Kimkim Trip Reviews for Australia

Connie from KimKim helped organize an amazing trip to Australia for my family this past summer. We had a lot of special requests and specific activities we wanted to make sure to include in our 4-state trip. Connie was very patient with us, gave us lots of suggestions and worked closely with us to ensure that every detail was planned perfectly. Me, my husband and two adult children had the time of our lives. This was an amazing, stress-free trip thanks in a large part to our KimKim travel rep.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Australia. Kim-Kim's local travel agent, Vicky Steinhardt, did a great job working with us and our traveling companions, over an extended period, to plan our trip. I love planning travel but in the cases that we have used Kim-Kim they did a far better job than I could have done on my own. In this case Vicky had good suggestions which we would not have thought about. We were traveling with a second couple who participated in the trip planning. From our perspective the itinerary came together fairly easily. The hotels that Vicky selected were all well located and were ones that I would consider staying at in the future. I liked getting private car service from and to each airport. I was pleasantly surprised at how seamless that worked out.

Our Melbourne hotel was well located for walking to Victoria Market, the Australian Open, a laundromat, and restaurants. We had two small group tour daytrips while we were in Melbourne. One was a drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the beaches and the 12 Apostles. It was a very long day and while the scenery is spectacular it similar to what we have in California. The second tour to Phillips Island, to see the penguins march ashore, was more fun.

Aside from seeing the Australian Open, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, was the other major highlight of our trip. The Crystalbook Flynn Hotel was great and really close to the Cairns marina. The Seastar dive boat was also really good. There are only about 45 passengers and the crew is very attentive and personable. The underwater scenery is, of course, great. We also took a worthwhile small van daytrip to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rain Forest.

Our Sydney hotel was conveniently located next to Chinatown and Darling Harbor. There are a lot of restaurants, and a shopping mall nearby and it's close to a tram stop. We enjoyed our full day daytrip to the Blue Mountains and Leura. We were skeptical of touring the Sydney Opera House but it turned out to be a good call by Vicky. Our wives also enjoyed shopping at the weekend market at the Rocks. I'm also glad we got a half day tour of the highlights of Sydney.

The only travel problems that we had were pretty trivial. We had gone through multiple itineraries before arriving at the final one. Before we arrived in Sydney, Vicky caught the fact that our itinerary listed the wrong hotel. One of our domestic flights was on Jetstar. I would try to avoid them if I was traveling within Australia. Their maximum luggage weight limit is less than that of the international carrier and their check-in and boarding are chaotic if you're flying with them for the first time. We were dinged with a $120 hit for having overweight bags, however their gate agents were so disorganized and harried that they let us fly without collecting it. We had breakfast included at each of our hotels. This worked out well in Melbourne and Cairns but not so well in the Sydney Darling Harbor Vibe Hotel. To catch our tours we had to be out the door before 7:30 AM but they don't open their dining area until 7 AM and they only serve prepared meals and not a buffet.

Overall a very good trip and we expect to use KimKim in the future.

Vicky put together a 33 day trip to Australia and Tasmania for us that went beyond our expectations. During the planning, she made time for 2 calls with us, and through a back and forth, created the ideal custom itinerary. The lodging included boutique hotels (we aren’t as fond of resort hotels), glamping, cottages and apartments. The activities were spaced enough that we could rest (we are an older couple), but each tour guide had grown up in the place we were touring, so the tours all felt very personal to each guide and helped get an authentic feel for the places. Vicky gave us many restaurant recommendations at our request, so we were able to make reservations early at some really great places. Apart from her skill in trip planning, Vicky was so easy with communication; prompt with her replies and clear with her recommendations (including the pros and cons of activities, etc.). We can’t recommend Vicky highly enough. She outdid herself with our trip. Thank you Vicky!

Hotel Reviews

Falls Mountain Retreat

Wentworth Falls

The location of Falls Mountain Retreat was convenient as we could walk to nearby trails in the Blue Mountains, which was great. However, our accommodation was quite disappointing. The apartment felt shabby, the carpet was dirty, and the bed was not comfortable. The kitchen was poorly stocked, making it difficult for us to prepare meals as we had hoped. Overall, the stay at this place did not meet our expectations.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Hobart

The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart was an intriguing place with a rich history that was evident in its architecture, which we absolutely loved. However, the layout of our room with the bedroom upstairs and bathroom downstairs was a bit challenging for us in terms of accessibility.

Activity Reviews

Tasmanian Seafood Seduction

Hobart

The Tasmanian Seafood Seduction tour in Hobart was absolutely amazing! The guide dove into the water to collect fresh sea urchins and abalone, which were then prepared into a meal. It was an incredible experience having seafood that fresh, and it made for an unforgettable day.

Melbourne Highlights & Foodie Tour

Melbourne

The Melbourne Highlights & Foodie Tour was fantastic. Marty and Rob showed us the vibrant street art and introduced us to the city's highlights. They were personable and took us to a superb restaurant for lunch. This tour really helped us appreciate Melbourne's charm beyond its big-city feel.

Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders

Melbourne

The Great Ocean Road Luxe Bus tour was outstanding. The Twelve Apostles were a breathtaking sight, and the tour group was small, which made the experience much more personal and enjoyable. I can't imagine visiting Melbourne without taking this amazing tour.

Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove

Palm Cove

The Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove was enjoyable and well organized. Although we didn't see many turtles, the guide handled the group well and made the experience pleasant. It was nice that we could walk from our hotel to the meetup location. It was a lovely way to spend time out on the water.

Helen with ultimate Sydney was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and such a fun city food activity. The Sydney fish market was fascinating and all food stops were enjoyable. Charlie with aea luxury was also fantastic. Very personable and accommodating. Our time at thala beach was unique but a bit too isolated. Interesting, but would likely not return or recommend. Too far from any activities and not enough offerings on site. The calypso reef tour and the wildlife habitat tour were both spectacular. Absolutely loved both!! The sail away evening tour was quite average. No info, basically sailed out and slow return. Advertised as drinks and snacks. Snacks were limited and only the first drink was included and then they started a tab. Boring and overcrowded. Seating was uncomfortable and limited. We were happy to return to the wharf.

