Custom Self-Driving Tours of Australia

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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.

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.

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.

Drive Australia's Great Ocean Road and checkout iconic sites like the Twelve Apostles
Map of Great Ocean Road, Melbourne & the Grampians - 9 Days
Great Ocean Road, Melbourne & the Grampians - 9 Days

Feel the freedom of the open road as you wind your way along Australia's most iconic coastal drive. This nine-day Aussie itinerary gives you three days on the Great Ocean Road, soaking up views of the famous Twelve Apostles and more. The journey begins and ends in Melbourne, stopping by the Grampians mountain range and the historic gold rush town of Ballarat. Buckle up for a memorable Australian adventure.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Charlotte Piper
active 1 day ago

Charlotte Piper

With over 20 years in the travel industry, I bring extensive experience across retail, corporate, and cruise travel. Based in Australia, I also spent seven years living in Bali, where I worked with...

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Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 18 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...

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Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 39 mins ago

Ruth Grau

I grew up in small outback towns in South Australia before starting in the travel industry in Adelaide. After working many years in Sales & Marketing with tour companies, wholesalers and airlines,...

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Travel specialist Tammy Lindsey
active 13 hours ago

Tammy Lindsey

I am a Travel Advisor for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Every clients is unique, so I want to get to know them in detail to create their perfect itinerary! Listening to...

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See all Australia travel agents

Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great Trip to Adelaide and Great Ocean Road!
Australia | Mar 25 - Apr 4, 2026

E
Eleanore J.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2026
We really enjoyed our trip to Australia. Thank you for helping us schedule it.
Here is some feedback for you: The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a... Read more

We really enjoyed our trip to Australia. Thank you for helping us schedule it.
Here is some feedback for you:

The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a problem only because my husband was trying to watch his team play a March Madness basketball game.

The private trip to Mornington Peninsula was great! We loved our driver/guide Nicci from Epicurean, She took us to a diverse group of wineries and to a wonderful lunch. 10/10 Perfect day!

The car rental from Sixt was a thrash initially because they didn't have the type of car we rented. Lovely people working there but the system was so disorganized. We were not only group that ended up waiting for over an hour to get our car. Eventually they gave us a bigger car for the same price and allowed us to return it without a full tank without charging for the difference in the amount of gas (gas is super pricey there due to the war in Iran). Otherwise no problems with the car and the return was easy.

The trip along the Great Ocean Road was amazing!! We drove about 4 hours each day I think. There are lots of signs warning motorists to watch out for kangaroos crossing the road and they are not kidding since I almost hit one when driving to Robe in the dusk. I will attach photos from Apollo Bay at sunset and the Twelve Apostles if I can.
The cottage at Anchors Port Campbell was wonderful. Spacious with huge windows overlooking the lovely surrounding countryside. Tanya was a gracious hostess and provided us with coffee, cereal, milk, and even a bottle of wine. Lovely place and well situated near the Twelve Apostles so that it was easy to beat the rush of tourists coming from Melbourne in the morning

The Vibe Hotel in Adelaide was nice and in a good location for walking everywhere; the room size was decent and the staff pleasant. The breakfast was good.
We really enjoyed our trip to the Barossa Valley with Chris from Small Batch Tours. He was great and took us to some wonderful wineries and scheduled an excellent lunch for us. The tour ended up being a private one which was a bonus for us. Another 10/10.

Apparently Good Friday is a national holiday in Australia. Almost everything was closed! We did end up scheduling a city walking tour with a lovely young woman (Katina from Flamboyance Tours) which was very good despite the multiple closures. In the afternoon we toured the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Adelaide and got hand pies at the Bakery on O'Connell Street (on Katina's recommendations). In the evening we went to see an Australian football game in Adelaide that evening (which was super fun).

All in all a great trip!

Hotel Reviews
Vibe Hotel Adelaide
Adelaide

The Vibe Hotel in Adelaide was nice and in a good location for walking everywhere; the room size was decent and the staff pleasant. The breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Anchors Port Campbell
Port Campbell

The cottage at Anchors Port Campbell was wonderful. Spacious with huge windows overlooking the lovely surrounding countryside. Tanya was a gracious hostess and provided us with coffee, cereal, milk, and even a bottle of wine. Lovely place and well situated near the Twelve Apostles so that it was easy to beat the rush of tourists coming from Melbourne in the morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brady Hotels Jones Lane
Melbourne

The Brady Hotel Jones Lane was OK. Not as nice or as spacious a room as the one that we had at the Park Hyatt (which is a super nice hotel0. The Brady Jones Hotel was conveniently located and the front desk people were really pleasant but the room was small and the TV never worked (despite several people coming up from the staff to confirm that it was broken...lol). This was a problem only because my husband was trying to watch his team play a March Madness basketball game.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Private Mornington Peninsula Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Private Mornington Peninsula Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Melbourne

The private trip to Mornington Peninsula was great! We loved our driver/guide Nicci from Epicurean, She took us to a diverse group of wineries and to a wonderful lunch. 10/10 Perfect day!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Samantha Slais
Samantha
Samantha Slais
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 17, 2026

Thank you so much, Eleanore, for trusting us to plan such a fun adventure on the Great Ocean Road!
Your review is really thorough and helpful for me, my team, and our travelers; we really appreciate it.
We hope to see you back at kimkim in the future! 🌏

Read all Australia reviews

Allow Someone Else to Plan the Details
Australia | Mar 19 - Apr 12, 2026

Dan
Dan J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
We were extremely pleased with Paula and Kim Kim. The hotels and tours she set for us were first class. The drivers that took us to and from each airport were excellent, on time, and had nice, roomy vehicles. I would encourage others to consider Kim Kim if they are looking for a detailed trip abroad. They supplied all the information we needed to make our trip hitch free. Paula was always prompt in responding to the many questions we asked when planning a trip nearly a month... Read more

We were extremely pleased with Paula and Kim Kim. The hotels and tours she set for us were first class. The drivers that took us to and from each airport were excellent, on time, and had nice, roomy vehicles.

I would encourage others to consider Kim Kim if they are looking for a detailed trip abroad. They supplied all the information we needed to make our trip hitch free.

Paula was always prompt in responding to the many questions we asked when planning a trip nearly a month long.

Thank you, Paula!

Hotel Reviews
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Christchurch

Just steps away from the airport. Very nice breakfast buffet. Rooms were clean, comfortable, and roomy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oval Hotel at Adelaide Oval
North Adelaide

Thos hotel is over the top! It is connected to the sports stadium which is unique. The rooms are almost futuristic with lighting and amenities. Great location in downtown.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Nice views of the mountains from most rooms. Nice buffet for meals and an ala carte Cafe as well. Since the hotel is in the natio al park there are no other restaurant options other than those at the hotel. Staff was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Laneways by Ovolo
Melbourne

Old building remodeled into a nice boutique hotel. Rooms were very nice. Bedroom was smallish but there was a nice sitting room as well. Very close to restaurants and the city.

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

Not too many hotels to choose from, but this one is nice. A little older, but you wouldn't know that by looking at the nicely appointed rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
M Social
Auckland

Very nice hotel right on the wharf. Close to many restaurants and shopping. Rooms were immaculate.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Rees Hotel
Queenstown

Hotel is built on a hill. Very awkward routes to get to rooms including two elevator rides and a walk though the parking garage. There is a shuttle to town that is very responsive to requests, but personally I would have preferred staying closer to town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Robe House
Robe, SA

Older hotel. Absolutely no human interaction as keys were left in the doors with a sign directing us to our rooms. Breakfast was just ingredients left in refrigerator for us to make our own breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
What staff?
Cleanliness & Comfort
Drift House
Port Fairy

What a find. One of our favorite stays on our trip. Staff was super friendly. Rooms are unique and very well appointed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Port Fairy is a cute small town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas

Very nice small hotel close to town. The breakfast was great and the staff super friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to town. Short walks to restaurants and shops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Sydney

Outstanding breakfast! Nice, clean rooms near downtown Sydney.

Authenticity & Character
Nice boutique style hotel.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day City to Country Experience - Mornington Peninsula
Full Day City to Country Experience - Mornington Peninsula
Melbourne

Raphael was our favorite guide of our entire month long trip! He was fun, knowledgeable, and willing to modify our time to suit our interests!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Camel to Sunset
Afternoon Camel to Sunset
Australia

You gotta do this! So unique with great guides!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover - Sydney and Bondi Beach (24 Hour Ticket)
Discover - Sydney and Bondi Beach (24 Hour Ticket)
Australia

One of the slowest running hop on hop offs I've ever experienced.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Apr 15, 2026
G'day Dan, Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that you were pleased with the hotels, tours, and transfers throughout your trip. I’m especially glad everything ran smoothly and that the information provided helped make your month-long journey stress-free and enjoyable. It was a pleasure working with you and assisting with your travel plans. Thank you as well for your thoughtful questions along the way, they always help ensure the trip is just right. I really... Read more

G'day Dan,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that you were pleased with the hotels, tours, and transfers throughout your trip. I’m especially glad everything ran smoothly and that the information provided helped make your month-long journey stress-free and enjoyable.

It was a pleasure working with you and assisting with your travel plans. Thank you as well for your thoughtful questions along the way, they always help ensure the trip is just right.

I really appreciate your recommendation and hope to help you plan another adventure in the future! Please keep in touch!

Cheers,
Paula
[email protected]
(951) 264 6300

Read all Australia reviews

Australia 2026 Amazing
Australia | Jan 14 - Feb 3, 2026

E
Elaine D.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Mar 28, 2026
This trip was so smoothly planned. There wasn’t any glitches. Paula did an outstanding job. We experienced so many different adventures that were so new to me. First time snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef - very cool, camel ride, and the bridge climb that I was sure I wouldn’t do. But really glad I did. We had an excellent trip Read more

This trip was so smoothly planned. There wasn’t any glitches. Paula did an outstanding job. We experienced so many different adventures that were so new to me. First time snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef - very cool, camel ride, and the bridge climb that I was sure I wouldn’t do. But really glad I did. We had an excellent trip

Hotel Review
Robe House
Robe, SA

This was such a great place to stay at. We really enjoyed our night there. Very quaint and special.

Authenticity & Character
The rooms were clean and charming
Location
The town didn’t have much there but the hotel was worth it
Staff
Nothing to improve on. I didn’t interact with any staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the breakfast foods for in the morning. Everything was very clean
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Camel to Sunset
Afternoon Camel to Sunset
Australia

I wasn’t really sure if I was going to enjoy the camel ride, but it was really fun. A new adventure to add to my travel experience.

Quality of Experience
Something new that I tried and really enjoyed
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff was really amazing and fun and very informative
Transport
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay (from Port Douglas Hotel)
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay (from Port Douglas Hotel)
Port Douglas

It was my first time snorkeling. The staff was very accommodating and helpful. They made sure that you were comfortable going out snorkeling and checked on you while you were out there. It was a great adventure.

Quality of Experience
Just how helpful they were with the first time I snorkeled. They didn’t make you feel dumb that you didn’t know what you were doing.
Food
The food was really good. Sometimes you think you’re gonna get crummy food on these trips and this one was amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very helpful, attentive and friendly staff. They made the trip
Transport
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Mar 28, 2026

G’day Elaine,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and kind review about my service. I’m so happy to hear that you loved your vacation and had such an amazing experiences.

I also love the BridgeClimb and have done it twice myself — the views are absolutely stunning, aren’t they?

If you ever plan on traveling to the South Pacific or Africa, I would be more than happy to help you again. Please keep in touch and thank you once more for the wonderful review — it is very much appreciated.

With sincere thanks,
Paula
[email protected]
(951) 264 6300

Read all Australia reviews
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