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Introducing Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australia Tours & Itineraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make the Most of Your Time in Australia

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

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

Australia Travel Advice

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

Australia Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
4.9
(9)
· Upscale
Peninsula Boutique Hotel, an adults-only property, offers a boutique-style experience overlooking 4 Mile Beach. Nestled at the quiet end of Macrossan and Esplanade Streets, the hotel allows you to enjoy views of the Coral Sea and is within a 2-minute walk from bars, shops, and restaurants....
Hamilton Island
Reef View Hotel
5.0
(6)
· Luxury
Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel, known for its breathtaking views of the Whitsunday Islands, offers guests a variety of well-appointed suites with private balconies facing the Coral Sea or tropical gardens. With 363 luxurious rooms and suites, 24-hour reception, and daily housekeeping, the hotel...
Photo courtesy of Laneways Ovolo
Melbourne
Laneways by Ovolo
5.0
(5)
· Upscale
You'll find Laneways by Ovolo close to Melbourne's thriving theater district, avant-garde galleries, and bustling boutiques—allowing for an easy immersion into the city's rich art and culture scene. As a guest at Laneways by Ovolo, you'll be just a short walk from The Princess Theatre, Parliament...

Best Experiences in Australia

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

Our Latest Australia Content

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australia Travel Maps

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

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 2 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 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 Paula Adams
active 15 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 23 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

Australia journey late August to early September.
Australia | Aug 28 - Oct 12, 2025

Christine & John
Christine & John C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025
Hi Liz, first off I would just like to say that our trip to Australia was just great. All of the plans that you made for tours and drivers went without a hitch. Everyone was on time, friendly, informative, and just fun to be with. Our time in Sydney was great, it is a beautiful city. The tour of the city and the sunset dinner cruise were great again. Everything was on time. No delays at all. Really impressed by the Opera House. The Blue Mountains are absolutely beautiful, the Echoes hotel... Read more

Hi Liz, first off I would just like to say that our trip to Australia was just great. All of the plans that you made for tours and drivers went without a hitch. Everyone was on time, friendly, informative, and just fun to be with. Our time in Sydney was great, it is a beautiful city. The tour of the city and the sunset dinner cruise were great again. Everything was on time. No delays at all. Really impressed by the Opera House. The Blue Mountains are absolutely beautiful, the Echoes hotel Spoiled us. Amazing food, staff, accommodations were comfortable and welcoming. Enjoyed walking around Kafoumba. Scenic world was very informative and fun. What I will say for some of the excursions it took some bit of driving to get there from Port Douglas. Drives were around an hour or a little more to get to The different sites that we were visiting. Outback tasting tour was fun and great, love being out in the country, yet again it was a long day and a long drive. Not sure we needed the Esplanade for a drink at the end of that day as we were tired and we were staying in a very similar setting in Port Douglas. The great barrier reef excursion was perfect. I can’t remember the name of the diving company, but they were very knowledgeable, made us feel very safe, very well informed staff which made the trip out to the reef more interesting. We had no difficulties with renting the car at the airport or returning it, although it was a little nerve-racking at the very beginning, but I think my husband did pretty well driving. I want to thank you for all the time and work you put in into planning our vacation, I think this was a once in a lifetime trip for us, but you never know. Thanks again. Christy

Hotel Review
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney

The location was great and the breakfasts were very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to shopping, the Harbor, Opera House and Queen Victoria Building.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Oct 17, 2025

Dear Christy and John,
It was an absolute pleasure to work with you on this trip and I am so so happy you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for the thoughtful review.

Congratulations John for driving on "that" side of the road !! I'm sure having Christy as a co-pilot helped !

There is definitely more of Australia to see, and there is always New Zealand, Africa and Argentina which I specialize in. I will be an honour to work with you again.

Best to you and your family the rest of the year and the holidays.
Cheers
Liz

Fabulous hotels, and expert selection of tour...
Australia | Oct 4 - Oct 15, 2025

Sarah
Sarah P.
Davis, CA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025
Fabulous hotels, and expert selection of tours and itineraries. This was my first trip on KimKim as the main client, And my specialist Vicky in Australia did not disappoint. She selected superb lodgings in the best locations. She arranged top quality tours to match our interests. We had such confidence in her choices And it felt like she was with us on our trip, Even though of course we never met in person. The other measure of a travel agent is response to last minute issues, and once... Read more

Fabulous hotels, and expert selection of tours and itineraries. This was my first trip on KimKim as the main client, And my specialist Vicky in Australia did not disappoint. She selected superb lodgings in the best locations. She arranged top quality tours to match our interests. We had such confidence in her choices And it felt like she was with us on our trip, Even though of course we never met in person.

The other measure of a travel agent is response to last minute issues, and once again Vicky came through in a superlative fashion. Our trip plan included an all day rainforest tour in our third City, Brisbane, and by that time in the trip we just wanted to tour on our own. So I messaged Vicky, and she took care of that cancellation for us along with a refund. Much appreciated, and we were able to have a day that suited interests in town.

Everything Vicky arranged happened exactly as we planned And we will certainly recommend her and the Kim Kim team to our friends, and We will use Kim Kim, again when we need this kind of individualized travel planning.

Hotel Reviews
Royal on the Park
Brisbane

We love the retro vintage decor, but the main star is the location across the street from the botanic garden.

Authenticity & Character
Mid-Century modern furnishings in excellent condition.
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our agent booked us a spa suite which included a full living room with a view of the park, in addition to a spa tub room, plus our regular hotel bedroom.
Peppers Beach Club
Port Douglas

One step out our door was a freshwater white sand Beach, which was the perfect place to relax after a day of touring.

Location
Walkable to town and the 4 Mile Beach.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shangri-La Sydney
The Rocks

The view of the harbor and Opera House was a highlight of the trip. Terrific location in the rocks historical district.

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour
Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour
Brisbane

Local sauce is the new kid on the block and they try harder. The staff reached out to us immediately upon booking, and before and after the trip, which gave us a lot of confidence in their organization. Excellent overview of historic Brisbane.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full-Day Daintree Adventure from Port Douglas
Full-Day Daintree Adventure from Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Our guide Johnny was a long-time local who was greeted personally at every stop, And his commentary about life in tropical Queensland was very informative. The crocodile boat ride with Ernie allowed us to meet the real crocodile Hunter of Australia. You won't believe how big those male Crocs can be, from a safe distance across the river, of course.

Quality of Experience
Food
Pre-Ordered plated lunch an optional ice cream stop.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Outer Barrier Reef from Reef Marina - Port Douglas
Outer Barrier Reef from Reef Marina - Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Visiting The reef was Tom's bucket list And this tour brought us right out to the reef For the full experience. The boat ride is 90 minutes each way. I took my seasick medicine before departure each way which was a good thing. The staff used the time time of the journey out to The reef briefing Everyone on the many activities available. I am a very anxious snorkeler and they had so many expert staff members available at each step of the suiting up. I'm so glad I had that experience. However, the real way to see what's under the water is the semi-submersible which I rode twice.

Quality of Experience
Food
Full buffet lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Sydney

Our driver and guide, helder, was quite charming and informative. Loved the zoo and being out in the mountains for a brief hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Nice for a box lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

This is a must do for visitors to Sydney since we see it so much from the outside. It was really a thrill to be on the inside of this icon of the country.

The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
Sydney

This tour gave us the history and orientation to Sydney. The guide was very informative and we could everything she said and ask questions. Excellent Start to our visit to Sydney.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Oct 17, 2025

Hi Sarah,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌏
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the hotels, tours, and experiences throughout your trip. It was such a pleasure planning your journey and ensuring everything matched your interests perfectly.

I’m glad I could assist quickly with your change of plans in Brisbane — having the flexibility to make the most of each day is what travel is all about.

Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. Wishing you many more amazing travel adventures ahead!

Warm regards,
Vicky

I would like to Thank You and your team for p...
Australia | Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2025

S
Sophia L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

I would like to Thank You and your team for planning this trip that included multiple hotels, flights, and private car transportation for all 3 cities (Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne) along with the multiple excursions with detailed itinerary - Moreover, your follow up Zoom call scheduled directly before our departure from the USA to Australia - very much appreciated with this level of detail and service. Everything went according to plan and itinerary while we were in Australia. When we plan to visit New Zealand in the future, I would absolutely work with kimkim again.

Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Oct 07, 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Sophia! I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly throughout your travels in Australia and that the pre-departure Zoom call helped set you up for a stress-free trip. It was a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I'm excited to hear you'll be using kimkim again for your New Zealand trip!

Why travelers love kimkim

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

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

Authentic travel experiences

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

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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.