Kimkim Trip Reviews for Australia

4.9
Based on 247 ratings
Read 247 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Australia on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Wonderful Family Trip to Australia
Australia | Jun 19 - Jul 2, 2025

S
Susan R.
Redwood City, CA | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025
We planned a multiWe had an incredible family trip to Australia, and we would work with Vicky again in a heartbeat! From the start, Vicky was helpful in outlining an initial itinerary and activity suggestions, always listening closely to our preferences and weaving in thoughtful recommendations she knew we’d enjoy. We traveled as a family of four, along with my mom, sister, and partner, so it was important to find experiences that appealed to a range of interests and energy levels. Vicky... Read more

We planned a multiWe had an incredible family trip to Australia, and we would work with Vicky again in a heartbeat! From the start, Vicky was helpful in outlining an initial itinerary and activity suggestions, always listening closely to our preferences and weaving in thoughtful recommendations she knew we’d enjoy.

We traveled as a family of four, along with my mom, sister, and partner, so it was important to find experiences that appealed to a range of interests and energy levels. Vicky did a fantastic job curating activities that were flexible, fun, and inclusive. If anyone wanted to take it easy or do something different, it was always easy to manage.

Our journey took us from Sydney to Uluru, then up to Port Douglas, and finally to Melbourne. All of our tours and experiences went smoothly. A special shoutout to our outstanding guides: Nigel (Blue Mountains), Kem (Daintree Rainforest), and Rob (Phillip Island), each brought their destinations to life with knowledge and personality.

Vicky also handled all of our flight bookings and accommodation arrangements, and everything worked out beautifully. The hotels were in great locations, and her suggestions were spot on.

We made amazing memories together and are so grateful for the care and detail Vicky put into making our trip so special. Thank you, Vicky!

Hotel Reviews
The Sebel Quay West Suites
The Rocks

Wonderful location and great staff. My only small issue was our dryer in our suite didn't work well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

Amazing location - large rooms. Wish we had more time there, but it was quite brief.

Peppers Beach Club
Port Douglas

Loved the hotel and location. Very relaxing atmosphere. Staff was helpful. Very walkable to beach and town. The only minor issue was in our room, the air conditioning unit blew the cold air right onto the bed. And it was kind of hard to figure out how to adjust to keep the room cool, but not feel like you're being frozen in bed. Minor problem. We enjoyed everything else.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantra on Russell Melbourne
Melbourne

The staff was great and location excellent. Can do with some updating in rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Carpets in the room were dirty. They were vacuumed, but it's dark carpet so it doesn't show dirt. If you walk around with socks you will see it. Room decor was dark so didn't help.
Activity Reviews
 Ayers Rock Uluru Private Tour
Ayers Rock Uluru Private Tour
Uluru

Beautiful and magical experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour
Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour
Sydney

Nigel was the best! Second full day of our trip, but Nigel kept jet lag at bay. We really loved the stop to Featherdale and then the Blue Mountain stops. He tailored to our multi-generational family. Went out of his way to make sure my mom had a nice cozy spot to sit while a few others did a serious rainforest/waterfall hike. Would definitely recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Outer Barrier Reef from Reef Marina - Port Douglas
Outer Barrier Reef from Reef Marina - Port Douglas
Port Douglas

The operator and staff were 5 stars, they made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. The journey to the reef is 90 minutes and then 90 minutes back. Not the operators fault, but it was just a bit of a windier day and choppier water so even with Dramamine my kids weren't feeling the best. But were better once we got to the pontoon area. Snorkeling gear and equipment they provided was fine. The snorkeling area was a bit more limited. I can understand as we're in the middle of no where and life guards are all around to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for. But it did feel a bit crowded by the launch area and marked triangular area. It was nice to have activities for non-snorkelers but didn't see as many fish as we were hoping for. Perhaps we set our expectations too high. Again overall, great experience with the crew, equipment etc.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas
Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas
Port Douglas

We loved Kem, our guide. He was knowledgeable, interesting and very relaxed, but kept us on time. Beautiful walks and scenic viewpoints.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
Melbourne

Our guide was nice and knowledgeable. Just be prepared for windy roads. The scenic views are gorgeous. Our only feedback was there was 8 including our guide. We were spoiled on prior tours on our trip with a full sized van to comfortable seat everyone. This trip, we were in a mini-van which is a bit of a squeeze for a 12 hour day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
More comfortable transportation for the size of the group.
Phillip Island Private Experience
Phillip Island Private Experience
Melbourne

This was a wonderful excursion. We loved our lunch stop for some of the best fish and chips. Then onto see the Koalas, beaches and finally the penguins. Rob, our guide was very engaged and gave us an experience to remember.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A well organized and maintained van. Probably the best of the whole trip!
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jul 13, 2025
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your kind words — and for the detailed feedback, it’s incredibly helpful and appreciated! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that your trip went so smoothly and that you all had such a memorable time exploring Australia together. It was a real pleasure helping plan your adventure — especially making sure there was something for everyone in the group to enjoy, whether that meant full days of exploring or taking it easy when needed.
It’s also lovely to hear that... Read more

Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your kind words — and for the detailed feedback, it’s incredibly helpful and appreciated! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that your trip went so smoothly and that you all had such a memorable time exploring Australia together. It was a real pleasure helping plan your adventure — especially making sure there was something for everyone in the group to enjoy, whether that meant full days of exploring or taking it easy when needed.

It’s also lovely to hear that the guides made such a great impression — Nigel, Kem, and Rob really are gems, and I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to them too.

Wishing you many more happy and unforgettable travel adventures ahead!

Thanks again
Vicky

Fabulous tours
Australia | Jun 12 - Jul 1, 2025

S
Sallie C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2025
Ruth helped us with our trip. I already had some things organized and wanted to include my son who is on vacation work visa. It was not easy to cobble around all of that. But she was patient and it all worked out brilliantly. Every tour we went on was a unique experience and we enjoyed them all tremendously. The bike tour of Sydney was fantastic, the nightime glow worm adventure in Byron bay was amazing and so was kayaking with dolphins. Another fabulous experience was the river float on... Read more

Ruth helped us with our trip. I already had some things organized and wanted to include my son who is on vacation work visa. It was not easy to cobble around all of that. But she was patient and it all worked out brilliantly. Every tour we went on was a unique experience and we enjoyed them all tremendously. The bike tour of Sydney was fantastic, the nightime glow worm adventure in Byron bay was amazing and so was kayaking with dolphins. Another fabulous experience was the river float on Mossman river up by Port Douglas. I never thought I would enjoy tours so much.
Cheers to Ruth! Thank you for making that all possible. We would have missed so much without your guidance.

Hotel Review
Own Accommodations Arranged

The Four Seasons in Sydney is amazing. Great service and as an American, rather reasonable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Jul 08, 2025

Thank you so much Sallie. It was wonderful working with you and I am so glad that you enjoyed everything so much! I am delighted! Makes my job a joy!
Ruth

Paula planned the perfect trip for our family...
Australia | Jun 20 - Jun 29, 2025

K
Karen T.
Richardson, TX | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2025
Paula planned the perfect trip for our family to see a little bit of everything that we asked to do! We made wonderful memories that I will cherish forever! Read more

Paula planned the perfect trip for our family to see a little bit of everything that we asked to do! We made wonderful memories that I will cherish forever!

Hotel Reviews
Novotel Newcastle Beach
Newcastle
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ibis World Square
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Welcome Melbourne
Melbourne

It is tucked away in the middle of Chinatown- fun location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns

Loved the location and style- great place to stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

the perfect length- 1 hour- to get a lot of fascinating information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (Snorkeler)
Full Day Outer Barrier Reef Cruise (Snorkeler)
Australia

This whole excursion was such a well organized, planned out trip. The boat ride over had a very informative talk given by one of the marine biologists and the staff was all positive and happy. The lunch was great. While on the floating station, not crowded, and again the staff was helpful and informative, The views underneath of the coral reef were beautiful and stunning.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch
Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lunch
Melbourne

A long day, but completely worth the views and the walk through the rainforest. A bonus stop at a little chocolate shop along the way with beautiful choices.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cairns Private Transfer Airport to Cairns Hotel
Cairns Private Transfer Airport to Cairns Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Best of Fitzroy Island
Full Day Best of Fitzroy Island
Cairns

It was not a crowded excursion which was nice. I think going in winter helped! Felt like we were on our own private beach at Nudey Beach

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cairns Private Transfer Cairns Hotel to Airport
Cairns Private Transfer Cairns Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Phillip Island & Moonlit + Penguin Plus with Dinner
Full Day Phillip Island & Moonlit + Penguin Plus with Dinner
Australia

Highlight of our time in Melbourne! There is nothing cuter than watching these little penguins come in! The animal sanctuary was fantastic as well- we pet so many kangaroos and wallabies.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Dinner Cruise Window Seat (from Circular Quay Wharf)
Sunset Dinner Cruise Window Seat (from Circular Quay Wharf)
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Melbourne Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Melbourne Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day
Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day
Sydney

Loved the farm visit along with the gorgeous views up in the mountains. The Botanical Garden was a nice way to end the day as well.

Quality of Experience
Food
My husband loved the meat pie he ordered for lunch!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was a perfect mix of info and a funny character!
Transport
Sydney Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Sydney Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Melbourne Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Melbourne Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Jul 10, 2025
G'day Karen, Firstly, I was hoping to run into you at LAX. Being a large airport, I know my chances were slim. :) Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip with me. I truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience. Your review means a lot to me, and it helps continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you. If there's anything else we can do to make your future travels even more... Read more

G'day Karen,

Firstly, I was hoping to run into you at LAX. Being a large airport, I know my chances were slim. :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip with me. I truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience.

Your review means a lot to me, and it helps continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you. If there's anything else we can do to make your future travels even more memorable, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure to the South Pacific!

Cheers,
Paula

Great trip.
Australia | Jun 1 - Jun 22, 2025

M
Mary B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Asko was an amazing person to work with in planning our trip. He kept us informed and update to date with any changes and recommendations.

Local specialist: Asko Merilainen

Sydney introduction
Australia | Jun 19 - Jun 21, 2025

A
Anne N.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025
Given our short amount of time in Sydney, the trip was wonderful. The Shangri-la hotel was lovely with a fabulous view of Sydney harbor. We were able to relax in our room before heading upstairs to the restaurant. Since my husband is disabled, sightseeing from the room was such a blessing.
Our city tour provided a glimpse of the parks, museums, and neighborhoods as well as friendly chatter about the city.
The harbor tour was sort of meh. No commentary, just chugging along in the dark
I...
Read more

Given our short amount of time in Sydney, the trip was wonderful. The Shangri-la hotel was lovely with a fabulous view of Sydney harbor. We were able to relax in our room before heading upstairs to the restaurant. Since my husband is disabled, sightseeing from the room was such a blessing.
Our city tour provided a glimpse of the parks, museums, and neighborhoods as well as friendly chatter about the city.
The harbor tour was sort of meh. No commentary, just chugging along in the dark
I would skip that
All the support staff and drivers were efficient and helpful.
Altogether, a nice couple of days

Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Jun 24, 2025

Hello Anne,
I was a bit surprised of your 3.5 star review considering that you loved the hotel we selected for you and that all the support staff and drivers were efficient and helpful. Sorry you thought the Harbour tour was "meh". I hope you enjoy the rest of the trip in Australia and New Zealand.
Liz

Fantastic trip to Australia
Australia | Jun 3 - Jun 15, 2025

S
Susie D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025
Kimkim and our specialist, Tammy, assisted with arranging our 2-week trip to the Queensland area of Australia. It was a grandma and 12-year-old granddaughter trip and couldn’t have been better! Everything was wonderful: the accommodations, the itinerary pacing, the activities and tours, the transportation were all top notch. As a first time visitor to the country, I would never have been able to plan such a wonderful trip., especially including activities that were meaningful for both of us.... Read more

Kimkim and our specialist, Tammy, assisted with arranging our 2-week trip to the Queensland area of Australia. It was a grandma and 12-year-old granddaughter trip and couldn’t have been better! Everything was wonderful: the accommodations, the itinerary pacing, the activities and tours, the transportation were all top notch. As a first time visitor to the country, I would never have been able to plan such a wonderful trip., especially including activities that were meaningful for both of us. The assistance we received was professional, responsive, and invaluable. Highly recommend this service.

Hotel Reviews
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Brisbane

Great location, excellent service, clean rooms, comfy beds, beautiful views, great breakfast, stunning pool. Loved it all!

Authenticity & Character
One of our drivers told us it was the location the Beatles stayed in when they came to Australia in the 60’s. It’s certainly been renovated/rebuilt since then and is a modern building with all the conveniencesone would ever need.
Location
Views of the river, gorgeous bridges, and the Ferris wheel. Easy walking to all kinds of fun stuff. I the heart of the shopping district.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tangalooma Island Resort
Moreton Island

This is a sprawling complex, probably the only place to stay on this section of the island. Rooms are a little worn but the location is stunning. They did a nice job with limited, kid-friendly food. The activities available there are plentiful and all our guides were wonderful. The dolphin feeding is very well run and such a unique experience. We loved our stay there - didn’t want to leave.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Port Douglas

We were here for 5 nights, visiting the Great Barrier Reef and tours of the Daintree. It was an amazing time and nice to be in an apartment with the many amenities provided - washer/dryer, full and well stocked kitchen, a short walk to 4 Mile Beach, a bit longer walk to downtown Port Douglas, a private patio, 2 pools, housekeeping service. This would be a great place for a large family reunion. The only difficulty was the stair flights up to our 3rd floor place with heavy luggage, no elevators. Also , we arrived in the evening and there was no one on duty. We were left our key cards and very detailed directions to our room (and an upgrade), which was fine, just not what I expected. Staff during the day were very helpful and housekeeping was very friendly and helpful. I hope to go back!

Authenticity & Character
Location
The proximity to the beach couldn’t be better.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Having a washer and dryer was great. Pool and grounds were well tended and gorgeous.
Activity Reviews
Full Day Skyrail and Kuranda Rail  - Late Start 11:00am - 6:30pm
Full Day Skyrail and Kuranda Rail - Late Start 11:00am - 6:30pm
Port Douglas

The Full Day Skyrail and Kuranda Rail trip was stunning, but I was disappointed to find out the train ride part wasn't included in our reservation. Thankfully, we managed to book it on-site, and it was worth it. The views were breathtaking, and it's an experience you wouldn't want to miss. Despite the hiccup in the booking, everything else was well-organized, and I'd recommend doing both the Skyrail and the train.

Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour
Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour
Port Douglas

The Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour was a truly immersive experience. The lush greenery and unique ecosystem were fascinating, and it was perfect for my granddaughter and me. While maybe less suitable for very small children, it's an activity that older kids and adults would definitely enjoy. I loved the tour, and the drive was worth it.

Welcome to Brisbane
Welcome to Brisbane
Brisbane

The Tangalooma and Moreton Island trip was a real treat, especially the unique activities like dolphin feeding and sand tobogganing. It was strenuous due to climbing sandhills, but so much fun and worth the effort. I highly recommend not missing out on this adventurous and delightful experience.

Local specialist: Tammy Lindsey
Tammy
Tammy Lindsey
Local specialist in Rancho Palos Verdes CA | Replied on Jun 22, 2025

Hi Susie,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience. It was a pleasure helping you plan this special trip with your granddaughter! I’m thrilled everything went smoothly and met your expectations. Your kind words mean so much! Let me know if you'd like to travel to New Zealand, or Fiji perhaps, for your next adventure. :)

Cheers,
Tammy

Awesome trip!
Australia | Jun 7 - Jun 14, 2025

Lilly
Lilly R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025
The tours we went on were fabulous! We had a few bumps in the road as far as transportation and one outing being cancelled. However, they refunded us and even gave us a credit for another activity. Everything was handled very professionally, and they were easy to communicate with. The hotels Siena picked were great as well! Read more

The tours we went on were fabulous! We had a few bumps in the road as far as transportation and one outing being cancelled. However, they refunded us and even gave us a credit for another activity. Everything was handled very professionally, and they were easy to communicate with. The hotels Siena picked were great as well!

Hotel Review
Qualia
Whitsundays

This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in, including USA hotels. It was very clean and quiet. The staff was always around to help.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Beach Sunrise with Kangaroos & Wallabies
Beach Sunrise with Kangaroos & Wallabies
Airlie Beach

This activity was one of the best parts of our trip! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to see the wallabies in their natural habitat and watching them come out over the sunrise. I would recommend any animal or nature lover to take this trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 25, 2025

Thank you so much for your review, Lilly! I’m so glad to hear you loved the tours and that your experience with the kangaroos and wallabies was a highlight—it’s such a magical moment. While I’m sorry for the transportation hiccups and cancellation, I’m happy we were able to resolve them quickly. It means a lot to know that you enjoyed the hotels I selected, especially that Qualia was a standout! I hope you loved Australia enough to plan a return trip there again soon! 🇦🇺✨

Trip of a Lifetime
Australia | Apr 27 - May 11, 2025

Judy
Judy H.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025
When we first began planning our itinerary for Australia, it was a bit overwhelming…so many beautiful places to go in just 2 weeks! But we were extremely fortunate to have found Vicky and kimkim who made planning a dream. She was spot on when we let her know our interests and came up with an amazing itinerary that was perfect for us! Communication was excellent, and in spite of a few rainy days, what we were able to see and do was fantastic, especially with our gifted guides in Sydney,... Read more

When we first began planning our itinerary for Australia, it was a bit overwhelming…so many beautiful places to go in just 2 weeks! But we were extremely fortunate to have found Vicky and kimkim who made planning a dream. She was spot on when we let her know our interests and came up with an amazing itinerary that was perfect for us! Communication was excellent, and in spite of a few rainy days, what we were able to see and do was fantastic, especially with our gifted guides in Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, the Blue Mountains, Port Douglas, and along The Great Ocean Road. One of our favorite experiences was snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, and Vicky selected the perfect company to take us there. The ABC snorkeling charter was fantastic, with our guides who were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Sunrise at Uluru was spectacular, as was the lovely evening dinner and viewing with our guide who spotlighted all to see in the beautiful night sky.
Many thanks to Vicky and Kimkim for a perfect trip, which will leave us with so many beautiful memories.

Hotel Review
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

This was our favorite hotel. It was just across from the ocean and in walking distance to many wonderful restaurants and shops. The pool area was lovely, especially in the evening. Breakfast was wonderful, and we had free access to bikes to get to the area where we would take our snorkeling trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to places we could walk or ride bikes to.
Staff
Everyone that provided services of any kind was exceptional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were so comfortable, there was a nice balcony and amenities.
Activity Reviews
Uluru Sacred Sites, Sunset, BBQ and Star Talk
Uluru Sacred Sites, Sunset, BBQ and Star Talk
Uluru

One of our favorites !

Quality of Experience
Incredible scenery
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and thorough
Transport
Comfortable
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne

Love the artwork everywhere! Guide was great!

Sydney City Small Group Walking Tour (Small Group Tour)
Sydney City Small Group Walking Tour (Small Group Tour)
Sydney

Lots of great information

Quality of Experience
Lots of history and knowledge on the part of the guidses
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable and entertaining
Transport
Transport was entertaining and safe
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

The guide was exceptional and the opera house was very beautiful, inside and out.

Quality of Experience
An excellent guide with wonderful delivery of information
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Personable and easy to understand
Transport
Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast
Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast
Uluru

Sunrise was spectacular, but chillier than expected. Breakfast was okay, but it was very windy and cool outside.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Melbourne

This tour was so much fun and we enjoyed the food treats. Our guide was exceptional and thorough.

Quality of Experience
A fantastic guide and fun to share the local delicacies
Food
Everything!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking was our transportation, but it was easily doable.
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Sydney

Weather did not cooperate so lots of clouds obscuring views, but the information was very good.

Quality of Experience
Lots of information
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was a long trip but the information was good
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Classic Kuranda - Ex Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Finding our way to start was somewhat confusing, but that was because there had been adjusted, but it worked out fine.

Quality of Experience
Scenery was lovely
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good information
Transport
Comfortable
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Melbourne

The road was so scenic and photos are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful photos
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Just the two of us with a driver, and he accompanied us as we moved from place to place
Transport
Comfortable and on time
Small Group Kuranda Tour
Small Group Kuranda Tour
Port Douglas

It was a bit longer than expected but we enjoyed the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Full day Tour
Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Full day Tour
Melbourne

We enjoyed touring the area and the wineries and meeting some other guests. It was a nice wind down (or “wine down”) for the last day in Australia.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Australia

Enjoyed the boat ride and seeing the crocodiles as well as the creeks

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good information and safety
Transport
ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
Australia

This was one of our favorites. The guides were exceptional and we saw lots of beautiful creature and life under the sea.

Quality of Experience
So much fun !
Food
Nice that provided us yummy sandwiches!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were fun and very professional.
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jun 20, 2025
Hi Bill and Judy, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words—it truly made my day to read your reflections! I’m so happy to hear that your Australian adventure turned out to be such a memorable and meaningful experience, and that the itinerary felt just right for you. Snorkeling with ABC on the Great Barrier Reef is always a standout, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it—they really do have a fantastic team. Sunrise at Uluru sounds like it was just as breathtaking as always, and I’m so... Read more

Hi Bill and Judy,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words—it truly made my day to read your reflections! I’m so happy to hear that your Australian adventure turned out to be such a memorable and meaningful experience, and that the itinerary felt just right for you.

Snorkeling with ABC on the Great Barrier Reef is always a standout, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it—they really do have a fantastic team. Sunrise at Uluru sounds like it was just as breathtaking as always, and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the sunset BBQ and star talk too—such a special way to connect with the landscape and sky out there.

Thank you also for your lovely feedback about the local guides—it means so much to know they made a positive impact throughout your journey. And I couldn't agree more about The Peninsula—it's one of my personal favourites too! The service and location are consistently fantastic.

And a big thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos—I absolutely love being able to see and share the moments that made your trip so special.

It was such a pleasure planning this trip with you both, and I’m so happy it’s left you with so many wonderful memories.

Warmest wishes,
Vicky

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
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
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
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
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
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
Activity Reviews
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 24, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear that your 17-day adventure across Australia was a hit for the whole family—especially your daughters! From diving the Reef and catching waves in Byron Bay to hiking Kata Tjuta and witnessing the (windy) magic of the Penguin Parade, it sounds like each stop delivered unforgettable memories. We’re so glad to hear the trip ran smoothly and that your guides—especially Bluey, Max, and Andres—made such a strong impression. It was... Read more

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear that your 17-day adventure across Australia was a hit for the whole family—especially your daughters! From diving the Reef and catching waves in Byron Bay to hiking Kata Tjuta and witnessing the (windy) magic of the Penguin Parade, it sounds like each stop delivered unforgettable memories. We’re so glad to hear the trip ran smoothly and that your guides—especially Bluey, Max, and Andres—made such a strong impression. It was a pleasure helping you plan this multi-city journey, and we hope you’ll be back for more Aussie adventures in the future! 🇦🇺

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
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day 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.

Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Blue Mountains Small Group Tour
Sydney
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.

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
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 & 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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Activity Reviews
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
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 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
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
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.

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
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 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
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.
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!
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
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
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Jul 08, 2025

Hi Nancy
Can you believe we started working on your trip in Feb 2024 and now you have traveled! I really enjoyed working with you and we added some really fun elements to your trip! Thanks!
Ruth

Incredible Trip
Australia | May 22 - May 31, 2025

Margaret
Margaret B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2025

We were extremely pleased with the tour that Paula at KimKim put together for our trip to Australia & New Zealand in May of 2025. Every aspect of the tour went flawlessly. We had three stops in Australia and two in New Zealand & Paula booked our hotels, tours and internal flights. We did a variety of incredible and informative tours, from a pub crawl, bus tours, boat tours, and the highlight - a plane ride over the New Zealand glaciers. Fabulous! Such a memorable trip and it was thanks to the incredible planning by Paula!

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Jun 09, 2025

G'day Margaret,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful experience. It was truly a pleasure working with you and helping plan your vacation to Australia and New Zealand. I’m so glad everything came together smoothly.

If you ever decide to explore more of the South Pacific, I’d be honored to assist you again.

Take care and please keep in touch! [email protected]

Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead!

With gratitude and thanks,
Paula

10 fun filled days in Australia
Australia | May 26 - Jun 4, 2025

Gina
Gina L.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2025
My family spent 10 fun filled days in Australia. Siena and Greg were amazing at booking activities that meet all of our requests and kept us active. We started in Brisbane touring with Steve from Croc Tours out to Australia Zoo then visited a surf club for local prawns and beer. Then to Cairns for rainforest touring and tubing with our private guide Jordy. All of our guides were so friendly and patient with our kids. We spent time at the Great Barrier Reef then wrapped up in Melbourne with... Read more

My family spent 10 fun filled days in Australia. Siena and Greg were amazing at booking activities that meet all of our requests and kept us active. We started in Brisbane touring with Steve from Croc Tours out to Australia Zoo then visited a surf club for local prawns and beer. Then to Cairns for rainforest touring and tubing with our private guide Jordy. All of our guides were so friendly and patient with our kids. We spent time at the Great Barrier Reef then wrapped up in Melbourne with the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train and snuck in a wine country and chocolate factory visit with our guide Dylan. Everyone we meet went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. The hotels selected for us met all our needs and desires and were conveniently located within the cities. Many meals were included with our activities so we didn’t have to spend a fortune in country on meals. Siena’s suggestions for self guided exploration were spot on to satisfy my desire to see local wildlife and the sights and sounds of eastern Australia. We were able to do and see so much!

Hotel Reviews
Rydges Melbourne Hotel
Melbourne

This was by far my favorite hotel of our trip. The breakfast is phenomenal for visitors from all over the world. The location is great, near theaters, shopping and great dining. Hotel is gorgeous, rooms are spacious and the roof top pool really was a great convenience to have traveling with children.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Convenient to so much of the city, historic buildings, culture centers, botanic gardens.
Staff
Everyone was happy to help with everything from check in to meal services.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Incredibly clean, well maintained.
Amora Hotel Brisbane
Spring Hill

Conveniently located near Central station with access to the whole city. Beautiful parks near by and great dining options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was attentive and always happy to help with questions and requests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Whole hotel was very clean and well kept.
Mantra Esplanade
Cairns

This hotel is a little older but a nice place to stay due to location and generous room size plus laundry machines in suite. This allowed us to clean up after our rainforest trekking and reef adventure. Very short walk to some great sites.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Short walk to reef tours and exceptional dining options. Also right in front of a local grocery store which is a great money saver due to fridge and cooking appliances in room.
Staff
Hotel is very self-serve, no room cleaning during stay, but all staff were friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel is a little older and there was a wall leak that opened during our stay in the hallway to our room. Looking at other accommodations in the area and given what was available in rooms it would not stop me from staying here again. Everything was very clean at check in.
Activity Reviews
Tangalooma Island Resort Full Day Marine Discovery Day Cruise
Tangalooma Island Resort Full Day Marine Discovery Day Cruise
Brisbane

Visiting in winter it was cold and windy and many activities were initially canceled then resumed later in the day. Not much to see on the glass bottom boat maybe due to season… we ended up booking an ATV tour which was not planned but filled time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Good variety of options. Reasonable prices, great bar.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Really enjoyed the ferry to the island and back. The captains were friendly and humorous.
Australia Zoo & Mooloolaba Beach Day Trip
Australia Zoo & Mooloolaba Beach Day Trip
Brisbane

Australia Zoo is a place I have wanted to see for decades. It did not disappoint. Beautiful spacious facility. Had a great time with a private guide for Mooloolaba area. Surf Club was a really great chance to learn more about local culture.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful place to visit.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Drivers were entertaining and asked questions to ensure we enjoyed our experience.
Transport
Nice clean vehicles, but 1.5 hours on a bus was a little tough.
Mossman Gorge Day Trip with River Drift Experience
Mossman Gorge Day Trip with River Drift Experience
Port Douglas

This was one of the most amazing experiences of our trip. Absolutely beautiful forest and wonderful guide Jordy.

Quality of Experience
Food
The restaurant we visited during this trip was the absolute best meal of our trip. It was a little diner with a lot of food options. We had burgers, and a wrap. Not sure if it was just the amount of physical activity before lunch but I swear the food was incredible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reef & Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Reef & Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Australia

The reef was worth every second of the bumpy boat ride ( we had a bad weather day) not normally like that. We saw thousands of first and corals, giant clams and sea turtles. Breathtaking experience for the kids.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food variety was very simple and catered it seemed towards middle eastern or Indian foods. As adults we found things we could enjoy but our children just ate rolls and fruit.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Visit to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens
Self-Guided Visit to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne

I would recommend this to any visitor to Melbourne. It was incredible and the wildlife in and around the park was so neat to see.

Quality of Experience
The size and variety of the garden is unique, coming from America it was hard to believe we could see it for free!
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 13, 2025
Gina, thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredible review — it was such a joy to read! I absolutely loved seeing your family photos — your smiles say it all. What a gift to experience Australia together! 🇦🇺 It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed each part of the trip, from the Australia Zoo (so glad it lived up to your decades-long dream!) to exploring the Daintree with Jordy, and wrapping up in Melbourne with that magical Puffing Billy ride and a visit to wine country... Read more

Gina, thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredible review — it was such a joy to read! I absolutely loved seeing your family photos — your smiles say it all. What a gift to experience Australia together! 🇦🇺

It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed each part of the trip, from the Australia Zoo (so glad it lived up to your decades-long dream!) to exploring the Daintree with Jordy, and wrapping up in Melbourne with that magical Puffing Billy ride and a visit to wine country with Dylan. You really made the most of every day, and I’m thrilled our recommendations helped balance adventure, local flavor, and family time so well.

I couldn’t agree more about the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. That’s my first stop every time I visit the city!

Also, thank you for sharing the details about Tangalooma and the Mantra Hotel in Cairns — that kind of feedback is so helpful, and we’ll continue to monitor both closely for future travelers.

Thanks again for sharing all of this — it was a pleasure helping plan your family’s adventure, and I hope there are many more ahead! ✨

Australia Adventure: Great Barrier Reef & Iconic Landmarks 🇦🇺🤿
Australia | May 2 - May 15, 2025

Catherine H.
Catherine H. M.
Graham, WA | Reviewed on May 22, 2025
We recently returned from a wonderful trip organized through KimKim. Overall, everything went smoothly, and we had a great experience. Both Seiara and Greg were outstanding to work with—responsive, knowledgeable, and kind. This is not our first time using KimKim, and one of the things we've always appreciated is the opportunity to work with local agents who really know the destination. All the guides we had in-country were excellent, and we felt well taken care of throughout our travels. The... Read more

We recently returned from a wonderful trip organized through KimKim. Overall, everything went smoothly, and we had a great experience. Both Seiara and Greg were outstanding to work with—responsive, knowledgeable, and kind. This is not our first time using KimKim, and one of the things we've always appreciated is the opportunity to work with local agents who really know the destination.

All the guides we had in-country were excellent, and we felt well taken care of throughout our travels. The only hiccup was with two long day trips we ended up canceling. Locals and other travelers we met advised us that those particular excursions weren’t worth the time or expense—and in hindsight, we agree.

This has made us reflect on the value of working directly with agents who live in the destination country. Their firsthand experience and insight seem to make all the difference when it comes to recommending which tours and experiences are truly worthwhile.

We still very much appreciate KimKim and will use the platform again—but with a preference for local expertise wherever possible.

Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 03, 2025
I’m so glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip overall and that you felt well taken care of throughout. It truly means a lot to Greg and me to know that you appreciated our support and responsiveness—planning your journey was a real pleasure! 🇦🇺
<p>
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about the day trips you chose to cancel. We had arranged private, fully customizable experiences for both the Great Ocean Road and the Blue Mountains, which are often considered highlights—but we also...
Read more

I’m so glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip overall and that you felt well taken care of throughout. It truly means a lot to Greg and me to know that you appreciated our support and responsiveness—planning your journey was a real pleasure! 🇦🇺


Thank you for sharing your honest feedback about the day trips you chose to cancel. We had arranged private, fully customizable experiences for both the Great Ocean Road and the Blue Mountains, which are often considered highlights—but we also know that everyone enjoys spending their travel time differently. What feels worthwhile to one traveler might not resonate with another, and that’s completely okay. In hindsight, we may have been a bit overambitious with the planning, and I truly appreciate you giving us that perspective.



Your point about the value of local, on-the-ground insight is well taken. Greg and I work closely with our local partners to ensure we’re recommending the best experiences! I'm confident you'll enjoy working with future local kimkim specialists, as well! 💛

First time in Australia
Australia | Apr 6 - Apr 16, 2025

B
Brenda B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 08, 2025
Pros: All 3 hotels, Sebel Quay West Sydney, Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas and Adina Apartments Southbank, Melbourne were very nice, with restaurants close by.
Best tour probably was Blue Mountains Small Group tour because tour guide encouraged us to que for the photo patting a koala (additional $30aud ) at Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary ; it was wonderful unique experience!! Other favorites were Guided Opera House Tour, Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders, and Quicksilver...
Read more

Pros: All 3 hotels, Sebel Quay West Sydney, Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas and Adina Apartments Southbank, Melbourne were very nice, with restaurants close by.
Best tour probably was Blue Mountains Small Group tour because tour guide encouraged us to que for the photo patting a koala (additional $30aud ) at Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary ; it was wonderful unique experience!! Other favorites were Guided Opera House Tour, Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders, and Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef (although it was a cloudy day with rough seas that made snorkeling almost impossible but semi submersible, underwater observatory, and fabulous lunch made up for weather). Domestic flights were fine.

Not so nice: Grand Kuranda tour was good, but frustrating as we were just given Skyrail tickets and then a paper as to when to be at each activity on our own and then not returned to hotel until 7pm, when our agenda had the tour time ending at 3:15pm. Penguin Plus viewing was worthless, as our tour driver didn't get us there until all the ocean view seats were occupied on the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco tour. Blue Mountains tour also ran 90 minutes over agenda end time. We wish all transportation would have arranged for our itinerary. Sebel Quay West also charged us $11aud after we checked out(when their system was down) for minibar in error and they won't respond to an email about the error. We enjoyed Australia and the friendly Australians, as we depended on the kindness of strangers several times. This land based itinerary complimented the 2 cruises we took to New Zealand and Moreton Island prior to starting this tour.

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on May 13, 2025
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your stays at all of the Hotels I suggested. It’s wonderful that the Blue Mountains and the Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary experience stood out to you—patting a koala is certainly a uniquely Australian memory to treasure!
I am also glad that you appreciated highlights like the Sydney Opera House guided tour, the Great Ocean Road journey with Luxe Bus and Wildlife Wonders, and... Read more

Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your stays at all of the Hotels I suggested. It’s wonderful that the Blue Mountains and the Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary experience stood out to you—patting a koala is certainly a uniquely Australian memory to treasure!

I am also glad that you appreciated highlights like the Sydney Opera House guided tour, the Great Ocean Road journey with Luxe Bus and Wildlife Wonders, and your time with Quicksilver at the Outer Barrier Reef, despite the challenging weather that day.

I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with certain tours and logistics. The Grand Kuranda tour experience and unexpected delays on the Blue Mountains and Penguin Parade tours clearly fell short of expectations. I’ll be sharing your feedback with our local partners to help improve clarity around timing and instructions for future guests.

It's lovely to hear that the warmth and kindness of the Australian people enhanced your journey, and that this land-based itinerary complemented your cruises so well.

Warm regards,
Vicky

Vicky from Kim Kim exceeded our expectations
Australia | Mar 24 - Apr 6, 2025

Pedro
Pedro T.
Puerto Rico | Reviewed on May 02, 2025
We would like to thank Vicky for all her attention and help before, during, and after our adventure in Australia and New Zealand. Vicky paid particular attention to our interests, which were adventure and nature, and planned attractions and destinations according to our interests. She created an itinerary that was planned hour by hour, minute by minute, to maximize our time. The destinations, attractions, guides, and transportation arrangements exceeded our expectations, as did the... Read more

We would like to thank Vicky for all her attention and help before, during, and after our adventure in Australia and New Zealand.

Vicky paid particular attention to our interests, which were adventure and nature, and planned attractions and destinations according to our interests.

She created an itinerary that was planned hour by hour, minute by minute, to maximize our time.

The destinations, attractions, guides, and transportation arrangements exceeded our expectations, as did the accommodations, which were very comfortable, welcoming, and well-located.

We would like to highlight the flexibility with which she accommodated our wishes and handled changes before and during our adventure.

Thanks to Vicky, our family vacation in Australia and New Zealand was a success.

Activity Reviews
Private Penguins, Koalas and Wildlife (Phillip Island) from Melbourne
Private Penguins, Koalas and Wildlife (Phillip Island) from Melbourne
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot Air Balloon Ride Melbourne
Hot Air Balloon Ride Melbourne
Melbourne

Have dome balloon many times before, but doing it oer Melbourne with such a good team of pilots was jsut amazing!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Habitat - YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour (Private)
Wildlife Habitat - YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour (Private)
Port Douglas

Our Guide Jazmin was the best. Patient, knowledgeable and lovely.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
Australia

Snorkling the Great Barrier Reef, another dream come true.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on May 02, 2025

Hi Pedro
Thank you so much for taking the time to send me feedback on your recent family adventure. I am so glad you all had a fabulous time and that we managed to create an itinerary that was perfect for you. Thank you for entrusting me with your trip.
Take Care and wishing you many exciting travel adventures ahead
Vicky
Vicky

Melbourne, Cairns & Sydney
Australia | Mar 14 - Mar 30, 2025

D
David G.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Gary set up a very nice trip trip for us to visit Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney, with lots of great activities, but not so much that we didn’t have time to just explore on our own. He also handled some last-minute changes on our part (actually, our airline). The hotels were also very nice, albeit lacking in character - but I’ll know next time to request “character boutique hotels.” All-in-all our first visit to Australia was great thanks to Gary and Kimkim.
Dave
Vancouver BC

Local specialist: Gary Topic

The guides were very professional & knowledge...
Australia | Feb 1 - Mar 5, 2025

William
William F.
East Amherst, NY | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025
The guides were very professional & knowledgeable Marc(Auckland) Dan(Rain forest-Port Douglas) our guide on the volcano run & the guide who took us to see the penguins were excellent Read more

The guides were very professional & knowledgeable Marc(Auckland) Dan(Rain forest-Port Douglas) our guide on the volcano run & the guide who took us to see the penguins were excellent

Hotel Reviews
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
Hobart

Great location Unique property taking a jelly factory & turning into a hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on the harbour Close to tours & restaurants
Staff
Helpful in finding attractions
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a laundry room feet from our room Very useful as we were on the road for Waugh weeks
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Port Douglas

Very close to the beach Walking distance to the town center We had plenty of space

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Limited interaction besides tge breakfast staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on May 02, 2025

Dear Bill and Anna,
Great to hear from you :-)
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! I'm so pleased to hear you had such a great experience with the guides you mentioned—Marc in Auckland, Dan in the rainforest, and those on your volcano and penguin adventures. We’re lucky to have such passionate and knowledgeable people on our team, and we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to them.
It was a pleasure having you on the journey, and we hope your memories of New Zealand and Australia stay bright for years to come.
Warmest wishes,
Vicky

Dream vacation success!
Australia | Feb 14 - Mar 21, 2025

Michelle
Michelle P.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025
Paula helped my husband and I plan our dream trip of five weeks in Australia and she did an amazing job. The planning process was a pleasure as Paula was very responsive and truly made the effort to understand what things were important to us. We visited Sydney, Hamilton Island, Melbourne, drove the Great Ocean Road, drove around Tasmania, and visited Perth and Ningaloo reef. This was a very ambitious itinerary but Paula organized our time in such a way that none of this felt rushed or... Read more

Paula helped my husband and I plan our dream trip of five weeks in Australia and she did an amazing job. The planning process was a pleasure as Paula was very responsive and truly made the effort to understand what things were important to us. We visited Sydney, Hamilton Island, Melbourne, drove the Great Ocean Road, drove around Tasmania, and visited Perth and Ningaloo reef. This was a very ambitious itinerary but Paula organized our time in such a way that none of this felt rushed or exhausting. Paula’s choices of accommodations were excellent and all details such as flights and rental cars were booked with much thought to comfort and convenience. Everything went seamlessly, and the couple of very small glitches were handled quickly and efficiently by the local agents. We had a perfect trip!

Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Apr 16, 2025

G'day Michelle,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and for your kind words. Your feedback truly means a lot and helps me assist future clients with their travel plans.

It was such a pleasure working with you to plan this amazing and fun vacation. You got to see and experience some of the most beautiful parts of Australia! I really appreciate your patience throughout the process, and I’m so glad everything came together.

Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead and I will be happy to assist you in planning another vacation in the South Pacific.

Cheers,
Paula

Sydney & Cairns Australia
Australia | Mar 27 - Apr 7, 2025

Greg
Greg A.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
*QTBondi- Sydney trendy hotel & area
*Majestic Express Dinner Cruise- go early & enjoy the harbor boardwalk! Upgraded to a different cruise - lovely experience- best views are from the upper outdoor deck! Dining room was quite noisy- outdoor was quiet and comfortable!
*Pacific Hotel- Cairns Australia
Excellent! Lovely hotel right in the heart of the area. Walking distance to markets, restaurants & the harbor!
*Full Day-Ocean Free- sailing & snorkel!
Ocean free is the best! ...
Read more

*QTBondi- Sydney trendy hotel & area
*Majestic Express Dinner Cruise- go early & enjoy the harbor boardwalk! Upgraded to a different cruise - lovely experience- best views are from the upper outdoor deck! Dining room was quite noisy- outdoor was quiet and comfortable!

*Pacific Hotel- Cairns Australia
Excellent! Lovely hotel right in the heart of the area. Walking distance to markets, restaurants & the harbor!

*Full Day-Ocean Free- sailing & snorkel!
Ocean free is the best! The crew was exceptional- the sail was exceptional! Sail out 1.5 hours to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling (safe & fun) ! Tour Green Island- beautiful! Sail, snorkel & island exploration are at your own pace - excellent! Crew encouraged everyone to do what they felt most comfortable with. We are 69 years old and did everything with ease! This is a trip not to be missed! Definitely a highlight!
Note: snorkeling water was a little murky & the current was strong but worth every minute !

*Daintree Cape Tribulation- full day tour.
Hotel pick up- small group- this tour has it all!
Scenic route- beautiful! Guided rainforest tour! Cape tribulation - where the rainforest meets the reef- short walk & beautiful view!
Lunch, ice cream, ferry ride, river cruise!
The highlight of this tour is the rainforest tour & the people you will meet! Your guide stays with the group all day and is very knowledgeable about the area! Go & enjoy!

**ALL private cars and transports were on time & exceptional vehicles & drivers!
**ALL flights were on time!

Kim Kim did a good job planning & providing us with the adventure we wanted. Definitely would use them again for future trips!

Hotel Review
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to everything we did!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Ocean Free (from Hotel)
Full Day Ocean Free (from Hotel)
Cairns
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great crew!
Transport
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)
Australia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was very well informed and shared his knowledge about the area !
Transport
Sydney Private Transfer Airport to  Hotel
Sydney Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cairns Private Transfer Cairns Hotel to Airport
Cairns Private Transfer Cairns Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Magistic Express Dinner Cruise
Magistic Express Dinner Cruise
Sydney

Views are incredible! Dining room is a bit noisy - go to the upper deck to enjoy the quiet and exceptional views of the harbor!

Quality of Experience
Food
Sydney Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cairns Private Transfer Airport to Cairns Hotel
Cairns Private Transfer Airport to Cairns Hotel
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Apr 18, 2025

Thanks for all this wonderful feedback Greg. I am so glad you enjoyed your trip! It was fun working with you!

Ruth

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
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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.

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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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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.