Custom Self-Driving Tours of Australia

start planning your trip with a local travel specialist

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

Australia Travel Insights

Australia's Twelve Apostles
Map of Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days

On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. One of Victoria's most scenic drives, Great Ocean Road provides plenty of exciting pit stops—explore the surfing town of Bells Beach, discover the waterfalls of Lorne, zipline through the Otway Ranges, and visit The Twelve Apostles rock formations. On the way back to Melbourne, do some sightseeing in Ballarat, known for its Gold Rush heritage and indigenous art.

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
Map of Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days
Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days

Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.

Stop to check out the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road
Map of Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days
Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on this two-week coastal adventure of Victoria and South Australia. Starting and ending in Melbourne, you'll drive along Australia's southern edge navigating the Great Ocean Road and choosing to stop on your schedule until you reach Adelaide. Along the way, you'll discover dramatic rock formations like the famous Twelve Apostles, meet kangaroos and fur seals on Kangaroo Island, and learn about aboriginal culture in Grampians National Park.

Drive through the heart of Australia "red center" in the outback
Map of Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days
Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days

Cover the rugged terrain and sweeping desert landscape of the Australian Outback on this epic self-drive excursion through Victoria, South Australia, and Northern Territory. Begin your 18-day tour in trendy Melbourne and fly to arty Adelaide where you'll pick up your rental car and drive on your schedule to Darwin on the opposite coast. You'll explore four major national parks, spot endemic wildlife in their natural habitat, visit rural towns, and discover ancient Aboriginal art.

Aerial view of Australia's Gold Coast
Map of Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days
Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days

Independent travelers will love this 10-day family road trip across Australia's spectacular east coast. Traverse the stunning Gold Coast hinterland as you wind through charming towns, rainforest detours, and sweeping bays before experiencing the iconic sights of Sydney. You and the family will get to cuddle koalas, surf 100-foot dunes, and marvel at the majestic humpbacks during a whale watching cruise.

Australian Coast
Map of Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days
Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days

Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour on this comprehensive 22-day itinerary. Start your trip in quirky Melbourne to explore hidden alleyways and eclectic coffee shops, then pick up a car and explore the coast. Spend a few days in Tasmania, then end your trip in Sydney and the beautiful nature of the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 2 hours ago

Vicky Steinhardt

Hey there! I'm Vicky, and travel is my passion. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have dedicated my entire career to the travel industry. Melbourne-born, my journey led me to live in the...

read more...
Travel specialist Jon Andrews
active 5 hours ago

Jon Andrews

I will be going on leave from April 5th - April 18th, if you need anything the team will also be here to support and answer any questions you may have. I've been working in Australia and New...

read more...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 5 hours ago

Paula Adams

I grew up in a very small rural town called, Humpty Doo which is 30 minutes outside of the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. I lived the true outback life with wallabies jumping in my...

read more...
Travel specialist Connie Campos
active 5 hours ago

Connie Campos

I have travel to Australia and New Zealand every year, and I've been to all the places you are looking to visit so I can speak to you from experience and first-hand knowledge.

read more...

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

KimKim For Travel, Liz is the Specialist for us
Australia | Apr 3 - Apr 20, 2024

Gordon
Gordon C.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
KimKim offers us great ideas and even helped us out in the middle of our trip. They kept an eye on us the entire time. and addressed any concerns we had. KimKim works with some great and knowledgeable vendors to help make the best of our experiences and excursions. Not enough can be said about Liz, our travel planner. At the very beginning of planning, we had been in touch with a few other travel companies. After talking with Liz a couple of times, there was no other companies involved. We... Read more

KimKim offers us great ideas and even helped us out in the middle of our trip. They kept an eye on us the entire time. and addressed any concerns we had. KimKim works with some great and knowledgeable vendors to help make the best of our experiences and excursions.

Not enough can be said about Liz, our travel planner. At the very beginning of planning, we had been in touch with a few other travel companies. After talking with Liz a couple of times, there was no other companies involved. We could tell she IS the expert we were going to use. She took her time, because we had never been to Australia before and wanted a good "taste" of what Australia has to offer. Australia has a lot to offer, and Liz helped us narrow down where and what we could do in 16 days.
During our travels, if we had a question, she was there to answer it or find out what could be done to correct it. Most travel agents wouldn't be there throughout a vacation to make sure we were having the experience we expected. Liz was always quick to follow up with us. We appreciate all she did throughout the entire process of planning and then executing.
Need a travel company? Use KimKim.
Neen a travel specialist? Liz is the right person and expert.

Thank you, Gordon Cable
April 3-20, 2024. Australia Trip. Sydney, Ayers Rock, and Port Douglas areas.

Hotel Reviews
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

Located just across from the beach and a short walk to the city center. Nice pool and good breakfast. Just wish the bar area was open later.

Authenticity & Character
Very nice staff and pool area.
Location
Located across from 4 Mile Beach and walking distance into the city center.
Staff
Good, caring people.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Always short on towels. Bar closed after lunch. Bed was comfortable and had a kitchen area, which was nice to have,
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

We were only there for an overnight stay. Nice facility and friendly staff. The Room were very nice and clean. Has a pool, but we didn't have time to use it. Others in the pool were enjoying it.

Authenticity & Character
The place had an Aboriginals feel to it.
Location
Close to Ayers rock
Staff
Very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, Updated and had all the amenities we needed.
Parkroyal Darling Harbour
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location, just off Darling Harbour. Wonderful staff. Not too far from the Opera House and The Rocks.
Staff
Extremely helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage
Sydney

It's called Blue Mountains for a reason. The beautiful blue tones the area gives off.

Quality of Experience
The hike is beautiful, but not for out of shape people. The trails need to be marked better and the maps updated to show ALL paths and roads.
Food
had a sandwich. Could have used a couple of napkins.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Chris was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk with. Use a small group tour if you go.
Transport
Full-Day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail - Gold Class
Full-Day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail - Gold Class
Australia

Due to weather, the rail was cancelled. The sky rail was great and the views were spectacular. The waterfall was roaring, due to all the rain that had come down the previous days.

Quality of Experience
4 stars only due to the rail not running.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour
Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour
Port Douglas

Had to cancel, dues to the weather. This was a bucket list for us. Was not the company's fault. Blame nature. I hate to give it a rating, but the system would let me move forward with the reviews.

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures Admission and Breakfast with Koalas
Hartleys Crocodile Adventures Admission and Breakfast with Koalas
Port Douglas

So much to do. A lot of Crocs. Eating and getting up-close with the Koala bear was interesting. Many different animals and reptiles to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Drivers were on time and very friendly.
Transport
Welcome to Port Douglas
Welcome to Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Had our share of rain, but that's nature. Nice area. Couldn't figure out what restaurants were going to be open because they would be open one day and closed the next. Beautiful drive from the Cairnes airport to Port Douglas along the water.

Transport
We secured our own transportation from the airport.
Morning Camel to Sunrise
Morning Camel to Sunrise
Australia

What a great time riding the camels. We had the early morning ride, watching the sunrise and seeing Ayers Rock. We beat the bugs for most of the trip. Again, We suggest netting to cover your head.

Quality of Experience
We had more fun than expected. We had no idea what to expect. Just to ride a camel? Who doesn't want to do that!
Food
Just a Good cup of coffee and bread when you're finished with the ride. Enough for us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guides were very helpful and easy to talk with. Funny stories along the way. You have to do this if you're out there.
Transport
Easy pick up at the hotel and short ride to the camels
A Night at Field of Light
A Night at Field of Light
Uluru

We had a beautiful clear night to see all of the stars. The sky just lit up. The bugs in April are quite annoying until the sun goes down. Buy a head netting to keep them off of your face. Once the sun goes down, they all disappear. Beautiful vies of Ayers Rock

Quality of Experience
The lights are spectacular. We had never seen anything like that before. The food was really good with a nice variety. Very enjoyable evening. The rest rooms need something!!
Food
good variety for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the gentleman who gave pointed out the stars and constellations was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The dinner staff was great,
Transport
Just a short drive from the hotels
Afternoon Panoramic Sydney Sights
Afternoon Panoramic Sydney Sights
Sydney

Driver was friendly and knew the areas we went past or stopped at. a good taste of Sydney and provided ideas ot things to do or place to go.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was wonderful. Wish I could remember his name. Sorry...
Transport
Comfortable bus. Loved to small group.
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Thank you thank you for such amazing review. We really appreciate the feedback !! I am glad you felt like we had good ideas and we were able to support you during the trip.

It was very nice to work with you all, and I truly hope we can have the opportunity to work together again. I know you had some weather that affected your snorkeling and I only wish I had control over the weather :) But that one is tough..

Thank you again and hope to work with you again.
Cheers
Liz

This was our first experience with Kikmim, fo...
Australia | Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2024

Hongping
Hongping R.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024
This was our first experience with Kikmim, following directly on their Exploring 6-days Australia tour. My husband and I are delighted to give Vicky at Kimkim an "excellent" rating on this tour. From initial contact, to booking, to superb coordination by the tour organizers, the excellent knowledge and wonderful humor of our guides, and the selection of tour sites, the trip was organized and run smoothly and with the interests and comfort of the participants always kept in mind. They are by... Read more

This was our first experience with Kikmim, following directly on their Exploring 6-days Australia tour. My husband and I are delighted to give Vicky at Kimkim an "excellent" rating on this tour. From initial contact, to booking, to superb coordination by the tour organizers, the excellent knowledge and wonderful humor of our guides, and the selection of tour sites, the trip was organized and run smoothly and with the interests and comfort of the participants always kept in mind. They are by far the best tour operator we have traveled with.

Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel
Cairns North

Little bit far from the pier and downtown areas.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vibe Hotel
Sydney

Good location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vibe Hotel
Melbourne

Location is very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Great Ocean Road Scenic Tour
Great Ocean Road Scenic Tour
Melbourne

Amazing tour and fabulous experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private City Kickstart Tour: Melbourne
Private City Kickstart Tour: Melbourne
Melbourne

Our tour was cancelled without a notice.

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Apr 16, 2024

Thanks so much Hongping,
It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I am so glad you managed to experience so much in such a short time. All the Best, Vicky

Our new favorite way to travel!
Australia | Mar 30 - Apr 12, 2024

D
Divya T.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024
I don't know what we would have done without Vicky! When we started, we only knew we wanted to go to Australia, and nothing much else. Right from deciding which cities to visit all the way to rebooking our flights and hotels during our trip when we had an unexpected interruption, Vicky was along with us every step of the way, patiently helping us refine our plan and promptly making all the arrangements. She gave us valuable advice on the logistics of traveling with a child - where to rent... Read more

I don't know what we would have done without Vicky! When we started, we only knew we wanted to go to Australia, and nothing much else. Right from deciding which cities to visit all the way to rebooking our flights and hotels during our trip when we had an unexpected interruption, Vicky was along with us every step of the way, patiently helping us refine our plan and promptly making all the arrangements. She gave us valuable advice on the logistics of traveling with a child - where to rent strollers, what type of cookies she might like etc. The hotels were all in great locations with access to groceries as well as tourist attractions. Each hotel has a refrigerator stocked with milk, which was such a thoughtful touch.

This is the first time we've used a travel booking company and the experience was well worth it! The process of using kimkim was really natural. There was no pressure to commit so we had time to explore whether the process would work for us. The chat-based interface is its best feature, because it made the trip planning really lightweight.

Hotel Reviews
Sails In The Desert
Yulara

There's not many accommodation options in Yulara - but Sails is the best. The morning breakfast buffet was huge and satisfying. The restaurants on site have limited vegetarian dishes, so after a few meals, it gets repetitive. However, its a 2 minute walk to the town square where there's an IGA and other conveniences.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vision Cairns Holiday Apartments
Cairns

We had a large balcony with a view of the bay. Very close to Muddy's Playground and Muddy's Cafe, which are both very child friendly. The boardwalk is just off the building, which leads to many restaurants and other attractions. The bedding was very comfortable and the apartment was very clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantra on Kent
Sydney

The location is great - with access to a convenience store and larger grocery store within reasonable walking distance. There are many attractions nearby - Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building, Town Hall, Darling Harbor and the main shopping districts. There are tons of swanky coffee shops nearby as well. The breakfast is basic but good. Not much variety, but there are lots of eateries within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We stayed in two rooms - one faced darling harbor and the other faced the city with a view of the atrium of the Queen Victoria Building. So, everything is very close by.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience  (departs Cairns)
Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience (departs Cairns)
Australia

This was definitely the highlight of our trip because for the first time we saw corals that were thriving! Once the catamaran docks at the pontoon, you have 4 hours to do anything - take a semi-submersible boat tour, snorkel, guided snorkeling, first time diving etc. It can get crowded at times.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney

We say the harbor and the opera house from multiple vantage points. Bondi beach was way better than I had imagined. The guide/driver was very knowledgeable and gave us ample time of flexibility.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cairns

The cableway is great going in and the train is great coming back out (you can take a nap). The butterfly park was good but not really that spectacular. We skipped Reforestation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
1 Day Uluru with Sunset BBQ - Start/End in Ayers Rock
1 Day Uluru with Sunset BBQ - Start/End in Ayers Rock
Uluru
Food
The trip advertised "fruit and snacks". The only thing that was given was an apple. The bbq has lot of vegetarian options, but they were constantly attacked by flies which make it less appetizing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was not a good narrator/storyteller, so I really didn't follow most of the aboriginal stories or significance of Uluru, which is a shame.
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Apr 15, 2024

Hi Divya
Thanks for your feedback, I am so glad you enjoyed the booking process and your time in Australia. It was such a pleasure creating your trip and helping where I could to ensure you made the most of your time here, and that your little one had a great time too.
Thanks again,
Vicky