Travel Month – December, 2024
Hello fellow travelers!!
This December we planned a trip to Australia for a 14 days vacation. We extended our layover in Fiji (don’t forget to check out my post on Fiji) for 4 days before we reached Melbourne, our port of entry to Australia. It is the sixth largest country in the world and the largest in the Oceania . Australia is the only place on Earth that’s both a continent and a country — surrounded entirely by ocean, with no land borders. 80% of the animals like Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies cannot be found anywhere else.
With limited time on our hands, we decided to focus on some of Australia’s most iconic highlights – Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo island, Sydney and the Great Barrier reef.
Day 1 : Melbourne city
We started our morning at Flinders Street Station, the perfect spot to feel Melbourne’s rhythm as trams glide past and commuters rush by. Shops and restaurants flocked both side of the street. With Christmas decoration and live music, the city felt vibrant.
We walked around the area to get a feel of the city. For lunch, we made our way to the Queen Victoria Market, a lively hub filled with local produce, street food, and souvenirs. A few stalls later, we couldn’t resist trying the freshly made hot jam doughnuts — a local favorite.
In the afternoon, we strolled along the Yarra River, stopping by Southbank Promenade for stunning city views. The Eureka Skydeck offered a panoramic perspective of Melbourne’s skyline — especially magical as the sun began to set.
Day 2: Phillip Island
We booked a tour from viator to Phillip island, a 2 hours bus drive from Melbourne. Phillip Island is famous for its Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset — an absolute must-see.
We also stopped by The Nobbies Boardwalk, with its sweeping ocean views and fur seals basking on the rocks below. The island’s wild beauty set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.
Day 3 : Melbourne to Port Fairy: Along the Great Ocean Road
Back in Melbourne, we rented a car and began the Great Ocean Road drive — one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes. The ocean shimmered beside us as we passed Bells Beach, Lorne, and the iconic Twelve Apostles, limestone rocks standing tall in the golden evening light.
By nightfall, we reached Port Fairy, a quaint fishing town full of heritage cottages and a peaceful seaside atmosphere. A walk to Griffiths Island Lighthouse at sunset, with wallabies hopping along the path, was pure magic. We stayed in a hotel – The Deep Blue hotel and hot springs, an amazing hotel where we got refreshed in the hot springs.
Day 4: Port Fairy to Robe: Coastal Heritage and Seaside Serenity
Leaving Victoria, we crossed into South Australia and arrived in Robe, a historic coastal gem. On our way we took a slight detour and saw the Blue Lake, a volcanic crater lake in the Mount Gambier area
We spent the afternoon exploring the Robe Obelisk, perched dramatically on the cliffs, and enjoying coffee at one of the local seaside cafés.
Day 5 : Robe to Adelaide: Coastal Drive to City Life
The drive to Adelaide was smooth and scenic, with salt lakes and rolling fields dotting the route. Once in the city, we swapped coastal calm for urban culture.
We explored the Central Market for fresh produce, sipped wines at nearby McLaren Vale, and admired the artsy vibe along Rundle Street. Adelaide has a small-city feel but bursts with energy and great food.
Day 6, 7: Ferry to Kangaroo Island: A Wildlife Wonderland
From Cape Jervis, we took the ferry to Kangaroo Island, where rugged coastlines meet incredible wildlife. Kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions seem to appear everywhere you look.
We visited Flinders Chase National Park, marveled at the Remarkable Rocks, and watched the waves crash at Admirals Arch. We got to experience the southern ocean winds – the strongest and most persistent winds on Earth, primarily driven by the lack of landmasses to block their flow. These powerful westerlies are known by sailors as the “Roaring Forties,” “Furious Fifties,” and “Shrieking Sixties,” reflecting the increasing intensity at higher latitudes. The island’s untouched beauty made it a highlight of the trip.
Day 8-10: Great Barrier Reef
After returning by ferry to Cape Jervis, we dropped off the car and caught a flight to Sydney — the gateway to the next adventure. From Sydney, a connecting flight whisked us to Hamilton Island, the heart of the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays felt like paradise — turquoise waters, white sand, and endless sunshine. We joined Cruise Whitsundays for a full-day snorkeling and diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is visible from space.
It’s the largest living structure on Earth, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) along Queensland’s coast.
Drifting over coral gardens and colorful fish was pure magic — one of those pinch-me moments that stay with you forever. The best way to see is by snorkeling or scuba diving. There was also a submarine option for people who don’t want to get into the water.
Next day, we did another snorkeling tour to Hardy reef. The visibility here was better than the previous day and it was less commercialized.
Day 11- 13: Return to Sydney: The Perfect Finale
Our final stop brought us back to Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city. After days of road trips and reef adventures, Sydney’s skyline felt both familiar and fresh.
We spent our last evening watching the sunset over the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay, reflecting on an unforgettable journey that spanned coastlines, cities, and coral reefs.
Final Thoughts
From Melbourne’s laneways to Kangaroo Island’s wild coast, from Whitsundays’ reefs to Sydney, this trip showcased the best of Australia’s landscapes and lifestyles.
It’s a route that blends adventure with relaxation — a perfect way to experience the soul of Australia, one breathtaking stop at a time.
Practical Travel tips
- What to pack: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, a reusable water bottle, and beach essentials, light jackets.
- Currency: Cards work in most places..
- Connectivity: Carry the adapter for charging your devices
Best time to visit: September to November, March to May