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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 Sails in the Desert
Uluru
Sails In The Desert
4.9
(7)
· Upscale
You'll find Sails in the Desert within the town's Ayers Rock Resort, a compilation of several properties. Like most of the hotels here, a 30-minute drive gets you to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta, important sites for Australia's cultural heritage. Here, you can immerse yourself in...
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...
Photo courtesy of Vibe Hotel Sydney
Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney
4.7
(12)
· Upscale
One of three Vibe properties within the city, the Vibe Hotel Sydney sits in the bustling CBD, right on the border with the cool Surry Hills neighborhood. Guests will find themselves just a block from Oxford Street and Hyde Park, with Chinatown and Darling Harbour within strolling distance. The...

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...
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...
Get up close with koalas
Melbourne
Excursion to Phillip Island
4.6
(5)
12 hours
·
Private
Embark on an afternoon journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island, known globally for its extraordinary Penguin Parade. For this excursion, it's common to start at Cape Woolamai, a hotspot for local surfers, then continue to the Koala Conservation Centre for an up-close encounter with Australia's...

Our Latest Australia Content

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.

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.

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 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 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 3 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 28 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 1 day 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 Connie Campos
active 8 hours ago

Connie Campos

I have travel to Australia and New Zealand every year, and I've been to all the places you are looking to visit so I can speak to you from experience and first-hand knowledge.

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Well planned Australia family adventure
Australia | Jun 1 - Jun 17, 2025

Doug
Doug S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025
We had an amazing 17 day trip to Australia that allowed us to provide so many adventure for our 13 and 10 year old daughters. Everything was so smooth and on time- our guides were superb (shoutout Bluey from Go West in Melbourne, Max and Andres from SEIT in Uluru) and our Surf teachers rocked in Byron Bay. We had an incredible day diving and snorkeling the reef and accommodations were well located and comfy. KimKim made a 5 city trip easy and so fun. Read more

We had an amazing 17 day trip to Australia that allowed us to provide so many adventure for our 13 and 10 year old daughters. Everything was so smooth and on time- our guides were superb (shoutout Bluey from Go West in Melbourne, Max and Andres from SEIT in Uluru) and our Surf teachers rocked in Byron Bay. We had an incredible day diving and snorkeling the reef and accommodations were well located and comfy. KimKim made a 5 city trip easy and so fun.

Hotel Reviews
Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns

A lovely hotel. Great food onsite, very cool swimming pools and so well located right on the esplanade in Cairns. Loved the family suite setup and nice small gym with Pilates machine. Overall a great stay

Authenticity & Character
Very cool design and furnishings.
Location
So much is walkable.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

The resort is well located and the restaurants were amazing. Rooms are a bit basic but free laundry facilities were very appreciated. Running trails nearby and easy to arrange and pickup tours. Pools are available but unheated so we couldn’t use given time of year.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Loved the resort concept at Uluru.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lancemore Crossley St Melbourne
Melbourne

A nice hotel very well located in the theatre district. Great to have a “family suite” for kids to have own bedroom. The decor is very artistic but a bit dark. Also no hotel gym and limited room service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
East on Byron
Byron Bay

What a spot! Right across the street from the beach but also close to town. So good to have our own space and laundry! Lovely pool and hot tub on site.

Authenticity & Character
Such a great beach house
Location
Great beach access and moderate walk to central town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney

Breakfast here was incredible and location can’t be beat. A nice workout facility and comfy rooms. Very well located near sites and public transit hub and very walkable.

Authenticity & Character
A nice hotel- a bit corporate but nice.
Location
So easy to get to transit and sites.
Staff
Restaurant staff were very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Uluru Sunrise with Breakfast
Uluru Sunrise with Breakfast
Uluru

Our post sunrise walk was excellent- Andres was very knowledgeable and the sites were very interesting. Breakfast was just ok quality.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Uluru Sunset Dinner & Light Show
Uluru Sunset Dinner & Light Show
Uluru

Overall good. A bit long between apps and dinner and drone show was very good but also just a bit long. Food was good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Belongil Beach Horseback Ride
Belongil Beach Horseback Ride
Byron Bay

Great outfit. Lovely horses. Beach was eroded due to a Cyclone so we rode through the tea forest. Was different and fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Tour of Sydney's Neighborhoods & Beaches
Self-Guided Tour of Sydney's Neighborhoods & Beaches
Sydney

Vivid light festival was on and highly recommend! We went to see it all 3 nights we weee in Sydney. Would recommend folks in this time frame plan around this event and really engage it.