Hotel Reviews

Four Seasons Sydney

Sydney

Fantastic!!! Beautiful with top notch service. Well located for activities.

Authenticity & Character

Clean, classy, beautiful!!

Location

So close to everything!!

Staff

Derek was the best! Everyone was helpful And accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfortable, clean rooms. Beds were so inviting after our long travel day.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Oak Beach

Interesting and unique, but far too isolated with not enough activity at the resort. Only one restaurant and food was average. Wait times long for meals and quite overpriced for what is offered. Couldn’t even get a cup of coffee without someone asking for our room number. Pool area and beach felt unkempt and zero activity or anything of interest. Transportation to port Douglas was late - we almost missed our planned tour - and very limited. We lucked out by grabbing an uber back from town one evening. Staff was helpful and tried their best, but perhaps a bit understaffed or maybe it was the time of year??

Authenticity & Character

Very interesting location. Plenty of nature. Many frogs, toads, and can hear much wildlife st night from your tree house/jungle hut. Walking at night, not for the feint of heart. Golf cart shuttles are available but allow for extra time.

Location

Too far from everything. Nothing offered on property.

Staff

Helpful, tried their best. Seemed a bit understaffed maybe???

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was mostly clean. Pool area and beach both needed some attention/love.

Sydney Harbour Hotel

The Rocks

Yuck just yuck. Old, musty, offers nothing - would not recommend unless a brief stay to be close to harbor and decent walk around area. Staff was bored, uninterested and overall unhelpful. We lucked into the roof top area with Australia Day fireworks but, sorry, would not ever stay here again or recommend. Room felt moist and muggy. We felt as if we got ill staying there.

Authenticity & Character

Everything. It’s old and it shows. It had an old holiday inn or Howard Johnson’s feel. Overpriced.

Location

Nice location, but please chose a different hotel.

Staff

Personality, helpfulness, attitude, outlook. They seemed bothered we were even there.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Again, everything needs improvement. Grimy, dusty, musty, dank. Uncomfortable and also loud.

Activity Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Excursion

Port Douglas

Beautiful trip!! We had perfect weather. 3 perfect stops. Fascinating views and snorkeling. Thank you for an amazing adventure. Bucket list item!!!

Quality of Experience

Boat was clean, crew was organized and professional. Well informed. A lot of fun!!!

Food

Food was great! Make sure to get in line early as everyone is hungry. Fresh air and swimming help work up an appetite!!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

everyone was helpful. Make sure to do a guided snorkel with one of the crew.

Transport

Pick up at our hotel was on time. Return trip left right after outing. Perfect!!

Private Taste of Sydney Experience

Sydney

Helen was incredible. So knowledgeable and willing to share info. A fun day of learning and traveling around Sydney. We learned a lot, tried a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our day.

Quality of Experience

Just a great assortment of food and parts of the city coupled with a fantastic knowledge of the Sydney area and history!!

Food

So fun to try a nice variety of food items.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Helen felt like a family member from the start. Her knowledge and willingness to share history with us was very appreciated.

Transport

Comfortable, large, great visibility.

Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Coral Sea

Port Douglas

Just a very average trip. We went out, made a turn and did a very slow return. Boring. No info. No music. No conversation or engagement. Advertised as food and drink - average and limited light snacks and one drink per person before they offer “to start a tab”. Limited and uncomfortable seating. Wanted this to be great - it wasn’t.

Quality of Experience

Ship was pretty. Everything else was lacking.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Zero interaction with anyone from the company or crew. Boring.

Transport

We were already on port Douglas so no transport was needed.

Private Wildlife Habitat Experience

Port Douglas

This was a fantastic experience. Our guide Enrique was personable and knowledgeable. The interaction with wildlife was spectacular. Very much enjoyed this day.

Quality of Experience

Up close and personal with birds, kangaroos and koalas. Learned so much!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Enrique was wonderful. Answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about Australian wildlife.

Transport

Our transportation was over an hour late. This was booked through our hotel, so no fault of the travel agent.

Private Blue Mountains Day Trip

Sydney

We learned a lot about the blue mountain region. Several great stops. The botanical gardens and lunch at boiler house were also great. Charlie with aea luxury was wonderful and accommodated a drop off at Manly Beach.

Quality of Experience

The views were incredible.

Food

Lunch at boiler house was delicious. Charlie provided champagne for one of our stops.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Charlie was warm, knowledgeable and incredibly accommodating.

Transport

Comfortable vehicle, on time pick up

My wife and I just completed a wonderful trip to Australia. It's been a lifelong dream of mine to visit ever since my sixth-grade teacher showed us slides of her trip to the other side of the planet.

I worked with Paula to plan our trip. Paula is a superstar! Her expertise in planning our lifelong bucket-list trip to Australia was invaluable. She took the time to determine our capabilities as an active couple in our 60s, as well as our travel preferences, including our preferred level of hotel accommodations and general interests. The information she gathered led to a perfectly paced trip. Long daily excursions were interspersed with shorter ones, and a day off around the middle of the trip was greatly appreciated. The accommodations Paula booked were wonderful, ranging from very nice to luxurious. Breakfast was included at several of the nicest hotels, providing an incredible start to our day. To be honest, some of the best food we had was found at these hotels. Another area where Paula exceeded our expectations was transportation. Throughout our entire trip, our transportation was expertly planned. Buses, air travel, and personal car service went flawlessly; not having to rent a car and drive on unfamiliar roads was a huge stress reliever.

Highlights of our trip included riding camels, interacting with kangaroos, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and viewing sunrise and sunset at Ayers Rock/Uluru. Most importantly, we learned more about Australia, its people, and its history. We found the people of Australia to be, in general, more polite and at ease than what we are used to experiencing. Our trip preceded Australia Day by one day, so we saw some of the preparations for their annual day of national celebration. The theme this year was "Reflect, Respect, Celebrate" – we found these three words very refreshing. Our trip, thanks to Paula, has led to a deep fondness for Australia and its people.

Hotel Reviews

Grand Hyatt

Melbourne

Great Hotel with an unbelievable breakfast buffet. We were there for the Australian Open and the venue is walkable from the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

The Australian Open is walkable from the hotel.

Staff

Everyone is so very helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfortable.

Park Hyatt

Sydney

This is my all time favorite hotel. The location, style and service was some of the best I've experienced in my 66 years.

Authenticity & Character

Amazing architecture, the building is shaped around the Harbour.

Location

We were able to walk to the world famous Sydney Opera House as well as dozens of restaurants and ferry services.

Staff

Top notch. Everyone treated us with a smile and an offer to help.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was spectacular, the shape and amenities were exceptional. The most interesting and complete room I have ever stayed in.

Sails In The Desert

Yulara

Sails in the Desert was a nice stay. The outdoor area was beautiful, and I appreciated the complimentary breakfast. However, it didn't wow us like the Hyatt hotels did, but that might be due to the desert setting. The hotel had some minor issues with the doors not fully sealing shut, but we've experienced that in desert hotels before, so it wasn't a big deal for us.

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Port Douglas

The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a gorgeous place with lots of potential. We loved the plunge pool in our room and the main pool area was fantastic, but the resort was terribly short staffed during our stay. Staff were eager to help, but there were issues like a broken safe, non-working phone, and bugs on the counter. The food quality was exceptional, though there were only two servers who struggled with the demand. I believe they are hiring and will improve as they sort staffing issues out.

Activity Reviews

Sunset Camel Ride

Uluru

I highly recommend this activity. The camel ride at dusk is spectacular. You also have time to interact with the camel you rode after the excursion.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Wildlife Habitat Experience

Port Douglas

We absolutely loved interacting with the Koalas and Kangaroos.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Enric our guide was fabulous!

Uluru Sunrise with Breakfast

Uluru

Well worth having to get up very early. The quiet and peacefulness was amazing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Max our guide was amazing. He is from Germany but acted like he was from Australia...A great personality.

Full Day Snorkelling Outer Reef (from Hotel)

Port Douglas

We very much enjoyed our time on the boat as well as in the water. The company did an amazing job taking care of all our needs.

Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation (was & 4WD Bloomfield)

Australia

The Full Day Daintree Cape Tribulation tour was very nice despite some road delays due to a cyclone that had hit the area previously. Our guide was friendly, and we had some engaging conversations. It was a peaceful way to explore the rainforest, though waiting in one-lane traffic was a bit tedious.

Review of Our Recent Australia & New Zealand Trip using KimKim

The planning process with our KimKim representative, Paula, was excellent. She was knowledgeable about both Australia and New Zealand. I usually handle trip planning myself, but since this trip was over four weeks long and covered two countries, I felt it was complex enough to need expert help. Paula worked to ensure all our objectives were met and provided some valuable suggestions we wouldn’t have known otherwise.

Australia

Sydney
If I were to optimize our time in Sydney, I wouldn’t have scheduled the harbor cruise, e-bike tour, and food tour all within three days. The history and sights were somewhat repetitive. I would recommend only the harbor cruise and the bike tour, spread over two days. Spending two days at the beaches of Manly and Bondi over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was enjoyable, but I wouldn’t have stayed a fifth day in Sydney.

Cairns
Cairns was beautiful. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef and snorkeling is a must-do. However, the reef wasn’t as colorful as I expected, so it’s important to set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment. I recommend spending a couple of days here and visiting one of the islands to explore different parts of the reef. Instead of our second day in the rainforest—which required a long drive and wasn’t particularly interesting—I would have preferred an additional day on the reef. Perhaps a guided tour would have made the rainforest visit more engaging, but we rented a car and explored on our own.

Brisbane
Brisbane was one of our favorite cities, with its beautiful winding river serving as a key mode of transportation. We spent New Year’s Eve there, and it was the perfect size for the occasion. Our twenty-something daughter also enjoyed the nightlife. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a good experience, though it was disappointing that you can no longer hold the koalas. We spent close to $1,000 on the extra koala and platypus experiences, which were not worth the money. On our second day, we drove to a national park in the Gold Coast hinterland, which was fantastic—we even swam in a waterfall. The Gold Coast itself, however, was underwhelming—very commercialized, similar to Fort Lauderdale, FL, with hotels lining the beach.

Tasmania
Tasmania was one of our favorite places in Australia. While Hobart itself isn’t particularly special, the nearby animal sanctuary was a highlight, especially the nighttime tour. Driving around the island at our own pace was great. Due to limited hotel availability in the Freycinet area, we stayed in a house called Little Wren, but I wouldn’t recommend it for just two nights—we missed the convenience and comfort of a hotel. The Wineglass Bay boat tour was great, though if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to skip it. In hindsight, we should have cut one day from Tasmania—there was no need to stay an extra day in Launceston.

Melbourne
Melbourne was good, though our experience was affected by one member of our group coming down with a cold/flu, which lowered our energy levels. We missed the penguin experience and instead spent time in urgent care. We took a four-hour e-bike tour of the city, which was enjoyable, and an eight- to nine-hour wine tour of the Yarra Valley, which was also good but felt a bit long, especially after three weeks of travel.

New Zealand

After Melbourne, my husband and I continued to New Zealand while our children returned to college. New Zealand was even more beautiful than Australia.

South Island (Queenstown & Beyond)
Queenstown was our favorite destination of the entire trip—you could easily spend five days here. The town and lake were stunning, and highlights included Milford Sound, Mount Cook, the Shotover Jet speedboat ride, and four-wheel driving along historic gold-mining roads. I recommend spending a night in the mountains, possibly in Arthur’s Pass. Christchurch, on the other hand, was just okay—nothing particularly notable.

