-meter lines
- Water activities and boat tours
- Skyline Gondola to Queenstown Bike Park
- Mountain biking trails
Landmarks Gibbston Valley Kawarau Bungee Center Queenstown Bike Park Skyline Gondola - Day 8
Queenstown to Glenorchy
Drive from Queenstown toward Glenorchy with Lake Wakatipu on one side and mountains on the other. Walk the Lagoon Track with its wooden paths and reed grass reflections. For a bigger challenge, hike the Routeburn Track to the Flats or Falls (about 4.5 hours return). Stop at Bennetts Bluff Lookout on your way back for exceptional views.
Optional Activities
- Lagoon Track circular trail
- Routeburn Track hike to Routeburn Flats or Falls
- Stop at Bennetts Bluff Lookout
Landmarks Glenorchy Lagoon Track Routeburn Track Bennetts Bluff Lookout - Day 9
Arrowtown to Wanaka
Start by exploring Arrowtown's small cafés and historic streets. Then drive through winding mountain roads with plenty of photo stops on the scenic route to Wanaka. Check out 'That Wanaka Tree' standing in the water. Walk around Wanaka's relaxed town center with its cafés and outdoor stores, then hike Diamond Lake Track for lake, mountain and town views. Catch the sunset from the top or the shoreline.
Optional Activities
- Explore Arrowtown historic streets and cafés
- Stop at mountain viewpoints
- Visit 'That Wanaka Tree'
- Explore Wanaka town
- Diamond Lake Track hike (approximately 1 hour to summit)
Landmarks Arrowtown That Wanaka Tree Wanaka Diamond Lake Track - Day 10
Wanaka
Today you'll tackle Roys Peak, one of New Zealand's famous hikes. The path winds up in endless hairpin bends and it's challenging but worth it. As you climb higher, Lake Wanaka spreads out below with mountains framing it. Reach the ridge at the top for incredible photos and have a picnic with the view. After descending, treat yourself to ice cream or a swim.
Optional Activities
- Roys Peak hike
Landmarks Roys Peak - Day 11
Wanaka to Mount Cook
Drive through the South Island toward Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at 3,724 meters. In Mount Cook National Park, hike the Hooker Valley Track and cross suspension bridges over roaring rivers. Walk across wooden footbridges and reach the glacial lake with its milky-blue water and floating ice. Mount Cook towers behind it all.
Optional Activities
- Hooker Valley Track hike
Landmarks Mount Cook Mount Cook National Park Hooker Valley Track - Day 12
Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo
Drive toward Lake Tekapo and stop frequently for photos along the way. The lake appears like a jewel with golden fields and snow-capped peaks surrounding that striking turquoise water. Walk around town, check out the cafés and shops, then visit the Church of the Good Shepherd positioned right on the water. Spend your evening sitting on the shore, soaking in the view and the sun.
Optional Activities
- Multiple photo stops en route
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
- Explore Lake Tekapo town
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd - Day 13
Lake Tekapo
Hike up to Mount John Observatory, a short walk starting right by the lake. You'll reach the top in about an hour and get postcard views of the turquoise lake and Southern Alps. Stop at the Astro Café for fantastic lake views. Later, head back to the water for paddling or barefoot walks along the shore. As evening falls, wrap up warm and step outside for stargazing at one of the world's best locations.
Optional Activities
- Mount John Observatory hike (approximately 1 hour)
- Visit Astro Café
- Paddling or shore walks
- Stargazing on the shore
Landmarks Mount John Observatory Astro Café - Day 14
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Take a relaxed drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch through golden fields and small towns. Explore New Regent Street with its colonial pastel houses mixed with modern architecture. The Quake City Museum is optional if you want to learn about the city's reconstruction. Hop on the historic streetcar for a 50-minute cruise through the city center. If it's Saturday, detour to Riccarton Bush for the Farmers Market.
