Australia, being the sixth largest country in the world, has so much to offer! Visiting Australia’s capital cities should definitely be on your to-do list during your travels. There really isn’t any reason you should be missing out, so be sure to keep reading to find out what you should be adding to your Australian itinerary.
This country was once ruled by 6 different colonies that eventually came together to make the Commonwealth of Australia. Just like many other countries who were previously colonized, they have a rich cultural history, so there’s plenty to learn about on your travels.
As for the two capital cities you’ll be visiting, Sydney boasts of great attractions and Melbourne is overflowing with culture. Both cities have so much to offer and have got to be well-explored during your 1 week in Australia. Let’s take a look at what you should be getting up to while you’re staying in Melbourne and Sydney.
Top Areas in Sydney
Sydney is a big and beautiful place, so it can be difficult deciding on which areas are the best to stay in, especially if you’re a first time visitor! Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Sydney:
Surry Hills
Surry Hills was once the area for the working class hero’s everyday grind. But when shabby chic became popular, so did this area. Right on the doorstep of the central station, it’s easy to get around and contains many cafes, eateries, and pubs.
This area is suited to those who like to be in amongst the locals during their trip. If you like to see how the locals live, this is the perfect place for you to visit. And if you’re into the hipster vibe, this may be a great option.
As the area is up-and-coming, the prices are escalating too. This is a beautiful neighborhood in Sydney but you may find it a little pricey.
If you decide to stay in Surry Hills during your trip to Sydney, we recommend staying for 3 nights.
While staying in Surry Hills, we highly recommend attending a performance at Belvoir Street Theatre. Belvoir is one of Australia’s most celebrated theatre companies, so you’ll be in for a treat.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you’re in Surry Hills, check out the Sydney Wattle Hotel. They offer rooms at a reasonable price and have an incredibly cute rooftop terrace that makes it the perfect place to spend the evening with a cocktail in your hand.
Newtown
Newtown is home to an astounding amount of uni students. This gives it a very arty and unconventional feel. Newtown is also home to some of the most vibrant street art in Sydney.
Newtown has a very diverse range of restaurants and bars that all have something a little quirky about them. Small bars and eateries line the streets, all buzzing with activity.
If you’re a young traveler, this is the place to visit while you’re staying in Sydney. You’ll love the constant buzz of activity and the thriving nightlife.
Newtown is a fairly expensive suburb to stay in but its dining prices aren’t too bad. If you plan on staying in the area, we recommend finding a hotel just outside the neighborhood of Newtown.
If you’re planning on staying in Newtown during your stay in Sydney, we recommend staying for 3 days. A great place to stay is the Sydney Park Hotel. These spotlessly clean hotel rooms have a modern yet homey feel that cannot be matched. The location is perfect as it’s right next to the train station, which means you’ll have very easy access to transport at all hours of the day.
Going bargain-hunting at a second-hand clothing store while you’re staying in Newtown is a must. Newtown is overflowing with great thrift stores just waiting to be explored. You can get your hands on some great deals, so be sure to keep some extra space in your luggage for all the extras you’ll be taking home.
Top Areas in Melbourne
Melbourne is a culturally rich city with so much going on. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Melbourne:
Melbourne CBD
The Central Business District of Melbourne is a great place to stay or visit while traveling in the area. The CBD is where all the action happens, so be sure to spend a decent amount of time exploring this neighborhood.
If you have any kind of FOMO, the CBD is the perfect spot for you to be, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Staying busy is easy in this area and you’ll never have to travel far to reach your next destination.
Melbourne’s CBD isn’t too expensive, so if you’re thinking of staying in the area, don’t hesitate. If you decide to stay in the CBD during your stay in Melbourne, you should stay for 3 – 4 days. We recommend staying in Melbourne for longer than Sydney, merely because of their price difference. Try out the CitiClub Hotel, which is ideally situated in the CBD and is close to all major forms of transport. The rooms are clean, neat and very well priced.
If you’re visiting the Melbourne CBD, be sure to take the inner-city tram. It’s been running for over 50 years and is nothing less than a world-class vintage experience. Better than that, it’s absolutely free and passes all the major attractions that Melbourne has to offer.
