Vicky Steinhardt

We had a wonderful vacation and all went smoothly. All of the tours and transportation were well planned with no issues.
Day 1 - Arrived in Sydney. Shangri-La Sydney is a wonderful hotel.
Day 2 - Chef Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine tour was great. Jimmy owns/operates the tour and prepares food to pair with the wine. Highlight was going to the new Sydney Fish Market where Jimmy picked up fresh fish and oysters for our food later during the wine tour. The wineries and food were great.
Day 3 - Walking tour, Sydney Opera House tour, and Sydney Bridge Climb Summit. Craig led the walking tour and provided a wealth of information on the beginning of Sydney and concentrated on the botanical garden and how Sydney came about and significant events. The Opera house tour was very good and we were able to the wonderful architecture. It was raining during the Sydney Bridge Climb but rain coats were provided. It is not a hard climb and our tour guide, Nico, kept the group motivated for the climb. The guide has a transmitter and we had ear phones to hear him during the hike. We were drenched but enjoyed it.
Day 4 - Blue Mountain tour - It was raining and couldn't see much. Can't do anything about the weather. We did see another couple on our trip that went on the tour and they showed us pictures that looked awesome.
Day 5 - Travel to Cairns/Port Douglas - Ground transportation and flight went great.
Day 6 - ABC Reef Safaris - The snorkeling was wonderful. We spent about 1.5 hours at two different spots and were led in the water by ABC who also have Marine Biologists on the tour. We saw a Manta Ray which is very rare. The food supplied on the boat was great and plentiful.
Day 7 - Daintree Rain Forest and Nocturnal Tour - Another great tour led by our guide Nicki. We went out on a river boat looking for crocodiles and found a few along the shore. We saw a cassowary bird that is only found in Australia. We had dinner in the rain forest and able to try kangaroo. We did a nocturnal walking tour and spotted quite a few different animals/birds/frogs. Nicki was a great guide and loaded with information.
Day 8 - Bump Track Mountain Biking - This was canceled due to so much rain. The guide, Steve, for the bike ride was willing to do a different tour but the road was flooded. Steve was great to deal with and he was trying to give us a memorable tour but had to cancel.
Day 9 - Travel to Uluru/Ayers Rock with 4wd Mount Connor tour - No issue with ground/air transportation. We stayed at Sails in the Desert Resort and it was very nice. Mount Connor tour was very good but the highlight was having dinner with the cattle farm owner, Amy, where she explained the operation of the cattle ranch and growing up on a million acre cattle ranch.
Day 10 - Uluru/Ayers Rock tour - very good tour with history of the area learning the history of the aboriginal people. A net to cover your face is a must with the flies when it is hot out.
Day 11 - Transfer to Melbourne - No issue with ground/air transportation. Had a wonderful dinner at Hopscotch on Riverside Quay.
Day 12 - Yarra Valley Grazing Tour - We got on a bus from Go West Tours and Ashleigh was our guide/driver and was fun and very entertaining. We sampled wine, cheese, gin, and chocolate on the tour. Wonderful day with beautiful scenery.
Day 13 - Laneways of Melbourne - John was our tour guide and did a wonderful job explaining the history of the city and setting up lots and roadways. He was able to show us how the shops moved goods into the warehouses and the wonderful architecture that you would never see if you didn't know where to look for it. The public library was our last stop and a must see.
Day 14 - Great Ocean Road Tour - This was a tour with just the 4 of us in our group. Cory was our guide and did a great job explaining how the GOR was built by WW1 veterans to help them get over shell shock/ptsd. The coast was beautiful and stopped at a the 12 Apostes. (not really 12) We toured a wildlife sanctuary and spotted a couple of Koala Bears in the trees swaying in the breeze.
Day15-16 - travel back to Sydney and home to USA.

Overall, the trip was fantastic. The transportation within Australia was all planned by Vicky and we had no issues. Everything was planned very well and we loved all of the tours. Highly recommend Vicky!

We just returned from our travels in Australia and are still processing all the wonderful activities and experiences. The trip offered us so many memorable moments, and we are grateful for each one.

We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for all Vicky's help and expertise in planning our trip. Her attention to detail and careful arrangement of every aspect were impressive, allowing us to simply relax, enjoy, and savor every moment. Her assistance made our experience truly memorable and enjoyable.

Thank you Vicky and kimkim!!

Donna

Great trip. Well planned. Enjoyed the animal parks and seeing the different animals. The Opera House tour was one of my highlights. Walking tours in the cities were very informative. Just a fantastic trip!

Hotel Reviews

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Brisbane

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Laneways by Ovolo

Melbourne

Authenticity & Character

OP

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sails In The Desert

Yulara

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Sebel Quay West Suites

The Rocks

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise

Brisbane

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

lol

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I

Transport

SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner

Uluru

Quality of Experience

I

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Camel to Sunset

Uluru

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine (Small Group Tour)

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney City Small Group Walking Tour (Small Group Tour)

Sydney

Had a hard time understanding this leader. Wish he had a speaker and headsets. Was not able to hear him b cause of the traffic and other people around.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Activity Review

Uluru Sacred Site & Sunset

Uluru

Tourist trap.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a terrific time in New Zealand recently and it was in large part to the arrangements that Vicky at KimKim made for us. She recommended and booked hotels in both Aukland and Queenstown; activities in both cities and worked with us to help us create the adventure we wanted in New Zealand. The hotels (Hotel Britomart in Aukland and Sofitel in Queenstown) were beautiful and catered to our every need. The staffs were attentive and engaging. Vicky planned a trip that allowed us time for curated activities but also time for us to explore and experience New Zealand. The Waiheke Island gourmet wine and food tour was everything we hoped it would be. We had a terrific time with guide Grant and small group of fellow travelers. The real surprise of the trip was how enjoyable the Milford Sound tour was. The views were amazing and Katy, the tour guide did a fantastic job explaining the region, the wildlife and the sights we saw. All around -- this New Zealand trip was an experience we will never forget. We are so grateful for Vicky's care and attention throughout the process. She even spent time with us just prior to travel to go over each day and last minute considerations and suggestions.

Hotel Review

The Hotel Britomart

Auckland

Perfect in every respect. Great staff, terrific room, great restaurant and in the very heart of city by the docks. Wonderful experience!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Milford Sound Scenic Tour & Cruise – Ex Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Breathtaking views and scenery. Katy our guide and driver was exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Katy was excellent -- knowledgeable and safe.

Transport

Large, Comfortable Mercedes Van w/Wi-Fi and comfortable seats.

Private Boutique Wine Tour

Queenstown (NZ)

Phil was a great guide. We enjoyed the day with him. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at the vineyard -- the views and ambiance as well as the amazing charcuterie platter that the winery prepared. The tastings were all good. The final tasting at Kinross with Brian was by far the best. Brian was skilled as well as knowledgable on the wine he was sharing.

Quality of Experience

Food

Excellent lunch at the winery's bistro.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine

Auckland

Exactly what we had in mind. Grant the guide was perfect for the role. The entire day flew by.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vicky helped us plan an awesome trip in Australia, matching our interests with amazing tours and fun, knowledgeable guides. All travel arrangements were booked and timely as well as comfortable and convenient accommodations. I highly recommend KimKim for your trip.

Hotel Review

Pullman Cairns International

Cairns

Beautiful hotel in convenient location in Cairns. Modern, clean rooms with great breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character

Colonial facade with beautiful marble and wood paneled lobby

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Uluru Sacred Sites, Sunset, BBQ and Star Talk

Uluru

Learned so much about Aboriginal culture and life, was an amazing tour. Don’t miss Uluru at sunset, truly magical.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour

Cairns

Great way to see the Great Barrier Reef, especially if you want to snorkel in safe surroundings. Fun boat ride, great staff.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Mountains Small Group Tour

Sydney

An amazing experience! The Blue Mountains are beautiful, our guide Mark was knowledgeable and his love of the country was evident.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour

Australia

Jam packed full day trip from Cairns. Great way to see Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rain Forest and Cape Tribulation. Our guide Adrian H. was amazing and shared many stories to keep us entertained.

Quality of Experience

Food

Food stops tasty and plentiful food. No need for dinner .

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Some bumpy roads

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour

Sydney

Toured different neighborhoods in Sutter would never have visited on our own. Fun stop at Bondi Beach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Great tour of the Opera House, our guide was very knowledgeable about the history land construction.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vicky was extremely helpful and proactive at getting us the information we needed before and during the trip.

Activity Review

SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner

Uluru

We had a wonderful day touring Uluru and learning the history and significance of the people who have lived here.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had well appointed lodging and a good variety of activities.

Hotel Reviews

QT

Sydney

Great location and loved the quirky hotel that was once a theater. Giving 4 stars because they were delayed in responses to request for additional amenities such as a blanket and extra pillow. We’d definitely stay at this hotel again.

Authenticity & Character

Remnants of the old theater.

Location

In the heart of the CBD and next to the tram.

Staff

Very kind staff. It would be nice to have them ask how they could help, such dining recommendations and more information about the restaurants on site.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders

Melbourne, VIC

Great location and roomy space. We had trouble with the washer dryer unit. It ran all night and in the morning it still said 4 hours to go to finish. It never stopped even

Authenticity & Character

Nothing special regarding character but nearby a lot of character.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hermitage Hotel

Mount Cook Village

Amazing view and lovely room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Only one elevator functioning for a large hotel.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury

Adelaide

Wonderful staff a comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character

Historic building, bedroom door was awkward.

Location

Close to the market

Staff

Helpful getting us an early breakfast due to an early activity.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ramada Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

Short visit, not much to review

Authenticity & Character

Location

Big hill getting downtown.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Real NZ Fiordland Navigator

Manapouri

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel St. Moritz

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Quest Cathedral Junction

Christchurch

Stained sofa seats

Authenticity & Character

No stained furniture! Also spill water and when wiped up you could see the dirty floor.

Location

Didn’t like the food coming into our room. Also no windows in the bedroom.

Staff

Not there for arrival and no outreach for things to do.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Warn and smelly

Regent of Rotorua

Rotorua

Decent hotel but nothing special

Authenticity & Character

Location

A better bar

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hotel Britomart

Auckland

Wonderful room and location. The staff were very friendly and even came up to our room on arrival to show us how to use the smart features.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Awesome location and hotel!

Activity Reviews

Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves

Rotorua

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The F Factor Food Tour

Adelaide

Sweet guide but too many chocolate and nut stops.

Quality of Experience

More variety

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour

Sydney

New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise

Sydney

Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide

Adelaide

Great sites but too much butt time. Would’ve liked our lunch to know what we had ahead of us.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour

Sydney

Our guide was great. Would’ve liked our lunch spot preset up for us. The restaurants were busy so we only had one quick option.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Taste the Barossa - Premium Day Tour: Small Group Tour

Adelaide

Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour (One-Way)

Queenstown (NZ)

Wish we were better informed on what stops we’d be making. Appreciated the guides who told us what to expect for the day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour

Melbourne

Loved this!! I wish we would’ve been told to dress warm.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders

Melbourne

Loved this although we were cut short for fires.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Laneways of Melbourne

Melbourne

Wonderful tour. Would recommend doing this on day one.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

Melbourne

Great variety of foods and fun guide. Loved it.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bike the Valley of the Vines from Arrowtown- Return Shuttle from Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Love this ride and flexibility to stop when we wanted. Beautiful scenery and yummy wine.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Glacier Explorers - The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mt Cook to Christchurch 1 Way Tour (Small group)

Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

Would have liked more stops and more time off the bus.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour

Christchurch

Saw a bit of the sperm whales. Videos were helpful too.

Te Puia - Te Pō combo (Te Rā Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)

Rotorua

A little long for the tour in the craft school.

Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine

Auckland

Fun and beautiful tour. I would suggest a more neutral food than oysters.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport