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.

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
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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 8 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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Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 8 hours 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 6 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 Paula Adams
active 4 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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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

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
Vibe Hotel
Melbourne

Location is very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vibe Hotel
Sydney

Good location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel
Cairns North

Little bit far from the pier and downtown areas.

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
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
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
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
Activity Reviews
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
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
 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
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
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

Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue w...
Australia | Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2024

Margie
Margie H.
Arvada, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue with a hotel that was sub par. All the tour guides we had were great, we felt so welcomed, entertained & learned so much about the land people & culture of Australia. Such wonderful, friendly people! However I need the following information to send to my Insurance Co. To try & get a refund for the Reef Palms Hotel Booking Confirmation from your Travel Supplier
Proof of refunds/credits (Any coresspondance saying they won't refund?)
Proof of...
Read more

Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue with a hotel that was sub par. All the tour guides we had were great, we felt so welcomed, entertained & learned so much about the land people & culture of Australia. Such wonderful, friendly people! However I need the following information to send to my Insurance Co. To try & get a refund for the Reef Palms Hotel Booking Confirmation from your Travel Supplier
Proof of refunds/credits (Any coresspondance saying they won't refund?)
Proof of Payment for Claimed Expenses (I need this)
Accident, incident, or police report: (I can fill out)
Evidence of Damage to home/destination and evidence of event ( I will do)
Photos (Which I have)

Hotel Reviews
Medusa Boutique Hotel
Sydney

Very quaint boutique hotel in a lively neighborhood, close enough to a train or a bus to get anywhere. Enjoy our stay there, highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great neighborhood, close to public transportation.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Reef Palms Motel
Cairns

Right after we checked in the manager left before we saw the room, on fist sight the couch had a rip, the A/C was off &?it was sweltering in the room, the sliding door was open, when we tried to close it to get the A/C going it wouldn’t lock or shut properly. They only had one plate & cup in the kitchen for two people. The bathroom had mold. We went back to the desk to complain & the manager was gone & office locked. My husband was able to get into our room from the deck due to sliding door not locking & there was no lock box to hide valuables when we were out of the hotel. We refused to stay. This is not a 3 star place more like a 1 or 2 star.

Authenticity & Character
Everything, especially their rating system.
Location
Had to walk a log way to find a restaurant that was open.
Staff
They could refund our money!!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything, clean it up, fix doors new couch, more kitchen supplies.
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Enjoyed the informative tour..

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
Sydney

Fascinating experience to learn about the beginning of Sydney’s history with the Convicts.

Quality of Experience
Fascinating history of the conflicts and all they did to make it a city.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was so knowledgeable
Transport
Silverswift to the Outer Barrier Reef - ex Cairns
Silverswift to the Outer Barrier Reef - ex Cairns
Australia

It was always a bucket list to see the Barrier Reef.

Quality of Experience
Once in a life-time experience
Food
They had a good variety for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They helped us when we’re sick, feed us great food, taught us about the reef
Transport
It was so choppy, otherwise a great day.
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Apr 10, 2024

Hi Margie,
Thanks for your feedback. I am glad you enjoyed Australia and our people and hospitality. I will pass your feedback on to our partners and guides too.
I will let you know when I have more feedback on the sub-standard Hotel
Thanks again,
Vicky