St Kilda
St Kilda is a beautiful neighborhood right by the sea. It’s loved by locals and tourists alike because of its great views, its epic sunsets, and its gorgeous palm-lined boardwalks.
This neighborhood is any sea-lovers dream. As the area is situated right by the ocean, there are plenty of water-sports and activities on offer. If you don’t like to get too involved, spending time by the ocean is still an option. There are plenty of cafes that overlook the beach, where you can sip on a cocktail while watching the waves.
St Kilda is one of the most expensive suburbs in Melbourne when it comes to accommodation, however, the price of dining isn’t too bad. Expect slightly inflated prices but nothing too drastic.
If you plan on staying in St Kilda while you’re in Melbourne, we recommend staying for one or two nights before moving to a more budget-friendly accommodation spot. However, if money’s not an issue for your trip, then St Kilda is the perfect place to spend 3 – 4 nights. We recommend staying at the Richmond Hill Hotel. It’s not as pricey as other accommodation in the St Kilda area. The hotel is old but well-kept and is a beautiful place to stay.
While you’re in St Kilda, we recommend wandering down to the end of St Kilda’s Pier. There you’ll find a whole colony of baby penguins. They live there all year around so you don’t need to worry about the season. If you visit at sunset, you’ll be able to get some stunning pictures and see the penguins waddling and playing in the water after a long day.
Where to Stay in Sydney and Melbourne
Sydney and Melbourne are both beautiful places to stay. There are many great accommodations spots in these capital cities but it’s often difficult to choose the right place for you.
We’ve put together a list of our top 3-accommodation choices, to suit 3 different budgets:
Best Budget Hotel in Melbourne – Ibis Budget
This hotel is situated right in the heart of Melbourne city center and offers great accommodation at an even better price. The hotel is located just a few roads from the inner-city tram route. The Ibis Budget is a very comfortable stay and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Best Affordable Hotels in Melbourne – City Limits Hotel
The City Limits Hotel is located in Chinatown, near the theatre district of Melbourne. The apartment style rooms are fresh, modern and well-kept, so they’ll make you feel right at home. The staff are friendly and helpful and the prices per room are very reasonable, especially for what you’re getting.
Best Luxury Hotel in Sydney – Meriton Suites
This is the ultimate luxury hotel in Sydney. You’ll get access to top-notch facilities in an absolutely gorgeous location. Overlooking the ocean, there could not be a better spot to enjoy sea-views in complete luxury. This is the perfect place to stay for anyone who’s interested in the beautiful scenery, harbor walks, and great restaurants.
7 Days in Sydney and Melbourne
Spending a week in Australia is an amazing experience, but there are a few things you need to be aware of when spending 7 days in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Melbourne you’ll find that transport is very cheap – and their inner city tram is completely free. It stops off at many of the main attractions so you’ll need little else to get around.
There are plenty of buses in Melbourne if you are traveling outside of the inner-city, so you’ll never be left stranded. Taking an Uber is also always an option, but be careful of your times of travel if you decide to take an Uber because peak hour traffic in Melbourne is not funny!
Locals in Sydney are heavily reliant on the public transport system. The traffic in Sydney is also very heavy during peak hours, so be careful of the time when calling an Uber.
When using buses, trains and ferries in Sydney, you will need an Opal card, which gives you access to the public transport systems. You can buy these at most post offices, supermarkets and convenience stores.
Day 1 in Melbourne – Melbourne CBD
On your first day in Melbourne, it’s a great idea to spend some time in the CBD to get a feel for how the locals live. The busy city life will keep you occupied all day. Here are a few of the best things to do in Melbourne CBD:
Tour Art Alleyways
- The laneways that weave their way through Melbourne city center are teeming with life.
- This experience is absolutely free.
- Taking your own walking tour through these laneways will not only save you the money of hiring a guide, but also allow you to stop off at the multiple quirky and cute shops along the way.
In the past decade, Melbourne’s laneways (used as a shortcut through the city for pedestrians) have become the home of some of the worlds best street art. You should start your self-guided tour at Hosier Lane and then follow the maze of laneways that will lead you right through Melbourne.
This is a completely free experience and will give you great insight into the culture that Melbourne is absolutely bursting with.
