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.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
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Work out the details together
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Securely book your trip
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 10 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 Liz Neal
active 21 mins ago

Liz Neal

I have been involved in the travel industry since my first job out of college, working for hotels, airlines and travel companies which allow me to know the industry from all sides. I approach my...

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Travel specialist Connie Campos
active 2 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.

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Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 4 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...

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Expert Service
Australia | Feb 4 - Feb 23, 2026

Donna
Donna S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

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

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 26, 2026

Thanks so much for your kind words Donna. I am so glad you all had a great trip, it was a pleasure planning your adventure.
Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead
Vicky

Great trip. Well planned. Enjoyed the animal ...
Australia | Feb 4 - Feb 23, 2026

C
Carol N.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026
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! Read more

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
The Sebel Quay West Suites
The Rocks
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sails In The Desert
Yulara
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Laneways by Ovolo
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
OP
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
Brisbane
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney City Small Group Walking Tour (Small Group Tour)
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
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine (Small Group Tour)
Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine (Small Group Tour)
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner
SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner
Uluru
Quality of Experience
I
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Camel to Sunset
Camel to Sunset
Uluru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I
Transport
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Melbourne
Quality of Experience
lol
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise
Brisbane
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 25, 2026

Thank you very much for your feedback Carol — I’m so pleased to hear you had a fantastic trip. It’s great to know you enjoyed the animal parks and seeing the different animals, and that the Opera House tour was a highlight. I’m also glad the city walking tours were informative and added to the experience.

Thank you again for choosing me to plan your journey.
Vicky

Sailing with Dave in Sydney Harbour was a hig...
Australia | Feb 11 - Feb 19, 2026

james
james t.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026
Sailing with Dave in Sydney Harbour was a highlight. Blue Mountain tour/hike with Larry and kayaking to Goat Island also fun. Read more

Sailing with Dave in Sydney Harbour was a highlight. Blue Mountain tour/hike with Larry and kayaking to Goat Island also fun.

Hotel Reviews
A by Adina
Sydney

Nice facility. Great location. Only issue is that vehicle access to the hotel is blocked by ongoing construction activity.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heal House
New Farm, Brisbane

Perfect location, facilities. Great hosts.

Activity Reviews
Highlights of Sydney Guided Walk
Highlights of Sydney Guided Walk
Sydney

The Highlights of Sydney Guided Walk was really fun, and our guide Steven was excellent. We got to see a lot of the city, but there was a bit of confusion about visiting the opera house. While we got a great tour of Sydney, the opera house was only pointed out and not toured as part of this activity. We ended up visiting it on our own afterwards. Make sure to clarify this if you plan to visit the opera house.

Kayaking Sydney Harbour & Goat Island
Kayaking Sydney Harbour & Goat Island
Sydney

The Kayaking Sydney Harbour & Goat Island tour was a lot of fun. We had a wonderful morning paddling under the Harbour Bridge and exploring the Island. It was a unique way to see Sydney, and we got a great photo of my wife with a kayak under the bridge! Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.

Sydney Harbour Afternoon Sailing
Sydney Harbour Afternoon Sailing
Sydney

Our Sydney Harbour Afternoon Sailing was magnificent. It was just the two of us with the captain, Dave, who was fantastic. We had perfect winds, and Dave let me sail a bit, which was a highlight. The boat ride took us all the way to the harbor entrance and provided great insights into local neighborhoods. The day was beautifully complemented by a tremendous lunch on board. Highly recommend this experience!

Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Sydney

The Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike was absolutely fantastic. Our guide, Larry, made the experience memorable with his insightful guidance during the hike. We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed stunning views from the mountains. It was a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area, and everything ran smoothly. I highly recommend it!

Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Feb 23, 2026

Thank you for your review, James! I'm so glad you loved your hotels & local guides. The Heal House is super special! 💛✨

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.

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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.