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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
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 Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
4.9
(7)
· 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....
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
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...
Cairns
Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure by 4WD
4.7
(8)
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...
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 10 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 47 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 10 hours 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 3 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...

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our guide Vicky did an in credible job and wa...
Australia | Sep 1 - Sep 16, 2025

A
Alberto L.
Richardson, TX | Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Our guide Vicky did an in credible job and was always washing our trip , weather and. Other developments. We could not had had a better trip and service

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Sep 17, 2025

Hi Alberto
Thank you for your feedback
I am.so glad you had an incredible trip and felt looked after along the way.
Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead.
Thanks again
Vicky

First time using kimkim, won't be our last
Australia | Aug 31 - Sep 11, 2025

Mark
Mark C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025
Great booking tools from kimkim.com. Very quick courteous service from specialist Vicky throughout the process! Great support from her during our time in Australia. Very happy with the quality of the accommodations, tours, and events. Everything went punctually and smoothly. Highly recommend the sounds of silence dinner at Uluru. This was our first time using kimkim and won't be our last. Read more

Great booking tools from kimkim.com. Very quick courteous service from specialist Vicky throughout the process! Great support from her during our time in Australia. Very happy with the quality of the accommodations, tours, and events. Everything went punctually and smoothly. Highly recommend the sounds of silence dinner at Uluru. This was our first time using kimkim and won't be our last.

Hotel Reviews
Sails In The Desert
Yulara

Easy transfer to/from airport. Very nice resort. Great view of Uluru!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns

Nice modern hotel, great location and view of the ocean

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to ocean and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney

Nice tour, just the two of us and driver/guide Paul

Quality of Experience
Nice variety of wineries to experience. Weather was outstanding.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paul was a great guide and very safe driver. Engaging conversations throughout the tour.
Transport
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Sydney

Great half-day tour to see the main sights. Just enough time to see it all. Great views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was engaging and humorous
Transport
SEIT | ULURU experience
SEIT | ULURU experience
Uluru

Uluru is way bigger than you think. You don't appreciate it until you are standing next to it. Small group tour was intimate.

Quality of Experience
Small group size
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dmitri was a courteous, conscientious guide
Transport
Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Scott was a knowledgeable, humorous guide and very safe driver!
Transport
Comfortable
Ocean Freedom - Cruise to Outer Edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay Reef (Departs from Cairns)
Ocean Freedom - Cruise to Outer Edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay Reef (Departs from Cairns)
Australia

Was a bucket list item for my wife. Lived up to her dreams.

Quality of Experience
Great snorkeling!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Professional, courteous staff!
Transport
Uluru Sounds of Silence Dinner
Uluru Sounds of Silence Dinner
Uluru

Awesome view of Uluru during sunset and of the night sky. Food was very good. Great service.

Quality of Experience
Night sky in total darkness
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Sep 13, 2025

Thanks so much Mark. I am so glad it lived up to your expectations and you had a great experience all round. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey.
Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead.
Take Care and All the Best
Vicky

Aussie Adventure 2025
Australia | Aug 18 - Aug 26, 2025

Jolene
Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025
From the moment I started our travel arrangements on kimkim Siena was there to help guide and suggest different options for our itinerary to Australia. I made quite a few changes with our schedule, but Siena didn’t hesitate to make any of them, and I’m truly grateful for her patience and understanding. Our trip was absolutely stellar!! I can’t say enough good things about Siena and Greg at kimkim. They were both an absolute pleasure to work with.
One of the best things about our trips...
Read more

From the moment I started our travel arrangements on kimkim Siena was there to help guide and suggest different options for our itinerary to Australia. I made quite a few changes with our schedule, but Siena didn’t hesitate to make any of them, and I’m truly grateful for her patience and understanding. Our trip was absolutely stellar!! I can’t say enough good things about Siena and Greg at kimkim. They were both an absolute pleasure to work with.
One of the best things about our trips was the ease and convenience of our travel arrangements. Everything was done for our convenience and we didn’t have to worry about airport transfers, tickets to events, airline flights within the country, hotel accommodations, etc. This was one of the first trips where I didn’t have to plan out everything and that definitely made a huge difference in my level of enjoyment. All I had to do was tell the family what time we had to meet for our pick ups. Thank you Siena and Greg for the trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
The Langham
Southbank

Great five-star hotel near everything in downtown Melbourne. We visited the Chuan Spa to get relaxing massages and were able to utilize all the amenities available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Niramaya Villas and Spa
Port Douglas

Peaceful, zen-like atmosphere on a beautiful, scenic property. Lots of lounge areas and very aesthetically pleasing. Villas were big and comfortable. We had booked a two-bedroom villa but there was only a single bed in each room. The gal at the front desk very kindly offered to open the other bedroom with twin beds so we could all sleep comfortably. Definitely great customer service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Four Seasons Sydney
Sydney

Great, modern hotel in the middle of downtown. Walking distance to Sydney Opera House and other great locations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Laneways & Arcades Discovery Walk
Private Laneways & Arcades Discovery Walk
Melbourne

A wonderful tour through the different areas of downtown Melbourne. Melinda was truly a pleasure to tour with. She was friendly, knowledgeable and you could tell she had a real affinity for the city. We wandered down alleys and lanes and saw all the diverse architecture of the city. We stopped to have drinks at one of the many coffee houses located in the city and had some terrific chocolate at Mork’s. This was a great tour for people interested in architecture and to see the many diverse areas of downtown Melbourne.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Port Douglas

The boat was big and comfortable and we had a pretty smooth ride out to the reef and back. The snorkeling was terrific and the reef was a once in a lifetime trip for us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Half-Day Visit to the Daintree Rainforest
Private Half-Day Visit to the Daintree Rainforest
Port Douglas

Jungle cruise - It was not very exciting but the scenery was pretty. We saw about 5 or 6 bigger crocs, a baby croc and a Great Beak Heron. Mossman Gorge - This was very nice, and there was a lot to see. We took a tram up to the gorge, and the day was cool and beautiful so we were able to take a dip in the watering hole. We would have loved to stay longer to hike the trail.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Port Douglas

Callie was an excellent tour guide. Very enthusiastic and interactive. She made it very enjoyable and she was very knowledgeable about all of the animals. We enjoyed feeding the kangaroos and cassowary and petting the koala during our photo session. The private tour was so much more informative than if we had gone on our own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Sydney

Calmsley Farm: We saw wallabies, kangaroos, mice, goats, sheep, wombat, camel, Shetland ponies, donkeys, koalas, rabbits, turkeys, a ferret, and snakes. We love animals so this was a fun stop for all of us. Blue Mountains: Unfortunately the weather made it impossible to see anything. The rain and the fog obscured the views and made it too dangerous for us to do the hike. It was very disappointing, but we understood it had nothing to do with the tour. Our guide, Paul, was really nice and had a lot of interesting information for the group. We heard later that this was the wettest winter in Sydney in 28 years!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Sydney

Tour guide: Helen Sydney Fish Market - great place to visit. Interesting to see the different types of fish and food available. The samples we had were delicious - deep fried squid, deep fried fish, salmon sashimi and raw oysters. Lotus - Chinese cuisine, the vegetable dumplings were really good. The other items we sampled were also good. Harry’s Meals on Wheels - meat pie was surprisingly tasty Black Star Bakery - the only disappointing stop. The cake was just okay and the people working there were not friendly Young Henry’s - cool, funky bar. We enjoyed the beer flights Helen was a fantastic guide. She was friendly, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. The places she took us were fun and it was nice to see the different areas of Sydney as she talked about the history of the area. Definitely a recommended tour for first timers in Sydney.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Sep 02, 2025
Hi Jolene, Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! It was such a pleasure helping you shape this special trip to Australia, and I’m so glad to hear everything—from the hotels to the activities—came together so smoothly and you really got to enjoy the experience and be present. I’m especially happy to hear the Great Barrier Reef tour we selected provided such a smooth ride out to the reef—it really makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Thank you again for trusting... Read more

Hi Jolene,

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! It was such a pleasure helping you shape this special trip to Australia, and I’m so glad to hear everything—from the hotels to the activities—came together so smoothly and you really got to enjoy the experience and be present. I’m especially happy to hear the Great Barrier Reef tour we selected provided such a smooth ride out to the reef—it really makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Thank you again for trusting Greg and me with your travel plans. We’d be thrilled to help plan your next adventure whenever the time feels right! 💛

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.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

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.