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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
4.9
(7)
· 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
4.7
(14)
· 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
Experience an epic outback sunset from atop your friendly camel (photo of Uluru Camel Tours)
Uluru
Sunset Camel Ride
5.0
(7)
2.5 hours
·
Group tour
Watch the sunset over Uluru in true outback style with a guided evening camel ride. Perfect for nature and animal lovers (including kids five and up), this experience begins with a transfer to a local farm, where you'll meet the rescued camels and your knowledgeable guides. Then, it's time to set...
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...

Our Latest Australia Content

Take in the sweeping vistas over Hobart and River Derwent from Kunanyi / Mount Wellington's lookout
How kimkim Trips Work in Australia

Australia offers endless possibilities: iconic coastlines, Aboriginal culture, ancient rainforests, and vast outback horizons. When you plan with kimkim, you're matched with an expert local specialist who collaborates with you to design a trip that reflects your tastes, pace, and perfect time to travel. Their insider knowledge and creative planning turn big-dream adventures into personalized, meaningful experiences. Here's how the process works, from your first conversation to your last day on the ground.

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.

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 Vicky Steinhardt
active 5 hours 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 Liz Neal
active 37 mins 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 Paula Adams
active 1 min 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 40 mins 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

Travelers who visit Australia also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Australia
Australia | Dec 28 - Jan 10, 2026

E
E E.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026
Sydney was great the Park Royal hotel has the best breakfast. Melbourne was fantastic and I highly recommend the lanes walking tour. Read more

Sydney was great the Park Royal hotel has the best breakfast. Melbourne was fantastic and I highly recommend the lanes walking tour.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Spring Hill
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grest clean hotel
Reef View Hotel
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Authenticity & Character
Updates
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Update clean more
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great area able to get everywhere
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney

Best breakfast and great room service.

Authenticity & Character
Nice clean hotek
Location
Within walking distance to everything or transit options
Staff
Great room service and excellent staff at breakfast
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
New Years Eve Cruise - MV Jerry Bailey (Shared Cruise)
New Years Eve Cruise - MV Jerry Bailey (Shared Cruise)
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bartenders were great
Transport
Great boat
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Sydney

Great guide lots of information and taken to done great spots

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great drivers and clean comfy van.
Transport
Local specialist: Tammy Lindsey

Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had...
Australia | Dec 29 - Jan 26, 2026

Gina
Gina S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026
Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had well appointed lodging and a good variety of activities. Read more

Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had well appointed lodging and a good variety of activities.

Hotel Reviews
The Hotel Britomart
Auckland

Wonderful room and location. The staff were very friendly and even came up to our room on arrival to show us how to use the smart features.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Awesome location and hotel!
Regent of Rotorua
Rotorua

Decent hotel but nothing special

Authenticity & Character
Location
A better bar
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quest Cathedral Junction
Christchurch

Stained sofa seats

Authenticity & Character
No stained furniture! Also spill water and when wiped up you could see the dirty floor.
Location
Didn’t like the food coming into our room. Also no windows in the bedroom.
Staff
Not there for arrival and no outreach for things to do.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Warn and smelly
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Amazing view and lovely room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Only one elevator functioning for a large hotel.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel St. Moritz
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Real NZ Fiordland Navigator
Manapouri
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramada Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Short visit, not much to review

Authenticity & Character
Location
Big hill getting downtown.
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders
Melbourne, VIC

Great location and roomy space. We had trouble with the washer dryer unit. It ran all night and in the morning it still said 4 hours to go to finish. It never stopped even

Authenticity & Character
Nothing special regarding character but nearby a lot of character.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Adelaide

Wonderful staff a comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character
Historic building, bedroom door was awkward.
Location
Close to the market
Staff
Helpful getting us an early breakfast due to an early activity.
Cleanliness & Comfort
QT
Sydney

Great location and loved the quirky hotel that was once a theater. Giving 4 stars because they were delayed in responses to request for additional amenities such as a blanket and extra pillow. We’d definitely stay at this hotel again.

Authenticity & Character
Remnants of the old theater.
Location
In the heart of the CBD and next to the tram.
Staff
Very kind staff. It would be nice to have them ask how they could help, such dining recommendations and more information about the restaurants on site.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine
Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine
Auckland

Fun and beautiful tour. I would suggest a more neutral food than oysters.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
Rotorua
Te Puia - Te Pō combo (Te Rā Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Te Puia - Te Pō combo (Te Rā Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Rotorua

A little long for the tour in the craft school.

Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour
Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour
Christchurch

Saw a bit of the sperm whales. Videos were helpful too.

Mt Cook to Christchurch 1 Way Tour (Small group)
Mt Cook to Christchurch 1 Way Tour (Small group)
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

Would have liked more stops and more time off the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Explorers  - The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Glacier Explorers - The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour (One-Way)
Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour (One-Way)
Queenstown (NZ)

Wish we were better informed on what stops we’d be making. Appreciated the guides who told us what to expect for the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike the Valley of the Vines from Arrowtown- Return Shuttle from Queenstown
Bike the Valley of the Vines from Arrowtown- Return Shuttle from Queenstown
Queenstown (NZ)

Love this ride and flexibility to stop when we wanted. Beautiful scenery and yummy wine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Melbourne

Great variety of foods and fun guide. Loved it.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne

Wonderful tour. Would recommend doing this on day one.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Melbourne

Loved this although we were cut short for fires.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Melbourne

Loved this!! I wish we would’ve been told to dress warm.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The F Factor Food Tour
The F Factor Food Tour
Adelaide

Sweet guide but too many chocolate and nut stops.

Quality of Experience
More variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Adelaide

Great sites but too much butt time. Would’ve liked our lunch to know what we had ahead of us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taste the Barossa - Premium Day Tour: Small Group Tour
Taste the Barossa - Premium Day Tour: Small Group Tour
Adelaide
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney

Our guide was great. Would’ve liked our lunch spot preset up for us. The restaurants were busy so we only had one quick option.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise
New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Sydney
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 27, 2026

Thank you for your feedback Gina, I really appreciate it.
Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead
Thanks again
Vicky

Trip of a lifetime - A Special Wedding Anniversary in Australia
Australia | Jan 1 - Jan 8, 2026

Donna
Donna L.
Goldsboro, NC | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026
My husband & I had a fabulous 40th Wedding anniversary with our KimKim trip in Australia ( Sidney and Cairns) during the New Year Holiday (2026). The local guides and experiences were outstanding, personable, educational & full of memorable adventures (wine tasting, rainforests, animal sanctuaries, local cultural events (painting class/food instruction), Great Barrier Reef, etc). Special shout out to the KimKim US ( Seine) & Australian planning representatives --they truly are a quality team... Read more

My husband & I had a fabulous 40th Wedding anniversary with our KimKim trip in Australia ( Sidney and Cairns) during the New Year Holiday (2026). The local guides and experiences were outstanding, personable, educational & full of memorable adventures (wine tasting, rainforests, animal sanctuaries, local cultural events (painting class/food instruction), Great Barrier Reef, etc). Special shout out to the KimKim US ( Seine) & Australian planning representatives --they truly are a quality team with high performance. One small glitch transfer issue was discussed immediately by team members and solved. True team work! I recommend KimKim to family and especially seniors -- this is a trusted and 5 star travel experience (our 3rd trip & planning other trips).

Hotel Reviews
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Mascot, Sydney, NSW
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Little National Hotel Sydney
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Australia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree Rainforest & Aboriginal Culture Day Trip
Daintree Rainforest & Aboriginal Culture Day Trip
Australia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Atherton Tablelands & Paronella Park Exploration
Atherton Tablelands & Paronella Park Exploration
Cairns

Guide & small group and wonderful sights

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Superb
Transport
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jan 23, 2026

It was an honor to plan and support you and Bob on your 40th-anniversary trip to Australia! I'm so happy to hear you loved the hotels & activities we chose together. ❤️🇦🇺 Looking forward to hearing about your Italy trip next!

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.