Optional Activities
- Explore New Regent Street
- Visit Quake City Museum
- Historic streetcar ride (approximately 50 minutes)
- Farmers Market at Riccarton Bush (Saturday)
Landmarks New Regent Street Quake City Museum Riccarton Bush Farmers Market - Day 15
Christchurch
Experience Christchurch's British architecture and Kiwi character today. Punt boats float down the Avon River past charming old houses. New Regent Street is great for coffee and photos. The Botanic Gardens offer free exotic greenery right nearby. For panoramic views, take the Christchurch Gondola up to Mount Cavendish and see the city all the way out to the snow-capped Alps.
Included Activities
- Avon River punt boat experience
- Botanic Gardens (free admission)
Optional Activities
- Coffee stop on New Regent Street
- Christchurch Gondola to Mount Cavendish
Landmarks Avon River New Regent Street Botanic Gardens Christchurch Gondola Mount Cavendish - Day 16
Christchurch to Sydney
Drop off your rental car and fly to Sydney, Australia's most iconic city. You'll land to summer energy and big city vibes. Head to trendy Surry Hills and take an easy stroll through the neighborhood. Browse concept stores, check out the street art and grab your first flat white at a local café. Keep today relaxed and just arrive slowly, soaking in Sydney's special first-day feel.
Included Activities
- Rental car return
Optional Activities
- Explore Surry Hills district
- Browse concept stores
- Discover street art
- Grab flat white at local café
Landmarks Surry Hills - Day 17
Sydney
Start at Circular Quay and take an optional ferry to Manly Beach, one of the most iconic ferry routes anywhere. When you return, walk through The Rocks historic district and visit Cadman's Cottage (the oldest house) and the Australian Heritage Hotel (the oldest pub). End your day strolling through Darling Harbour with options to relax in the Chinese Garden or grab harbor-view cocktails.
Optional Activities
- Harbor trip from Circular Quay to Manly
- Visit Cadman's Cottage
- Visit Australian Heritage Hotel
- Explore The Rocks district
- Chinese Garden of Friendship break
- Cocktails with harbor views at Darling Harbour
Landmarks Circular Quay Manly Beach The Rocks Cadman's Cottage Australian Heritage Hotel Darling Harbour Chinese Garden of Friendship - Day 18
Sydney
Head to Bondi Beach with its fine golden sand and turquoise water. If you're interested, local surf schools offer beginner lessons and board rentals (payable on site). Visit Bondi Icebergs, an ice-blue pool backed by the beach and ocean. If swimming isn't your thing, explore Sydney's free museums like the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum or Australian National Maritime Museum.
Optional Activities
- Swim at Bondi Beach
- Surfing lessons and board rentals at Bondi
- Visit Bondi Icebergs pool
- Art Gallery of New South Wales (free admission)
- Australian Museum (free admission)
- Powerhouse Museum (free admission)
- Australian National Maritime Museum (free admission)
Landmarks Bondi Beach Bondi Icebergs Art Gallery of New South Wales Australian Museum Powerhouse Museum Australian National Maritime Museum - Day 19
Sydney
Experience Sydney from the water today with ferries offering some of the best city views. Sail from Circular Quay around the harbor feeling the wind and taking in the Harbour vibes. For adrenaline, head to North Sydney and explore Luna Park with its roller coaster rides offering skyline and Harbour Bridge views. You'll see the city from a completely different angle perfect for memorable photos.
Optional Activities
- Ferry rides from Circular Quay (optional and inexpensive, bookable on site)
- Luna Park rides and attractions
Landmarks Circular Quay North Sydney Luna Park - Day 20
Sydney
Spend your last day in Sydney with a leisurely walk around the city and another flat white in the sunshine. Grab any last-minute souvenirs for people back home. Say goodbye to this incredible adventure, knowing that Australia will stay with you long after you leave.
Optional Activities
- City stroll
- Souvenir shopping
- Day 21
Return Home
Your plane lands and you collect your luggage. Your head is full of stories about new places, warm people and favorite moments from the trip. The adventure is complete and Down Under is no longer just a song, but real memories in your passport.