Take the City Highlights Half-Day Tour
- On this tour you’ll get to see some of the most iconic tourist destinations and attractions in Melbourne, all in one go.
- You can expect to pay around 75 AUD ($55 USD) for this half-day tour.
- Having a guided tour of these attractions means you’ll be able to learn the history of Melbourne while exploring world-class venues.
Take a guided tour of Melbourne’s most famous tourist hotspots. On this tour, you’ll get the chance to witness some of the incredible architecture that is scattered around the city.
You’ll also get the opportunity to visit some of Melbourne’s most iconic places, such as the Melbourne cricket ground, Melbourne University and Queen Victoria Market, which just so happens to be the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere!
Eat at Osteria Ilaria
- This Italian restaurant serves truly uniques dishes of great quality.
- On average you’ll spend around 40 AUS ($30) per person at this restaurant.
- It’s a great idea to order a few smaller dishes and share them. This will allow you to get a taste of a variety of this exquisite menu.
This stunning little Italian restaurant makes absolutely incredible food. There’s nothing better than watching your food being prepared in an open kitchen while your mouth waters in anticipation.
The Osteria Llaria is a must visit while you’re in Melbourne. As if the food isn’t great enough, the service and wine menu are fantastic too.
Take the Hop-On and Hop-Off 24-Hour Bus Tour
- Seeing the views of this city from a double-decker open-top bus is a beautiful experience, and the fact that you can get off wherever you’d like, to explore a little further makes this the perfect tour.
- This full-day tour will cost you around 55 AUD ($40USD)
- It’s a good idea to do some research before your trip. This will allow you to plan where you’d like to hop off and explore a little further. The fact that this tour is customizable to your own interests makes it well worth the price.
On this full-day tour, you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy the city sites from an open-top double-decker bus. At any stop, you’ll be able to hop-off and experience whatever attraction you’ve landed at, and then hop on the very next bus that comes along.
You’ll then get to board a cruise ship that sails the Yarra River and experience the beautiful Melbourne views from a completely different perspective.
Day 2 in Melbourne – Chinatown
Chinatown is a small neighborhood in the central business district of Melbourne. It’s buzzing with activity at all times of the day. As the name suggests, it’s an oriental area in which you’ll find Asian restaurants, shops and decor. Here are a few of the things you should consider adding to your 7-day Australia itinerary while you’re in Chinatown:
Explore Shops and Arcades
- Wonder from shop to arcade in this unique setting.
- Exploring is completely free.
- There are a great variety of shops to explore, so there’s no chance you’ll get bored.
In Chinatown, you’ll find everything from clothing boutiques and nail salons to arcades and the Chinatown Cinema. Chinatown is the one place in Australia where you’ll find all things K-Pop culture. If you’re wanting to buy souvenirs and knick-knacks, this is the perfect place to get them as the prices are very reasonable.
Take the Melbourne 1.5-Hour Ghost Tour
- Visit Melbournes very own haunted locations!
- This tour will cost you roughly 40,48 AUD ($30USD)
- You’ll learn about the Jack the Ripper style murderer that frequented the streets of Melbourne. Is he still around in ghost form?
On this tour you’ll learn about some of the cities favorite haunts and where they come from. You’ll visit the locations of some of Melbourne’s most tragic crimes. And at the end of the tour, you’ll be able to try to make contact with Melbourne’s most famous ghost, Federici, an opera singer who fell to his death in front of his audience during a performance.
You’ll then end the night in Chinatown, which is the oldest Chinatown in the whole of the Western world.
Eat at Shark Fin House (No Shark Fin Served)
- Fill up on traditional Chinese food in a very authentic setting.
- The prices at the Shark Fin restaurant are very reasonable.
- The service is exceptional in comparison to other Chinese restaurants in the area.
The food at this restaurant is exceptional. Their menu was designed by award-winning chefs and you can taste it in every bite. Even though the restaurant menu was designed by a prestigious bunch of people, the prices are not affected by this. Expect a great deal, just like all the other shops and restaurants in Chinatown.
Take a 3-Hour Dumpling Walking Tour
- This tour will take you to the best dumpling spots in Chinatown so you can eat your bodyweight in dumplings.
