Day 1- Day 3| Melbourne: Chic Urban Vibes & Culture
We touched down in Melbourne just after midnight, welcomed by the city’s quiet glow and checked in at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. Located on Collins Street, the hotel was everything we needed — elegant, central, and within walking distance of cafés, shops, and laneway art.
On our first day, we were all about embracing Melbourne’s rich café culture, hopping between art galleries, and soaking in the charm of the Southbank promenade. There was Christmas decoration all around the city. We walked around, took the tram to get a feel of the city.
On the second day, we booked a tour to Phillip Island
St. Phillip Island (commonly known as Phillip Island) in Australia is one of the best places in the world to watch wild penguins—especially the famous Little Penguins, the smallest penguin species on Earth.The Penguin Parade — a natural spectacle where hundreds of Little Penguins also known as the Fairy Penguin waddle ashore at sunset after a day of fishing in the ocean. The Phillip Island Nature Parks – Penguin Parade offers tiered seating, boardwalks, and even underground viewing areas. It was an amazing experience to see the penguins up close.
Day 4| Road Trip Begins: Melbourne to Port Fairy
We picked up our rental car, and hit the Great Ocean road highway for a coastal drive towards Port Fairy. The scenic route was filled with cliffside views, ocean breezes, and cozy coastal towns.
The Twelve Apostles rise out of the Southern Ocean like ancient sentinels — rugged, majestic, and completely breathtaking. Eroded over millions of years by wind and sea, these limestone stacks are the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road and a must-see on any Australian road trip. 🛣️🌊
We arrived just before sunset and watched the sky paint the cliffs in hues of gold and rose. Even with the crowds, the moment felt completely still — like nature holding its breath.
We checked into Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs near Warrnambool. This stop was all about rest and rejuvenation — the natural hot springs were just what we needed after the long drive.
Day 5 | Through Limestone Coast: Port Fairy to Robe
The next stretch took us to Robe, a charming seaside town in South Australia. Rolling vineyards and dramatic ocean views kept the drive captivating. By afternoon, we arrived at the Lakeview Motel & Apartments, offering serene lakeside views and a peaceful sunset walk by the coast.
Day 6 | Christmas Day in Adelaide
Christmas morning was celebrated on the road, driving from Robe to Adelaide. We arrived at the elegant Mayfair Hotel on King William Street, where festive lights lined the streets and locals enjoyed a relaxed holiday vibe. That evening, we strolled the Adelaide Riverbank and admired the lit-up skyline — a perfect way to wind down Christmas Day.
Day 7-8 | Kangaroo Island Escape
Early the next morning, we boarded the ferry at Cape Jervis bound for Kangaroo Island. Known for its unspoiled nature and unique wildlife, KI was a dream. We stayed at The Foreshore in Penneshaw — rustic, quiet, and perfectly placed near the beach.
From spotting sea lions at Seal Bay to hiking rugged coastal trails, the island was unforgettable. That night, we fell asleep to the sound of waves under a starlit sky.
On the 27th, we ferried back to the mainland and stayed the night at Atura Adelaide Airport, ready for an early flight the next day.
Day 9 | To Paradise: The Whitsundays
After dropping off the car, we flew from Adelaide to Sydney, then straight on to Hamilton Island. Stepping off the plane felt like entering a dream — turquoise waters, swaying palms, and balmy air.
Our home for the next few days? The iconic Reef View Hotel in the Whitsundays.
Day 10| Diving the Great Barrier Reef
We embarked on a Cruise Whitsundays tour for a full day of snorkeling and diving the Great Barrier Reef. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and curious sea turtles made for an unforgettable experience. It’s hard to describe the wonder of seeing the reef up close — it’s one of those “pinch-me” travel moments.
Day 11- 12| Island Time
The days following were filled with beach lounging, hiking up to Passage Peak for sweeping views, and sampling tropical cuisine. As the sun set on 2024, we raised a toast to a year of adventure.
Day 13- 14| Back to the City: Sydney & Bondi Vibes
We flew back to Sydney on New Year’s Day and checked into Hotel Ravesis, located right on Bondi Beach. The location couldn’t be better — beach by day, vibrant nightlife by evening.
Our time in Sydney included:
A Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Harbour views from Circular Quay
Local seafood at the Fish Market
And of course, soaking up sun on Australia’s most famous beach
Day 15| Off to Nadi, Fiji
Our journey through Australia wrapped up with one last sunset on Bondi before heading to Seattle.