This guide details exactly how Indian travelers can experience Australia’s highlights in one week. We cover visa requirements, transportation between cities, and realistic daily budgets to help you plan efficiently.
Suggested Read: Australia Visa for Indians
- 7 Days in Australia: Cities, Reef, and Rainforest
- Day 1 – Sydney Harbour Icons and Historic Rocks
- Day 2 – Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Trail
- Day 3 – Blue Mountains National Park Adventure
- Day 4 – Sydney Museums and Darling Harbour
- Day 5 – Flight to Cairns and Tropical Evening
- Day 6 – Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling
- Day 7 – Daintree Rainforest and Return Home
- Additional Recommendations for Indian Tourists
- Why Choose OneVasco?
- FAQs
7 Days in Australia: Cities, Reef, and Rainforest
Your Australia itinerary 7 days splits time between cosmopolitan Sydney and tropical Cairns. Indian passport holders need a visitor visa (subclass 600) that costs ₹7,067 (AUD 140) with processing times of 10-20 days – apply early through ImmiAccount.
| Day | Region | Highlights | Budget | Getting Around | Must-Try Food |
| Day 1 | Sydney CBD, The Rocks | Opera House tour, Harbour Bridge views | ₹18,000 (AUD 360) | Airport transfer, walking | Rock oysters, lamb cutlets |
| Day 2 | Eastern Beaches | Bondi surf, cliff walk, Icebergs pool | ₹12,500 (AUD 250) | Taxi, public bus | Beach barbecue, fish & chips |
| Day 3 | Blue Mountains | Three Sisters, Scenic World rides | ₹16,000 (AUD 320) | Day tour coach | Bush tucker, meat pies |
| Day 4 | Central Sydney | Australian Museum, SEA LIFE Aquarium | ₹14,000 (AUD 280) | Metro, walking | Asian fusion, mod-Oz cuisine |
| Day 5 | Cairns | Esplanade Lagoon, tropical gardens | ₹20,000 (AUD 400) | Domestic flight, taxi | Barramundi, crocodile meat |
| Day 6 | Coral Sea | Reef snorkeling, marine life viewing | ₹22,500 (AUD 450) | Catamaran cruise | Seafood buffet onboard |
| Day 7 | Wet Tropics | Ancient forest, wildlife sanctuary | ₹17,500 (AUD 350) | 4WD tour, airport transfer | Tropical fruits, damper bread |
Day 1 – Sydney Harbour Icons and Historic Rocks
Touch down at Kingsford Smith Airport after your long-haul flight from India. Most flights arrive late evening, setting you up for a fresh start tomorrow.
Morning Activities
Immigration queues move efficiently – expect 45-60 minutes with your pre-approved visa. Grab essentials at the airport before heading into the city.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 22:30 | Land at SYD | Clear customs, collect baggage | Visa pre-approved |
| 23:30 | Airport taxi | 30-minute ride to CBD | ₹2,750 (AUD 55) |
| 00:00 | Hotel check-in | The Langham, Sydney | From ₹11,000/night |
| 08:30 | Buffet breakfast | Kitchens on Kent restaurant | ₹2,500 (AUD 50) |
| 10:00 | The Rocks district | Cobblestone streets, art galleries | Free walking |
| 11:30 | Harbour viewpoints | Dawes Point, Campbell’s Cove | Free access |
The Rocks preserves Sydney’s colonial past with sandstone buildings from the 1800s. Weekend markets sell Aboriginal art, jewelry, and photography. Plaques throughout mark historic sites where First Fleet convicts landed in 1788.
Lunchtime
Cafe Sydney occupies level 5 of Customs House with floor-to-ceiling harbour views. Their seafood tasting plate (₹1,750 or AUD 35) includes Pacific oysters, tiger prawns, and smoked salmon. Non-seafood options feature grain-fed beef and seasonal vegetables.
Tables by windows book weeks ahead – call the morning of your visit to check cancellations.
Afternoon Activities
Sydney Opera House runs hourly tours revealing spaces the public never sees. The one-hour journey (₹2,400 or AUD 48) includes concert hall acoustics demonstrations and architectural insights. Danish designer Utzon never saw his completed masterpiece after resigning mid-construction.