- You can expect to pay around 90 AUD ($65USD).
- On this tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of dumplings with an expert guide.
You’ll be able to feast on dumplings from four of the best dumpling spots in Melbourne. You’ll try a range of different dumplings, and refine your Asian cuisine taste buds. While you eat, your guide will tell you all about the Asian influence that Chinatown has had on the rest of Melbourne.
Day 3 in Melbourne – St Kilda
St Kilda, situated right on the seashore, is home to some incredible beaches, restaurants and amazing outdoor activities. Here are a few of the best things there are to do in St Kilda:
Amble Through the St Kilda Botanical Gardens
- The St Kilda Botanical Gardens are open from sunrise to sunset every single day.
- You can amble through the botanical gardens free of charge!
- This garden provides peace and tranquillity to the residents of St Kilda and separates the suburb from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The botanical gardens are absolutely teeming with wildlife! There are plenty of greenhouses to explore in the gardens and an unending amount of grassy areas for you to sit back, relax and enjoy a picnic. The locals are known to grab a six pack at the local bottle store and enjoy it on the grassy fields at the botanical gardens. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening, so why not join them?
Indulge in a Secret Food Tour
- This 3-hour tour will give you great insight into local food, history, and culture.
- You can expect to pay around 110 AUD ($80) for this tour.
- You’ll be lead on your tour by a passionate and knowledgeable guide who has great insight into the best that Melbourne has to offer.
You’ll start your tour by exploring St Kilda beach. You’ll get the opportunity to sample a whole range of different foods from many different cuisines. Some of these foods will include a Turkish wrap, Vietnamese fried dim sum, a cup of Melbourne coffee, and a slice of home-made cake.
Eat at Abbey Road Cafe
- This is a music-themed restaurant which makes it a fairly unique dining experience.
- On average you can expect to pay around 40 AUD ($30USD)per person.
- The decor is amazing, the walls are covered in music posters and musical instruments.
The food and wine are very well priced and extremely tasty. At the Abbey Road Cafe, you’ll find a variety of different comfort foods that go down like a dream. The service here is really good and you’ll find nothing but friendly and helpful staff.
If you’re looking for a bit of comfort food while you’re away in Melbourne, be sure to check out Abbey Road Cafe.
Take the Melbourne After Dark Private Tour
- The Melbourne After Dark Tour will allow you to discover Melbourne at its absolute best.
- You can expect to pay 1100 AUD ($8000) per group.
- Melbourne at night is a melting pot of activity. On this tour, you’ll be guided to some of the best bars and cafes that Melbourne has to offer and experience the incredible nightlife culture of the city.
On this 5-hour night tour of Melbourne, you’ll get to experience the city with a local who is sure to have the best nightlife insight.
You’ll be taken to some of the hottest dining spots in the city for a hearty dinner, before heading up to Skydeck 88 for panoramic views of the city below.
You’ll then go on to enjoy a cocktail at one of Melbourne’s many hidden bars. And then finish up your tour with a Melbourne signature coffee and something sweet!
Day 4 in Melbourne – Brunswick
Brunswick will be the final destination you’ll explore in Melbourne, and dare I say, we’ve left the best for last? This up-and-coming neighborhood is identifiable by its hipster crowd, and booming art and music scene. Here are a few great activities you need to try in Brunswick:
Visit the Beinart Gallery
- This art gallery holds many exhibitions mostly centered around surrealist and ‘lowbrow’ art.
- Visiting this gallery is absolutely free!
- The gallery features many different artists who work in a range of different forms and mediums, so there’s sure to be something that you enjoy!
Supporting local art when you’re in another city is always a fun activity. This art gallery sure does showcase some unique, weird and wonderful art that needs to be appreciated.
Experience a True Crime Walking Tour
- Although this tour is venturing a little out of Brunswick, it’s well worth it. This 2-hour walking tour explores the streets and alleys of Fitzroys oldest crime district.
- You can expect to pay around 30 AUD ($20USD) per person for this walking tour.
- On this tour, you’ll receive a free booklet that will help you get to know the colorful characters that walked the streets of Fitzroy, around 100 years ago.
