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Introducing Australia

When is the best time to visit?
There's no bad time to visit Australia, though there are a few tips to keep in mind. Much of Australia runs hot, especially in the north—places like Uluru, Darwin, and Cairns are best visited in the Southern Hemisphere winter (June, July, August). The opposite applies for southern regions like Tasmania and Victoria, which can get particularly cold in winter—January and February are the most pleasant times to visit.

Interested in the Great Barrier Reef? You'll have warm temps all year, though spring and summer bring stifling temps and lots of warm tropical rain. The famous Gold Coast is the country's Goldilocks region, with lovely weather throughout the year it's known for having beautiful weather most of the year. And given Sydney's southern latitude, glittering beaches are best visited in the warm summer months. Learn more

Where should you go?
Ask an Australian, and they'll tell you that picking a favorite place in their vast homeland feels as impossible as choosing a favorite child. That said, travelers can't go wrong with Uluru (the stunning sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory), Cairns and the renowned Great Barrier Reef, and the famous sights of metropolitan Sydney. Head to the Gold Coast for beach time, Melbourne for culture, Kangaroo Island for wildlife, and Broome to visit the fascinating Horizontal Falls, a series of tidal waterfalls in Talbot Bay considered a natural wonder. 

How many days do I need?
Since reaching this part of the world requires long flights across multiple time zones for most travelers, it's best to make the most of your journey with at least one week in-country. The more time you can give it, the more relaxed and satisfying the trip will be. A great 10-day itinerary might start with three days in Sydney before heading to Uluru, Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and Cairns for a few days each. Learn more

Have two weeks at your disposal? Even better. Consider flying into Melbourne, spending two days on Kangaroo Island, taking the Ghan Train from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and finishing with two nights each in Uluru, Darwin, and Cairns. Learn more about getting around Australia.

If you're combining Australia with another nearby destination like New Zealand or Indonesia, a 5-7 day trip is doable—you'll probably want to stick to exploring one city and taking a couple of day trips from there.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Australia Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Explore the Gold Coast's extensive coastline
Map of Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days
Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days

Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Starting in Coolangatta, you'll head up the Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise, where you'll enjoy golden beaches, world-class shopping, and a vibrant entertainment scene. End your stay in Byron Bay, taking in stunning sunsets, visiting organic farms, and meeting with friendly local artisans.

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.

Kangaroo crosses a dirt road in Western Australia
Map of The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days
The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days

Cover the spectrum of these two dynamic countries with this comprehensive itinerary. Start off in New Zealand, where you'll visit both the North and South islands to explore Maori culture, natural wonders, adventure sports, and more—sip wine on Waiheke island, hike at Aoraki, and cruise through Milford Sound. Then head to Australia, starting with the city sights in Melbourne before you meet the penguins of Phillip Island, stunning scenes of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and urban streets of Sydney.

Coastal Walk in Australia
Map of Ultimate Australia - 16 Days
Ultimate Australia - 16 Days

This well-rounded 16-day tour of Australia's highlights is sure to delight any first time visitor. You'll explore the hidden laneways of artsy Melbourne and the famous landmarks of Sydney, learn about indigenous culture at Uluru in the country's Red Center, and discover tropical Queensland with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll meet kangaroos at Kangaroo Island, search for crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and have free time to enjoy a few day trips of your choosing.

Port Douglas Beach
Map of Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days
Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days

Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Sydney
Map of Best of Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns - 7 Days
Best of Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns - 7 Days

On this weeklong trip to Australia, experience three different cities and several landmarks along the way. Begin in Melbourne, where you can enjoy local sightseeing, then travel the Great Ocean Road, which hosts scenic lookouts like The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard. The next stop is Sydney, which includes a pub crawl and a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains. The final leg takes you to Cairns, where the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park awaits, as well as a memorable finale at the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Make the Most of Your Time in Australia

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Get yourself to Kangaroo Island for a unique experience with the 'roos
How Many Days to Spend in Australia

When planning a trip to Australia, 10 days is ideal for visiting four different areas. However, if you're strapped for time, you can explore two regions in five days or up to...

Australia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Australia Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Vibe Hotel Sydney
Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney
4.8
(11)
· Upscale
One of three Vibe properties within the city, the Vibe Hotel Sydney sits in the bustling CBD, right on the border with the cool Surry Hills neighborhood. Guests will find themselves just a block from Oxford Street and Hyde Park, with Chinatown and Darling Harbour within strolling distance. The...
Photo courtesy of Sails in the Desert
Uluru
Sails In The Desert
4.9
(7)
· Luxury
You'll find Sails in the Desert within the town's Ayers Rock Resort, a compilation of several properties. Like most of the hotels here, a 30-minute drive gets you to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta, important sites for Australia's cultural heritage. Here, you can immerse yourself in...
Photo courtesy of Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
4.8
(6)
· Upscale
Peninsula Boutique Hotel, an adults-only property, offers a boutique-style experience overlooking 4 Mile Beach. Nestled at the quiet end of Macrossan and Esplanade Streets, the hotel allows you to enjoy views of the Coral Sea and is within a 2-minute walk from bars, shops, and restaurants....