Quality of Experience
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Trip with 2 Certified Dives
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Trip with 2 Certified Dives
Cairns

Top notch company. Kids and one parent really enjoyed snorkeling- equipment was great and they were easily self guided. Diving was outstanding. Great guide- very safe but laid back. We had a small group (guide plus 5 divers) which made for super dives. Very knowledgeable and equipment was excellent.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch and snacks were good and huge portions!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Camel Ride
Sunset Camel Ride
Uluru

Great fun to do this and we lucked out with an amazing sunset. We were very fortunate to be near the front so we could chat with the guide which was a bonus.

Quality of Experience
Very well run
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phillip Island Wildlife Day Trip via Brighton Beach with Penguin Plus Viewing
Phillip Island Wildlife Day Trip via Brighton Beach with Penguin Plus Viewing
Melbourne

Big highlight- do not miss if you visit Melbourne. We enjoyed our day getting to Philip Island but the Penguin sunset was amazing- truly unlike anything we have seen. It was cold and windy and no one complained. Once in a lifetime stuff to see these small animals leave the ocean to return home.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bluey was super!
Transport
Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Valley of the Winds Walk
Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Valley of the Winds Walk
Uluru

Highlight of Uluru visit. This 4 hour hike has some amazing vistas and was just challenging enough to work a sweat but still accessible for most folks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Max was particularly good and knowledgable.
Transport
Mossman Gorge Day Trip with River Drift Experience
Mossman Gorge Day Trip with River Drift Experience
Port Douglas

A real highlight. The hike plus river drift was so fun and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Our guide was very knowledgeable so we talked a lot about flora and fauna of the region

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Cairns
Welcome to Cairns
Cairns

We ended up going to the Aquarium for the behind the scenes turtle hospital visit. Highly recommend. Really a treat to learn about turtles and rehabilitation

Quality of Experience
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Sydney

Lovely day visiting the farm to see Aussie animals and then to hike in the mountains. Hike was a lovely 1 hr hike that wasn’t too strenuous but had lovely sites including waterfalls.

Quality of Experience
Food
Boxed lunch with fine-
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Byron Bay Surf Lesson
Private Byron Bay Surf Lesson
Byron Bay

Just a great day. Likes it so much kids went back for a 2nd day lesson. Both instructors were excellent- kids were up within 10min in the water (Dad was a bit slower but still got up first lesson). Equipment was great

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ultimate Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Ultimate Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney

Loved this activity and great way to kickoff Sydney. Fun guide, just enough info on the tour and amazing pics.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Siena Mueller

KimKim Team provides excellent service!
Australia | Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2025

G
Gwen H.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025
Vicky was amazing to work with on our Australian Adventure. Our plans were more last-minute rather than months out. She was able to get us where we wanted and when in spite of it being peak travel season. If things came up, she worked on coordinating results right away. Thank you for working through the details and creating a memorable travel experience that we already treasure dearly. Read more

Vicky was amazing to work with on our Australian Adventure. Our plans were more last-minute rather than months out. She was able to get us where we wanted and when in spite of it being peak travel season. If things came up, she worked on coordinating results right away. Thank you for working through the details and creating a memorable travel experience that we already treasure dearly.

Hotel Review
Reef View Hotel
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

This was an excellent hotel in the middle of our trip that was beautiful, relaxing, and energizing for us. We loved being in front of a quiet bay and enjoyed lots of ocean time, which was much needed. It felt like we were on a Tahitian vacation right in Australia.

Authenticity & Character
The setting overlooks a quiet bay with stunning views.
Location
Perfect escape from the big city vibe for a few days.
Staff
Everyone was professional, friendly, courteous, and patient with guests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was clean, the resort is clean, and the golf carts to get around were great fun.
Activity Reviews
Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour (ex Port Douglas)
Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour (ex Port Douglas)
Australia

We enjoyed our tour group and guide. They were a wonderful group and we all enjoyed getting to know each other. The Daintree Tour was educational, relaxing, and interesting.

Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Sydney
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Completely fascinating! We loved it and was able to hear someone practicing the pipe organ while we toured the concert hall. We loved learning the history behind this gorgeous edifice. It is so stunning in person.

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Sydney
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jun 12, 2025

Hi Gwen
Thanks so much for your feedback. It was a pleasure helping you arrange your trip. I am so glad you and Bob had such a memorable experience and that you felt looked after.
Wishing you many incredible travel adventures ahead ✨️
All the Best
Vicky

This trip was a trip of a lifetime! Ruth from...
Australia | Apr 6 - Apr 27, 2025

N
Nancy M.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2025
This trip was a trip of a lifetime! Ruth from Kim Kim was amazing at advising and planning the perfect adventure for us. All of our flights, rides to and from the airports, and hotels were great. So wonderful to have that all planned out for us and just showing up! In Australia we received our itinerary and brochures at the first hotel and that was great! Our itinerary was well used throughout our time in Australia. Thank you so much for that. It would have been nice to get one in New... Read more

This trip was a trip of a lifetime! Ruth from Kim Kim was amazing at advising and planning the perfect adventure for us. All of our flights, rides to and from the airports, and hotels were great. So wonderful to have that all planned out for us and just showing up! In Australia we received our itinerary and brochures at the first hotel and that was great! Our itinerary was well used throughout our time in Australia. Thank you so much for that. It would have been nice to get one in New Zealand as well. We did so many things and wanted to share how wonderful each was.
Melbourne area
From Melbourne we did the Phillip Island Go West Tour with guide, Chris R. He was funny and personable with plenty of information on the area and animals. Our favorites were the Moonlit Sanctuary, petting the koala was well worth it! Phillip Island was beautiful - the Nobbies were truly beautiful and the penguins, so so cute.
The Hidden Gems Arcades and Lanes tour was such fun! Fiona was a great guide, she knows so much about Melbourne that we learned a lot. It was also a great way to see parts of the city we might have missed if we hadn't done the tour. The chocolate was a nice treat along the way!
The Great Ocean Tour with Terry, from Go West. We enjoyed the stops along the way and the scenery was stunning. We actually saw a koala in the wild, but not where we thought we would. The evening at Twelve Apostles was beautiful, with a sunset view and a quick trip down to the beach, it was amazing.
Uluru
Sunset tour and BBQ with guide, Hayley was amazing. She was able to teach us about the Ananu people, and the stories they would share with us. The short walk to the watering hole was a highlight. Sunset vista was amazing. The BBQ was so nice, meeting people from all over the world. The food was great and plentiful.
Hike in Kata Tjuta also had stunning views. The pace was a little too fast for me, we just didn't have enough time to look around, but the it was worth doing.
Evening drone show was cancelled due to wind. But we did get a lovely wine and cheese basket and enjoyed a laser light show.
Early morning at the Field of Lights was spectacular! The glowing light of the rising sun, the beautiful lights stretching out in front of the amazing Uluru. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.
Port Douglas
The Great Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure was an adventure! We had very choppy waters and it made for a rocky trip to and from the reef. The guides, especially Isaac, were accommodating and helpful. They knew I was not a strong swimmer, so they kept and eye on me and helped me out when I needed a boost. Seeing the reef was a highlight of the trip. Amazing to view it with my own eyes!
Mossman Gorge Adventure with the walk and river float was a tremendous experience. Francisco was a great guide - he was fun on the river float - highlighting the plants that are trying to kill us and the beauty of the forest. The spiders were something else - amazing to see and the rainforest was amazing. The smoke ceremony with Tim was educational and a great way to start the forest walk.
Wildlife Habitat private tour was lovely the way they made a natural habitat and the Lily was a great guide and made us very much feel like VIPs. It was wonderful to get a close up view of some of the beautiful birds, had another koala encounter (can't get enough of those), but also had encounters with a black cockatoo and a frogmouth.
Sydney area
Nice relaxing morning until we were off to Sydney next. Sydney was very much a bustling city and our first tour was Bondi Beach with James from the volunteer life savers group. Our beach day was windy and rainy so it was fun to hear about the history and just stroll along and see the sites. The "city art" along the beach was everything from fun to amazing.