It’s always exciting to discover a city’s dark criminal past, so why not dive into Melbourne’s twisted history? On this tour, you’ll explore the dingy back alleys where sketchy activity and gang shootings would take place all throughout the 1900s. You’ll discover where the notorious gangsters, thieves and murderers lived and ‘worked’ back in their day.
Eat at the Bluebonnet Barbecue
- Exposed brick walls and lime-washed tables, give this place a loft-like feel which makes it extra cosy.
- You can expect to pay around 40 AUD ($29USD) per person at this establishment.
- This restaurant has incredible service and absolutely delicious food.
This cosy bar and grill style restaurant is a hit among the locals and a well-kept secret. But why shouldn’t the tourists enjoy it too?
We’d describe the Bluebonnet as the best barbecue joint in all of Melbourne. It’s definitely one you won’t want to miss. If you’re a meat lover this is the spot for you. In fact, you may want to visit more than once during your travels in Melbourne.
Take a Bites and Sights Tour
- You’ll start your tour at one of Melbourne’s highest viewpoints (Skydeck 88) and then weave your way through the city streets.
- You can expect to pay around 100 AUD ($75USD) for this tour.
- You’ll explore some of Melbourne’s most culturally fascinating areas.
During this 3-hour tour, you’ll need to bring your appetite along cause there will be plenty of food that needs tasting. First, you’ll explore Queen Victoria Market and learn just how much use it has to the community around it. It’s not only locals that do their grocery shopping at this market, but restaurants stock their kitchens their too.
The food tour will be a carb-rich American cuisine tasting, that will include foods like bagels, burgers, sweet treats and even the infamous Philly Cheesesteak.
After your tour, you’ll get the opportunity to walk off all those carbs on the streets of Melbourne. Exploring street art and vintage fashion stores. What a great way to end your time in Melbourne!
Melbourne to Sydney
If you have a little more time on your hands, taking a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney is always a great idea. Along the way, you’ll get the opportunity to see the Great Ocean Road that Australia is so famous for!
The drive from Melbourne to Sydney will take you about 9-hours by car and is an absolutely gorgeous drive, so if you have the time, be sure to make a road trip out of this portion of your travel.
If you don’t have the time for this little luxury, then your flight should take you under 1.5 hours. This is great if you’re short on time cause this quick flight won’t leave you feeling tired and drained.
Once you’ve arrived, there’ll be plenty for you to do in Sydney. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Sydney:
Day 5 in Sydney – Newtown
This neighborhood is young, fresh and continuously evolving, as students pour into the area from all over Australia. This is one of the best neighborhoods to listen to live music in Sydney, so if you’re a complete muso, be sure to visit Newtown at least once during your trip!
View the Street Art
- Newtown has some incredible street art, there’s no need to pay gallery entrance fees to view some of the best art in Sydney.
- This activity is absolutely free!
- Many of the 19th-century walls in Newtown are now adorned with crazy street art. You’ll find a lot of street art all over the neighborhood but the laneways attract the most street artists.
A lot of street art produced in this neighborhood is very thought-provoking. It’s clear that many of the artists are taking notes from Banksy himself. Although the artwork is very different to Banksy’s style, the nature of it is very similar.
Take a Tour of the Opera House
- The Sydney Opera House isn’t in Newtown, but it doesn’t take long to get there from this cosy neighborhood.
- You can expect to pay around 45 AUD ($35USD) for this tour.
- This tour goes into incredible detail for the amount of time that it takes. You should spend just over an hour on this tour that is jam-packed full of juicy information.
On this tour, you’ll learn all about the history of one of the world’s most famous buildings – the Sydney Opera House. You’ll get the chance to explore the Opera House’s many halls and theatres. The Opera House contains 1000 rooms and 300 corridors, so there’s no shortage of space to explore.
On this thrilling tour, you’ll learn about the many secrets and tales that the Sydney Opera House has inspired. Don’t miss out on this intriguing tour of a lifetime!
Eat at Maggie’s Thai Restaurant
- This cute little Thai restaurant serves incredible food in a lovely atmosphere.
- You can expect to pay around 14 AUD ($10USD) per meal.
- The staff and owner are very friendly and the service is quick, so if you’re in a bit of a hurry, this is a great place to pop by for a quick meal!