Walk through Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This carved sandstone bench offers Instagram-worthy shots with Opera House and bridge together. Continue along the waterfront to reach the bridge pylons.
Climb Harbour Bridge’s southeast pylon for ₹950 (AUD 19). Three levels of exhibits explain bridge construction before you reach the lookout 89 meters above the water. Less crowded than the full bridge climb, but it offers equally spectacular views.
Evening Activities
Opera Bar spreads across multiple levels beside the Opera House. Order a dozen Sydney rock oysters (₹1,250 or AUD 25) – they’re creamier than Indian varieties. Watch ferries shuttle commuters home while sipping Australian wine.
Their kitchen serves share plates until 10 PM. Try salt and pepper squid (₹900 or AUD 18) or lamb kofta (₹850 or AUD 17). Book sunset tables online or arrive by 5 PM for walk-in spots.
Pro Tips:
- Exchange some currency at airport (rates similar to city)
- Buy Opal transport card for trains/buses/ferries
- Sydney weather changes quickly – carry light jacket
- Restaurant service charge not expected – tipping optional
Suggested Read: Australia Visa Appeal for Indians
Day 2 – Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Trail
Today is the day to enjoy Sydney’s legendary beach lifestyle. The eastern suburbs combine surf culture with cliff-top mansions and ocean pools.
Morning Activities
Early birds catch empty beaches and parking spots. Head east before the crowds arrive.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 07:30 | Quick hotel breakfast | Grab-and-go options | Included |
| 08:00 | Taxi to Bondi | 20-minute direct route | ₹1,500 (AUD 30) |
| 08:30 | Bondi Beach arrival | Icebergs Club, surf school | Beach access free |
| 09:00 | Coastal walk begins | 6km clifftop path | Free public trail |
| 10:00 | Tamarama Beach | Smallest, most glamorous | Swimming free |
| 11:00 | Bronte Beach | Natural rock pool, park | Pool access free |
The Bondi to Coogee track winds along sandstone cliffs with safety barriers throughout. Sculptures appear during October’s Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Each beach has a different character – Bondi buzzes with tourists, Tamarama attracts models, Bronte suits families.
Lunchtime
Icebergs Dining Room floats above Australia’s most photographed pool. The two-course lunch (₹6,500 or AUD 130) changes seasonally. Summer menus feature kingfish sashimi and grilled octopus. Winter brings slow-cooked lamb shoulder and roasted vegetables.
Book ahead for window tables. The concrete pool below fills with devoted swimmers year-round – even in winter when waves crash over the edge.
Afternoon Activities
After lunch, choose your Bondi activity:
- Learn to surf: Two-hour group lesson ₹3,500 (AUD 70)
- Swim at Icebergs Pool: Entry ₹400 (AUD 8)
- Beach relaxation: Chair rental ₹500/hour (AUD 10)
- Shopping on Campbell Parade: Surf brands, swimwear
Return to the city via public bus #333. The journey takes 45 minutes with harbour glimpses from the top deck. Tap on/off with your Opal card – maximum daily charge caps at ₹850 (AUD 17).
Evening Activities
Barangaroo transformed old container wharves into Sydney’s newest dining precinct. Start at Smoke Bar for Australian whiskey flights (₹2,250 or AUD 45). Their rooftop catches harbour breezes with views to the Anzac Bridge.
Dinner at Mumu Grill introduces modern Korean barbecue. Their signature galbi (₹1,900 or AUD 38) marinates for 48 hours. Banchan side dishes arrive automatically – kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned spinach.
Pro Tips:
- Swim between red and yellow flags only
- Bring refillable water bottle for coastal walk
- Buses get crowded after 3 PM – consider Uber
- Most beaches have cold showers for sand removal
Suggested Read: Australia Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
Day 3 – Blue Mountains National Park Adventure
Escape Sydney’s urban sprawl for UNESCO-listed wilderness. The Blue Mountains stretch 100 kilometers west, named for eucalyptus oil haze that creates blue-tinted views.
Morning Activities
Small group tours collect passengers from CBD hotels starting 7 AM. Choose operators with maximum 20 participants for personalized experience.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 07:00 | Hotel pickup | Continental breakfast box | ₹5,950 (AUD 119) tour |
| 07:30 | Drive to mountains | M4 motorway route | Included |
| 09:30 | Echo Point arrival | Three Sisters rock formation | Included |
| 10:00 | Indigenous culture | Dreamtime stories | Included |
| 10:45 | Scenic World | Buy all-ride pass | ₹2,450 (AUD 49) |
| 12:00 | Valley boardwalk | Jurassic rainforest | Included |
Aboriginal guides share creation stories at Echo Point. The Three Sisters rock formation represents siblings turned to stone by tribal elder protecting them from forbidden love. Several lookout platforms offer different angles for photos.
Lunchtime
Your tour stops in Leura village, known for gardens and antique shops. Lunch at Leura Garage happens in a converted 1950s service station. Menu options include:
- Angus beef burger: ₹1,400 (AUD 28)
- Pan-fried barramundi: ₹1,600 (AUD 32)
- Mushroom risotto: ₹1,200 (AUD 24)
The building retains original fuel pumps and signage. Outdoor tables overlook cottage gardens where herbs grow for kitchen use.
Afternoon Activities
Scenic World operates four attractions in Jamison Valley:
- Railway: 52-degree incline through tunnel
- Cableway: Glass floor views of canopy
- Skyway: Suspended walkway across gorge
- Walkway: Elevated rainforest boardwalk
The unlimited Discovery Pass covers all rides. At the valley floor, interpretive signs explain Gondwana rainforest evolution. Look for lyrebirds mimicking other birds’ calls.
Return to Sydney by 5:30 PM with mountain air in your lungs.
Evening Activities
Captain Cook dinner cruise departs King Street Wharf at 7 PM. The two-hour harbor circuit (₹5,600 or AUD 112) includes three courses while passing waterfront mansions and naval bases.
Starters rotate between pumpkin soup or prawns. Mains offer barramundi, roast chicken, or vegetable stack. Dessert brings pavlova – Australia’s national sweet of meringue with cream and fruit.
Pro Tips:
- Mountain temperature drops 7°C from Sydney, so wear sturdy shoes for uneven trails
- Carry motion sickness tablets for winding roads
- Book window seats on cruise for photos
Suggested Read: Australia Visa Extension for Indians
Day 4 – Sydney Museums and Darling Harbour
Culture meets entertainment in central Sydney. World-class museums share neighborhoods with waterfront attractions.
Morning Activities
The Grounds of Alexandria requires early arrival to beat Instagram crowds. This industrial estate turned urban farm serves Sydney’s most photographed breakfast.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 08:00 | Taxi to Grounds | 15-minute ride from CBD | ₹1,000 (AUD 20) |
| 08:30 | Garden breakfast | Famous avocado toast | ₹1,250 (AUD 25) |
| 10:00 | Australian Museum | Natural history, First Nations | ₹1,000 (AUD 20) |
| 11:30 | Hyde Park | ANZAC Memorial, fountains | Free entry |
| 12:15 | Walk to Chinatown | Through city center | Free |
Australia’s oldest museum houses 21 million specimens. Dinosaur galleries display complete skeletons found in outback Queensland. The Surviving Australia exhibit introduces deadly snakes, spiders, and jellyfish you’ll hopefully never meet.
Lunchtime
Spice Alley transforms a Chippendale laneway into Asian street food heaven. Ten vendors serve authentic dishes under ₹900 (AUD 18). Queue separately at each stall:
- Malaysian char kway teow: ₹750 (AUD 15)
- Thai green papaya salad: ₹600 (AUD 12)
- Vietnamese pho: ₹800 (AUD 16)
- Singaporean chicken rice: ₹700 (AUD 14)
Seating is communal – share tables and swap food recommendations with locals.
Afternoon Activities
Powerhouse Museum celebrates Australian innovation. Free permanent exhibitions cover transport, space exploration, and digital technology. Their steam engines actually operate on weekends.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium tunnels visitors under shark tanks. The Great Barrier Reef exhibit recreates coral ecosystems with 600 species. Dugong Island houses two rare sea cows rescued from fishing nets.
Online tickets (₹2,300 or AUD 46) save queuing time. Combine with other attractions for discounts.
Evening Activities
Hurricane’s Grill and Bar overlooks Cockle Bay with outdoor heaters for cool evenings. Their 1kg pork ribs (₹2,250 or AUD 45) come with secret-recipe barbecue sauce unchanged since 1996.
Watch the harbour light show starting at sunset. Projections dance across water every 30 minutes until 10 PM. Kids splash in interactive fountains while buskers perform along the promenade.
Pro Tips:
- Museums offer free WiFi
- Darling Harbour restaurants fill after 6 PM
- Combination attraction passes save 40%
- Light rail connects Chinatown to harbour
Suggested Read: Australia Visa Rejection for Indians
Day 5 – Flight to Cairns and Tropical Evening
Swap Sydney’s sophistication for Cairns’ tropical charm. This northern city provides access to both reef and rainforest.
Morning Activities
Catch morning flights to maximize tropical time. Pack reef-appropriate clothing in carry-on bags.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 06:00 | Leave hotel | Early checkout | – |
| 06:30 | Airport express | Train to domestic terminal | ₹925 (AUD 18.50) |
| 08:00 | Qantas QF922 | Direct to Cairns | ₹11,000 (AUD 220) |
| 11:30 | Cairns arrival | Tropical gateway | – |
| 12:00 | Taxi to hotel | Marina precinct | ₹1,750 (AUD 35) |
| 12:30 | Pullman Reef Casino | Harbour-view rooms | ₹10,000/night |
Cairns Airport sits 10 minutes from downtown. The tropical climate hits immediately – expect 28-32°C year-round with high humidity. Hotel air conditioning provides welcome relief.
Lunchtime
Dundee’s on the Waterfront balances tourist-friendly with local quality. Their signature mixed grill (₹2,250 or AUD 45) includes crocodile, kangaroo, and emu alongside familiar steak.
The waterfront deck spots include:
- Fishing trawlers returning with catch
- Seabirds diving for scraps
- Mountains rising behind the city
Afternoon Activities
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon solves the mudflat problem – no natural beach exists downtown. This free 4800m² saltwater pool opens 6 AM to 9 PM with lifeguards patrolling.
Surrounding parklands feature:
- BBQ facilities (BYO food)
- Beach volleyball courts
- Playground with water features
- 3km boardwalk for walking/cycling
Many travelers planning what to do in Australia in 7 days overlook this local favorite that costs nothing.
Evening Activities
The Pier Bar stretches over Trinity Inlet waters. Their sunset happy hour (5-7 PM) discounts tropical cocktails to ₹900 (AUD 18). Try “Barrier Reef Blue” with butterfly pea flower gin.
Dinner at Ochre Restaurant showcases native ingredients. The Australian game platter (₹1,750 or AUD 35) samples crocodile wonton, kangaroo carpaccio, and emu terrine. Vegetarians enjoy wattleseed gnocchi with bush tomato sauce.
Pro Tips:
- Pack insect repellent for evenings
- Book reef tours immediately upon arrival
- Stinger suits required November-May
- UV index extreme – reapply sunscreen often
Suggested Read: India Visa for Australian Citizens
Day 6 – Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Today delivers the highlight of many Australian journeys – exploring Earth’s largest living structure. Choose reef operators certified by Ecotourism Australia for sustainable practices.
Morning Activities
Reef boats depart early to reach outer reef pristine sites. Most include hotel transfers.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 07:00 | Light breakfast | Quick hotel cafe | On your own |
| 07:30 | Shuttle to marina | Pickup from lobby | Included |
| 08:15 | Board vessel | Safety briefing | ₹9,450 (AUD 189) |
| 08:45 | Depart port | 90-minute sail | Included |
| 10:30 | First snorkel | Guided tour, equipment | Included |
| 12:00 | Lunch service | Buffet onboard | Included |
Modern catamarans reach outer reef locations where coral health exceeds 90%. Marine biologists give presentations during transit, explaining reef formation and threats. Prescription masks available for glasses wearers.
Lunchtime
Reef boat buffets cater to all diets:
- Hot dishes: Grilled fish, chicken drumsticks
- Cold selections: Pasta salads, coleslaw
- Vegetarian options: Curry, stir-fried vegetables
- Fresh fruit platters
- Unlimited water, tea, coffee
Eat lightly if prone to seasickness. Ginger tablets available from crew.
Afternoon Activities
Afternoon reef activities vary by operator:
- Second snorkel location: Different coral species
- Glass-bottom boat tour: For non-swimmers
- Semi-submersible vessel: Underwater viewing
- Introductory scuba dive: Extra ₹3,750 (AUD 75)
- Marine biologist presentation: Reef conservation
Look for: Green sea turtles, reef sharks, giant clams, parrotfish, Maori wrasse
Return to Cairns marina by 5 PM with time to rinse gear and shower.
Evening Activities
Salt House serves Mediterranean-inspired seafood in tropical surroundings. Their paella for two (₹1,900 or AUD 38) brims with local prawns, mussels, and reef fish.
Architecture maximizes natural ventilation – important in Cairns humidity. Thursday through Sunday feature acoustic musicians from 7 PM.
Pro Tips:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only
- Bring seasickness medication
- Rent underwater camera onboard
- Stay hydrated throughout day
Suggested Read: How To Check Australia Visa Status Online For Indians
Day 7 – Daintree Rainforest and Return Home
Your final day explores Earth’s oldest rainforest before evening flights home. The Wet Tropics World Heritage area contains plants unchanged since dinosaur times.
Morning Activities
Join guided tours for expert wildlife spotting and cultural insights.
| Time | Activity | Details | Cost |
| 06:00 | Quick breakfast | Hotel takeaway | ₹500 (AUD 10) |
| 06:30 | Tour departure | Air-conditioned coach | ₹8,250 (AUD 165) |
| 08:00 | Wildlife habitat | Cassowary sanctuary | Included |
| 09:30 | Daintree River | Crocodile cruise | Included |
| 11:00 | Mossman Gorge | Guided forest walk | Included |
| 12:30 | Cape Tribulation | Where rainforest meets reef | Included |
Daintree River cruises spot saltwater crocodiles basking on mudbanks. These prehistoric reptiles reach 6 meters length. Guides identify birds, snakes, and monitor lizards along riverbanks.
Lunchtime
Tours include lunch at heritage-listed rainforest lodges. Menus feature:
- Barramundi fillets with macadamia crust
- Tropical fruit platters: Mango, papaya, dragonfruit
- Damper bread with golden syrup
- Vegetarian quinoa salads
Dining pavilions overlook ancient ferns and strangler figs. Watch for brush turkeys scratching through leaf litter.
Afternoon Activities
Cape Tribulation represents the only location where two World Heritage areas meet – rainforest and reef. Walk boardwalks through mangroves to reach beaches. Swimming not recommended due to crocodiles and marine stingers.
Indigenous guides explain traditional plant uses:
- Medicinal leaves for wounds
- Soap berries for washing
- Bush tucker identification
- Tool-making materials
Return to Cairns by 4:30 PM for airport transfers.
Evening Activities
Catch evening flights south for international connections:
- Cairns to Sydney: 3 hours
- Cairns to Melbourne: 3.5 hours
- Allow 3 hours for international transfers
Airport dining options include seafood restaurants and quick cafes. Use remaining Australian dollars at duty-free shops selling Tim Tams, Vegemite, and aboriginal art.
Pro Tips:
- Wear closed shoes for rainforest walks
- Bring poncho for sudden showers
- Don’t feed wildlife – heavy fines apply
- Check-in online for domestic flights
The best places to visit in Australia in 7 days include these diverse ecosystems. Your top 7 day itinerary for Australia concludes with memories spanning urban culture, underwater wonders, and ancient wilderness.
Suggested Read: How to Book Australia Visa Appointment
Additional Recommendations for Indian Tourists
Hotels
Luxury:
- Park Hyatt Sydney: Five-star hotel with iconic Opera House views, elegant suites, and a rooftop pool overlooking Sydney Harbour.
- COMO The Treasury Perth: Modern luxury in a heritage building, blending minimalist décor with two acclaimed restaurants and a wellness spa.
- Jamala Wildlife Lodge Canberra: Unique animal-themed luxury with treehouse suites and private zoo experiences at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
Budget:
- YHA Sydney Central: Clean, affordable hostel in central Sydney, ideal for solo travelers and groups.
- YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites: Comfortable budget-friendly suites with kitchenettes, close to Darling Harbour.
- Hotel Star Inn Sydney: Modern, affordable hotel near Sydney Airport, perfect for short stays.
Food
Luxury:
- Quay Sydney: Multi-award-winning fine dining with creative tasting menus and panoramic harbour views.
- Attica Melbourne: Renowned for innovative Australian cuisine and a unique degustation experience.
- Tetsuya’s Sydney: Japanese-inspired contemporary Australian fine dining in an intimate setting.
Casual:
- Zaaffran Sydney: Elegant Indian restaurant on Darling Harbour serving authentic home-style dishes and classic favorites.
- Gaylord Indian Restaurant Melbourne: Long-standing favorite for North and South Indian cuisine, with a diverse thali menu and vegetarian options.
- Malabar Darlinghurst Sydney: Popular for South Indian specialties and a welcoming atmosphere, loved by Indian travelers.
Street Food:
- Queen Victoria Market Melbourne: An iconic market for street eats, fresh produce, and multicultural snacks.
- The Rocks Markets Sydney: Open-air weekend market with food stalls offering Aussie classics, sweets, and global bites.
- Chinatown Sydney: Bustling area for Asian street food, bubble tea, and late-night snacks.
Shopping
Electronics:
- JB Hi-Fi: Leading retailer for gadgets, laptops, and cameras across Australia.
- Harvey Norman: Major chain for electronics, home appliances, and tech accessories.
- Myer: Department store with a wide electronics section and premium brands.
Fashion & Luxury:
- Queen Victoria Building Sydney: High-end shopping destination with over 180 boutiques for fashion, jewelry, and accessories.
- Emporium Melbourne: Luxury brands and flagship stores in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping district.
- Chadstone Shopping Centre Melbourne: Australia’s largest mall, offering international and local brands, dining, and entertainment.
Local Markets:
- The Rocks Sydney: Famous for handicrafts, Aboriginal art, souvenirs, and artisan products.
- Block Arcade Melbourne: Heritage arcade known for chocolates, footwear, and specialty shops.
- Fremantle Markets Perth: Historic market for crafts, gourmet foods, and unique gifts.
Suggested Read: Experience Winter in Australia | A Complete Guide
Why Choose OneVasco?
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Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.
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FAQs
Is 7 days enough to explore Australia?
Seven days allow you to experience two major regions, like Sydney and Cairns, effectively. While Australia is massive, this itinerary covers iconic experiences from city culture to natural wonders within realistic timeframes.
What is the average daily cost for a 7-day itinerary in Australia?
Budget ₹15,000-25,000 (AUD 300-500) daily, covering mid-range accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. Sydney runs slightly higher than Cairns, with reef and rainforest tours representing your biggest expenses.
Which is the best month to visit Australia?
September to November brings spring weather ideal for both Sydney and Cairns. Temperatures stay comfortable, tourist crowds thin out, and you avoid both peak season prices and cyclone risks up north.
How much money to take to Australia for 7 days?
Carry ₹105,000-175,000 (AUD 2,100-3,500) for the week, excluding hotels pre-booked online. This covers food, activities, local transport, and shopping with a buffer for unexpected costs or splurges.
Which area of Australia is best to stay in?
In Sydney, stay near Circular Quay for harbour access or Darling Harbour for entertainment. In Cairns, choose waterfront hotels along the Esplanade for reef tour convenience and lagoon proximity.
Should I include Melbourne in my itinerary?
With only 7 days, adding Melbourne means sacrificing reef or rainforest experiences. Sydney and Cairns offer contrasting highlights – save Melbourne for a dedicated southern Australia trip.