North Island (Rotorua & Auckland)
Rotorua itself was just okay, but the mountain biking in the Redwood Forest and the whitewater rafting over a waterfall were incredible adrenaline rushes. The Mitai Maori dinner was worth experiencing, though it felt a bit cheesy at times.

Auckland was a good city with a nice harbor, though it lacked a strong identity. Our day trip to Waiheke Island was a highlight. We stayed at the beach after the tour and had dinner on the island before returning to Auckland.

Overall Reflections & Learnings
1. Trip Length – Four to five weeks was too long. Three to four weeks would have been ideal, as we could have covered all the highlights with less downtime and wasted travel time.
2. Hotel Quality – The moderately priced hotels were lower-end than we would have preferred, especially in the cities. In major cities, we often ended up in Chinatown, on a steep hill, in tiny rooms, or in hotels with limited services (e.g., no gym) and slightly outside the main areas. Next time, I would upgrade to a higher-tier hotel in the big cities for better comfort and convenience.
3. Flight Scheduling – Since the local travel agent booked our flights, I assumed the flight times would align with our agreed itinerary, but in some cases, the flights left much later than expected. This led to some destinations feeling too long, others too short, and significant shifts in planned activities. I would pay closer attention to flight schedules next time.
4. Local Travel Agent Support – The local travel agent in Australia was not very responsive, especially on weekends and holidays, which was frustrating at times.

Would I Use KimKim Again?

Probably—especially for a more complex trip, a destination outside of my usual experience, or a trip longer than 10 days involving multiple countries.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Ibis World Square

Sydney

Neighborhood not great, very small rooms, overall a bit worn. Not concierge so little guidance on navigating the city or restaurants etc. Four block walk to major transit which is fine unless you have a person in your group with disabilities related to walking.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bed and pillows comfy

Oaks Cairns Hotel

Cairns City

Updated and close to GBR attractions. Due to handicap would have preferred uogeade to hotels right at docks to avoid walking again 3-5 blocks. No valet or parking of rental. Street packing was not ideal. Breakfast included was good but not sure what we paid for it so value unknown.

Authenticity & Character

Fairly vanilla

Location

Not ideal for walking Handicap

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bed, pillows and size of room all great.

Mercure Brisbane King George Square

Brisbane

Good overall. Valet was on and off. Self parking city not ideal. The hotel and rooms were a bit worn. Roomy enough in size. Breakfast was included and very good. Again unclear on cost so not sure if value.

Authenticity & Character

High rise.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed and pillows

Ibis Styles Hobart

Hobart

No food available after 8pm. Not much service. Gym and pool were nice. Breakfast included was good again not sure on value.

Authenticity & Character

High rise

Location

Staff

Limited

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bed and pillow comfy. Nice bathroom.

Little Wren

Coles Bay

As shown but very small. One small bathroom on different floor than bedrooms not ideal with handicap. Shower broke and fixed but late for dinner because of it. No extended checkout was a bummer.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Too small and limited bathroom.

Mercure Welcome Melbourne

Melbourne

Location in Chinatown not great. No valet or Parking which was super challenging. Small rooms, limited services, breakfast included was good but not sure if a good value.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Leisure Inn Penny Royal

Launceston

A bit quirky and dark.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

A bit too run down and quirky.

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

Hotel hallways were uphill and a bit of a maze. Room was big and good shower. Bed and pillows comfy. Nice balcony overlooking mountains and lake. On the top of a massive hill which wasn’t convenient to restaurant and bars and tours as a handicap person. Lots of Ubers to go 3 blocks. Downtown would have been better.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scenic Hotel Cotswold

Christchurch

Quirky and awkward. With the trolley being the main source of transit it would have been better to be closer. We were far out of central town. Big room a bit run down.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds and pillow comfy

Millennium Rotorua

Rotorua 3040

Very old and run down

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Voco Auckland

Auckland

Best room overall. Again on top of mountain very down on the harbor which was tough for a handicapp walker. Limited just going out down the street to an uber ride. Confusion on check in and parking of car expensive.

Authenticity & Character

High rise

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Wineglass Bay Cruises Morning Wineglass Bay Cruise - Sky Lounge including Lunch

Freycinet

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rough seas cause vomiting

Yarra Valley Food & Wine Day Trip Private

Australia

4 winners are too much. I bit too long.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mitai Cultural Experience & Dinner

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walter Peak Farm and Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

Australia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise/Fly (ZQN return)

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Essential Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Rotorua

Rotorua

The town is run down. The geysers were sort of commercialized and cheesy compared to something like Yellowstone, Wyoming USA. The redwood Forest was amazing and we ended up renting mountain bikes riding through them, which was great. We also took a white water rafting trip over a waterfall, which was a great, adrenaline rush and super fun and safe.

Quality of Experience

Private Taste of Sydney Experience

Sydney

No driver promised, too much walking, not very knowledgeable, had already heard it all in harbor cruise so repetitive. Food not that interesting.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Sydney Classic Tour - E-Bike

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mount Cook Tour (Queenstown to Christchurch)

Queenstown (NZ)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Harbor Experience Cruise

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Couldn’t hear guide very well on outside decks

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Night Visit

Hobart

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Michaelmas Cay Cruise (from Hotel)