Maggie’s Thai is a great little Thai restaurant that serves food of very good quality. It’s a little more pricey than some of the other Thai restaurants in the area, but not by too much. If you’re looking for great quality, authentic Thai food, this is the best spot to visit in Newtown!
Join the Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sunset Photo Tour
- On this tour, you’ll get a chance to explore the natural beauty of Sydney, away from all the popular tourist routes.
- You can expect to pay around 210 AUD ($150USD) per person for this tour.
- Joining you on the tour will be a professional photographer, which means you get to live in the moment and still enjoy fantastic photos of the experience afterward!
On this small-group tour, you’ll get the opportunity to hike through nature, visit exquisite waterfalls and end up at the picturesque Echo Point. This tour is fairly unique as it veers away from the beaten track that is taken by many tourists.
A professional photographer will join you on the tour, taking photos of you and your other group members, and the nature around you of course. Allowing you to enjoy the moment, and create precious memories.
Day 6 in Sydney – Surry Hills
Surry Hills is a bit of a mixed bag, but that’s why we love it. This neighborhood has a bit of everything all rolled into one. Terrace cafes, art galleries and wine bars are just the beginning of all the wonderful places there are to explore in Surry Hills!
Admire the Architecture
- The streets in Surry Hills are lined with terraced homes that are absolutely gorgeous!
- Taking a self-guided tour of the neighborhood is absolutely free!
- Wandering around without a solid destination is often the best way to get to know a neighborhood.
Walking around the Surry Hills neighborhood, you’ll find a lot of hidden gem cafes, restaurants and bars. These are great to take note of and come back to later on. This way you’ll get a feel for a few places that most tourists never get the opportunity to explore!
Take the Surry Hills Dining Walking Tour
- This four-hour walking tour will take you to eat at four of the best dining spots in Surry Hills.
- You can expect to pay around 250 AUD ($180USD) for this walking tour.
- On this walking tour, you’ll get the opportunity to try four different cuisines: Modern Australian, European, Asian and Mediterranean. All have a uniquely individualistic style, and are an absolute treat to your taste buds!
You’ll start your tour at a small bar, where you’ll enjoy an icy cocktail and some light snacks (very light because you’ll need a healthy appetite to complete all the tastings you’re going to be doing).
During the tour, your guide will share with you their knowledge of the local cuisine and food scene. As well as giving you the lowdown on the dishes you’ll be tasting. Remember to show up hungry, there’ll be so much food to indulge in along the way!
Indulge your Taste Buds at Mjolnir
- This restaurant serves absolutely delicious late-night food.
- You can expect to pay around 30 AUD ($21,510) per meal.
- Midnight snacking can become a thing of the past, this restaurant serves up some absolute treats for those you like to indulge in some late-night snacking.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s strangely unique, this is the perfect place to go to. Mjolnir serves incredibly tasty meals at a very odd time of the day. But who knew that late-night snacking could be so decadent!
The atmosphere is warm and cosy. If you’re not into eating late at night, their cocktails are incredible too! Don’t hesitate to try any of their uniquely formulated drinks, they won’t disappoint!
Take the Highlights of Sydney Half-Day Tour
- Cramming the best that Sydney has to offer into half a day is the perfect thing to do when you’ve got a time limit. 7 days in Australia is not very long, and you’re sure to want to see all the main attractions!
- You can expect to pay around 153,58 AUD ($110,25) per person for this tour.
- On this tour, you’ll learn all about the best spots in the city and the history of Sydney in about 4 hours.
You’ll start off the tour by visiting the famous Sydney Harbour and Bondi Beach. Unfortunately, Nemo won’t be present this time, but at least you’ll get to see where he ended up after his great journey.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a favorite amongst the locals! And then dive straight into the contemporary city life that is enjoyed by the locals. During the tour, you’ll learn all about Sydney’s fascinating history and you’ll be given more than enough time to ask your most burning questions!
Day 7 in Sydney – Marrickville
If you’re a big foodie, this is a great place to test all the wonderful street food that Sydney has to offer! Warehouse parties are also a common occurrence in this neighborhood, so if you’re ready for a boogie, you know just where to go!
