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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.

Byron Bay
Map of The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days
The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days

Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks.

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 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 Laneways Ovolo
Melbourne
Laneways by Ovolo
5.0
(5)
· Upscale
You'll find Laneways by Ovolo close to Melbourne's thriving theater district, avant-garde galleries, and bustling boutiques—allowing for an easy immersion into the city's rich art and culture scene. As a guest at Laneways by Ovolo, you'll be just a short walk from The Princess Theatre, Parliament...
Photo courtesy of PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
Sydney
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
4.6
(16)
· Upscale
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour is a large, modern hotel nestled between Sydney's CBD, Darling Harbour, and Chinatown. The central location is a major perk, and guests can hop on the train at Town Hall Station for quick access to Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Sydney Opera House. Rooms are spacious...

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...
Daintree
Cairns
4WD Excursion and Boat Cruise to Daintree River and Cape Tribulation
4.4
(8)
12 hours
·
Small group
Experience Australia's rainforests and reefs on this excursion led by a local naturalist. Your guide will pick you up in Cairns or Port Douglas in a custom-built, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle and take you to the Daintree River, where you'll take a crocodile-spotting cruise. After a guided walk to...

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
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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 3 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 2 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 3 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...
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...

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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Sienna made sure every detail of our trip was...
Australia | Mar 22 - Apr 3, 2025

K
kathy h.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2025
Sienna made sure every detail of our trip was planned impeccably. We had an absolute blast doing the Sydney Bridge Climb and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and our private Great Ocean Road trip was the highlight of our trip. It all went so smoothly. The App worked out really well. All of our drivers were excellent and on time. Everyone kept in touch the entire trip. Sienna and Greg worked so well together to make this one of our easiest vacations yet. Read more

Sienna made sure every detail of our trip was planned impeccably. We had an absolute blast doing the Sydney Bridge Climb and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and our private Great Ocean Road trip was the highlight of our trip. It all went so smoothly. The App worked out really well. All of our drivers were excellent and on time. Everyone kept in touch the entire trip. Sienna and Greg worked so well together to make this one of our easiest vacations yet.

Hotel Review
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns

The location of this hotel is perfect. There are shops and restaurants all around the hotel. There is a wonderful promenade to walk and see a lot of the shoreline. Our room had a beautiful view of the marina and it made it easy to get to our excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel had an amazing breakfast buffet included that we enjoyed every day.

Authenticity & Character
It is beautiful and quiet
Location
Everything is nearby this hotel
Staff
Always polite and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel was kept very clean
Activity Review
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Australia

The snorkeling trip to Michaelmas Cay was a highlight of our Australia getaway. The experience was amazing, and we truly enjoyed it. The vibrant marine life and the clear waters made it unforgettable. It was a well-organized and exciting excursion.

Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 09, 2025

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Kathy! It was such a pleasure working together to plan your Australia adventure! 🇦🇺 You truly got to experience so much, from the thrilling bridge climb to the Great Ocean Road! I'm so happy we were able to make your trip seamless and stress-free. I hope we can work together again in the future! ✨

Bullard review
Australia | Mar 14 - Mar 28, 2025

L
Lisa B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2025
The bike excursion in Sydney was excellent. The Harbour Rock Hotel was great and very good service.
The Blue Mountain excursion was also top notch. a
The Peninsula Hotel was good. It was pouring down rain so we couldn't really effectively appreciate it. I did like that it was on the beach. The 10 hour snorkel excursion was excellent. It helped that weather and sea conditions were very good. The Mayfair Hotel was excellent, as was the Gourmet Food and Wine tour. Loved biking... Read more

The bike excursion in Sydney was excellent. The Harbour Rock Hotel was great and very good service.
The Blue Mountain excursion was also top notch. a

The Peninsula Hotel was good. It was pouring down rain so we couldn't really effectively appreciate it. I did like that it was on the beach. The 10 hour snorkel excursion was excellent. It helped that weather and sea conditions were very good.

The Mayfair Hotel was excellent, as was the Gourmet Food and Wine tour. Loved biking through that beautiful area!

Kangaroo Island, suggested by Liz, was well worth it. Beautiful place, lovely and plentiful kangaroos, plus the vies! The service was very good as was the food. My recommendation for them is they need to add a salad course , as you just get your main fairly quickly and there aren't a lot of vegetables on that. The full day tour to see all the wildlife was essential to our trip to Australia.

The Savoy on Little Collins in Melbourne was fantastic, especially that upgrade to the Master Suite that we received on check in! The help that we received from Leslie Wong in changing our Penguin Island trip so that it was not on the night before we caught an early flight was MUCH appreciated. That excursion was also excellent.

All pickups and transfers were on time and all drivers friendly and polite.

Thanks so much for organizing a great trip!

Lisa and Daniel Bullard

Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Apr 05, 2025

Hello Lisa!
Thank you for the beautiful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Australia!
It was wonderful to work with you and I would love to do it again, so reach out anytime we can help!

Liz

Induction to Australia
Australia | Jan 28 - Feb 6, 2025

Barbara
Barbara B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2025

Ruth planned a fabulous itinerary based on my interests. Details were well-planned and communicated. Transportation and excursions went smoothly with no snafus. I especially enjoyed the Kuranda Skyrail and Rail Adventure from Cairns and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast. Brisbane and Sydney are clean and beautiful cities. I felt completely safe throughout my solo and small group travels in Australia. Breathtaking scenery and friendly locals!

Local specialist: Ruth Grau

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