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Introducing Australia

When is the best time to visit?
There's no bad time to visit Australia, though there are a few tips to keep in mind. Much of Australia runs hot, especially in the north—places like Uluru, Darwin, and Cairns are best visited in the Southern Hemisphere winter (June, July, August). The opposite applies for southern regions like Tasmania and Victoria, which can get particularly cold in winter—January and February are the most pleasant times to visit.

Interested in the Great Barrier Reef? You'll have warm temps all year, though spring and summer bring stifling temps and lots of warm tropical rain. The famous Gold Coast is the country's Goldilocks region, with lovely weather throughout the year it's known for having beautiful weather most of the year. And given Sydney's southern latitude, glittering beaches are best visited in the warm summer months. Learn more

Where should you go?
Ask an Australian, and they'll tell you that picking a favorite place in their vast homeland feels as impossible as choosing a favorite child. That said, travelers can't go wrong with Uluru (the stunning sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory), Cairns and the renowned Great Barrier Reef, and the famous sights of metropolitan Sydney. Head to the Gold Coast for beach time, Melbourne for culture, Kangaroo Island for wildlife, and Broome to visit the fascinating Horizontal Falls, a series of tidal waterfalls in Talbot Bay considered a natural wonder. 

How many days do I need?
Since reaching this part of the world requires long flights across multiple time zones for most travelers, it's best to make the most of your journey with at least one week in-country. The more time you can give it, the more relaxed and satisfying the trip will be. A great 10-day itinerary might start with three days in Sydney before heading to Uluru, Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and Cairns for a few days each. Learn more

Have two weeks at your disposal? Even better. Consider flying into Melbourne, spending two days on Kangaroo Island, taking the Ghan Train from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and finishing with two nights each in Uluru, Darwin, and Cairns. Learn more about getting around Australia.

If you're combining Australia with another nearby destination like New Zealand or Indonesia, a 5-7 day trip is doable—you'll probably want to stick to exploring one city and taking a couple of day trips from there.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Australia Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Explore the Gold Coast's extensive coastline
Map of Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days
Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days

Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Starting in Coolangatta, you'll head up the Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise, where you'll enjoy golden beaches, world-class shopping, and a vibrant entertainment scene. End your stay in Byron Bay, taking in stunning sunsets, visiting organic farms, and meeting with friendly local artisans.

Australia's Twelve Apostles
Map of Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days

On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. One of Victoria's most scenic drives, Great Ocean Road provides plenty of exciting pit stops—explore the surfing town of Bells Beach, discover the waterfalls of Lorne, zipline through the Otway Ranges, and visit The Twelve Apostles rock formations. On the way back to Melbourne, do some sightseeing in Ballarat, known for its Gold Rush heritage and indigenous art.

Kangaroo crosses a dirt road in Western Australia
Map of The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days
The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days

Cover the spectrum of these two dynamic countries with this comprehensive itinerary. Start off in New Zealand, where you'll visit both the North and South islands to explore Maori culture, natural wonders, adventure sports, and more—sip wine on Waiheke island, hike at Aoraki, and cruise through Milford Sound. Then head to Australia, starting with the city sights in Melbourne before you meet the penguins of Phillip Island, stunning scenes of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and urban streets of Sydney.

Coastal Walk in Australia
Map of Ultimate Australia - 16 Days
Ultimate Australia - 16 Days

This well-rounded 16-day tour of Australia's highlights is sure to delight any first time visitor. You'll explore the hidden laneways of artsy Melbourne and the famous landmarks of Sydney, learn about indigenous culture at Uluru in the country's Red Center, and discover tropical Queensland with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll meet kangaroos at Kangaroo Island, search for crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and have free time to enjoy a few day trips of your choosing.

Port Douglas Beach
Map of Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days
Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days

Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Byron Bay
Map of The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days
The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days

Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks.

Make the Most of Your Time in Australia

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Get yourself to Kangaroo Island for a unique experience with the 'roos
How Many Days to Spend in Australia

When planning a trip to Australia, 10 days is ideal for visiting four different areas. However, if you're strapped for time, you can explore two regions in five days or up to...

Australia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Australia Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
4.8
(12)
· Upscale
Peninsula Boutique Hotel, an adults-only property, offers a boutique-style experience overlooking 4 Mile Beach. Nestled at the quiet end of Macrossan and Esplanade Streets, the hotel allows you to enjoy views of the Coral Sea and is within a 2-minute walk from bars, shops, and restaurants....
Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel
5.0
(6)
· Luxury
Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel, known for its breathtaking views of the Whitsunday Islands, offers guests a variety of well-appointed suites with private balconies facing the Coral Sea or tropical gardens. With 363 luxurious rooms and suites, 24-hour reception, and daily housekeeping, the hotel...
Photo courtesy of Laneways Ovolo
Melbourne
Laneways by Ovolo
5.0
(5)
· Upscale
You'll find Laneways by Ovolo close to Melbourne's thriving theater district, avant-garde galleries, and bustling boutiques—allowing for an easy immersion into the city's rich art and culture scene. As a guest at Laneways by Ovolo, you'll be just a short walk from The Princess Theatre, Parliament...