Australia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Brisbane

Brisbane

Quality of Experience

Taste of Waiheke Island

Australia

Great day however this trip didn’t go to brewery and subbed in another winery which was a bummer. They said your info was a year old.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was a dream trip and Vicky helped make everything so seamless. We reached out to her about possible itineraries, and she worked with us to make a perfect 10 days. She was always available for any questions and was helpful throughout the journey. There was some flooding in Prosperine, so we had to pivot, and she was helpful in making changes and arrangements for us in Cairns. Our flights, transfers and tours were all planned out and we had no issues.
The accommodations she choose for us were clean and comfortable. We stayed at The Riley and Visions apartments in Cairns and both were excellent. Upon returning to Sydney, she booked us at The Vibe Hotel in Darling Harbour. It was a smaller hotel and had everything we needed including breakfast. The location was great as it was about 10 minutes away from great shopping.
While we were in Cairns, we had 3 tours booked and they were all fabulous. There was the Classic Kuranda tour where we went up in the train and spent the day touring around. We enjoyed the views and took in some time at the wildlife habitat before heading down in the gondola. The second tour was on the Ocean Freedom where we went out to the reef and did some scuba diving and snorkeling. This tour was so much better than the others we booked on our own and really made me appreciate Vicky that much more for her knowledge on what the tours offered. This was a smaller group and the staff was absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. Our last tour was of the Daintree Forest and Cape Tribulation. Our guide kept us entertained with lots of stories and we enjoyed a dip in some falls, lunch, a boat ride down the Daintree River and a visit to Cape Tribulation. All the tours she booked for us were excellent.
I travel a lot but am new to Australia and I feel that Vicky really took the time to find out what we were looking for in our travels and did the perfect job on finding us the best accommodations suited to our needs, clean and punctual transfers, amazing tours and flights that worked with our schedules. It was great have the peace of mind knowing we were looked after in an unfamiliar country.

Thank you Vicky for an amazing holiday,

Shauna and Elisha

Our first time to Australia. We only read in books and as divers, we could not wait until we experienced the Great Barrier Reef. It was great working with our local specialist Paula who helped us sort out a lot of family-fun activities as we were traveling with our 3 kids ages 11, 9 and 7.

Planning a kid-friendly trip (especially in another country) can be incredibly time consuming and risky as you can trust a brochure only so much. Not to mention, there are a lot of the logistics like car travel that are often overlooked and you end up late or over paying. Working with KimKim and Paula helped alleviate all of these concerns and we even received a nice welcome packet on our arrival.

As a family, we really enjoyed Sydney, although we warned on traveling near New Years as that seems like a particularly high tourist season, so lines everywhere. Uluru, is magical and gorgeous but be ready to be hot and plan your water accordingly. Cairns and Great Barrier Reef was my personal favorite but I think as a family, Sydney was the best.

I would recommend any working family living outside Australia, took book through a local expert. You do end up saving a lot of time, money and anxiety.

Great time down under. Vicky, our travel agent was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our requests and situations. She is prompt with returning our messages. She provided excellent tour packages, hotels and airport services. The airport transportation was top notch, both the vehicles and drivers. They were all punctual and can be easily reached. we couldn’t ask for a better hotel location and caliber. Our rooms were very comfortable and from where we were, we could walk wherever we wanted to go.

Hotel Reviews

Rydges Melbourne Hotel

Melbourne

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the sights and restaurants

Staff

everyone was nice

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Sebel Quay West Suites

The Rocks

Authenticity & Character

Location

walkable to the sights and restaurants in the city

Staff

everyone was nice

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sydney Bridge Climb Summit

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

staff were friendly and accommodating. They were ready for all weather to keep is comfortable during the climb.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

friendly and knowledgeable

Transport

Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney

Sydney

The weather was topsy turvy during out trip but our guide Andy made sure that we hit the sights while avoiding the bad weather. The champagne after the hike was a nice touch

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Everything was on brief! We really enjoyed our trip to Australia and New Zealand! The hotels, tours, communications with contacts, flights was perfect! Vicky was the best Specialist! Always in contact and answering every question! We will be happy to do other trip with kimkim!

Hotel Review

Fable Auckland

Auckland

The room was without windows and the next door was a storage room, very noisy. The gym was a mini mini gym too…. Not to comfortable / nice.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Laneways of Melbourne

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was ooutstandinggg! She knows every single córner!!

Organizing this trip was very easy. Vicky responded quick when we had questions or wanted to adjust the itinerary.
We loved the Great Barrier reef tour and spending New Year's eve in Sydney.
Brisbane has a nice relaxed vibe which we loved, whereas Sydney is energizing and vibrant.

Hotel Reviews

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Brisbane

Lovely hotel, perfect for family with a nice view. Close to South bank. The room has a cozy feel and a nice, playful layout.

Authenticity & Character

Loads of character and cozy rooms

Location

Close to Southbank

Staff

Very friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was cleaned daily

Alamanda at Palm Cove by Lancemore

Palm Cove

Big rooms, suitable for family, be aware that there are only stairs going to higher level. You need to carry your own suitcases up. Reception seems not to be always attended. Rooms spacious, but not very cozy.

Authenticity & Character

Rooms are not very cozy. It's like getting an apartment and then it's up to you (reception unattended)

Location

Close to the beach

Staff

Handing over keys but that's it

Cleanliness & Comfort

No daily cleaning or making beds

Activity Reviews

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise

Brisbane

Lovely place to go and see koala's and feed kangaroos.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide on the boat had lots of stories

Transport

We went by boat

Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island

Brisbane

This trip didn't meet our expectations. The snorkeling around the wrecks was nice. But there is not sufficient time on the island to do other activities (like atv, sand tobogganing etc). And then there was no dolphin feeding at all, while that's in the title of this cruise.

Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience (departs Cairns)

Australia

Wow! Definitely worth doing this cruise. Clear waters, loads of activities, also for people who don't want to go snorkeling. Food was okay. We just loved it!! Highlight of our trip!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Classic Kuranda

Palm Cove

We loved the sky way!!! Very impressive! Wish we had taken the sky way both ways!! Train is fun, but less view.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Premium Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour

Australia

We were a bit disappointed only seeing 1 crocodile on the Daintree river cruise and we expected to see more about the indigenous people in Cape Tribulation. Be aware this trip involves a lot of traveling by van. We loved the place where we had lunch, very good food and lovely place.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour

Sydney

Impressive to see the nature reserve and especially if you go on a trail to Wentworth waterfall.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We took a large group of 13 people to Australia and New Zealand. Our group consisted of two brothers, our families (each with 4 kids ranging from age 8 to age 16) and our mother (grandma). A group that large created some logistical issues, but kimkim was fantastic in taking care of all of the details in booking our accommodations, transportation, and activities.

