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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.

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.

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.

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
4.7
(15)
· 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
4.9
(7)
· Upscale
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
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
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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 2 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 9 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 Paula Adams
active 12 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 8 hours ago

Ruth Grau

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

read more...

Related Destinations

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Australian Highlights - Uluru, Port Douglas and Sydney
Australia | Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2025

Sean
Sean M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026
Despite the 42° temperature, the 12 km hike around Uluru was great. From the guide, we learned about the aboriginal legends associated with Uluru.
Had great day sailing out to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
In Sydney, we enjoyed a tour of the Opera House where we peeked in on a rehersal for the ballet, Sleeping Beauty. On a tip from the guide, we were able to get tickets to the afternoon performance and got a discount by showing the tickets for the guided tour.
In Sydney,... Read more

Despite the 42° temperature, the 12 km hike around Uluru was great. From the guide, we learned about the aboriginal legends associated with Uluru.
Had great day sailing out to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
In Sydney, we enjoyed a tour of the Opera House where we peeked in on a rehersal for the ballet, Sleeping Beauty. On a tip from the guide, we were able to get tickets to the afternoon performance and got a discount by showing the tickets for the guided tour.

In Sydney, we had a couple of lovely meals at Love.Fish and Fish at the Rocks. On our last day, we really enjoyed our walking tour of Sydney. Just the two of us and our guide.

Hotel Reviews
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

Small boutique hotel. Comfortable room which included a fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. Quiet location with views of the beach. Nice breakfast in the morning. During our visit, the restaurant was undergoing a change in management so they were only serving the included breakfast but there are lots of places to eat out or you can buy food at the supermarket.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the main street with lots of eateries and a supermarket.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sails In The Desert
Yulara
Authenticity & Character
Very modern decor with a large patio and swimming pool
Location
Located in a complex only a few minutes from the airport. Close by to a coffee shop and restaurant as well as a small grocery store. A few gift shops to pick up gifts and souvenirs.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shangri-La Sydney
The Rocks

Great Service, good locationand quick check in process. Amazing buffet breakfast but can be busy on the weekend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful. Took care of our luggage while we were away for a few days
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
SEIT Kata Tjuta (Sunrise)
SEIT Kata Tjuta (Sunrise)
Uluru

The tour starts at a viewing platform to watch the sunrise over Uluru, then a drive to the base of Kata Tjuta. The guide explained the geological process that created both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Then we hiked up the trail to a canyon between two of the largest outcroppings

Field of Light Star Pass (Sunset)
Field of Light Star Pass (Sunset)
Australia

The bus takes you to a plateau overlooking the plain below with a view of the Field of Lights with Uluru in the background. We were servered canapes and finger food with choice of beer or wine. As the sun set, the led lights began to glow. When darkness fell, we followed the lighted path to walk among the sea lights. The seating was on a narrow bench so we had to balance our food and drink on our laps. Would be better to have a picnic table to sit around. There is a more expensive version of this tour that features a more extensive choice of foods and drink but I don't think it's worth the extra cost. Read mixed reviews of the meal experience. It was very windy on the night we went so hang onto your hats. Even my backpack wad blown away.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
SEIT Uluru Trek
SEIT Uluru Trek
Uluru

Up at 4:45 a.m. so as to arrive at Uluru before sunrise to avoid the heat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Learned a lot about stories and legends of the aboriginal people from a very knowledgeable guide
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Unfortunately, the company that was supposed to pick us up that morning failed to show up because they made an error in the date. However, it was probably for the better as the area was hit by torrential rains and strong winds. We learned later that the cable car ride and train ride were cancelled that day because of the inclement weather. After a quick Whatsapp message to Vicky, everything was sorted and a refund was issued.

Outback Sky Journeys - Astro Tour
Outback Sky Journeys - Astro Tour
Uluru

Unfortunately, the tour was cancelled due to cloudy skies but the costs were reimbursed quickly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Learned a lot about the history of the construction of the opera house and the unique material and engineering that was used.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 18, 2026

Hi Sean,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm thrilled you enjoyed such a diverse mix of highlights — from the incredible walk around Uluru (even in the heat!) to sailing on the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s lovely to hear how much you enjoyed Sydney as well.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review — it was a pleasure helping plan your trip.
All the Best,
Vicky

Vicky did an outstanding job planning and exe...
Australia | Jan 25 - Feb 2, 2026

R
Richard C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026
Vicky did an outstanding job planning and executing our Itinerary!! Read more

Vicky did an outstanding job planning and executing our Itinerary!!

Activity Review
Uluru Sacred Site & Sunset
Uluru Sacred Site & Sunset
Uluru

Tourist trap.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 15, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind review —

It was a pleasure planning your itinerary, and I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip overall. Uluru can be a tricky one to gauge, as it’s an experience people connect with very differently — some find it incredibly powerful, while others feel it’s more commercial than expected.

Thank you again for trusting me with your travels — it truly means a lot.
Warm regards,
Vicky

We had an amazing Honeymoon!
Australia | Jan 22 - Feb 2, 2026

H
Heather L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2026
Overall we had an amazing Honeymoon with Kimkim. All of our needs were met and there weren't too many speed bumps which made the trip feel personalized. Read more

Overall we had an amazing Honeymoon with Kimkim. All of our needs were met and there weren't too many speed bumps which made the trip feel personalized.

Hotel Reviews
Little National Hotel Sydney
Sydney

Great location and staff. The room was small since it was in a city but exactly what we needed!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palm Bungalows
Whitsundays, Queensland

It was nice having our own little bungalow but we were right next to a busy street and there were a few bugs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
bugs!
Coral Sea Resort
Airlie Beach

The view of the water was absolutely breathtaking to walk into!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Spring Hill

The hotel was bit far from the city and on top of a hill so it was difficult to get to but it helped us get our steps in!

Authenticity & Character
Location
location was at the top of a hill
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney

Really cool birds eye view of the city but it is a bit of a longer experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We walked there!
Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Day Trip
Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Day Trip
Sydney

Great trip but bring your bathing suits!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A lot of driving on windy roads!
Heart Reef & Whitehaven Beach Helicopter Flight
Heart Reef & Whitehaven Beach Helicopter Flight
Hamilton Island

Worth every penny! The view, the private beach, everything was perfect.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skydive Airlie Beach
Skydive Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach

What better way to cross off a bucket list item other than doing it with a beautiful scenery!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Highlights
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Highlights
Brisbane

An absolutely incredible experience! We got to feed the kangaroos before the park even opened with a private guide. Can't recommend this enough!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We took an uber to this activity
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Feb 20, 2026

Thank you so much for your review! The photo of you two on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is AMAZING!! It was an honor helping plan and support your honeymoon. 💛✨ I hope to help you plan your return 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.

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.