That evening was our dinner and Harbor cruise - beautiful evening with great views of the city, Harbor bridge, and Opera house. This cruise in the harbor made for a very pleasant evening - service was great - Philip had a hard time staying at the table as the sites along the harbor were better outside.
Next up was our tour of the Blue Mountains with Steve. He commented on how the traffic in the city was pretty minimal that morning - maybe because everyone was already on the way to the Blue Mountains. It was a holiday and quite crowded which decreased our enthusiasm as the short hikes felt a bit more like being in a queue. Nevertheless, there were some lovely sites, but living with mountains very near, we could definitely see the appeal of hiking out into the park to better enjoy nature.
We had our formal Opera House tour next, and it was really a wonderful way to learn more about this extraordinary architectural achievement. It is easy to see why a tour of the Opera House is a "don't miss" experience as the thought that went into each space (including the restrooms) is clearly evident. We spent some of our free time after this walking along the harbor to the botanical garden and you can take classic photos of the Opera House along the way.
New Zealand
Flew to Auckland for our one night there - rainy day and night - we were supposed to have tickets for the Sky Tower - this was the only thing that didn't go as planned on our trip. It was Easter, but I think that the closing time for the Sky Tower had changed to "Autumn schedule" or something and it was closed when we went for our visit.
Hobbiton
As Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fans, this was a truly enjoyable way to spend some time on a rainy day. This day almost didn't start off well as there was some confusion about the pickup location but luckly one of the van drivers spotted us and caught us up with the correct van for the trip to Hobbiton. Lunch at the Green Dragon pavilion was delightful and then we transitioned to the next ride to Rotorua.
Rotorua area
The glow worm kayak tour was very fun and the glow worms were just amazing but mostly we were glad that we weren't the kayak that tipped over - the guide was great about helping everyone out and it was some considerable work.
The Whirinaki forest walk was up next - this was very much one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the entire trip. Our guide Tom was perfect for us - full of information and pointed out all kinds of great things along the trail. His 30 years in conservation introduced us to so many amazing things about the New Zealand rain forest and the challenges that New Zealand is facing on the conservation front - just a truly amazing day.
The Cultural center for dinner and a Maori experience was up next. We had listened to New Zealand history from the perspective of European-descendants and it was great to get some of this from the Maori perspective. Lots of food and an elaborate show after made for a great evening.
Mt Terawana crater hike was next - maybe almost half the fun what the wild ride in and out. The crater hike was amazing, terrific views, quite windy at the top and the path down to the crater bottom was unexpected but also quite fun. The guides here definitely patient with our group (we weren't the slow ones on this trip) and they informed us about the geology of the area and always gave us time to remove the "gravel" from our boots.
The contrast in the environments between the rain forest and the crater hikes was striking but we are so glad we did both. then it was off to Queenstown.
Queenstown area
First up was our Doubtful Sound day - what a day - again, one of the real highlights of the trip. The day started out overcast but by the time we got to the Sound it was beautiful and clear (apparently not the usual experience for a place that measure rainfall in the 10+ meter range/year). Again, we had very good guides from the driver (Chou) from Queenstown to the guide on the boat tour on the Sound. The scenery was truly amazing everywhere you looked!
Next was a short excursion on the Routeburn track. Dan was our guide and gave us the opportunity to experience just a hint of this Great Trail - it makes us think we really need to come back and do this trial! While this wasn't a Lord of the Rings tour - he pointed out some of the sites used for filming and explained how Queenstown has become a filmmakers - "go-to location". Wonderful tour and really funny conversation with Dan and Adrian - time as too short.
Next day was our Appellation Wine tour in the Otego valley - visited four wineries and tried some tasty varieties. John was our guide - he was friendly (what would you expect from a Canadian - also made for an interesting discussion of the Stanley Cup playoffs just underway), knowledgeable, and made sure we stopped for some great views.
Finished up the kimkim-arranged activities with a gondola ride at dusk and got to see the beautiful views as the sun set and stars came out.
Similar to the variety at Rotorua, these trips around Queenstown showed distinctive variety and were all very enjoyable.

Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Really nice, modern design with plenty of space to have breakfast, a drink or just relax in the lobby. The rooms were comfortable and had everything you need.

Authenticity & Character
very modern design
Location
Everything is pretty close in Queenstown.
Staff
Staff were great with recommendations and helpful holding luggage for us. They seemed like they wanted us to have a good time.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Rotorua

The hotel could use some upgrading. The bed was comfortable, our view of the lake was nice. The amenities were fine, but you pay extra for everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
Auckland

We arrived late in the evening and the receptionist was helpful in directing us to restaurants nearby. The rooms are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The shower doors are interesting...frosted glass visible to the room. Kinda cool.
Furama Darling Harbour
Haymarket

Definitely gets you a feel of the city! It's right in the middle of Chinatown, a bustling area with lots of shops and restaurants, and ambience. Close to transportation options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa San Michele
Port Douglas

We loved having a place to cook a meal ourselves. The pools were nice and private. Laundry was convenient. Location in the middle of town was very convenient.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Only saw them once. They left the key in an envelope on the office door - we thought that was odd
Cleanliness & Comfort
apartment was clean and well equipped.
The Lost Camel
Yulara

Nice rooms and comfortable beds. Great amenities like laundry to free! Convenient to the whole resort. Pool was on the chilly side.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Batman's Hill On Collins
Melbourne, VIC

Good location for walking about Melbourne. Breakfast was varied and good! The rooms are small, but clean and comfortable beds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to river and lots of restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Skyline Gondola Ride
Skyline Gondola Ride
Queenstown (NZ)

We took the gondola ride at dusk and got to see the beautiful views as the sun set and stars came out - we also ended up signing up for the buffet as we were told it was the best buffet in town.

Quality of Experience
Boutique Wine Tour - Half Day
Boutique Wine Tour - Half Day
Queenstown (NZ)

Visited four wineries and tried some tasty varieties. John was our guide - he was friendly (what would you expect from a Canadian - also made for an interesting discussion of the Stanley Cup playoffs just underway), knowledgeable, and made sure we stopped for some great sites for photos.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Went above and beyond.
Transport
Half Day Routeburn Trail
Half Day Routeburn Trail
Queenstown (NZ)

Dan was our guide and gave us the opportunity to experience just a hint of this Great Trail - it makes us think we really need to come back and do this whole trial! While this wasn't a Lord of the Rings tour - he pointed out some of the sites used for filming and explained how Queenstown has become a filmmakers - "go-to location". Wonderful tour and really funny conversation with Dan and Adrian - time as too short.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise (ex Queenstown)
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise (ex Queenstown)
Queenstown (NZ)

What a day - one of the real highlights of the trip. The day started out overcast but by the time we got to the Sound it was beautiful and clear (apparently not the usual experience for a place that measure rainfall in the 10+ meter/year). Again, we had very good guides from the driver (Chou) from Queenstown to the guide on the boat tour on the Sound. The scenery was truly amazing everywhere you looked! We were able to see dolphins and seals in the Sound.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience
Half Day Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience
Rotorua

Mt Terawana crater hike was a great experience - maybe almost half the fun what the wild ride in and out. The crater hike was amazing, terrific views, quite windy at the top and the path down to the crater bottom was unexpected but also quite fun. The guides here definitely patient with our group as some folks had a harder time, they informed us about the geology of the area, and always gave us time to remove the "gravel" from our boots.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner
Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner
Rotorua

The Cultural center for dinner and a Maori experience . We had listened to New Zealand history from the perspective of European-descendants and it was great to get some of this from the Maori perspective. Lots of food and an elaborate show after made for a great evening.

