First time trip to Australia—Great experience.
Australia
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Oct 17 - Oct 27, 2025
I had a great experience with KimKim and with my specific advisor, Liz. My trip to Australia was my first trip to Australia and I had no prior ‘in country’ experience. With help from Liz I organized a trip that took me through Sydney, to Uluru, and then onto Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef that was spectacular. I was particularly impressed with the way Liz organized local support through an ‘in country’ partner Southern World. There were a couple of small issues that came up during the trip (for example, an Uluru tour guide canceled at the last minute) and the Southern World team was easy to reach and incredibly responsive—got a replacement guide organized for me in less than an hour. Liz was also super responsive and helpful throughout the whole process, from early planning to confirmed details through to all the actual travel. I would happily recommend KimKim and Liz to anyone planning a comparable trip.
Hotel Reviews
This is a fine hotel, but in a city that is otherwise quite beautiful (Sydney) this hotel is located on possibly the ugliest quarter acre in town—it is built in between two freeway ramps and the view out the window is 100% freeway. Functionally it was fine—clean rooms, nice breakfast, good service at the front desk. But given what i now know to be the alternatives in Sydney next time I go I would prefer a different hotel.
This hotel exceeded expectations in every respect. The location is spectacular—in a quiet neighborhood directly across the street from the Four Mile Beach, with 5-10 minute walking access to the best restaurants and shops in Port Douglas. The service was excellent, including a very good included breakfast. And the facilities were excellent. The room included a balcony overlooking the beach and in-room facilities (fridge, stove top, microwave, etc.) and as a result was very comfortable to stay in. Indeed, the room itself was a great destination. If I go back to Port Douglas I will stay at the Peninsula.
This hotel is a classic airport hotel, and I judge aiport hotels by a different standard. When I stay at an airport hotel it is usually immediately before or after a flight and I’m looking for convenience and efficiency. The airport Rydges is super convenient to the international terminal and also just 50 meters from the T8 train line that runs every few minutes straight into Sydney. The room was clean and super functional, and an easy (flat, little car traffic) 5 minute walk from the international terminal. I would recommend it to other travelers looking for an airport hotel to facilitate their connections.
Activity Reviews
A great tour with a super informed and entertaining guide.
A really well done experience from start to finish. A comfortable ship, really well informed and helpful staff, great food, and, of course, amazing snorkeling at the reef.
Daintree is amazing, and I had a great experience with my guide who did a great job.
A great tour of an amazing building. After the tour we had dinner in the opera house at Bennelong’s — it was superb.
A good tour with an excellent guide.
This experience was okay, but not great. Food was a bit mediocre and venue was fine, but not really all that different than the hotel.
If you like helicopter tours this is a good one.