Best Experiences in Australia

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Diving
Palm Cove
Catamaran Excursion to the Great Barrier Reef
4.8
(8)
1 day
·
Group tour
Discover the Great Barrier Reef with this full-day cruise on a high-speed catamaran, where you'll learn about the world's largest coral reef from onboard experts and get to experience it for yourself with snorkeling and scuba diving. The journey begins in Cairns, where you'll meet the expert crew...
Quicksilver Cruises
Port Douglas
Catamaran Cruise + Water Activities in the Outer Great Barrier Reef
4.8
(4)
1 day
·
Group tour
Experience the rich underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day guided catamaran cruise to the Agincourt Reef. The catamaran will depart from Port Douglas to take you to this fantastic ecosystem, which you can view from the vessel's underwater observatory. Throughout the day, you...
Get up close with koalas
Melbourne
Excursion to Phillip Island
5.0
(2)
12 hours
·
Private
Embark on an afternoon journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island, known globally for its extraordinary Penguin Parade. For this excursion, it's common to start at Cape Woolamai, a hotspot for local surfers, then continue to the Koala Conservation Centre for an up-close encounter with Australia's...

Our Latest Australia Content

See the smiling quokka, the "world's happiest animal," on Rottnest Island
Australia FAQ

Australia is a bucket-list destination for many; it's far and it's massive, offering remarkable cultural and geographical diversity, from spectacular beaches, wet rainforests, and iconic landmarks to unique wildlife, world-class cities, and remote desert hamlets. Naturally, travelers have questions—"Is it safe?" "What's the food like?" or "How long should I spend?" This guide answers these and more of the most frequently asked questions, helping you to plan for a memorable Australian adventure.

Kangaroos are a common sight on a 16-day tour through Australia
Map of 16 Days in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Sixteen days in Australia is an excellent amount of time to experience the highlights and lesser-visited sights of two or three distinct regions. A classic tour introduces you to the top sights of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and their scenic surroundings, while an east coast road trip gives you plenty of opportunities to snorkel, cruise, kayak, and surf. Another superb option, especially for nature-loving travelers, is to split your time between the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Territory, and the Australian outback.

Pick up your car in Alice Springs and enjoy a free afternoon to explore
Map of Outback Road Trip Adventure: Sydney, Alice Springs & Uluru - 8 Days
Outback Road Trip Adventure: Sydney, Alice Springs & Uluru - 8 Days

Experience the best of Australia's rugged outback and biggest city with this eight-day bucket-list itinerary. The fun starts in cosmopolitan Sydney, where you'll explore iconic sights, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and walk the coastal Bondi to Coogee trail. Then, it's time to fly to the heart of Australia, landing in Alice Springs. You'll take a road trip across the outback, driving the rustic Mereenie Loop, hiking Kings Canyon, seeing Kata Tjuta, and marveling at the magnificent Uluru monolith.

Australia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 1 min 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 9 mins 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Connie Campos
active 1 day 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.

read more...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 2 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...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The Riley hotel was great; the snorkeling was...
Australia | Feb 10 - Feb 14, 2025

T
Tim H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025
The Riley hotel was great; the snorkeling was beyond my wildest expectations (too bad it was raining and cloudy). I have been a diving for almost 50 years and I have never seen corals that beautiful. The trips into the rainforest were also fantastic and I would highly recommend a night rainforest visit. Well done!! Read more

The Riley hotel was great; the snorkeling was beyond my wildest expectations (too bad it was raining and cloudy). I have been a diving for almost 50 years and I have never seen corals that beautiful. The trips into the rainforest were also fantastic and I would highly recommend a night rainforest visit. Well done!!

Hotel Review
Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns

The pool was great and the access to great places to eat was fantastic. Very relaxing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near the Great Barrier Reef; east access to excursions; good restaurants
Staff
Front desk staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Dreamtime Cruise (From Hotel) - Snorkel Great Barrier Reef
Full Day Dreamtime Cruise (From Hotel) - Snorkel Great Barrier Reef
Australia

Be prepared for a long trip to and from the reef. However, the experience once there was GREAT! You have no idea how colorful and varied the sealife is on the reef. It is something you will never forget. The staff were extremely friendly and informative. And talented.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Grand Kuranda Rainforest Day Trip
Grand Kuranda Rainforest Day Trip
Australia

Unfortunately, rain put a damper on the excursion as we had the boomerang and spear exhibition abbreviated and the cable car ride cancelled. But, overall, a great experience. The best part of the trip had to be the Duck boat tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon/Evening  Adventure & Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Afternoon/Evening Adventure & Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Australia

I loved trekking, but especially at night as it was a far different experience that any of the daytime walks. Guide (Paul) was friendly and fun. Got to see a platypus!!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Feb 16, 2025

Hello Tim,
Thanks for the beautiful review. I loved that you mentioned the Reef. There has been so much bad publicity about the reef dying and I agree, it is really spectacular. On top of that there is a huge amount of conservation efforts going on and they pay off!!

Thank you again for trusting your trip to us and it would be a pleasure to plan another trip with you in the future.

