13 days in Melbourne & Sydney, Australia: itinerary with Top attractions and Nature and outdoor and Hidden Gems

Day 2 starts at Melbourne Zoo at 9 AM - allow 4 hours to explore. Then take a 20-minute tram ride to Melbourne Skydeck (around $5 AUD) for stunning views at 1:30 PM, spending 1.5 hours there. Finally, head to Luna Park Melbourne with a 15-minute tram ride (also ~$5 AUD) for some fun at 3:30 PM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the rides.

Day 3 starts at Queen Victoria Market at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the stalls. Take a 10-minute tram ride (~$5 AUD) to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, arriving by 11:30 AM for a 30-minute ride. Next, enjoy a 15-minute walk to Fitzroy Gardens at 12:30 PM, spending 1.5 hours leisurely strolling through the gardens.

Day 4 starts at ACMI at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the exhibitions. Take a 20-minute tram ride (approx. $4 AUD) to St Kilda Beach for leisure by 11:30 AM, spending 2 hours on the shore. Finally, travel 15 minutes by bus (about $5 AUD) to Brighton Beach at 2 PM - enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sunset views for another 2 hours.

Day 5 starts at Melbourne Museum at 9 AM - allow 3 hours here. Take a 10-minute tram ride ($4 AUD) to reach the National Gallery of Victoria by 12:30 PM - spend 2 hours enjoying the exhibits. Then, a 10-minute stroll along the Yarra River leads you to Southbank Promenade by 3 PM, where you can relax for 1.5 hours.

Day 6 starts at Royal Exhibition Building at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore its stunning architecture. Take a 10-minute tram ride to Chinatown Melbourne (around $5 AUD) for lunch and cultural sights at 10:30 AM (allow 1.5 hours). Finally, head to Yarra Bend Park with a 15-minute Uber ride (~$10 AUD) at 12:30 PM to relax and unwind for 2 hours.

Day 7 starts at Melbourne Showgrounds at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore the venue. Travel by tram (25 min, ~$5 AUD) to Shrine of Remembrance for an insightful 1.5-hour visit at 12:30 PM. Afterwards, take a tram (30 min, ~$5 AUD) to Williamstown Beach for relaxation from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This itinerary ensures a balanced mix of activities and leisure, following proximity to the city center.

Day 1 starts at Sydney Opera House (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for a guided tour. Take a 15-minute walk through the scenic Circular Quay to reach the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney by 11:30 AM - allow 3 hours to explore. End your day at The Rocks at 3 PM - a short 10-minute taxi ride (~$15 AUD) from the Botanic Garden to enjoy the historical markets and cafes.

Day 2 starts at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exploring. Take a 10-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, arriving at 11:30 AM for 1.5 hours. Afterward, travel to Bondi Beach via bus (approx. 30 minutes, ~$5 AUD). Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach from 1:30 PM for 3 hours.

Start Day 3 at Taronga Zoo Sydney at 9 AM - allow 4 hours to explore. Take the ferry from Circular Quay (12 mins, ~$8 AUD) to Barangaroo Reserve by 1:30 PM for 2 hours. Finally, take a 20-minute light rail ride (~$4 AUD) to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, arriving at 4 PM for another 2 hours of art viewing.

On Day 4, start at Sydney Tower Eye at 9 AM for 90 minutes (tickets ~$30 AUD). Then, take a 30-minute ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach at 11 AM, allowing 3 hours for relaxation and lunch. Finally, head back by ferry (30 minutes) to Luna Park Sydney at 2:30 PM for 2 hours of fun (entry ~$50 AUD). Make sure to check ferry schedules for smooth transitions!

Day 5 starts at Queen Victoria Building (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Take a 15-minute ferry ride ($10 AUD) to Cockatoo Island, arriving by 11 AM for 2 hours of discovery. At 1:30 PM, take a 20-minute bus ride ($4 AUD) to Centennial Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll for 2 hours.

Day 6 starts at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore. Travel to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre via ferry from Luna Park, a 20-minute trip (~$15 AUD). Arrive by 10:30 AM, enjoy the views for 2 hours. Afterward, take a scenic 25-minute bus ride to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, arriving by 1 PM - allow 1 hour to immerse yourself in the serene landscapes.