In Australia, the highlights were the penguin parade on Philip Island (doing the Penguin Plus seats was a must), and our road trip on the Great Ocean Road. Seeing wildlife in the wild was important to us, and we were able to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and many birds -- all in the wild! We were also very impressed with the sights: Loch Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands, London Bridge, and 12 Apostles were stunning.

In New Zealand, we visited both North and South Islands. In Queenstown, we loved our accommodations at Break Through: the Point. Day trips to Milford Sound and Walter Peak Farm were great. But the absolute best was the Shotover Jet. It is an absolute must-do in Queenstown.

On the North Island, we really liked Hobbiton, Glow Worm caves, and a night time treetop walk in the Red Woods in Rotorua. My family absolutely loved ziplining with Canopy Tours in Rotorua. Our guides there were the best.

Overall great trip and kimkim helped make it all happen!

I see the value in the services you provide, but given the scale, length, and cost of the trip, I believe more detailed conversations would have been helpful. I specifically requested private and exclusive experiences, but in hindsight, I didn’t fully review the hotel options that were selected. Accommodations in Sydney and Caines was mediocre and the hotel in Melbourne was the worst experience I’ve had.

Additionally, with this being our first trip to Australia and not fully understanding the logistics, I felt that five days in Cairns was too much. For example, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on Day 8, especially after we had already seen wildlife in the wild, felt like a wasted day. Visiting Little Koala Gardens was another disappointment.

Regarding our time in Melbourne, I felt that Day 10, which was focused on Philip Island, was overly packed. While the penguin viewing at the end of the day was fantastic, the visit to the small sanctuaries could have been skipped—spending an entire day on that experience wasn’t necessary. In fact, if I had two or three more days to play with, I could have spent more time in other areas of interest.

On a positive note, I truly appreciated the app you provided for day-to-day information. It was very helpful, and although the contact information for our local guides was initially missing, I was impressed with how quickly it was added, and I really appreciated the prompt response

Hotel Reviews

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne

Melbourne

We chose to stay at Adina based on Jon's recommendation, but I really wish I had paid more attention to the reviews. We spent four nights and five days there as a family, and were excited about staying in the penthouse suite. However, the reality was far from what we expected. Here’s a summary of the major issues I encountered, which are so basic I would expect them even from a three-star hotel. 1. I understand that daily room cleaning isn’t always provided, but despite requesting it multiple times, we never received proper room service. When they did come, they simply changed the bed sheets—nothing else was cleaned. 2. Towels were never provided, even after repeated requests. 3. The overall condition of the room was disappointing—dirty and dated. 4. The biggest issue was the lack of ventilation in the bathroom. There was no exhaust fan, and the bathroom itself was dingy and moldy. 5. The coffee machine didn’t work, and despite asking housekeeping to take a look, they were unable to fix it. 6. The service at the front desk was terrible—my requests often went unanswered or ignored.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Crystalbrook Riley

Cairns

Overall, this hotel was better than mediocre, but I find it hard to understand how a property of this size could consistently run out of towels. During three of the five days we stayed, there were no towels available. The highlight of the hotel was definitely the view — we had a fantastic ocean view and enjoyed watching the fireworks on December 31.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

QT

Sydney

The location of this hotel is excellent, right in the heart of the city and within easy reach of many attractions. However, the rooms are a bit dark and outdated, and the bathrooms lack proper ventilation or an exhaust fan. has context menu

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fitzroy Island Adventures - Island Transfer & Glass Bottom Boat Tour incl. Lunch

Cairns

This was an okay experience, but it felt a bit redundant after doing Reef Magic. The glass-bottom boat wasn’t worth it, and the snorkeling and diving experience was mediocre at best. The biggest issue I had was being dropped off at an island with nowhere to store your things or find a comfortable spot to relax. I wasn’t aware of this beforehand. The meals provided were box lunches, and honestly, they weren’t worth it either.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Arrive Sydney

Sydney

It was great to be picked up at the airport, and the drive to our hotel was smooth and effortless.

AEA Luxury Tours - Panoramic Sydney Sights Morning Tour

Sydney

We took this tour on Christmas Day, and our guide was absolutely amazing. No crowds, easy driving and knowledgeable guide. It truly made for a beautiful experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

AEA Luxury Tours - Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Reef Magic outer reef cruise

Australia

We booked this well in advance, but Jon didn’t communicate our phone numbers to the local team, which caused a delay in getting our tickets on the day off. We had to wait in long lines and was extremely frustrating. It could all have been avoided. The boat was at full capacity with over 400 people, so it felt chaotic. Since we booked so far ahead, I wish I had more details about the activities, like snorkeling options, so I could have signed up ahead instead of arriving on a crowded boat and scrambling to sign up and not getting our choice timings and options. That said, diving into the Great Barrier Reef was the highlight of the trip—it was an amazing experience. The lunch was also really good, despite the long lines, and I appreciated that they noted my child’s food allergy and took good care of her.

Arrive Cairns

Cairns

We were picked up from the airport and it was only a 10-minute drive to the hotel. However, the car that picked us up was a bit rundown. In hindsight, we could have just taken an Uber directly to the hotel at our convenience and saved the extra cost.

Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour

Cairns

This was an amazing experience, especially since we chose to do it privately. We were able to go at our own pace, and our guide, Lawrance, was fantastic. We also really enjoyed the meal and the fruit presentation.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway

Cairns

This day also felt like a waste. The cableway was the only highlight, but the Koala Gardens, souvenir shop, and local market felt like a total tourist trap. After seeing animals in the wild, visiting them in a park just didn’t compare—it was disappointing and didn’t feel authentic at all. Overall, it felt like we wasted our day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Melbourne

Melbourne

Per Jon's recommendation we were at Adina, but I really wish I had paid more attention to the reviews. We spent four nights and five days there as a family, and were excited about staying in the penthouse suite. However, the reality was far from what we expected. Here’s a summary of the major issues I encountered, which are so basic I would expect them even from a three-star hotel. 1. I understand that daily room cleaning isn’t always provided, but despite requesting it multiple times, we never received proper room service. When they did come, they simply changed the bed sheets—nothing else was cleaned. 2. Towels were never provided, even after repeated requests. 3. The overall condition of the room was disappointing—dirty and dated. 4. The biggest issue was the lack of ventilation in the bathroom. There was no exhaust fan, and the bathroom itself was dingy and moldy. 5. The coffee machine didn’t work, and despite asking housekeeping to take a look, they were unable to fix it. 6. The service at the front desk was terrible—my requests often went unanswered or ignored.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Australia

If you’re visiting in the summer, like we did in December, I highly recommend skipping this activity. Koalas are usually asleep and inactive, and seeing them in captivity at a small park just isn’t worth it.

Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary Tour + Penguins Plus Viewing

Australia

We were picked up in the afternoon and taken to the Moonlit Sanctuary tour, but it was a big disappointment. The park, with its local animals, felt small and underwhelming, and since it was around 90° that day, all the animals were hibernating. It definitely wasn’t worth the time. I’d suggest instead spending the day at Phillip Island for lunch, followed by the Penguin Parade, which is definitely worth it and the real highlight of the day. If you’re planning ahead like we did, be sure to check the details of your ticket. We were a group of five, and three of our kids were seated in economy while we had plus seats. We had Plus viewing and Economy seating felt like a total waste—plus is definitely the way to go for the best experience. So, make sure to review your seating options in advance.

We had an amazing 13 day tour of Sydney, Port Douglas and Melbourne during Dec 24-Jan 25 arranged via Kim Kim Tours. Special thanks to Ms Vicky who made sure all travel arrangements were made to our satisfaction. Hotel accommodations were perfect. Vicky was also very responsive during out travel days and was easily accessible to us via WhatsApp to answer last minute questions and reservations for tourist activities.

I would highly recommend Kim Kim and especially Ms. Vicky if you happen to be planning a tour to Australia.

Hotel Reviews

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Port Douglas

Excellent hotel with super easy access to the beach and shopping/ restaurant .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Voco Melbourne Central, IHG Hotel

Melbourne

Authenticity & Character

Location

City center location made it easy to walk anywhere within central district

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vibe Hotel Sydney

Sydney

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Outer Barrier Reef from Reef Marina - Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with Down Under tours

Australia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The AC in the bus provided for our tour group was not functioning which made half of the day very stressful fighting the heat and humidity. The transport company should really pay attention to the conditions of their vehicles.

Blue Mountains Small Group Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Laneways of Melbourne

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco tour

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The quality of buses can be improved . This is a +13 hour trip. The buses used are very small for a 24 people group. In summer days, AC in the buses is not able to cope up. See review of Philip island for more details

I wanted to plan Ia 7 day trip in Australia for my in laws after their cruise. Liz was extremely helpful in planning a doable itinerary for them and booking all the hotels, tours, and transfers. They are elderly with some mobility issues so I wanted everything to go smoothly. They just came back and absolutely loved the tour. Everything was on time and the hotels were fantastic. They especially liked the wine tour in Adelaide. I was so pleased that they enjoyed their 80th birthday trip. Thank you Liz!

I can’t recommend KimKim enough! From the very start, they made the entire planning process so easy. I had no idea where to start or what to do for my family, but their team put together an amazing itinerary that fit our needs perfectly. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—it was exactly the trip we wanted without even knowing it.

Every hotel was booked correctly without a single issue, our tours were the right balance of fun and relaxation, and traveling between destinations was a breeze. It was so nice to just enjoy the experience without stressing over logistics.

I’m so glad we used KimKim, and I’ll absolutely book with them again for future trips. If you're looking for a stress-free way to plan an unforgettable vacation, this is the way to go!

Major props to our coordinator, Vicky, who was incredibly responsive and made my family and me feel well taken care of.

Everything about our experience with kimkim was absolutely amazing. Our specialist Vicky was very responsive and chock-full of great ideas and recommendations for our diverse travel group, and because she knew the area so well, was able to make perfect suggestions for us. We were a little indecisive at first and she was extremely accommodating and always fast to respond and give alternatives. The trip we found ourselves on was truly a dream, each day we kept saying "this is the best day", and having had all of the reservations made for us allowed us to simply enjoy each other's company and take it all that Australia and New Zealand had to offer! Which is a LOT!!! We have already recommended kimkim to friends and will definitely use the service again. Thank you for making an intergenerational trip extremely memorable.

Hotel Reviews

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Auckland

Roomy, modern fantastic views in a great location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walkable to many attractions, great view of the sky tower!

Staff

We had an issue with our dryer and the person on duty helped us out immediately.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were very large with nice closets and large bathrooms.

The Glebe Apartments

Queenstown

Absolutely loved this hotel, the kitchen was very well appointed, living area was delightful, nice balcony overlooking a central garden courtyard that was so beautiful and peaceful. We were told there would be construction and to potentially expect noise, but we didn't experience any inconvenience the entire trip, in fact it was one of the most tranquil places we stayed. The rooms were large, nice closet space, heated floors in the bathroom! It was decorated so nicely that it literally felt like a home away from home!

Authenticity & Character

Charming courtyard and warm and welcoming decor

Location

Very walkable to the city center with shopping and restaurants as well as to the ski lift.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lounging in the living room felt just like being at home!

Vision Cairns Holiday Apartments

Cairns

Odd smell upon arrival, didn't feel particularly clean, beds were TINY and there was little to NO decor at all. Only positive experience here was the person at reception - she was very kind. Also - it was nice to have a washer and a dryer.

