This article is about how to plan your first trip to Australia from India. A flexible travel itinerary that suits your choices of places to visit and things to do in Australia.
What’s the best way to celebrate an occasion? If you love travelling, celebrating your wedding anniversary or birthday in a new place is always special.
People often visit the Maldives, Dubai or Turkey for such occasions. A country located at a flight distance of just about 12 hours – Australia can be the perfect place for your celebrations.
Planning everything on your own can be stressful for your first trip to a new country.
Seeking a travel expert such as Thrillophilia who organises tours of Australia is always a good idea. Apart from a ready-made itinerary, you can customize it by adding or removing a few places from the list.
Here’s the Daywise Itinerary for your first trip to Australia
DAY 1
Having arrived at the Melbourne International Airport in the morning hours, head straight towards your hotel – a lavish and beautifully decorated property.
Sorting your luggage in your room and after such a long flight journey, a quick bath and some rest is a must to start your exciting 7 days in Australia.
It is always best to start exploring places that are nearby. You can start by visiting the National Gallery of Victoria where you will see some of the most fascinating art pieces.
Did you know that the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia? It remains open from 10 am to 5 pm. Start your trip learning about their culture and history.
Here’s a video by the National Gallery of Victoria. Watch more of their videos on YouTube –
Next, explore the SEA LIFE Aquarium located beside the Yarra River and about 2.4 km from the National Gallery of Victoria. Here, you will get a glimpse of the underwater marine life.
SEA LiFE remains open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9:30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
End your day by witnessing the sunset while enjoying delicious snacks at Sorrento Beach.
DAY 2
On day 2 get ready to explore the gorgeous Phillip Island. It is famous for its wildlife, birds, adventure activities, chocolate factory and sports events.
At Phillip Island, go for the water sports like kayaking and surfing.
Don’t miss the beautiful Penguin Parade – a unique experience. The parade can be watched from 4 pm till 8 pm.
Here’s a video on YouTube on the Penguin Parade –
If chocolates are your favourite, have you wondered what a chocolate factory would look like? Visit the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. It produces about 190 varieties of chocolates.
Buy some chocolates for your family back in India.
DAY 3
You can start your day 3 with a long scenic drive on the Great Ocean Road. It is a 240-kilometre road along Australia’s southeastern coast, between Torquay and Allansford in Victoria. It is also a National Heritage site.
However, you don’t need to travel the entire 240 km.
Along the Great Ocean Road is the Port Campbell National Park. It is famous for its stunning rock formations like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Next, you enjoy the scenic view of Bass Strait and the Great Ocean Road from Teddy’s Lookout Viewpoint. On the other side is the unique view of the valley, hills, gorges, and Saint George River, which meets the ocean.
You can end the day peacefully by spending time at Lorne Beach as well as enjoying swimming together.
DAY 4
It is time to explore Sydney next. A short journey via a flight of one and a half hours from Melbourne will take you to Sydney.
Having explored continuously for the past 3 days, you can rest for the day and set out to explore the city in the evening.
You can visit the popular beaches like Shelly Beach and Bondi Beach. Shelly Beach is a favourite amongst scuba divers and snorkelers. Bondi Beach is known for surfing.
Chill by the beach, enjoying the sunset and the surfers.
Don’t forget to interact with a few locals, shop from the local market as well as try some local snacks.
DAY 5
On Day 5 take a complete city tour of Sydney. Visit the Wildlife Zoo, Tower Eye, Harbour Bridge and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
At the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, you will get to see the 5 exquisite creatures of Australia. They are – the Koalas, the Kangaroo, the Freshwater Crocodiles, Ringo – the Wombat and the Platypus.
Watch this video on WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo –
Your trip would be incomplete without visiting the Sydney Opera House. While movies are entertaining, live theatre is a different experience altogether.
Enjoy an hour-long theatre experience at the Sydney Opera House. Guess what? Every evening from 6 pm to 11 pm, the Sydney Opera House is illuminated with artwork too.
DAY 6
Whether it is your first trip to Australia or last, one place that you ought to visit is the Blue Mountains in NSW state.
If you love hiking in the mountains like me, visit the Blue Mountains. Spend the day hiking in the mountains with clouds flying by against the background of clear blue skies.
Here, through the Scenic World Centre, you can try the Scenic Skyway, Train Ride, Cableway and Walkaway – high up in the mountains above the clouds.
Other spots you shouldn’t miss in the Blue Mountains are Katoomba Falls, Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Grand Canyon track – in the Katoomba area.
The story behind the Three Sisters rock formation is fascinating. According to the Aboriginal legends, the three rocks were three sisters of the Katoomba tribe. They were turned into stone to protect them.
The activities in the Blue Mountains are kid-friendly too. Visit the apple farm in Bilpin, go strolling in the peaceful mountain towns, or try some wellness spa sessions – perfect leisurely family activities.
Other adventure activities in the Blue Mountains are – biking, waterfall abseiling (rappelling) and canyoning, and you can also explore Jenolan caves in the Oberon area.
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DAY 7
The concluding day – it is time to come back home to India. A long flight awaits. Make sure you pack your travel essentials properly and do not miss out on anything at the hotel.
These Packing cubes on Amazon are quite helpful. I recently bought them and have been using them during my travels.
While food shall be provided during your flight journey, don’t skip your breakfast to start your day strong.
Summing it Up
I hope this 7-day itinerary for your first trip to Australia is helpful.
Being someone who loves mountains, I wouldn’t miss the adventure activities in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales state of Australia. What about you?
If you love beaches, Shelly Beach and Bondi Beach will make sure you have a fun outing.
Any trip would be incomplete if the local culture is not experienced. Art gallery visits and theatre at the Sydney Opera Hall fulfil that.
In a nutshell, this travel guide i.e., the trip itinerary for your first trip to Australia includes options providing a wholesome experience with beaches, adventure activities, mountains, and cultural experiences.