Quality of Experience
Getting a peek at Maori culture and this extended family was really interesting. Very hospitable people.
Food
The food was good, but not quite what we were expecting. The hangi meat was a little dry. There was plenty to eat, though.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Whirinaki Forest Walk with Lunch
Full Day Whirinaki Forest Walk with Lunch
Rotorua

The Whirinaki forest walk was up next - this was very much one of the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the entire trip. Our guide Tom was perfect for us - full of information and pointed out all kinds of great things along the trail. His 30 years in conservation introduced us to so many amazing things about the New Zealand rain forest and the challenges that New Zealand is facing on the conservation front - just a truly amazing day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Yummy sandwiches and fruit after a day walking the rainforest at a spot next to a beautiful waterfall
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tom is an amazing resource for all things New Zealand! We enjoyed his banter on the drive and all the information during the walk.
Transport
Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided
Twilight Glow Worm Kayak Experience - 3 hour guided
Rotorua

The glow worm kayak tour was very fun and the glow worms were just amazing but mostly we were glad that we weren't the kayak that tipped over - the guide was great about helping everyone out and it was some considerable work The glow worms should not be missed if you're in New Zealand.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Not the nicest vehicle, but it got us there and back!
Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton with lunch
Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton with lunch
Auckland

As Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fans, this was a truly enjoyable way to spend some time on a rainy day. This day almost didn't start off well as there was some confusion about the pickup location but luckily one of the van drivers spotted us and caught us up with the correct van for the trip to Hobbiton. Hobbiton was charming, even in pouring rain. The detail in the hobbit home that we could walk through. We could've spent a lot of time looking around.Lunch at the Green Dragon pavilion was delightful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Buffet was great - the apple crisp was delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Damian was a great driver, entertaining and great stories.
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

We had our formal Opera House tour next, and it was really a wonderful way to learn more about this extraordinary architectural achievement. Our guide was great. I can't remember the name, but he had recently won an employee photography contest. It is easy to see why a tour of the Opera House is a "don't miss" experience as the thought that went into each space (including the restrooms) is clearly evident. We spent some of our free time after this walking along the harbor to the botanical garden and you can take classic photos of the Opera House along the way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Unchartered Blue Mountains
Full Day Unchartered Blue Mountains
Sydney

Our tour of the Blue Mountains with Steve. He commented on how the traffic in the city was pretty minimal that morning - maybe because everyone was already on the way to the Blue Mountains. It was a holiday and quite crowded which decreased our enthusiasm as the short hikes felt a bit more like being in a queue. Nevertheless, there were some lovely sites, but living with mountains very near, we could definitely see the appeal of hiking out into the park to better enjoy nature.

Quality of Experience
So crowded, but there's nothing the tour guide or company can do about that.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Dinner Cruise  with Window Seat
Sunset Dinner Cruise with Window Seat
Sydney

The dinner and Harbor cruise - a beautiful evening with great views of the city, Harbor bridge, and Opera house. This cruise in the harbor made for a very pleasant evening - service was great - Philip had a hard time staying at the table as the sites along the harbor were better outside. Food was good. We did have to change this reservation so we didn't really have a window seat - part of the reason Philip kept going outside.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Morning Discover Bondi Tour
Morning Discover Bondi Tour
Sydney

was Bondi Beach with James from the volunteer life savers group. Our beach day was windy and rainy so it was fun to hear about the history and just stroll along and see the sites. The weather was windy, so we didn't swim, but the walk was one fantastic view after another. The "city art" along the beach was everything from fun to amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
James was a fun guide - we were the only people on the tour so he seemed to figure out the things we were interested in and catered to that.
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Private Wildlife Habitat Experience
Port Douglas

Wildlife Habitat private tour was lovely the way they made a natural habitat and the Lily was a great guide and made us very much feel like VIPs. It was wonderful to get a close up view of some of the beautiful birds, had another koala encounter (can't get enough of those), but also had encounters with a black cockatoo and a frogmouth.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lily was great! It was her first tour and she was so sweet and knowledgeable.
Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day
Full Day Mossman Gorge Adventure Day
Australia

Mossman Gorge Adventure with the walk and river float was a tremendous experience. Francisco was a great guide - he was fun on the river float - highlighting the plants that are trying to kill us and the beauty of the forest. The spiders were something else - amazing to see and the rainforest was amazing. The smoke ceremony with Tim was educational and a great way to start the forest walk. We stopped for lunch in a cute little town with good food and parrots all around us! They provided some snacks along the way for the hike.

Quality of Experience
River float is just beautiful and relaxing - but it is some work to carry rafts.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Francisco was great and very personable.
Transport
Welcome to Port Douglas
Welcome to Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Drive from Cairns airport to Port Douglas was scenic. Driver was not super talkative, but that's fine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nice cars!
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay
Port Douglas

The Great Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure was an adventure! We had very choppy waters and it made for a rocky trip to and from the reef. The guides, especially Isaac, were accommodating and helpful. They knew I was not a strong swimmer, so they kept and eye on me and helped me out when I needed a boost. Seeing the reef was a highlight of the trip. Amazing to view it with my own eyes!

Quality of Experience
Although it was choppy, this was really the "full experience" and we loved it.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Thoughtful, and very competent.
Field of Light & Uluru Sunrise
Field of Light & Uluru Sunrise
Uluru

Early morning at the Field of Lights was spectacular! The glowing light of the rising sun, the beautiful lights stretching out in front of the amazing Uluru. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The guides were pleasant and provided coffee and treats as the sun came up.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Twilight Visit to Uluru & Light Show
Twilight Visit to Uluru & Light Show
Uluru

The evening drone show was cancelled due to wind. But we did get a lovely wine and cheese basket and enjoyed a laser light show. The location is very nice and the staff gave great customer service.

Valley of the Winds (Shared Small Group Tour)
Valley of the Winds (Shared Small Group Tour)
Uluru

Hike in Kata Tjuta also had stunning views and amazing conglomerate rock. We got great snacks to bring along and eat at the viewpoint. Our guide set the pace was a little too fast for me, we just didn't have enough time to look around, and really enjoy the views around us. There was a definite split in the group where the faster ones went ahead, waited for us, but then moved on as soon as we caught up. I'm not completely out of shape either. That made it a challenge, but the it was worth doing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was pleasant and gave us information on the way in.
Transport
Uluru Cultural & Sunset Visit with Barbecue Dinner
Uluru Cultural & Sunset Visit with Barbecue Dinner
Uluru

Sunset tour and BBQ with guide, Hayley was amazing. She was able to teach us about the Ananu people, and the stories they would share with us. The short walk to the watering hole was a highlight. Sunset vista was amazing. The BBQ was so nice, meeting people from all over the world. The food was great and plentiful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Great food. Good variety. They knew I had a mushroom allergy and made sure I knew what dishes to avoid.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hailey was our guide and taught us many things about the Anangu people. I loved this part.
Transport
Great Ocean Road Sunset Day Trip
Great Ocean Road Sunset Day Trip
Melbourne

The Great Ocean Tour with Terry, from Go West. We enjoyed the stops along the way and the scenery was stunning. We actually saw a koala in the wild, but not where we thought we would. The evening at Twelve Apostles was beautiful, with a sunset view and a quick trip down to the beach, it was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Terry was a fine guide, but it's a large bus and people pretty much stuck with those they came with and didn't interact much.
Transport
More time for dinner would've been nice.
Laneways & Arcades Discovery Walk
Laneways & Arcades Discovery Walk
Melbourne

The Hidden Gems Arcades and Lanes tour was such fun! Fiona was a great guide, she knows so much about Melbourne that we learned a lot. It was also a great way to see parts of the city we might have missed if we hadn't done the tour. The chocolate was a nice treat along the way!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fiona was great - we learned a lot that enhanced the rest of our stay in Melbourne
Full Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour
Full Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour
Melbourne

The Phillip Island Go West Tour with guide, Chris R. was fantastic! He was funny and personable with plenty of information on the area and animals. Our favorites were the Moonlit Sanctuary, petting the koala was well worth it! Phillip Island was beautiful - the Nobbies were truly beautiful and the penguins, so so cute. We hit it at molting season, so there weren't as many penguins coming in a night, but it was still amazing!

Quality of Experience
Great choices of stops along the way.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Chris was funny and knowledgeable - a great combination. We enjoyed his dad jokes and information.
Transport
Comfortable van.
Local specialist: Ruth Grau

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