Authenticity & Character

Extremely outdated and almost zero decor

Location

Very walkable

Staff

Front desk staff was very kind

Cleanliness & Comfort

Strange odor, living room felt unclean, beds were tiny, closet was tiny, bathroom needs racks for towels

The Star Grand Hotel and Residences Sydney

Pyrmont, Sydney

Impressive, perfect location and excellent customer service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Sydney Bridge Climb Summit

Sydney

We felt very well taken care of and safe during the entire activity, and enjoyed every minute of it, especially the sense of accomplishment at the end!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Liz was wonderful to work with and collaboarate with in planning our Australia trip. The transports were flawless and tours were great! Here hotel recomendations were perfect and very centrally located for all of our activities. I will not hesitate to reach out to her again for help with another vacation.

We had a great experience working with Kimkim and our guide Vicky. She was very helpful in providing us prompt responses and suggestions when we asked questions and helped plan our trip to our needs and specifications. Highly recommend them for custom trip planning and saving time researching new areas. Vicky was very knowledgeable and provided guidance based on her own experience as well as reading about or calling places.

Hotel Reviews

Mantra on Little Bourke

The room we stayed was a 2 BR which was not needed for our family as our little ones are comfortable to co sleep so we only mainly used one of them. The hotel was very conveniently located near China town and had great choices for food and shopping at walking distance. The parking was very tight so mid size cars would need caution to park in and out. We did not use the free breakfast option since there were a lot of new places we wanted to try, the spread seemed like a standard continental breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to restaurants and shopping

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Reef View Hotel

Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Nice hotel with beach access and views.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apollo Bay Motel and Apartments, BW Signature Collection

Apollo Bay

We only stayed for a few hours overnight and didn't spend enough time. The apt/hotel seemed reasonably well equipped with everything like a kitchenette and separate living space and bedrooms.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure

Hamilton Island

The guided snorkeling we did was very good and the guides were great. Wish there was more time on the pontoon for activities.

Private Heli - Discover the Whitsundays Heart Reef & Whitehaven Beach Stopover

Hamilton Island

Expensive but great experience flying over the GBR. It would be nice to have an hour at least on Whitehaven Beach since 30 minutes seemed too short

Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary & Chocolaterie

Melbourne

The train experience was good. There was some confusion about the starting time of our tour but it was sorted out and we went on the right one. There was no space for our baby's stroller which was a surprise and they hadn't mentioned beforehand that it wasn't allowed. We managed with putting it in front near drivers seat. There wasn't enough time at the Healesville Sanctuary to see the full park. This trip would be better if the guides suggested to have lunch before Healesville or if it was provided like a box lunch. The lines at the lunch places were long and there was no time for both lunch and seeing the places. The chocolaterie could've been lesser time. The driver didn't explain much in the drive and there were several wildlife on the drive which would've been nice to have some explanation for new tourists

Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour

Sydney

This was a great tour but the weather was too foggy to see much of the place. The driver James had forgotten the car seat but was kind to make quick arrangements for it. He described the area well and gave input on general places to visit as well. James knew the area well and took us to good restaurants and stop points that were not crowded.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We visited 4 different cities in Australia and NZ in 2 weeks, and Liz could not have planned a more perfect itinerary for our family of 5. She immediately understood our family's needs and priorities and suggested activities that were interesting and age appropriate for all. Highlights included a bike tour across Sydney, hiking the Blue Mountains, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, jetboating in Queenstown and seeing Hobbiton in Auckland. Each tour and transport operator was very professional and of high quality. Liz answered our (many) questions throughout the process with ultra fast response time and went over and beyond our expectations. Liz sent us all the information in a concise and clear format, so it was very easy to keep track of what we needed (itinerary, pickup times, packing info, visas etc). During our trip we even made a last minute request to add a sold-out tour during peak holiday time, and she was able to make it happen!

Hotel Reviews

The York, by Swiss-Belhotel

Sydney

Great location, spacious rooms, but very basic/dated interior.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Villa San Michele

Port Douglas

Location is perfect - right in the heart of town so everything (including beach) is a 0-5 min walk. Rooms are quite tight and one room had a bit of stench. Bathrooms looked renovated and clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu

Queenstown

Very comfortable hotel with a gorgeous view. Easy walk into town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

heated beds, good laundry machines

Nesuto Stadium Auckland

Auckland

Great location, clean rooms. We had 3 tiny bedrooms (door couldn't close) and 1 bathroom and kitchen, and the living room was huge. Right next to harbor and town area, and many restaurants right downstairs or a few min walk.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage

Sydney

Kids loved the animal conservatory and being able to pet and feed to koalas and wallabys.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney

Full-Day Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Port Douglas

Excellent staff, well equipped, lunch was surprisingly good.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Very professional transport guide. Van was amazing with reclining seats.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Kuranda Railway, Skyrail & Palm Cove Adventure

Port Douglas

Train ride was ok but gondola was lovely. Spent a lot of time assembling with group and guide, getting in and out of the van and listening to him talk so we barely got 10 min to explore the village.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide talked way too much, was late, wasted a lot of our time so we barely had time to explore the village.

Transport

too many pickups, it took way too long

Half Day Best of Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

Loved the views, walks, wine tasting, seeing the town, getting some free time to shop. Our guide Beth was awesome.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Hobbiton Tour - Return to Auckland

Auckland

Hobbiton is so beautiful and you don't even need to be a LOTR fan to enjoy. The village is very well created and the new Hobbit houses are adorable (my 9 yo wanted to move in there!) Tour is well organized and staff is very enthusiastic.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Sydney Classic Tour (Bike)

Sydney

Guide (Andre) was very knowledgable and ensured nobody got left behind in our group of 13.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hartley's Crocodile Farm with Koala Breakfast

Port Douglas

Loved this more than I thought we would. Each group gets a few minutes with the koala away from the others, so it feels private. Guides are knowledgable and friendly. The crocodile demonstrations were incredible and you see so much wildlife.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Wilderness Safari - Jetboat

Queenstown (NZ)

My kids were wild for this one! Super fun and adventurous. Well organized, proper equipment, and professional staff.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport