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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 & Cairns are best visited in Southern Hemisphere winter (June, July, August). The opposite applies for southern regions like Tasmania & Victoria that can get particularly cold in winter—January & 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 (also known as Ayers Rock, 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 for to visit the fascinating Horizontal Falls, a series of tidal waterfalls in Talbot Bay that's considered to be 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 3 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.

Uluru at sunset
Map of Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs - 5 Days
Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs - 5 Days

Explore the Australian Outback on this eventful five-day journey. Begin in Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, and discover the ancient Red Centre and its surroundings. Then, travel to Alice Springs to tour the art galleries and local sites, including Anza Hill and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Next, visit the red-hued West MacDonnell Ranges as a scenic sendoff.

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 are 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 PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
4.6
(11)
· Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, offers a modern stay in the city center, just off a busy A4 highway intersection but close to the harbor and lots of shops, bars, and eateries. The hotel is about a 5-minute walk from nearby sites like Tumbalong Park with its extensive Chinese Garden, the views...
Photo courtesy of Sails in the Desert
Uluru
Sails In The Desert
5.0
(3)
· Luxury
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...
Sydney
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery
4.7
(6)
· Comfort
Harbour Rocks MGallery Hotel is a charming heritage hotel conveniently located in Sydney's historic Rocks precinct. Just a short walk from iconic attractions like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Central Business District, this 5-star hotel offers a unique blend of history and...

Best Experiences in Australia

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
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...
Diving
Palm Cove
Catamaran Excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
4.6
(5)
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...
Get up close with koalas
Melbourne
Excursion to Phillip Island
5.0
(2)
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

Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and watch the sun set
Map of Australia's Wild Side: Tasmania, the Outback & the Reef - 19 Days
Australia's Wild Side: Tasmania, the Outback & the Reef - 19 Days

From the beauty of Tasmania's rugged coast to Central Australia's dry red heart and Far North Queensland's tropical coral islands, experience Australia's diverse landscapes on this 19-day adventure. Cruise the Tasman and Coral Seas, float along a Daintree Rainforest river, dine under the stars at Uluru, play tug-of-war with Tasmanian devils, and self-drive the Great Ocean Road. You'll also discover hidden urban gems in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney during guided walking tours.

Taste fresh oysters on the shores of Tasmania's unspoiled coast (photo courtesy of Saffire Lodge)
2 Weeks in Australia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Australia is an excellent amount of time to experience the country's pristine landscapes and superb cuisine. First-time visitors eager to hit the highlights will find Sydney, Melbourne, and Uluru ideal bases, while those with a soft spot for farm-to-table restaurants can focus on the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island. Other luxurious options include time in wild Tasmania, a West Coast adventure featuring Perth and Ningaloo, and a legendary train journey through the outback.

Explore the wilds of Western Australia from a luxury oceanside camp (photo courtesy of Sal Salis)
Map of Luxury Sydney, Kangaroo Island & Australia's Wild West Coast - 14 Days
Luxury Sydney, Kangaroo Island & Australia's Wild West Coast - 14 Days

Explore the awe-inspiring wonders of Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and Western Australia with this epic two-week luxury itinerary. Starting in harborside Sydney, you'll tick off the icons, connect with Aboriginal culture, and cook with a private chef. Then, delve deep into the wilderness with five deluxe nights on Kangaroo Island. Return to city life in Perth with a private coffee tour before your flight to Exmouth, where you'll settle into a luxe beachside camp and swim alongside gentle whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef.

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
View article
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 43 mins ago

Liz Neal

I have been involved in the travel industry since my first job out of college, working for hotels, travel companies and for the last 8 years in Springboard Vacations. I approach my customer's...

read more...
Travel specialist Connie Campos
active 3 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...
Travel specialist Gary Topic
active 4 mins ago

Gary Topic

I am immensely proud of my beautiful, stunning country and love to show it off to visitors. I get a real buzz when someone from overseas says, "Wow, that was amazing." I am also an explorer by...

read more...
Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 10 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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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.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Gary was such a pleasure to deal with from th...
Australia | Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024

K
Ken K.
Lake in the Hills, IL | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
Gary was such a pleasure to deal with from the beginning he answered all questions very quickly. Once we started our trip things went flawless every pickup was on time our hotels were nice and in great locations. I would recommend Gary to anyone looking to book an Australia vacation. I would like to thank him for making our time there so special. Thanks again Ken. Kasbohm Read more

Gary was such a pleasure to deal with from the beginning he answered all questions very quickly. Once we started our trip things went flawless every pickup was on time our hotels were nice and in great locations. I would recommend Gary to anyone looking to book an Australia vacation. I would like to thank him for making our time there so special. Thanks again Ken. Kasbohm

Hotel Reviews
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Loved the view from balcony
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
We could walk to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Gary Topic

Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Au...
Australia | Mar 1 - Mar 10, 2024

Debbie
Debbie M.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Australia with our timeline and costs in mind. Read more

Jon planned an exceptional trip for us to Australia with our timeline and costs in mind.

Hotel Reviews
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Excellent location!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to pier and many dining places.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW

Excellent location!!! Hotel could use a refresh.

Authenticity & Character
Had a coastal feel
Location
Darling Harbour had so many options and was close to get to everything.
Staff
Very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are tired.
Activity Reviews
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour
Sydney

Lovely day out with a nice small group. The venues we went to were nice and the hosts were informative. Lunch was especially nice at a golf club with quick service and scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and informative
Transport
Clean and on time.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney

Wonderful tour of the city. Service and food very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jon Andrews

A partner every step of the way
Australia | Feb 28 - Mar 9, 2024

D
David B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

A company is only as good as its' talent. Vicky was an amazing resource every step of the way. From working with us on various options while planning a complex trip, to attention to logistical details, to working to recover from a last minute snafu, Vicky was a travel partner every step of the way. We had an amazing trip

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Mar 10, 2024

Hi David,
Thank you very much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that you had such an amazing trip and that I was able to assist you every step of the way.
It was a pleasure working with you on various options and I'm glad I could help recover from the snafu you encountered and that you had an amazing Australia experience,
Warm regards and All the Best,
Vicky