Australia in 8 Days: 4 Recommended 8-day Itineraries to Australia
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Australia 8-day itinerary options
Here are some of our 8-day Australia itinerary suggestions.
Itinerary #1: Sydney to Melbourne
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Depart Sydney for Jervis Bay via Royal National Park | |
| Day 2 | Head to Batemans Bay, a coastal holiday haven | Coastal exploration |
| Day 3 | Travel to Merimbula, famous for great surfing and whale watching | Water activities |
| Day 4 | Cross into Victoria and explore the lakes, lagoons and beaches at Lakes Entrance | Nature exploration |
| Day 5 | Visit Wilsons Promontory National Park, the southernmost point of the Australian Mainland | Nature exploration |
| Day 6 | Continue to Phillip Island, famous for the Penguin Parade | Island exploration |
| Day 7 | Arrive in Melbourne and start exploring | City exploration |
| Day 8 | Your journey ends today |
Take the coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne with this itinerary for 8 days in Australia. Start with the tour of Jervis Bay, where towering eucalyptus forests give way to postcard perfect beaches. Hyams Beach is the best known beach in the area, but consider taking a bushwalk in Booderee National Park for secluded coves and empty beaches. The coastal community of Batemans Bay offers great snorkeling opportunities and is a great base for adventure sports. It is also home to iconic Australian wildlife including wombats, koalas and kangaroos. If whale watching, surfing and great seafood are on your agenda, Merimbula on the far south coast of New South Wales is a worthy stop. Wilsons Promontory National Park has a range of beautiful hiking trails. Next up is the tiny Phillip Island, renowned for its penguin parade. Watch the tiny Fairy penguins (they are only about 13 inches tall) as they come ashore after a long day of fishing. Melbourne makes a rewarding and sophisticated end to your journey. Treat yourself to an evening out on the town, where you will find some of Australia’s trendiest bars and finest restaurants. See all 8-day Australia tours and trips.
Itinerary #2: Top End to the Red Center
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Depart Darwin for wild Kakadu National Park | |
| Day 2 | Spot crocs on a cruise or learn about the rich Aboriginal history of the area | Cruise |
| Day 3 | Travel south to Nitmiluk National Park | Nature exploration |
| Day 4 | Continue to the classic outback town of Tennant Creek | Outdoor exploration |
| Day 5 | Travel to the famous desert community of Alice Springs | Nature exploration |
| Day 6 | Drive to Uluru, arriving in time to take in the incredible sunset | Road trip |
| Day 7 | Explore Uluru and neighboring Kata Tjuta | Exploration |
| Day 8 | Your trip concludes in Uluru |
This classic 8-day Australian road trip takes you from Kakadu’s ancient wilderness to the heart of the Red Center, Uluru. Experience Kakadu’s rich rewards: spot crocs on a Yellow Waters Billabong cruise, see ancient rock art, or trek its rugged interior. Discover Nitmiluk National Park’s red rock gorges, walk the Leliyn Trail, or enjoy a sunset cruise. Pass through outback towns like Tennant Creek and Daly Waters. In Alice Springs, ride a hot air balloon or visit the School of the Air. Conclude your trip at Uluru, exploring its perimeter by walking, cycling, or segway, and visit the lesser-known Kata Tjuta, with its 36 enormous rust-red rocks and unique hiking trails. See all road trips in Australia.
Itinerary #3: Best of the Indian Ocean Coast
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Depart Perth for Geraldton via Nambung National Park | |
| Day 2 | Visit the rugged interior of Kalbarri National Park | Nature exploration |
| Day 3 | Leap up the coast to Monkey Mia | Road trip |
| Day 4 | Meet the famous friendly wild dolphins and relax on the beach | Beach day |
| Day 5 | Travel to Carnarvon | Road trip |
| Day 6 | Spend the day snorkeling the wonders of Ningaloo Reef | Water activities |
| Day 7 | A free day to explore the reef or perhaps swim with whale sharks or manta rays | Water activities |
| Day 8 | Your journey finishes today |
Embark on an epic coastal journey along Western Australia’s Indian Ocean coast. Start in Perth, then head north to explore natural wonders. Visit Nambung National Park’s Pinnacles Desert, a lunar landscape of sandstone formations. Discover Kalbarri’s stunning red rock formations and gorges. In Monkey Mia, meet friendly wild dolphins, and visit Hamelin Pool’s stromatolite colony, Earth’s oldest living lifeforms. Continue to the Coral Coast and UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef, where 250 coral species and 450 fish species thrive. Snorkel straight from the beach and spot seasonal visitors like whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales. This 8-day Australia itinerary plan offers incredible landscapes and unforgettable marine experiences.
You can tweak this itinerary to make it your own bespoke Australian holiday.
Itinerary #4: Off the beaten path
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Welcome to Adelaide | |
| Day 2 | Travel through the Clare Valley wine region to the Flinders Ranges | Exploration |
| Day 3 | Take in the astonishing views at Wangara Lookout | Exploration |
| Day 4 | Admire the unique flora of the region on a scenic hike | Hiking |
| Day 5 | Travel the legendary Oodnadatta Track to Lake Eyre | Hiking |
| Day 6 | Visit Coober Pedy, opal capital of the world | Exploration |
| Day 7 | Cross salt pans and desert to reach the coastal community of Port Augusta | Nature exploration |
| Day 8 | Return to Adelaide via the Barossa Valley where your journey ends |
Explore South Australia's unique outback on an unforgettable eight-day adventure. Start in Adelaide, then head north to renowned wine regions, Barossa and Clare Valleys, famous for bold Shiraz. Discover the Flinders Ranges’ breathtaking landscapes, including Wilpena Pound's stunning natural amphitheater. Traverse the 4WD Arkaroola Ridgetop Track's sheer slopes and deep gorges. Visit Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) National Park, Australia's largest salt lake that attracts breeding birds during rare floods. A scenic flight offers the best views of its vastness. In Coober Pedy, the opal mining hub, try fossicking and take home semi-precious gems. This off-the-beaten-path journey promises spectacular sights and unique experiences.
Planning an 8-day Australia itinerary?
With just 8 days in Australia, you can cover a lot of grounds in the country. Sign up for an organized trip to Australia or explore on your own. Traveling around major cities and between major population centers (particularly on the east coast) is fairly easy. For long distance trips and remote regions, you need to plan ahead. If planning a trip on your own sounds daunting, rely on our travel experts for a personalized Australia tour.
More information:
How long to travel in Australia
One week in Australia
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