The people in Marrickville tend to be very accepting and peaceful, so we recommend this neighborhood to any traveler looking to make a friend or two along the way.
Visit the Marrickville Organic Farmers Market
- Being your last day in Sydney, taking it a little easy is a good idea, and strolling around a farmers market should be the dictionary definition of taking it easy.
- Exploring this farmers market is absolutely free!
- If you’re a lover of fresh foods, this is the perfect place to come for a snack or even a full-on lunch.
The Marrickville Organic Farmers Market is where the locals come to buy only the freshest of ingredients, and their groceries for the coming week. However since it’s your last day in Australia, there’s no need for grocery shopping. However, that doesn’t mean you should give this market a miss!
Stop by for a fresh breakfast or lunch as there are plenty of stalls selling food and coffee. If you’re wanting to explore a little deeper, there are also many stalls selling arts and crafts.
Set Sail on the Vivid Sydney Festival Harbour Cruise
- On this unique night cruise, you’ll be able to see the city lights from the tranquillity of the water in Sydney Harbour.
- You can expect to pay around 40,73 AUD ($29,28) for this cruise.
- This 1-hour cruise will take you around the harbor.
During this cruise, you’ll get the opportunity to see a projection of the Vivid Sydney Festival from the water. This makes the cruise a very unique experience.
Be sure to bring warm clothing with you on the cruise, as on the water the air tends to cool down significantly!
Eat at Arepa
- This cute little Venezuelan restaurant is constantly buzzing with activity and has a friendly and warm atmosphere.
- The food is very reasonably priced.
- If you don’t eat meat, you’ll be glad to know that Arepa has plenty of vegetarian options.
This little Venezuelan joint serves gluten-free South American street food that is to die for. Arepa could be described as the hidden gem of Marrickville. If you’re looking for some excellent comfort food then Arepa has only the best for you!
Take a Coach Tour from Sydney to Canberra
- If you’re looking to have a really full last day in Sydney, this tour is the perfect way to end off a superb holiday!
- You can expect to pay around 197,15 AUD ($141,64) for this tour.
- On this tour, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of Sydney’s greatest landmarks!
On this guided tour, you’ll learn all about the history of Sydney, as well as seeing some of the most beautiful landmarks that Sydney and the surrounding area have to offer.
Your first stop will be the Parliament House and the Prime Minister’s residence. You’ll then move on to the National Library and the High Court. You’ll then be able to enjoy views of the National Carillon that has been preserved for decades!
After that, you’ll visit the majestic Captain Cook Memorial Fountain. This is a great photo opportunity and the perfect memory to create on your last day in Australia!
More Things to do in Sydney and Melbourne
If you’re extending your stay, or happen to have planned a longer trip to Sydney and Melbourne, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top picks for things to do if you’re staying in Australia for over a week:
Half-Day Tours in Sydney and Melbourne
Half-day tours are a great way to fill up your Sydney and Melbourne itinerary. You’ll be able to fit two or three of them into one day, which makes for an exciting, jam-packed holiday full of adventure.
Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute Walking Tour
On this tour, you’ll be lead through the cobbled streets, exploring one of the oldest areas in Sydney. The Rocks is the earliest British convict settlement in Sydney, which makes for some interesting tales.
Your guide will teach you all about the convicts that were apart of the first settlement, and what their lives looked like.
During your tour, you’ll be able to explore some of the oldest buildings in Sydney, and enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House. The route will span over 2 kilometers, which is fairly short, leaving you with plenty of energy for the rest of the day!
Melbourne: Off-Road Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
On this open range safari tour, you’ll feel like you’ve ridden into the African Savannah. This small-group tour will take place in an open-top safari vehicle, that will allow you to see wildlife close up.
The zoo is designed to look like the open plains in Africa, so you’ll feel like you’re getting the authentic African experience, just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne city center. On this tour, you’ll see rhinos, giraffes, zebras and many more incredible wildlife!
This tour is the perfect picture opportunity, so remember to bring your camera along for the ride. Although you’ll get within close range of the animals, we recommend bringing a lens with adequate zoom, as the animals tend to run when you venture too close.
