Curator’s statement
Visiting Australia's highlights of Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns offers a diverse and unforgettable experience within two weeks. Melbourne entices with its vibrant arts scene, eclectic culinary offerings and charming laneways. Sydney showcases iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, coupled with stunning beaches and a bustling urban atmosphere. Cairns provides access to the Great Barrier Reef, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving and exploring one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems, making it an essential stop for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The Fora Difference
Book with Sarit to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Australia
Unlock perks by contacting Sarit to book your trip.
Things to do in Australia
TAKE A FERRY TO MANLY BEACH
A 25 minute ferry ride for $22.
Leave from Circular Quay and hike to Spit Bridge, or follow along many other hiking or walking trails, rent snorkeling gear and bikes and check out exhibitions at the local Manly gallery. Rent a paddleboard, explore surfing beaches and take surfing lessons.
VENTURE OUT TO BLUE MOUNTAINS AND FEATHERDALE
Embark on a small group tour to explore the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park from Sydney. Led by an experienced guide, discover iconic sites like Echo Point, offering stunning views of the Three Sisters rock formation and delve into the rich Aboriginal culture. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest near Wentworth Falls, venture into the picturesque Jamison Valley and encounter native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park. With a maximum group size of 14 people, enjoy leisurely bushwalks and personalized insights from your guide amid the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.
TAKE A PRIVATE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK TOUR
Embark on a personalized full-day excursion to the Royal National Park with your own private group and guide. Tailor the itinerary to your preferences, with options for more or less walking. Marvel at the scenic vistas from Bald Hill, oogle at the striking white sandstone formations of Wedding Cake Rock, explore the beauty of the Wattamolla waterfall and lagoon and discover other highlights during this nine-hour adventure.
TAKE A SYDNEY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Experience the essence of Sydney with a comprehensive highlights tour! Join us for a dynamic four-hour excursion filled with photo-worthy moments and iconic landmarks, while benefiting from insider insights from our expert local guide. Capture breathtaking views from Mrs Macquarie's Chair and The Gap, admire the grandeur of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. Explore charming neighborhoods including The Rocks, Paddington and Woolloomooloo before venturing to the coast to uncover the beauty of Bondi Beach, Rose Bay and Shark Beach.
TAKE A SUNSET CRUISE TO CAIRNS
Experience the splendor of Cairns aboard a sunset cruise along the picturesque Cairns Trinity Inlet. Marvel at the stunning mountain-framed scenery as the sun sets, providing ample opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs. Your knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories about the city's history, wildlife and culture throughout the leisurely one and a half-hour journey. Sit back, unwind and enjoy the panoramic skyline views from the comfort of the cozy boat.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in two unique ways on this tour, combining a semi-submersible boat cruise with insightful commentary on the diverse marine life below. Dive into the adventure with included snorkeling gear for a firsthand exploration of the reef. Cap off your experience with a thrilling 10-minute helicopter ride, offering an aerial perspective of the vibrant blue and green waters, as you marvel at the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef beneath you.
JOIN A KURANDA DAY TOUR IN STYLE
Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest from Cairns. Begin your journey by riding the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway in the gold cart, arriving in Kuranda to explore the renowned Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to the largest flight aviary in the country. Delve deeper into the Rainforestation Nature Park aboard an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, where you'll encounter koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Engage in a cultural experience with a Pamagirri guide on a dreamtime walk, followed by a delectable Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Conclude your excursion by returning to Cairns aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Diamond Cableway, enjoying scenic views of the lush rainforest along the way.
OCEAN ROAD
Start your day on a captivating journey along Australia's Great Ocean Road, where you'll be treated to mesmerizing views of expansive sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Witness some of the world's most spectacular coastal scenery, including the renowned Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and the historic cliff lines at Gibson's Steps. Immerse yourself in nature with a bushwalk through the enchanting Great Otway National Park, and put your koala-spotting skills to the test. Travel in style and comfort aboard a deluxe mini-coach with a small group, ensuring a relaxing and personalized experience throughout the day.
PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS
Enter the bathhouse and indulge in over 50 baths and saunas. Enjoy this spa experience by relaxing in one of the geothermal pools in the Peninsula hot springs, located north of Melbourne.
Places to eat & drink in Australia
Melbourne
Vue de Monde: Located in the iconic Rialto Tower, offering breathtaking views of Melbourne in a fine dining setting.
Chin Chin: Offering vibrant and flavorsome Thai cuisine, Chin Chin is a bustling restaurant loved by locals and visitors alike.
Cutler & Co.: Set in a converted metalworks factory, Cutler & Co. offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Cairns
Salt House: Located on the waterfront, Salt House offers modern Australian cuisine with stunning views of the marina.
Tamarind Restaurant: Situated within the Reef Hotel Casino, Tamarind Restaurant offers contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting.
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse: Known for its premium steaks and seafood, Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse is a popular choice for meat lovers.
Sydney
Bennelong Restaurant: Housed within the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine in a stunning architectural setting.
Tetsuya's: Known for its Japanese-French fusion cuisine, Tetsuya's offers a degustation menu featuring innovative and beautifully presented dishes.
Mr. Wong: Specializing in Cantonese cuisine, Mr. Wong offers a vibrant atmosphere and delicious dim sum in the heart of Sydney's CBD.
Travel Advisor
Sarit Rothschild
Get in touch with Sarit
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Sarit within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Doing Iceland on a Budget. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Australia.