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 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
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
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.
Activity Reviews
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.

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 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
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