Trip of a lifetime
Australia
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Jun 21 - Jul 12, 2023
This was our first trip to Australia. Normally, we plan our own trips, but the distance was so great (from the US) and the country so large, that we were overwhelmed. We wanted more independence than a tour would offer, however. Kimkim was the perfect solution!
After asking what categories of things we wanted to explore, and how long our trip would be, Vickie began making suggestions of itineraries and activities. We considered those, made some changes, reconsidered, for several months. Vickie made more suggestions, adjusted things, etc., until we had a plan. And it was an excellent plan.
We loved all the time we had to explore Sydney, and were happy with our combination of planned excursions and free time. The driver/guides for all of our excursions were very knowledgeable and friendly. They not only gave us lots of information about the areas we visited, but had stories about the areas we drove past. That was true of excursions from Sydney, in Gold Coast, in Cairns and at Uluru. Clearly, Kimkim made arrangements with reputable companies.
We did not want to drive in Australia, since we're not used to driving on the left, so we really appreciated the drivers that picked us up at airports and hotels.
We were really happy with our accommodations. Amazing breakfasts were included, and the hotels in Sydney and Gold Coast had laundry facilities in the room, which was so handy.
We downloaded the kimkim app so we could access details of each step of our trip. I did have some questions about excursions along the way, so it was handy to have phone numbers for the tour operators. I had no trouble finding answers. The kimkim team was also available through a chat feature on the app, and that came in handy.
We're not sure where we'll go next, but we're sure we'll ask Kimkim to help us plan the trip.
Hotel Review
Great location for exploring Sydney. Helpful staff. Comfy, spacious suites and amazing breakfast.
Activity Reviews
The vintage train ride is amazing. The train itself is fun and the scenery is spectacular.
Beautiful scenery and good information about the First Nations people.
This was so much fun - definitely a highlight of our trip! The staff is so helpful and they make the ride so enjoyable.
Our guide actually lives in the area that we toured, so she had lots of inside information and good stories.
Unfortunately, my husband got seasick, but I had a great time and am proud to say I snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoyed not only the wines, but the countryside as we travelled to the wineries. Driver/Guide provided lots of information about the area.
Very interesting historical area of Sydney. Lots of good stories.
We toured the Opera House - definitely worth doing. We did the Hop On-Hop Off Big Bus tour, which is informative and interesting - more so than the Hop On Hop Off Ferry. There's narration with the bus - not so for the ferry. And ferry rides are cheap and available individually.
This is a LONG day, but interesting to see a bit more of the Outback. We took a helicopter tour over the canyon, which was really good.
We actually did the Wintjiri Wiru gourmet dinner and light show instead of this. Vickie found out about this experience kind of late in our planning, and suggested that we substitute it for the Sounds of Silence - and it was PHENOMENAL!
Hi Jane,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. I cant tell you how happy I am that you had such an amazing experience.
Sounds like the hotels were a great fit and you enjoyed so many bucket list activities. Riding camels in Uluru!!! How incredible.
And you loved Wintiji Wiru, I am so happy I upgraded you last minute. I will be sure to use this in future itineraries.
I cant thank you enough for letting me a part of this experience. If you ever come to New Zealand let me know :).
Take care
Vickie