Liz Neal

Liz Neal was our specialist for this trip and she did an amazing job, especially given the relatively little time she had to make so many arrangements. I believe we started communication around the second week of March for a trip that would start middle of June. And though she was focused on the Australia part of our trip she also helped us in getting to Singapore from Perth, and then from Singapore home four days later. During the arrangements we spoke live a couple of times and had lots of chats back and forth through the KimKim communication portal, which was very handy. And Liz was incredibly responsive and adaptive to a couple of unexpected changes we had to make to our itinerary.

I am blessed to have a wonderful daughter who loves to travel. Our flights to Australia and from Singapore were long, but seemed to go by fast because I knew she was really appreciating all that we were doing together. And Liz has kids too, so I appreciated her consideration of an adult and youth traveling together. There are so many highlights from our trip it's hard to know where to begin. I had been to Sydney before for business, so I sort of knew my way around, but like the entire trip, having transportation to and from the airport to our hotels was incredibly convenient.

And when we arrived at the hotel, Liz had sent us a packet containing a convenient little booklet of our whole itinerary, along with information guides of the different places we were going. I used these a lot, so that was a nice bonus. Of course, Liz had already provided digital versions of our flight and trip itineraries but it was still nice to have a convenient little booklet I could carry with me and refer to a lot.

Liz booked us on the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb at sunset, which was stunning. Our guide, Meg, was enthusiastic and very considerate of all the members in our team. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. We got awesome pictures, and we had plenty of time that day and the next to walk around and even take a ferry to Manly. We were then picked up and taken to the airport for our flight to Cairns. By the way, all of the drivers were very personable, and gave us advice on other things to do during our stays.

For the snorkeling of the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns, we had an incredible time, and really appreciated how close our hotel was to the marina and the nice restaurants. We snorkeled at three locations, the guides were awesome, and my daughter was beating me into the water each time.  We felt very comfortable with our surroundings and even swam off in different directions. We have both SCUBA dived as well and really didn't think there was much of an advantage to diving in such a relatively shallow are. The food on board was wonderful and we had incredible weather. In fact, we had great weather the whole trip. I really think visiting Australia, especially the northern part, in the winter, is the best way to go. The water at the Reef was warm.

After Cairns, we flew to Darwin. Oh, by the way, it was very thoughtful that a credit for food and drink was arranged for our domestic flights in Australia. It was nice to have a sandwich and drink during those flights. Darwin was another great place for us to visit and our day trip to Kakadu and Litchfield were incredible. At Kakadu, seeing the rock paintings, doing the Yellow River boat tour (so many crocodiles!) and then we took a flying tour of the whole park, which was an extra option, but incredibly worth it. The wetlands, rock formations and even the uranium mine, were all very interesting to see from the air, much of which you couldn't access by land.

The next day's Litchfield experience was a smaller tour, involving a lot of swimming at springs and waterfalls. Our group got to know one another very well and everyone was especially impressed with my daughter's songwriting and performing experience. We must of played her songs from YouTube several times! And this reminds me that during our whole trip my daughter was included in everything and made to feel very welcome. That's wonderful for the father of a teenager to see.

So eachj days of our trip involved vastly different activities, and going on to Broome was no exception. SO far in our trip we had one night in Sydney, two in Cairns, three in Darwin, and then two nights in Broome. Our first evening involved a sunset cruise that included wonderful appetizers and a swim behind the boat in a large net. This was wonderful, the water perfect. The next day we were up really early to fly out to the Horizontal Falls in a seaplane. This is a must-do! We had an incredible time. After our water landing, we taxied over to a pontoon hotel where we swam next to sharks, and a wonderful breakfast and then went in boats to see the Falls up close. After that we flew back but went a little bit different way so we could see some other interesting coastal features. Then that evening, we did a one-hour sunset camel ride. I recommend Red Sunset Camels. They are the best!

Finally, we flew to Perth for two nights and did the Hop On Hop Off bus tour around the city. We hadn't made any plans for our visit but knew that the bus was a great way to see the city and useful as a taxi service for getting around. We ended up touring the Bell Tower (you get to ring the bells!) and the Perth Mint, where you get to see an actual liquid gold pour. After that we walked all the way around King's Park, which was beautiful, much of it along the water. Our hotel was a convenient walk to the marina where we could start our tour.

After Perth, we left for Singapore, which was recommended by Liz as a better way to go, rather than trying to visit Singapore before Australia, especially with flying into Sydney. So, this was a fantastic trip for us, creating memories we will always treasure. If I return to Australia again, or perhaps New Zealand, I will want to use Liz Neal and KimKim for all my travel arrangements. They know what they're doing!

Thank you.

- M Zumwalt

KimKim offers us great ideas and even helped us out in the middle of our trip. They kept an eye on us the entire time. and addressed any concerns we had. KimKim works with some great and knowledgeable vendors to help make the best of our experiences and excursions.

Not enough can be said about Liz, our travel planner. At the very beginning of planning, we had been in touch with a few other travel companies. After talking with Liz a couple of times, there was no other companies involved. We could tell she IS the expert we were going to use. She took her time, because we had never been to Australia before and wanted a good "taste" of what Australia has to offer. Australia has a lot to offer, and Liz helped us narrow down where and what we could do in 16 days.
During our travels, if we had a question, she was there to answer it or find out what could be done to correct it. Most travel agents wouldn't be there throughout a vacation to make sure we were having the experience we expected. Liz was always quick to follow up with us. We appreciate all she did throughout the entire process of planning and then executing.
Need a travel company? Use KimKim.
Neen a travel specialist? Liz is the right person and expert.

Thank you, Gordon Cable
April 3-20, 2024. Australia Trip. Sydney, Ayers Rock, and Port Douglas areas.

Hotel Reviews

Parkroyal Darling Harbour

Sydney

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great location, just off Darling Harbour. Wonderful staff. Not too far from the Opera House and The Rocks.

Staff

Extremely helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

Port Douglas

Located just across from the beach and a short walk to the city center. Nice pool and good breakfast. Just wish the bar area was open later.

Authenticity & Character

Very nice staff and pool area.

Location

Located across from 4 Mile Beach and walking distance into the city center.

Staff

Good, caring people.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Always short on towels. Bar closed after lunch. Bed was comfortable and had a kitchen area, which was nice to have,

Desert Gardens Hotel

Yulara

We were only there for an overnight stay. Nice facility and friendly staff. The Room were very nice and clean. Has a pool, but we didn't have time to use it. Others in the pool were enjoying it.

Authenticity & Character

The place had an Aboriginals feel to it.

Location

Close to Ayers rock

Staff

Very helpful and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, Updated and had all the amenities we needed.

Activity Reviews

Afternoon Panoramic Sydney Sights

Sydney

Driver was friendly and knew the areas we went past or stopped at. a good taste of Sydney and provided ideas ot things to do or place to go.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver was wonderful. Wish I could remember his name. Sorry...

Transport

Comfortable bus. Loved to small group.

A Night at Field of Light

Uluru

We had a beautiful clear night to see all of the stars. The sky just lit up. The bugs in April are quite annoying until the sun goes down. Buy a head netting to keep them off of your face. Once the sun goes down, they all disappear. Beautiful vies of Ayers Rock

Quality of Experience

The lights are spectacular. We had never seen anything like that before. The food was really good with a nice variety. Very enjoyable evening. The rest rooms need something!!

Food

good variety for everyone.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

the gentleman who gave pointed out the stars and constellations was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The dinner staff was great,

Transport

Just a short drive from the hotels

Morning Camel to Sunrise

Australia

What a great time riding the camels. We had the early morning ride, watching the sunrise and seeing Ayers Rock. We beat the bugs for most of the trip. Again, We suggest netting to cover your head.

Quality of Experience

We had more fun than expected. We had no idea what to expect. Just to ride a camel? Who doesn't want to do that!

Food

Just a Good cup of coffee and bread when you're finished with the ride. Enough for us.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guides were very helpful and easy to talk with. Funny stories along the way. You have to do this if you're out there.

Transport

Easy pick up at the hotel and short ride to the camels

Welcome to Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Had our share of rain, but that's nature. Nice area. Couldn't figure out what restaurants were going to be open because they would be open one day and closed the next. Beautiful drive from the Cairnes airport to Port Douglas along the water.

Transport

We secured our own transportation from the airport.

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures Admission and Breakfast with Koalas

Port Douglas

So much to do. A lot of Crocs. Eating and getting up-close with the Koala bear was interesting. Many different animals and reptiles to see.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Drivers were on time and very friendly.

Transport

Full-Day Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour

Port Douglas

Had to cancel, dues to the weather. This was a bucket list for us. Was not the company's fault. Blame nature. I hate to give it a rating, but the system would let me move forward with the reviews.

Full-Day Kuranda Rail & Skyrail - Gold Class

Australia

Due to weather, the rail was cancelled. The sky rail was great and the views were spectacular. The waterfall was roaring, due to all the rain that had come down the previous days.

Quality of Experience

4 stars only due to the rail not running.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Blue Mountains Hike the World Heritage

Sydney

It's called Blue Mountains for a reason. The beautiful blue tones the area gives off.

Quality of Experience

The hike is beautiful, but not for out of shape people. The trails need to be marked better and the maps updated to show ALL paths and roads.

Food

had a sandwich. Could have used a couple of napkins.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Chris was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk with. Use a small group tour if you go.

Transport

What an incredible New Zealand trip!! Liz actually listened carefully to my very particular interests, and crafted a trip that took it all in. My highlights: A custom private guided tour with Peter from Bush and Beach. Peter was especially chosen for me, as he is also a botanist and Arborist like myself. I had asked about going to the Coromandel Peninsula, so Liz hooked me up with John, the owner of Kiwi Dundee for a semi private tour emphasizing my study of Captain Cook. We got to visit a Māori Pa, (hill fortress) mentioned in Cook’s journals, as well as a great scenic overlook of Cook’s Bay. A trip to Sanctuary Mountain was good, but one of my best experiences was the overnight on Kapiti Island with its incredible bird life! A small group tour of Zealandia Preserve at night finally got me a wild Kiwi sighting. Oops, lol, I forgot to mention my private tour of a Kiwi hatchery which was awesome! Thank you Liz! Last but not least, was my private tour of the New Zealand Museum in Wellington, where my guide exceeded my expectations as she changed her standard tour to cater to my paleontology interests and Captain Cook exhibits there. All in all, a dream trip of a lifetime, well done!

Each experience in Australia was outstanding. From Melbourne to Adelaide to Kangaroo Island to Sydney. Penguin Parade, wine tour, koalas, wallaby’s and kangaroos in the wild, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House opera were rich and satisfying endeavors!!!! Also, the accommodations were superior!!!

Thanks to Liz, our specialist, only the best was recommended to make our trip memorable.

We’re grateful for the ease of planning and execution of a remarkable journey.

Hotel Reviews

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Melbourne

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mayfair Hotel

Adelaide

Authenticity & Character

Location

U

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shangri-La Sydney

The Rocks, Sydney

Authenticity & Character

Location

U

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Phillip Island & Moonlight Sanctuary with Dinner

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Yarra Valley Food and Wine Journey

Melbourne

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kangaroo Island In Style — 2 Days / 1 Night

Australia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights

Sydney

Quality of Experience

T

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Climb the Harbor Bridge

Sydney

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Liz was incredible! This was the first time we’ve worked with a travel agent and I think we will be using them for all big trips moving forward. Liz really listened to our needs and what we were hoping to see and do while in New Zealand. We had the most amazing trip, saw the best sites, and experienced as much as we possibly could. Liz helped make the trip go off without any issues. She even went above and beyond to help us out with transportation when our flight was delayed upon arrive. Liz also checked in with us a few times while we were in New Zealand to see if we needed anything! I hope we can work with Liz again because any other travel agent we work with will have some very big shoes to fill :)

Hotel Reviews

M Social

Auckland

We loved this hotel!! The breakfast was great, the staff was wonderful, and it was in the best location. We wished we could have put this hotel in our suitcase and brought it with us the entire trip.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right across the street from the boardwalk and tons of restaurants and shops

Staff

They were all so kind and willing to help

Cleanliness & Comfort

PurePod Port Levy, Banks Peninsula (Pohue)

Pohue

We loved this bnb type experience. It’s remote-ness made for the perfect middle stop on our trip to just spend time together and reconnect. Absolutely stunning views as well. We also ordered the breakfast and dinner package and that was the best decision!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Rotorua

This hotel was pretty old. I think we just had a bad room because they were hosting a large conference at the same time, so those attendees seemed to get the staffs attention and best rooms. The location was great, right by the lake and city center!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

I think the room could have been cleaner. Part of that is due to an older hotel, but some of the sheets and towels had stains on them and the floor wasn’t clean either. When we got room service it took a long time to get it and then the tray in the hallway wasn’t picked up for more than 24 hours.

Scenic Suites Queenstown

Queenstown

We were in the suites and it was a bit weird to open our door and have a random person in one door and then we were in the next. Didn’t love that, but would be great if you were with a group and got both rooms

Authenticity & Character

Location

Nice and close to everything

Staff

Friendly and attentive

Cleanliness & Comfort

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Christchurch Central

Great location! It was a fancy place for us which was a treat

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very friendly!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience

Rotorua

The guides we had really made this experience. We have never done a hike like this, it was so unique, put us out of our comfort zone, and was a lot of fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fantastic

Transport

Welcome to Pohue Pure Pod

New Zealand

This is what I was most looking forward to on our trip and it didn’t disappoint

Quality of Experience

Full Day Famous Routeburn Trail

Queenstown (NZ)

This was a tough hike, but we loved it! We hiked the entire day, which was about 12-13 miles. The views were incredible

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide walked so fast that our group was separated frequently. Made me feel like I couldn’t totally enjoy the experience because I had to keep up. Thankfully the trail is very well marked and easy to follow. He was very knowledgeable though so it was interesting to learn about the area, plants, etc.

Transport

Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton with lunch

Auckland

Such a fun experience, even if you haven’t seen the lord of the rings movies (definitely helps to have seen the though)

Quality of Experience

Food

The buffet was so good!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport