Melbourne-Cairns-Sydney, from Beautiful Coast to Bustling City: A Detailed 12-Day 3-City Budget Self-Guided Tour Guide

Day 1 Depart from Shanghai

Day 2 Arrive in Melbourne, check into Airbnb, rest in the morning to recharge, explore Melbourne city center in the afternoon

It was summer in Melbourne, the sun hadn't set by 8 PM. Although we slept in, we still had plenty of time to explore the city. Melbourne's city center is compact and walkable (though it does require some energy). There's a free vintage tram called the City Circle Tram Route 35 that loops around the city's attractions, convenient and free.

We visited the historic and architecturally unique Flinders Street Station in the busiest part of Melbourne, the majestic St. Paul's Cathedral, and the artistic Hosier Lane. We strolled along the Yarra River, enjoying the breeze and watching the crowded floating bars on the water.

St. Paul's Cathedral is diagonally across the intersection from the station.

Hosier Lane is visible from the street between the station and the cathedral.

The Yarra River is right behind the station, adjacent to it.

Day 3 Humble Rays + Melbourne City Center + Puffing Billy Steam Train + Chocolate Factory + Penguin Parade

Today's main activities were the steam train and Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. Since the penguins come back after 8 PM, our online booked day tour started from Melbourne city center at noon, giving us another morning to explore the city. We woke up naturally and walked to the popular brunch spot Humble Rays for a late breakfast. It's said to always have a long queue, but luckily only a few people were waiting when we arrived. We ordered Benny Egg, Crab Meat Scramble, and the dessert French Toast Forever. True to its reputation, it was delicious and beautiful—highly recommended.

The soft-shell crab scramble (Crab Meat Scramble) with croissant was excellent.

The dessert French Toast Forever was too sweet for us; we couldn't finish it as the first two dishes were enough.

After eating, we passed an eye-catching building—a public toilet.

We walked along the street and saw the eclectic architecture of RMIT University, and took a quick look at the State Library Victoria.

Ending our morning stroll, we headed to the meeting point near the State Library. Melbourne city center is far from the steam train and Phillip Island, so driving yourself isn't cost-effective. We recommend searching on Taobao for a tour. Through an online booked day tour, we joined a Chinese tour group and headed to Puffing Billy. The train is open-air; previously you could sit on the window sills with legs dangling, but that's now prohibited due to safety concerns. Still, the ride was enjoyable, with historic stations and trains giving a toy-like feel.

The train wound through the jungle, and passersby waved at us. A child even got off just to wave at the train—very fun.

The next stop was Charlie's Chocolate Factory, full of chocolate creations. We played games to win chocolate beans. After dinner, we went to Phillip Island to wait for the penguins. We chose the premium viewing platform, as the regular one is too far. By the time we arrived, people had already taken most spots, so we found a corner. But later we realized the position wasn't that important. The penguins come out of the sea far from the platform; bring binoculars to see them hopping on the rocks in groups or pairs. Later, they come very close along the path, so you can see them up close. Words can't describe how cute they are. Photos are not allowed, so I can't share. Highly recommend seeing it live—they're adorable.

There was also a huge chocolate waterfall.

After the penguin parade, we returned to our accommodation at midnight. Be prepared for a tiring day.

Day 4 Pick up a car in downtown Melbourne, start Great Ocean Road road trip.

Route: Melbourne - Geelong (see the painted dolls) - Split Point Light House - Memorial Arch of Great Ocean Road - Lorne - Apollo Bay - accommodation

As we drove on the winding road, suddenly around a bend, a deep blue ocean appeared before us, stunning. This section of the Great Ocean Road is blue—ocean on the left, mountains on the right, winding along the foothills—breathtaking.

PS: Australia drives on the left, and the Great Ocean Road is twisty with decent speed limits. So either be a skilled driver or drive slowly. The driver won't enjoy the scenery much; focus on the road.

First stop: Geelong's painted dolls.

Second stop: Split Point Light House.

Third stop: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.

Fourth stop: Lorne town. We didn't research enough; there's a lookout in Lorne with a great view of the Great Ocean Road, which we missed.

Arrived at our Apollo Bay Airbnb in the evening, a small village on the outskirts with cute, diverse houses.

Day 5 Great Ocean Road Day 2 Itinerary

A perfect day, sunrise to sunset.

Apollo Bay (sunrise) - Cape Otway Lighthouse area - Gibson Steps - Twelve Apostles - Loch Ard Gorge - Port Campbell accommodation - The Arch - London Arch - The Grotto (sunset).

Our village was at the foot of Marriners Lookout. We drove up before sunrise; it's the highest point in town. Some people were already there with professional cameras to capture the sunrise over the sea.

The sun rose slowly, spreading golden light over the village, covering roofs and grass. I felt my photography skills couldn't capture its beauty.

From above, we could see the whole Apollo Bay, with its two arms reaching into the sea, like standing on a map.

After sunrise, we went back for a nap, packed, and headed to Apollo Bay town for breakfast. We visited the award-winning, one-and-only Dooley's Ice Cream—well-deserved reputation.

Continued the Great Ocean Road trip; now it turned green, with tall trees on both sides, like driving through a dense forest.

Next was Great Otway National Park; we skipped it due to time. We planned to see Cape Otway Lightstation. On the way, we saw koalas occasionally clinging to trees—free viewing. They're small, hard to spot. But you can't miss them if you see cars stopped and people pointing cameras at trees. At the lighthouse entrance, we found it's a paid lighthouse, far from the entrance. Compared to Split Point, it's squat; not worth paying to see a similar one.

Zooming in, we captured a koala high in a tree.

Continuing, the road turned yellow.

From the forest, we emerged onto open grasslands. Rolling hills with neatly trimmed lawns.

Some with hay bales, some grazing cattle.

The road wound through the hills, up and down, scenery demanding constant photos.

Crossing the grasslands, we reached the final and most famous section of the Great Ocean Road, with the Twelve Apostles leading a group of rock formations. Nature's craftsmanship combined with human imagination gives each rock a shape and story. Wave erosion shapes them over time, creating tales like the disappearing Twelve Apostles and the collapsing London Bridge. See them while they last.

The Twelve Apostles were incredibly beautiful, even more so in person.

The viewing platform is amid the apostles; the ones on the other side didn't photograph as well due to lighting.

Next stop: Loch Ard Gorge.

After Loch Ard Gorge, we drove to our Port Campbell accommodation. After resting, we went to see The Arch, London Arch, and The Grotto before sunset. Australian summer days are long, giving plenty of time for sightseeing.

London Arch formed gradually by wave erosion.

In 1990, the arch connecting to the mainland collapsed, trapping a couple from London; they were rescued by helicopter. Their story remains at the site.

Now only a solitary bridge stands offshore, disconnected.

Next, The Grotto. The opening framed the horizon, a great photo spot, but we arrived too late; the sea and sky were gray.

At The Grotto, the sun was setting, painting the sky with beautiful colors.

Day 6 Transit day: Morning drive from Port Campbell to Melbourne Airport, afternoon flight to Cairns, arrive at Cairns Airbnb in the evening.

Day 7 Sunlover Reef Cruises: Moore Reef day trip

Booked tickets on Taobao in advance. We chose the boat round-trip plus 10-minute helicopter package. Brought seasickness pills. If you don't get seasick, this package is good—enjoy the sea views on the way out, sleep on the return. The 10-minute helicopter is enough to see the beautiful reef. If you get seasick, go to the open deck on the second level; crew provide vomit bags. Many people were vomiting.

On the way, we passed Green Island; some passengers disembarked, others continued to the open sea. We reached the Moore Reef pontoon around noon.

The pontoon offers activities: semi-submersible, glass-bottom boat, marine touch tank with schedules. There's a large snorkeling area; you can rent equipment. But we can't swim and didn't bring swimsuits—missed the chance to get close to the deep sea.

On the glass-bottom boat, we saw colorful corals, fish, and turtles through the transparent bottom.

Best was the helicopter ride over the reef; the blue sea with patches of reef was breathtaking.

It's said the reef is dying due to environmental changes—another natural wonder to see while you can.

The helicopter circled over the reef and pontoon, then landed back.

The water was clear; from the pontoon or underwater observatory, we saw deep-sea fish—vivid colors and shapes.

They looked unreal, like a TV nature show.

Day 8 Cairns Botanic Gardens day trip

Besides the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns' other famous attraction is the rainforest. But the day tour didn't allow us to catch the afternoon flight to Sydney, so we skipped it. We visited the Botanic Gardens instead—a relaxing day.

At noon, we went to Waterbar Grill by the sea for a nice meal. Then flew to Sydney.

Waterbar Grill's T-bone steak was excellent.

Day 9 Another day waking up naturally. At noon, met friends at the University of Sydney, walked around campus, enjoyed a rare Chinese lunch. Afternoon: strolling in the city, shopping.

Sydney city center has the historic Hyde Park.

St. Mary's Cathedral is next to Hyde Park.

Sydney Tower is behind Hyde Park.

The shopping district has the over-100-year-old Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

Inside, the QVB is opulent and magnificent.

Day 10 Taronga Zoo + Sydney Opera House day trip

Morning: bus to Circular Quay, ferry to Taronga Zoo. Circular Quay has the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The ferry offers great views. The zoo has all kinds of animals, with koalas and kangaroos—you can see them up close. Also saw seal and bird shows, and the new tiger from Asia.

In the kangaroo area, you can go inside and interact.

From a corner of the zoo, you can see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge—great photo spot.

On the ferry back, we enjoyed different views of the Opera House and Bridge. Back at Circular Quay, we took another ferry to Manly Beach. At Manly wharf, we thought the small beach next to it was Manly Beach, thinking why it's famous—but after a while, we realized the real Manly Beach is a bit further. Exhausted from the zoo, we dragged ourselves there and understood why it's popular.

Returning to Circular Quay, we went up close to the Opera House, that iconic postcard building. Though tired, the beautiful building and sea breeze revived us.

Evening: visited the famous Pancakes on the Rocks (at The Rocks and Darling Harbour). Their specialty is waffles. We ordered some, but they were average—not recommended.

We also ordered pork ribs, which were delicious. Typical Chinese taste.

Day 11 Harbour Bridge + The Rocks + Darling Harbour fireworks

Bus to the base of the Harbour Bridge, took the elevator up to the bridge deck to feel its charm. Traffic flows on the bridge; you can feel it vibrate. There's a BridgeClimb activity; we saw a group climbing with guides—brave.

It was Saturday, so we caught the weekly Rocks Market. Lots of interesting trinkets.

As the oldest neighborhood in Sydney, The Rocks has historic and unique architecture—popular for Instagram photos.

Dinner at Nick's Seafood in Darling Harbour, waiting for the weekly fireworks.

Nick's specializes in seafood, including the famous Australian lobster. Expensive, but the baby lobster (crayfish) was affordable. Delicious—the texture was great. Must eat lobster in Australia.

We also ordered a seafood platter; not much, but tasty.

Even though fireworks happen weekly, the bridge was crowded; we had to stake out a spot early.

The big Ferris wheel at Darling Harbour looked beautiful at night with lights.

Day 12 Sydney to Shanghai

This is a budget guide for two people, 12 days, 3 cities, 30,000 RMB.

If you eat at restaurants every meal, costs are high—often over $10-$20 AUD. For example, a simple breakfast in Apollo Bay (wonton + noodles) cost about 100 RMB. So except for our few indulgent meals, we saved money.

Breakfasts: we ate whole wheat bread. Australian whole wheat bread is super cheap—about 30 slices for 10 RMB, enough for several breakfasts, so breakfast costs were negligible.

Instant noodles are allowed into Australia. We didn't research enough about bringing food; we brought many items but had to throw away non-permitted ones at customs. Luckily, instant noodles were allowed—we had one meal with them. Regret not bringing more.

Fast food: in China, burgers are expensive, but in Australia they are the cheapest Western food. We went to Hungry Jacks; two people ate for about 70 RMB—good value.

We avoided hotels due to high prices and stayed in Airbnbs.

Booking via Airbnb app.

Book at least one month in advance for popular places.

New users get a 100 RMB coupon.

Tips: set filters (choose Superhost), use map, read reviews.

We monitored flight prices a month in advance and bought cheap tickets throughout. Although it was Australia's peak tourist season, we found good deals.

International: Xiamen Airlines—free checked luggage 23 kg/person, carry-on 5 kg/person (not strict), free headphones, free blankets (red-eye flights).

Domestic (Australia): Jetstar—budget airline, need to buy checked luggage. Free 7 kg carry-on. Extra luggage: purchase online, 180 RMB/15 kg, 200/20 kg.

Melbourne airport to city: Skybus—buy tickets in advance.

Cairns city: bus—pay cash.

Sydney: buy Opal card in advance for bus and metro.

PS: Download Google Maps in advance; it shows exact bus arrival times.

Car rental: free international driver's license translation (just pay shipping), book in advance, pick up locally.

Buy insurance from rental platform in advance; no need to buy locally. If accident occurs, pay up front 6,000 AUD, then claim from platform after returning.

1. Drive on left: remind yourself "Keep Left".

2. Right of way: ensure main road is clear within 100 meters before entering.

3. Honking: almost never honk except in special cases.

4. Parking: most places free.

5. Some roads may have tolls. We didn't know about tolls or how to pay. A month after returning, we received a credit card bill of about 200 RMB for tolls and late fees.

Choose to shop in the last city to avoid carrying luggage.

Chocolate: 4 AUD, Papaya cream: 4 AUD (Woolworths).

Goat soap: 2.5 AUD, Lanolin cream: 4 AUD (Chemist Warehouse).

Note: If spending over 300 AUD in a single store, you can get 9% tax refund at airport.

(1) Download TRS app.

(2) Spend over 300 AUD in same store.

(3) Get stamp at airport (at TRS counter in arrival hall).

(4) After customs, find TRS refund point at Sydney Airport.

(5) Provide credit card and show APP QR code.

(6) Refund within one month.

SIM card: Buy Telstra data SIM online.

Cost: 66 RMB/person, unlimited data + unlimited calls to China and Australia.

Note: Activate only upon arrival in Australia.

1. Payment methods abroad: cash, credit card, Alipay (rare).

2. Special reminder: For non-USD transactions, VISA charges a currency conversion fee (~1.5%). Cash exchange: buy rate 4.88%, sell rate 4.63%. Credit card USD billing: need to buy USD from bank, plus conversion fee.

Bank of Communications' card discount only works on overseas UnionPay POS machines, not VISA. Overseas UnionPay mainly usable in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan.

Credit card types: distinguish between VISA and multi-currency cards.

Visa: Apply online electronic visa through an agent.

Cost: 855 RMB/person.

Processing time: within one month.

Documents: all electronic; include company business license, employment letter (with specific travel dates), ID photo, bank statements (balance over 30,000 RMB per person).

Before landing, the airline distributes customs declaration forms; fill them out. Alternatively, find them after landing. Note: Do not bring eggs, meat, fruits, vegetables, etc. Personal medication does not need declaration.

Travel Diary Contents: 1. Melbourne 2. Cairns 3. Sydney 4. Budget Tips: Food, Accommodation, Transport 5. Car Rental / Self-Drive 6. Shopping Tips 7. Phone & Internet 8. Currency Exchange & Credit Card Use 9. Visa & Customs Declaration