Full-Day Tours in Sydney and Melbourne
Full-day tours are a great way to make the most of your holiday, and see as much as possible in 1 day. Here are two of the best 1-day tours in Sydney and Melbourne:
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Tour
This incredible aquarium is situated on the city side of Darling Harbour and is a must visit while staying in Sydney. If there’s one thing that Sydney is famous for, it’s a great wealth of marine diversity.
The Sea Life Aquarium is home to over 12 000 animals. Talk about diversity! Some of the main attractions at the Sydney Aquarium are the Sharks, Dugongs, Platypus, Sting-rays, Penguins and Seahorses. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many many more.
On this tour, you’ll be able to experience the incredible walk-under, which is a glass tunnel that runs through one of the biggest tanks at the aquarium. You’re guaranteed to be staring in awe as sharks and stingrays swim in the water right above your head.
Sovereign Hill Day Tour
This 9.5-hour tour will take you out of the bustling rush of the city, to a place called Sovereign Hill. This little town used to be an old gold mining town and looks as if it was frozen in time during the Gold ush! Okay, so it’s not a real town anymore, but it’s a very authentic recreation of the town that once stood there. Many of its original houses and mines still stand.
You’ll be guided on a stage-coach through the old town, to explore this authentic recreation of the town of Sovereign Hill.
On this tour you’ll be able to explore the famous living museum, and then move on to an epic tour of the old mines. The guide will teach you all about what it entails to mine for gold, and then you’ll give it a shot yourself! Panning for gold is an easy process, but finding it, is another story altogether.
Day Trips From Sydney and Melbourne
Taking a day trip that leads you out of your original destination allows you to see a little more of the country than you first intended. Here are a few of the best day trips that we recommend in Sydney and Melbourne:
Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountain Day Trip from Sydney
On this tour, you’ll spend the day exploring the gorgeous Blue Mountains and then head into the Jenolan Caves. The Jenolan Caves are inside the mountain and are made up of naturally occurring limestone.
You’ll get the chance to observe dramatic stalagmite formations and learn about the history of the caves. The most fascinating part of these limestone caves is the Grand Arch, which you will get to see and take photos of during this tour.
After a day of exploring the mountains, you’ll take a cruise across the Parramatta River and take a tour bus back to your hotel.
Boutique Wildlife Day Trip from Sydney
On this full-day trip, you’ll get the chance to search for Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. This can be a completely different experience to seeing these animals at the zoo, as they behave in very different ways.
You’ll be searching for koalas, platypus, kangaroos and emus. On most of the trips, the guides manage to spot almost all of these. But because it’s an authentic experience, sightings of all the animals cannot be guaranteed.
On this trip, you’ll travel in a luxury 4-wheel-drive vehicle through the Australian wilderness. And after your trip, you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy a very filling dinner at one of Australia’s oldest country inns.
Great Ocean Road Day Trip From Melbourne
If you didn’t take the road trip option when traveling from Melbourne to Sydney, then this day trip is an absolute must!
On this trip, you’ll get the opportunity to travel along Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road! This is a road that leads you on a winding path that hugs the coastline, which makes for incredible views!
Along the way, you’ll stop off at the 12 Apostles, a famous attraction that draws thousands of tourists every year! The 12 Apostles are large limestone rocks that protrude out of the ocean, making for a spectacular sight!
This road can be described as one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, and is the perfect place to rack up a few more pictures of your epic Australian trip.
Conclusion
Australia is nothing less than an epic travel destination! And if you’re heading down under, then Sydney and Melbourne are a must visit. Australia’s biggest cities have so much to offer and so many diverse activities and tours.
Learning about Australia’s rich cultural history is a must during your stay. They’ve found a way to make every learning experience fun, so don’t think that any educational tour in Australia is going to be a snooze.
From the hustle and bustle of the big city, to open spaces that can only be described as a nature-lovers dream, there simply isn’t a more diverse holiday destination. There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy!
If you’re planning a trip to Sydney and Melbourne, then putting together a 7-day Australia itinerary is a must before you take the trip. Adding a few of these activities and tours to your schedule is a great way to beef up your itinerary, and make sure you’ve got a jam-packed Sydney and Melbourne holiday ahead of you.
Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 03:13 pm
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