Australia 8-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 12 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Australia.

Explore Australia with our meticulously planned 8-day itineraries, each promising a fun adventure down under. If you'd like to explore cities and escape into nature, consider something similar to this urban Australia adventure that takes you through Sydney's coastal walks, Melbourne's bustling cafés, the wineries of Yarra Valley, and the historic streets of Hobart. For those who enjoy the freedom of the open road, a journey like this Southern Australia road trip along the scenic Great Ocean Road with stops in Melbourne, Phillip Island, and Adelaide might be the perfect choice. If you're after a beach getaway, check out itineraries like this Queensland trip that will take you to sun-soaked beaches, Fraser Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. 

See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 8-day trips in Australia.

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Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day excursion
Map of Discover Queensland - 8 Days
Discover Queensland - 8 Days

Soak up everything the sunshine state of Queensland has to offer, from modern eateries and boutique shopping to winding rainforest roads, sandy islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Your eight-day adventure starts in Brisbane and continues north along the coast to Noosa and Fraser Island, capping the trip off with two nights in Port Douglas. Swim in freshwater lakes on Fraser Island, spot humpback whales off of Hervey Bay, and hang out with koalas and kangaroos in Port Douglas.

Western Australia's modern capital is a gateway to memorable day trips
Map of Highlights of Perth - 8 Days
Highlights of Perth - 8 Days

Unveil the wonders of Perth and its spectacular surroundings with this immersive eight-day itinerary. Begin with a deep dive into Western Australia's dynamic capital, where you'll explore Perth's storied history, discover a thriving art scene, and enjoy free time. When you're not exploring the city, you'll join thrilling day trips to ancient Wave Rock, the gourmet paradise of Margaret River, the quokka-inhabited haven of Rottnest Island, and the surreal Pinnacles Desert.

Melbourne
Map of Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Adventure - 8 Days
Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Adventure - 8 Days

Embark on an eight-day adventure down Australia's marvelous southeastern coast. Begin with city tours of Melbourne, an eclectic coastal capital quickly emerging as a tourism hotspot. Then get behind the wheel for an unforgettable road trip down the famous Great Ocean Road, which stretches for 150 miles (241 km) amid golden beaches and unspoiled natural parks. In these natural wonderlands, you'll enjoy outdoor adventures and First Nations culture in equal measure.

Federation Square in Melbourne
Map of Urban Australia - 8 Days
Urban Australia - 8 Days

Visit three cities of Australia with this eight-day itinerary. You'll start off in Sydney, where you can enjoy both the bustling downtown and coastal cliff walk, then head to Melbourne to explore its artsy alleyways, museums, and cafes alongside the wildlife of the Yarra Valley. Finish off in Hobart, Tasmania, to learn about its history and art scene.

Aerial view of Bondi Beach with Sydney in the background
Map of Experience Australia: Sydney & Cairns - 8 Days
Experience Australia: Sydney & Cairns - 8 Days

This well-rounded Aussie adventure checks off the east coast's greatest highlights in just over a week. See the famous landmarks of Sydney, then head north to Cairns to dive into the tropical Great Barrier Reef and discover the Kuranda Rainforest. Along the way, you'll have free time for day trips and leisure time to explore at your own pace—from the iconic sands of Bondi Beach to the ancient jungles of Daintree National Park.

Sunrise over Kata Tjuta
Map of Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 8 Days
Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 8 Days

Get to know four of Australia's most iconic travel destinations on this eight-day itinerary. Begin your trip in Sydney—where you'll walk historic cobblestoned streets, explore trendy suburbs, and indulge in the delicious multicultural culinary fare on offer—then head to the nearby Blue Mountains and take in its stunning natural beauty. Fly to Uluru, where an unparalleled spiritual experience awaits, then onto Cairns to see some of Australia's most famous underwater wildlife and rainforests.

North Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Map of The Best of Australia's West Coast: Perth, Exmouth & Margaret River - 8 Days
The Best of Australia's West Coast: Perth, Exmouth & Margaret River - 8 Days

Experience the highlights of Perth, Exmouth, and Margaret River on this action-packed holiday down Australia's west coast. Those looking for an extreme adrenaline rush can swim with whale sharks and ride rollercoasters. Immerse yourself in local heritage, bask on beautiful beaches, and join a few wine or brewery tours while taking in some of the best views in Australia.

Nitmiluk National Park
Map of Northern Australia Road Trip: Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield - 8 Days
Northern Australia Road Trip: Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield - 8 Days

See the highlights and hidden corners of Northern Australia's "Top End" on this eight-day, self-drive adventure. Start in Darwin and drive east, staying in secluded inland towns before looping back toward the coast. Explore remote national parks, cruise down rivers for spectacular views (and crocodile spotting), meet the native wildlife at a local sanctuary, and search for First Nations rock art on a sunset hike.

Discover the rugged terrain of the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia
Map of Southern Australia Road Trip: Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Phillip Island & Adelaide - 8 Days
Southern Australia Road Trip: Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Phillip Island & Adelaide - 8 Days

This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you on a road trip across southern Australia, combining spectacular nature with cosmopolitan city stops. Kick off in creative Melbourne before hitting the road for Phillip Island to meet the wild penguins. Next, drive the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles from land and the sky (on a scenic helicopter tour). Continue to vibrant Adelaide, then onto the rugged Grampians mountains. See ancient Aboriginal art and Ballarat's gold rush history before handing over the car keys.

Board The Ghan and travel the outback in style from Adelaide to Alice Springs
Map of Ultimate Outback Experience: Adelaide, the Ghan, Uluru & Alice Springs - 8 Days
Ultimate Outback Experience: Adelaide, the Ghan, Uluru & Alice Springs - 8 Days

This eight-day Australia adventure takes you on a bucket-list train ride through the outback. Travel from Adelaide to Alice Springs aboard The Ghan on a multiday journey through incredible desert landscapes and quiet outback towns. Make your way from South Australia's foodie capital to the mythical monolith of Uluru in style, enjoy a day exploring Melbourne's famous Great Ocean Road, and meet orphaned kangaroos at a sanctuary.

Pick up your car in Alice Springs and enjoy a free afternoon to explore
Map of Outback Road Trip Adventure: Sydney, Alice Springs & Uluru - 8 Days
Outback Road Trip Adventure: Sydney, Alice Springs & Uluru - 8 Days

Experience the best of Australia's rugged outback and biggest city with this eight-day bucket-list itinerary. The fun starts in cosmopolitan Sydney, where you'll explore iconic sights, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and walk the coastal Bondi to Coogee trail. Then, it's time to fly to the heart of Australia, landing in Alice Springs. You'll take a road trip across the outback, driving the rustic Mereenie Loop, hiking Kings Canyon, seeing Kata Tjuta, and marveling at the magnificent Uluru monolith.

Board the Indian Pacific Railway from Sydney to Perth and cross the Nullarbor Plain
Map of Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 8 Days
Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 8 Days

With this eight-day Australia itinerary, you'll cross from east to west aboard the Indian Pacific Railway. Starting in Sydney, explore the city's top sights and climb the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before boarding the transcontinental train. Your four-day rail trip will reveal the many colors of Australia's landscapes as you cut through the outback. You'll pass the famous Nullarbor Plain and finally arrive in Perth, rounding out the adventure with wine tasting in the Swan Valley and a day trip to Rottnest Island.

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