
Gary Topic
I am immensely proud of my beautiful, stunning country and love to show it off to visitors. I get a real buzz when someone from overseas says, "Wow, that was amazing."
I am also an explorer by nature. Anytime a visit I new place or a new city, I maximize my time by taking a long walk just to find out what else there is to see, and what little gems I might be able to share with others. I love to find those secret hidden places, known only by locals (and me). The fun part is, the learning is never-ending! Sharing my knowledge with others is my dream job.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Our nationwide network of local partners enables us to deliver a portfolio of highly rated experiences, accommodating a wide range of budgets, standards of comfort & uniqueness and levels of activity. From join-in coach tours to self-drives, from camping or glamping to the comforts of luxury accommodation, from professional surfing lessons to (self-)guided nature hikes. You tell us what you expect from your dream-holiday to Australia, chances are we will make it happen!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I think I was born to travel. My first big trip was a cruise from Sydney to the US, plus an overland trip to visit my Nanna and Pappa in Illinois, at the age of two. But the travel bug really bit on my very first school excursion. I was captivated by the idea that one could get into a car, bus, train or plane and explore entirely new places, meet different people, and experience amazing scenery. That excursion was to the Barrington Tops in the Upper Hunter Valley and I still take my daughters to explore this wonderful landscape today.
Our parents took us on wonderful, memorable road trips across the country to Adelaide and Brisbane. As soon as I gained independence, I began dragging my friends around Australia on road trips, Mystery Flights and interstate weeks away.
At age 18, I organized my first group coach tour to see Phantom of the Opera in Melbourne. I really wanted to see it but I figured why not see it with 50 friends? This was followed by two more coach trips to World Expo in Brisbane and two weeks around Tasmania.
After a stint working in administration, I commenced in the travel industry in 1998. Since then I have worked arranging group tours around Australia and New Zealand, and also as a tour director and sometimes driver in both countries. I know most Australian destinations like the back of my hand and can genuinely say that the entire country feels like my home."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I was driving a tour group across outback Northern Territory when we stopped at the Devils Marbles. The plan was to camp in tents there overnight. We clambered to the top of the highest rocks (I knew a secret way) to watch a stunning sunset. But from that vantage point we could see a desert storm approaching in the distance. We decided to drive to Wycliffe Well to instead enjoy some more solid accommodation. From there we watched in awe at the most intense electrical storm I have ever seen, by far. The dark approaching clouds were simply mesmerizing, as they lit up with never ending lightning flashes ... about 5 per second. When at last it hit, we were glad we had skipped the tents. Wow, such powerful wind and driving rain. The whole experience made us feel small, humble and in absolute amazement."
Gary's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

This epic 20-day self-drive adventure explores Australia's diverse landscapes and iconic destinations. Over 20 days, you'll take in dazzling Sydney and witness the magnificent...

In 15 days, you'll explore exciting cities, spot wildlife, and visit iconic landmarks of Australia's southern states and interior. You'll start in Sydney for a biking excursion,...

Australia is a vast country with a lot of show-stopping attractions, but if you prefer under-the-radar natural beauty and historic sites, this diverse 18-day itinerary is for...
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

In 15 days, you'll explore exciting cities, spot wildlife, and visit iconic landmarks of Australia's southern states and interior. You'll start in Sydney for a biking excursion,...

Get set for a fantastic nine-day adventure across Australia. Start in Melbourne, rent a car, and hit the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most iconic drives. Fly north to...

Embark on an eight-day adventure down Australia's marvelous southeastern coast. Begin with city tours of Melbourne, an eclectic coastal capital quickly emerging as a tourism...
Recent trip reviews for Gary
Rely on Gary to create a memorable trip
Australia
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Jul 13 - Jul 31, 2023

Gary had some great advice on where to go to make the best use of our time. Our guide in Kangaroo Island was engaging, informative and pleasant to spend the whole day with. The snorkeling tour on the great barrier reef was memorable and our last days in Sydney a delight. The astro tour at Uluru was certainly one of the highlights. Truly a wonderful experience in all and the ease of travel with the car service helped. Jim and Carole read more
An Excellent Itinerary for a Two Week Trip
Australia
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Jul 6 - Jul 22, 2023
We couldn't have been happier with the itinerary that Gary prepared for us. As someone who had never been to Australia before, he successfully translated our requests and lack of knowledge into a schedule that was easy to follow--and thoroughly enjoyable. The places he recommended and organized for our trip were mind-blowingly spectacular. The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Litchfield, Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru---our only complaint was that we didn't have enough time at any of... read more

Hi Debra,
Thank you for your amazing feedback and also for the details regarding every item on your trip plan. This is rare insight that we rarely receive, so I will be sure to pass on your comments to each and every supplier.
Warm regards,
Gary
Gary put together an amazing trip for us with...
Australia
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Jul 6 - Jul 22, 2023
Gary put together an amazing trip for us with very little notice and during Australian school holidays, which I am sure made the puzzle of finding flights and hotel rooms to all the places we went even more challenging. He was incredibly patient with all our questions and steered us to some fantastic places that it turns out many Australians never get too. This I discovered during my week work at the end of the trip in talking to Australian colleagues. He was incredibly responsive as... read more

Hi Laura,
Thank you for your wonderful and detailed feedback. I was especially glad to hear you loved Kakadu. I will be sure to pass on your comments to each and every supplier.
Warm regards,
Gary
Gary was fantastic . He put together the perf...
Australia
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May 9 - May 25, 2023

Gary was fantastic . He put together the perfect trip according to my suggestions. The hotels were great. The excursions were wonderful.
I loved everything. I am a travel agent in Arizona, USA. I will definitely recommend Kim Kim Travel.

Hi Darlene,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I'm very glad you loved Australia.
Australia trip
Australia
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May 26 - Jun 7, 2023

Gary was incredibly helpful and planned an absolutely wonderful trip for me and my family. Everything from the transportation, hotel reservations, and excursion was exceptional. We had some last minute travel issues that he helped us with immediately. I gave 5 stars but Gary deserves 10. Thank you, Gary!! read more
Gary was absolutely AMAZING. There wasn't a ...
Australia
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May 26 - Jun 7, 2023
Gary was absolutely AMAZING. There wasn't a glitch. Gary covered every angle from airline and car transportation, hotels to excursions.
We had drivers waiting for us everywhere they were courteous and punctual. The excursion to The Great Barrier Reef was a highlight that we would have most likely missed if Gary had not recommended we see this when we traveled to Australia. Kim Kim Tours and Gary are OUTSTANDING and I would highly recommend them if you are considering a trip.
Thank you read more

Hi Kirk,
Thank you so much for taking the time to send your wonderful feedback. I am so glad to hear that you loved your trip.
We really enjoyed our trip greatly. The plann...
Australia
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Apr 28 - May 15, 2023
We really enjoyed our trip greatly. The planning and execution were very good overall. We enjoyed many of the places we stayed at, especially Amora Jamison in Sydney and Mandalay apartments in Port Douglas. read more
Australia in 9 days/Sydney and Carins.
Australia
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Apr 8 - Apr 16, 2023
My 17 year old son and I went to Australia for a belated Birthday trip. We only planned the trip 8 weeks prior to going and Gary was very thorough and helped guide our short trip. We did a half day Sydney tour, a full day tour out to the Blue Mountains (with a hike and botanical gardens stop) flew to Carins and did a full day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling trip and a few days there and ended with a day at Cogee and a day at Bondi Beach. All of the tours and our transportation to and from... read more
Put us at ease:)
Australia
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Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2023
Gary was awesome helping us out. He went above & beyond our expectations. We were very pleased with the flight, car service & hotel he organized for us while visiting Australia from the States. He was able to also give us some insight on the areas we planned to see. Would definitely recommend him & the KimKim team, thank you all! read more

Hi Jessi,
Thank you for taking the time to send your wonderful feedback. I am so pleased to hear you loved your trip.
Gary did an amazing job planning and organizi...
Australia
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Feb 14 - Mar 2, 2023
Gary did an amazing job planning and organizing our trip!!!
We got where we wanted to go, we saw what we wanted to see, logistics were perfect- actually amazingly so, locations of accommodations were unbeatable, and the timing sequencing of our itinerary was excellent!!!! read more

Hi Charlie,
Thank you for your kind and fair review. It will help us to make improvements in future trips. I just want to address a few things. The hotels Desert Palms in Alice Springs and Clarion Suites in Melbourne were added to stay within your budget requirements, however I am a little surprised that you only rated them at 2 out of 5. Please message me through our usual message system to expand on your thoughts about these. It sounds like we should perhaps avoid using these in future. I... read more
Great last minute help and service
Australia
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Jan 24 - Feb 4, 2023

I really appreciated Gary because he listened to what I was asking for in terms of hotels to stay and the types of experiences that I was interested. in””His work was somewhat stressful because I only had a few weeks before departure to plan the trip and the planning time included Christmas in between those weeks so I really appreciate his stepping up to the plate so quickly. I also learned myself that when I use Kim Kim in the future, I need to really look in detail at the options that they... read more
Everything was seamless and easy. It made our trip stress-free.
Australia
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Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2023

Gary put together a fantastic itinerary that allowed us to see a lot of things in very little time. Having someone figure out transportation, accommodations, and activities was extremely helpful and saved us a lot of hassle. read more
6 days Sydney->Cairns->bristane->Sydney
Australia
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Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2023
Gary, our tour agent planned for us a very good 6-day trip in Australia. We went to most of places we wanted to be. And we're very satisfied with his arrangements. The fact that we couldn't make local phone calls made things difficulty but when there're changes during the trip Gary responded very fast to meet our requirements through other communication channel he could find.
We were arranged in Palm Cove for 3 nights. That is a beautiful place. But the hotel (Alassio) is horrible. We... read more

Hi Li,
Thank you for your kind and constructive feedback. I too was disappointed with the service at Alassio Palm Cove and rest assured we will never use them again.
Apologies for the lack of transfer at Sydney Airport. I was not aware that the free Sydney Airport shuttle stops operating after 8.50pm. That is duly noted for all future trips.
Yes, we will certainly arrange that refund for you once we have finalized payments to all suppliers, so that we can calculate the difference.
I am very glad you had a great trip despite the several hiccups that arose.
Warm regards,
Gary
Gary was very helpful to us during the trip
Australia
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Oct 19 - Oct 26, 2022
Gary was very helpful to us during the trip read more