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.

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.

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 1 hour 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 Ruth Grau
active 4 hours 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,...

read more...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 9 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 Asko Merilainen
active 2 days ago

Asko Merilainen

Planning a holiday is a time-consuming project on it's own, especially when planning a holiday to a new destination. That's why I'm here to help! I want to show you less-taken routes, quiet...

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

Best experience beggining The Year!
Australia | Dec 31 - Jan 12, 2025

Stephanie
Stephanie D.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2025
Everything was on brief! We really enjoyed our trip to Australia and New Zealand! The hotels, tours, communications with contacts, flights was perfect! Vicky was the best Specialist! Always in contact and answering every question! We will be happy to do other trip with kimkim! Read more

Everything was on brief! We really enjoyed our trip to Australia and New Zealand! The hotels, tours, communications with contacts, flights was perfect! Vicky was the best Specialist! Always in contact and answering every question! We will be happy to do other trip with kimkim!

Hotel Review
Fable Auckland
Auckland

The room was without windows and the next door was a storage room, very noisy. The gym was a mini mini gym too…. Not to comfortable / nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was ooutstandinggg! She knows every single cĂłrner!!
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt

Amazing 2 weeks in Australia
Australia | Dec 21 - Jan 4, 2025

Sytske
Sytske S.
Hong Kong SAR China | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2025
Organizing this trip was very easy. Vicky responded quick when we had questions or wanted to adjust the itinerary.
We loved the Great Barrier reef tour and spending New Year's eve in Sydney.
Brisbane has a nice relaxed vibe which we loved, whereas Sydney is energizing and vibrant.
Read more

Organizing this trip was very easy. Vicky responded quick when we had questions or wanted to adjust the itinerary.
We loved the Great Barrier reef tour and spending New Year's eve in Sydney.
Brisbane has a nice relaxed vibe which we loved, whereas Sydney is energizing and vibrant.

Hotel Reviews
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
Brisbane

Lovely hotel, perfect for family with a nice view. Close to South bank. The room has a cozy feel and a nice, playful layout.

Authenticity & Character
Loads of character and cozy rooms
Location
Close to Southbank
Staff
Very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was cleaned daily
Alamanda at Palm Cove by Lancemore
Palm Cove

Big rooms, suitable for family, be aware that there are only stairs going to higher level. You need to carry your own suitcases up. Reception seems not to be always attended. Rooms spacious, but not very cozy.

Authenticity & Character
Rooms are not very cozy. It's like getting an apartment and then it's up to you (reception unattended)
Location
Close to the beach
Staff
Handing over keys but that's it
Cleanliness & Comfort
No daily cleaning or making beds
Activity Reviews
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise
Brisbane

Lovely place to go and see koala's and feed kangaroos.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide on the boat had lots of stories
Transport
We went by boat
 Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island
Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island
Brisbane

This trip didn't meet our expectations. The snorkeling around the wrecks was nice. But there is not sufficient time on the island to do other activities (like atv, sand tobogganing etc). And then there was no dolphin feeding at all, while that's in the title of this cruise.

Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience  (departs Cairns)
Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience (departs Cairns)
Australia

Wow! Definitely worth doing this cruise. Clear waters, loads of activities, also for people who don't want to go snorkeling. Food was okay. We just loved it!! Highlight of our trip!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Classic Kuranda
Classic Kuranda
Palm Cove

We loved the sky way!!! Very impressive! Wish we had taken the sky way both ways!! Train is fun, but less view.

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

We were a bit disappointed only seeing 1 crocodile on the Daintree river cruise and we expected to see more about the indigenous people in Cape Tribulation. Be aware this trip involves a lot of traveling by van. We loved the place where we had lunch, very good food and lovely place.

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

Impressive to see the nature reserve and especially if you go on a trail to Wentworth waterfall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 18, 2025

Thank you so much for your feedback Systske.
I am glad your family had a great time and I appreciate your feedback, especially on your Alamanda stay and the tangalooma day trip.
Thanks again and All the Best
Vicky

Amazing trip to Australia and New Zealand
Australia | Dec 21 - Jan 5, 2025

R
Ryan W.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025
We took a large group of 13 people to Australia and New Zealand. Our group consisted of two brothers, our families (each with 4 kids ranging from age 8 to age 16) and our mother (grandma). A group that large created some logistical issues, but kimkim was fantastic in taking care of all of the details in booking our accommodations, transportation, and activities. In Australia, the highlights were the penguin parade on Philip Island (doing the Penguin Plus seats was a must), and our road... Read more

We took a large group of 13 people to Australia and New Zealand. Our group consisted of two brothers, our families (each with 4 kids ranging from age 8 to age 16) and our mother (grandma). A group that large created some logistical issues, but kimkim was fantastic in taking care of all of the details in booking our accommodations, transportation, and activities.

In Australia, the highlights were the penguin parade on Philip Island (doing the Penguin Plus seats was a must), and our road trip on the Great Ocean Road. Seeing wildlife in the wild was important to us, and we were able to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and many birds -- all in the wild! We were also very impressed with the sights: Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands, London Bridge, and 12 Apostles were stunning.

In New Zealand, we visited both North and South Islands. In Queenstown, we loved our accommodations at Break Through: the Point. Day trips to Milford Sound and Walter Peak Farm were great. But the absolute best was the Shotover Jet. It is an absolute must-do in Queenstown.

On the North Island, we really liked Hobbiton, Glow Worm caves, and a night time treetop walk in the Red Woods in Rotorua. My family absolutely loved ziplining with Canopy Tours in Rotorua. Our guides there were the best.

Overall great trip and kimkim helped make it all happen!

Hotel Review
BreakFree The Point
Queenstown

Spacious accommodations with absolutely stunning views. Our family of 6 fit very comfortably and loved our stay here. It is located right on the lake front and the views cannot be overstated. It also has easy access to biking/walking trails. The only downside is that it is about a 30 minute walk from downtown. But it is a beautiful walk!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful lake side location, but far from downtown, restaurants, shopping, etc
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ruth Grau