Best Experiences in Australia

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Cairns
Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure by 4WD
4.7
(10)
11.5 hours
·
Small group
Join a full-day excursion from Cairns to explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with an expert local guide. Begin with a scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway, followed by a Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles and other wildlife. Enjoy guided walks through the...
Diving
Palm Cove
Catamaran Excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
4.8
(8)
1 day
·
Group tour
Discover the Great Barrier Reef with this full-day cruise on a high-speed catamaran, where you'll learn about the world's largest coral reef from onboard experts and get to experience it for yourself with snorkeling and scuba diving. The journey begins in Cairns, where you'll meet the expert crew...
Quicksilver Cruises
Port Douglas
Catamaran Cruise + Water Activities in the Outer Great Barrier Reef
4.8
(4)
1 day
·
Group tour
Experience the rich underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day guided catamaran cruise to the Agincourt Reef. The catamaran will depart from Port Douglas to take you to this fantastic ecosystem, which you can view from the vessel's underwater observatory. Throughout the day, you...

Our Latest Australia Content

The Sydney Marathon ends in front of the iconic Opera House
Map of Race Abroad in Australia: Run the 2026 Sydney Marathon - 10 Days
Race Abroad in Australia: Run the 2026 Sydney Marathon - 10 Days

The 2026 Sydney Marathon is just one of many adventures on this active, 10-day Australian vacation. Start with a scenic climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then set your own pace during the marathon to cross the finish line in front of the iconic Opera House. Reward yourself afterward with a day of wildlife encounters and wine tasting before flying north—where you'll snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and learn the secrets of the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest from its Indigenous custodians.

See the smiling quokka, the "world's happiest animal," on Rottnest Island
Australia FAQ

Australia is a bucket-list destination for many; it's far and it's massive, offering remarkable cultural and geographical diversity, from spectacular beaches, wet rainforests, and iconic landmarks to unique wildlife, world-class cities, and remote desert hamlets. Naturally, travelers have questions—"Is it safe?" "What's the food like?" or "How long should I spend?" This guide answers these and more of the most frequently asked questions, helping you to plan for a memorable Australian adventure.

Kangaroos are a common sight on a 16-day tour through Australia
Map of 16 Days in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Sixteen days in Australia is an excellent amount of time to experience the highlights and lesser-visited sights of two or three distinct regions. A classic tour introduces you to the top sights of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and their scenic surroundings, while an east coast road trip gives you plenty of opportunities to snorkel, cruise, kayak, and surf. Another superb option, especially for nature-loving travelers, is to split your time between the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Territory, and the Australian outback.

Australia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 13 hours ago

Liz Neal

I have been involved in the travel industry since my first job out of college, working for hotels, airlines and travel companies which allow me to know the industry from all sides. I approach my...

read more...
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 37 mins ago

Vicky Steinhardt

Hey there! I'm Vicky, and travel is my passion. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have dedicated my entire career to the travel industry. Melbourne-born, my journey led me to live in the...

read more...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 6 days ago

Paula Adams

I grew up in a very small rural town called, Humpty Doo which is 30 minutes outside of the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. I lived the true outback life with wallabies jumping in my...

read more...
Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 5 hours ago

Ruth Grau

I grew up in small outback towns in South Australia before starting in the travel industry in Adelaide. After working many years in Sales & Marketing with tour companies, wholesalers and airlines,...

read more...

Related Destinations

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

10/10 Would ask for Vicky's help again
Australia | Oct 20 - Nov 6, 2025

C
Catherine L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Vicky was amazing. She planned such a spectacular trip with a great variety of adventures and just the right amount of free days. Her recommendations were helpful in finding relaxing walks and good food. Vicky even stepped in when one of our flights was canceled to reschedule a group tour to another day so that we could still attend.

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 11, 2025

Hi Catherine,
I’m so happy to hear you had such a great time! It was wonderful planning your trip with you, and I’m glad the itinerary gave you all both adventure and time to relax. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
Take Care and all the Best,
Vicky

Amazing Australia
Australia | Oct 20 - Nov 6, 2025

Jennifer
Jennifer L.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Nov 09, 2025
Vicky was an excellent planner! Our family of three adults had great accommodations located centrally in each city we visited. Her itinerary was spot on. It was such a treat to have an experienced local person decide on the best tours: Blue Mountain Tour, snorkeling, Opera House, etc.
We absolutely loved having someone meet us at the airports and also bring us to the airports.
We really appreciated Vicky’s recommendations for scenic walks and restaurants. Whenever we were at a loss of...
Read more

Vicky was an excellent planner! Our family of three adults had great accommodations located centrally in each city we visited. Her itinerary was spot on. It was such a treat to have an experienced local person decide on the best tours: Blue Mountain Tour, snorkeling, Opera House, etc.
We absolutely loved having someone meet us at the airports and also bring us to the airports.
We really appreciated Vicky’s recommendations for scenic walks and restaurants. Whenever we were at a loss of what to do next, we’d say “What did Vicky suggest?”
We can’t wait to work with Vicky on our next trip!

Hotel Reviews
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Melbourne

Adina was a great location. We were walking distance to the botanical gardens as well as a shopping and dining area. We appreciated the coffee options for purchase in the lobby as well as having grocery stores close by. We borrowed umbrellas one day. We had to continually request 3 towels for our family since when they refreshed the room, they kept giving us only 2 towels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lenna of Hobart
Battery Point

Lenna of Hobart was a great location - just a block from a great area of shopping and dining. And close to our tour meeting places. We used the laundry facilities on the second floor after getting coins from the front desk. Detergent is available for purchase. Breakfast was not included but there are great bakeries within an 8 minute walk.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vision Cairns Holiday Apartments
Cairns

This hotel was also a great location. You could walk out the back entrance and be right on the Esplanade. We loved the spacious kitchen and living room as well as the in apartment laundry including free detergent. We used one of the pools to cool after a long day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantra on Kent
Sydney

Mantra on Kent was a great location! We really appreciated the breakfast buffet that included coffee drinks. The baristas were so friendly! We loved having laundry in the apartment and the free detergent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 09, 2025
Hi Jennifer
Thank you so much for your message — I’m so happy to hear that you all had such a wonderful time and that everything came together just as planned. It was a pleasure helping you create this trip and knowing that you loved the experiences, the walks, and the self-guided suggestions makes it even more rewarding.
I especially love hearing that you found the transfers and local touches helpful — little things like that can make travel so much smoother! It sounds like you truly... Read more

Hi Jennifer
Thank you so much for your message — I’m so happy to hear that you all had such a wonderful time and that everything came together just as planned. It was a pleasure helping you create this trip and knowing that you loved the experiences, the walks, and the self-guided suggestions makes it even more rewarding.

I especially love hearing that you found the transfers and local touches helpful — little things like that can make travel so much smoother! It sounds like you truly embraced the adventure and experienced Australia in the best way possible.

Thanks again for entrusting me with your family's journey.
Vicky

My Australia trip
Australia | Sep 12 - Sep 26, 2025

B
Benita K.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2025
My Australia trip was phenomenal! Vicky had every detail of the trip covered from getting us the best airplane seats to having our pickups arranged without any difficulties. Our excursions were more than I had imagined. I wanted as many animal encounters as possible.
Holding baby joeys, feeding kangaroos, watching flocks of cockatoos soaring over the mountains, experiencing the penguins waddle out of the water to find their nests. All amazing! Plus snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!! So...
Read more

My Australia trip was phenomenal! Vicky had every detail of the trip covered from getting us the best airplane seats to having our pickups arranged without any difficulties. Our excursions were more than I had imagined. I wanted as many animal encounters as possible.
Holding baby joeys, feeding kangaroos, watching flocks of cockatoos soaring over the mountains, experiencing the penguins waddle out of the water to find their nests. All amazing! Plus snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!! So many beautiful things to see and do !
Thank you Vicky!!! You gave us a trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
QT Melbourne
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Playford Hotel
Adelaide
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very conveniently located
Shangri-La Sydney
The Rocks
Authenticity & Character
Very modern
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

Very cute and quaint. Great location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beach across the street. Walking distance to downtown
Staff
So helpful. So willing to go the extra mile. Made sure we had everything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Sydney

The Blue mountains are beautiful. And seeing the flocks of cockatoos was amazing. However this is a very physically demanding tour with lots of steps ( in 1 part there were 1000) and no safety rails. It was wet and slippery also. If I had known I would not have taken this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Habitat - YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour (Private)
Wildlife Habitat - YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour (Private)
Port Douglas

Great experience. Lots of animals to see. Our guide took us behind the scenes to see and hold baby joeys and pet koalas. Amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
O
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
P
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Adelaide
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driver was very knowledgeable and willing to help out.
ABC Reef Safaris - Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
ABC Reef Safaris - Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
Australia

Great experience! The staff were great. There were only 9 of us do we got a lot of personal attention. The water was a little rough due to recent rain. Some people got sea sick.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour
Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour
Australia

The tour was canceled due to rain causing too high water levels for the ferry. The tour guide took us to a different part of the rainforest which we had 1 hour to spend. Was enough. Not much to see. Was disappointing.

Quality of Experience
Food
We had burgers and fries in Point Douglas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 02, 2025

Hi Benita,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. I’m pleased to hear that your Australia trip was everything you hoped for — and more. It sounds like you made the very most of every moment, and I am glad you had so many incredible animal encounters, which I knew were top on your list.
It was such a pleasure helping you create this adventure, and I’m so glad it became the trip of a lifetime.
Warm regards,
Vicky

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.