Liz

The best and greatest tour guide is Vicky of ...
Australia | Jan 20 - Feb 3, 2025

Karey
Karey H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025
The best and greatest tour guide is Vicky of VIO and KImKim.
Vicky was always quick to provide assistance when we needed it.
We were happy with Vicky's selection of Hotels and Activities.
Please let her know how we feel about her services,
Sincerely,
Karey Hobbs and the Travel Crew
Read more

The best and greatest tour guide is Vicky of VIO and KImKim.
Vicky was always quick to provide assistance when we needed it.
We were happy with Vicky's selection of Hotels and Activities.
Please let her know how we feel about her services,
Sincerely,
Karey Hobbs and the Travel Crew

Hotel Reviews
The Reef House Adults Retreat
Palm Cove
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
Melbourne

The best part of our stay was the Daily Buffet Breakfast. Thank you!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
SKYE Suites Sydney
Sydney
QT Auckland
Auckland
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Great Ocean Road Scenic Tour Private Car
Great Ocean Road Scenic Tour Private Car
Melbourne

The Drive was very long and therefore, very tiring, however, we really liked our driver and guide. The vehicle was small and uncomfortable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Feb 10, 2025

Dear Karey and the Travel Crew,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means the world to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. I’m so glad you were happy with the hotels and activities we selected—it was a pleasure helping you plan your trip!
I hope you all made fantastic memories along the way
Wishing you all more amazing travels ahead!
Warmest regards,
Vicky 😊

Use A Travel Agent!
Australia | Dec 30 - Feb 1, 2025

Sue
Sue K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2025
We wish to thank Paula Adams for all her assistance and guidance to make our trip to Australia and New Zealand so memorable.
To make our trip easy, we wanted to elicit the help of a travel agent. Neither of us had used one before. I literally found KimKim on the internet. They connected us with Australian native and expert, Paula Adams. We quickly lowered our guard as her credibility shined through. She answered every question. Conversed via email and always on the phone when we wanted. She...
Read more

We wish to thank Paula Adams for all her assistance and guidance to make our trip to Australia and New Zealand so memorable.
To make our trip easy, we wanted to elicit the help of a travel agent. Neither of us had used one before. I literally found KimKim on the internet. They connected us with Australian native and expert, Paula Adams. We quickly lowered our guard as her credibility shined through. She answered every question. Conversed via email and always on the phone when we wanted. She listened to us and tailored our trip to what we wanted to experience. She also advised us against visiting an area that would have been too hot and humid with monsoon rains. That was good to know! We found all her hotel and excursion selections to be just what we wanted in the area we wanted. She arranged all the transfers for us too so we didn’t have to drive on the wrong side of the road! We loved the Penguin Parade (albeit crowded), the Great Ocean Road, and the entire city of Melbourne. New Zealand didn’t disappoint either! We like a more natural experience and loved the ferry from Wellington to Picton and the coastal train between Picton and Christchurch. Such amazing views. Zealandia was a great experience for us and we saw a kiwi bird!
Utilizing a travel agent does cost a little more money, but for us, it was so worth it. Paula advised us, suggested things we never knew about, and found proven accommodations and professional excursions. Additionally, while in Australia, I got sick. We needed to rearrange our schedule and cancel one of our segments. Paula took care of everything! It was so worth it to us to have her in our back pocket. I completely recommend her services! Thank you Paula!

Hotel Reviews
Mercure Welcome Melbourne
Melbourne

Hotel was right in the middle of the Central Business District of Melbourne. Great location! Pretty basic room.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty basic hotel and furnishings. Room was a little small.
Location
Right in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District. Close to shopping and excellent and varied cuisine.
Staff
Very helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We could get extra towels, Kleenex whenever asked. Rooms were clean and neat.
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
Picton

Nice hotel with balcony overlooking their pool and the Sound.

Authenticity & Character
Room was nice. Not over the top.
Location
Very close to their downtown area. About two blocks walking.
Staff
Friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and neat.
Activity Review
Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Melbourne

Oceania and Nick provided our 8 person van with a memorable trip. He took us off road to a golf course so we could see kangaroos in the wild. He also took off the main road to a grove of eucalyptus trees and we spotted 6 koalas in the wild. A treat for me! The 12 Apostles rock formations and Arch were breathtaking. It was a perfect excursion. The right amount of informative narrative.

Quality of Experience
I enjoyed our Oceania driver and guide, Nick. He was informative and really provided us with a great experience.
Food
Food options were undesirable so we we got scallop pies nearby that were awesome.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A bit bumpy in the back! Good amount of bathroom breaks.
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Feb 10, 2025
G'day Sue & Paul, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip with us and sharing some amazing pictures. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience. I'm sorry you had to miss out on Port Douglas. We will just have to plan another trip. :) Your review means a lot to me, and it helps us continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you. If there's anything else we can do to make... Read more

G'day Sue & Paul,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip with us and sharing some amazing pictures. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience. I'm sorry you had to miss out on Port Douglas. We will just have to plan another trip. :)

Your review means a lot to me, and it helps us continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you. If there's anything else we can do to make your future travels even more memorable, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I look forward to assisting you with your next adventure!

Cheers,
Paula

Why travelers love kimkim

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