Custom Self-Driving Tours of Australia

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Australia Travel Insights

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.

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
Map of Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days
Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days

Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.

Stop to check out the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road
Map of Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days
Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on this two-week coastal adventure of Victoria and South Australia. Starting and ending in Melbourne, you'll drive along Australia's southern edge navigating the Great Ocean Road and choosing to stop on your schedule until you reach Adelaide. Along the way, you'll discover dramatic rock formations like the famous Twelve Apostles, meet kangaroos and fur seals on Kangaroo Island, and learn about aboriginal culture in Grampians National Park.

Aerial view of Australia's Gold Coast
Map of Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days
Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days

Independent travelers will love this 10-day family road trip across Australia's spectacular east coast. Traverse the stunning Gold Coast hinterland as you wind through charming towns, rainforest detours, and sweeping bays before experiencing the iconic sights of Sydney. You and the family will get to cuddle koalas, surf 100-foot dunes, and marvel at the majestic humpbacks during a whale watching cruise.

Drive through the heart of Australia "red center" in the outback
Map of Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days
Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days

Cover the rugged terrain and sweeping desert landscape of the Australian Outback on this epic self-drive excursion through Victoria, South Australia, and Northern Territory. Begin your 18-day tour in trendy Melbourne and fly to arty Adelaide where you'll pick up your rental car and drive on your schedule to Darwin on the opposite coast. You'll explore four major national parks, spot endemic wildlife in their natural habitat, visit rural towns, and discover ancient Aboriginal art.

Australian Coast
Map of Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days
Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days

Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour on this comprehensive 22-day itinerary. Start your trip in quirky Melbourne to explore hidden alleyways and eclectic coffee shops, then pick up a car and explore the coast. Spend a few days in Tasmania, then end your trip in Sydney and the beautiful nature of the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 13 mins ago

Vicky Steinhardt

Hey there! I'm Vicky, and travel is my passion. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have dedicated my entire career to the travel industry. Melbourne-born, my journey led me to live in the...

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Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 53 mins 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...

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Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 39 mins ago

Ruth Grau

I grew up in small outback towns in South Australia before starting in the travel industry in Adelaide. After working many years in Sales & Marketing with tour companies, wholesalers and airlines,...

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Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 15 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...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Trip Reviews for Australia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our trip to Australia was a once in a lifetim...
Australia | Oct 10 - Nov 2, 2024

A
Anthony D.
Burlingame, CA | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2024
Our trip to Australia was a once in a lifetime experience. Vicky, from KimKim, did a spectacular job in every aspect. The hotels were both conveniently located and well above average. The guide in Sydney, Andrew, was a former teacher and singer at the Opera House and was a font of information and a pleasure to be with. The guide in Melbourne, John, took us on a walking tour and it was also very well orchestrated. He also was flexible as we had to change the date. Vicky was extremely... Read more

Our trip to Australia was a once in a lifetime experience. Vicky, from KimKim, did a spectacular job in every aspect. The hotels were both conveniently located and well above average. The guide in Sydney, Andrew, was a former teacher and singer at the Opera House and was a font of information and a pleasure to be with. The guide in Melbourne, John, took us on a walking tour and it was also very well orchestrated. He also was flexible as we had to change the date. Vicky was extremely helpful in resolving some rental car issues. She got back to me on a daily basis assuring me that it would get sorted. I would highly recommend both KimKim and Vicky for travel plans

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 15, 2024

Thank you so much, Anthony and Janice! I’m thrilled to hear that your trip to Australia was everything you hoped it would be. It was truly a pleasure working with you to bring all the pieces together. I’m glad to know you enjoyed the hotel selections and that both Andrew in Sydney and John in Melbourne added such depth and flexibility to your experience. I appreciate your kind words
Take care and All the Best
Vicky

Loved the on-line KimKim platform and our local specialist
Australia | Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2024

R
Ronald W. B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024
This was our first time using KimKim and appreciated the ease in which options were provided by the local specialist, Vicky, and how we were able to provide input. During our trip, we reference the on-line itinerary several times a day. Vicky was a joy to work with and was available seemly 24 hours a day. She made multiple changes to our plan and responded to questions very quickly. Read more

This was our first time using KimKim and appreciated the ease in which options were provided by the local specialist, Vicky, and how we were able to provide input. During our trip, we reference the on-line itinerary several times a day. Vicky was a joy to work with and was available seemly 24 hours a day. She made multiple changes to our plan and responded to questions very quickly.

Hotel Review
Harbour Rocks Hotel
The Rocks, Sydney NSW

Nice boutique hotel and centrally located. However, the room we ended up getting was extremely small. Literally couldn't open up two suitcases at the same time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney

The cruise was nice - food was decent. The duration of the cruise was perfect (not to long - my personal preference). The "sunset" part of the cruise didn't really exist -- the sun was still fairly high in the sky when the cruise ended.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Sydney

This was one of our favorite activities during the trip. We asked for and got a private driver that was very friendly and knowledgable. The hike in the Blue Mountains was the best!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Bike Tour
Sydney Bike Tour
Sydney

This was a great way to see a lot of Sydney in a short amount of time. The only complaint we had was that the final part of the tour was through a heavily congested (by pedestrians) trip on the boardwalk by the harbour. My wife and I both felt a little unsafe during this and I'm sure we totally annoyed numerous pedestrians. Probably could be easily solved by starting the tour earlier the morning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike
McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike
Adelaide

Totally glad we did this tour - BUT felt a little unprepared for the skill level/fitness needed for the tour. I'm sure the "mountain biking" aspect of the tour was at the low end of average of skill/fitness for mountain bikers - but I felt a bit terrified during part of the tour (sharp rocks, narrow tracks, steep hills). I'm a semi-fit 60 year old that bikes quite a bit (albeit not mountain biking) and was pushed from a fitness perspective to complete the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 DOLPHIN SANCTUARY & SHIPS GRAVEYARD KAYAK TOUR
DOLPHIN SANCTUARY & SHIPS GRAVEYARD KAYAK TOUR
Adelaide

We saw dolphins (which was great!) though they were from quite a distance away. However, I was really looking forward to seeing the ship graveyard and picked this tour because of it. The tour guide decided to cut the ship graveyard from the tour - because he said we spent too much time looking for/viewing dolphins. We did have a nice trip through the mangroves. The tour guide was very monotone and did not speak very loudly. I'm sure most of the people on the tour gave up on trying to hear him - he seemed oblivious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne

This was a big surprised - but we loved it. We never got the sense from reading the tour description that this was actually a tour of graffiti in alleys. Loved the artwork and the chance to see some sights you normally don't see walking through a big city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Tour
Melbourne

Really have mixed feelings about this tour. We loved the sights. We had a private driver. The mini-van we were in was a bit run down. Both my wife and I had trouble hearing the driver due to the road noise from the van and the driver not speaking loud enough. The driver wouldn't stop talking even after we told him we couldn't hear him. We told him a couple times to save his voice and stop talking, but that didn't stop him. Since about 60% of this tour is driving, this became awkward at times.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The van we rode in was run down. Windows didn't work in the back. Very loud. The tour operation should consider an intercom system (very common) or something to make driver more audible.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Australia

One of our favorite activities on our trip to Australia. Both the railway and cableway were outstanding!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gold Class VIP Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Superyacht
Gold Class VIP Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Superyacht
Cairns

The boat ride was very rough and I learned that snorkeling isn't for me (neither of which is the fault of the tour operator). Many people we sea-sick for the entire cruise. We paid extra for the Gold Class VIP treatment with a private stateroom - and very happy we did this. The staff was wonderful. The food good.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Daintree Wanderer Tour
Private Daintree Wanderer Tour
Australia

Another highlight from the trip! We had a private driver who was very knowledgable. He actually walked with us on many parts of the tour which was nice. Never felt like his presence was intrusive. Newer mini-van. The only part of the day-long tour that was a bit of a dud was the one hour Crocodile Boat Tour. There were no crocodile sightings. The boat driver said that he had had several trips out with no crocodiles to be found. I don't think the other crocodile tour operators were having any better luck.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 11, 2024
Hi Ronald, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this review! I’m so glad to hear that your first experience with KimKim went smoothly and that you found our planning process convenient and collaborative. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’m thrilled that the online itinerary was a helpful tool throughout your journey. It makes my day to know that you felt well-supported along the way. Making sure everything was just right for your trip was a top priority, so it was my... Read more

Hi Ronald,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this review! I’m so glad to hear that your first experience with KimKim went smoothly and that you found our planning process convenient and collaborative. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’m thrilled that the online itinerary was a helpful tool throughout your journey.

It makes my day to know that you felt well-supported along the way. Making sure everything was just right for your trip was a top priority, so it was my pleasure to make adjustments and answer any questions.

I’m also happy that you enjoyed the majority of the tours, and I appreciate your honest feedback on those that could use improvement. I’ll be sure to pass along your comments to the tour operators so they can enhance the experience.

Thank you again,and All the Best

Warm regards,
Vicky

Australia New-Zealand Trip..
Australia | Oct 16 - Nov 2, 2024

M
Mohan I.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 04, 2024
Sydney Blue Mountain trip was exciting with Guide Elliott who was very knowledgeable and polite.
Uluru the walk looking at the skies was good. Hotel stay was standard with lousy job by housekeeping.
In Cairns the Ocean Freedom trip was exciting well looked after by the amazing staff.
Daintree Wanderer tour was very interesting in the rain forest and teh guide was excellent.
Melbourne City tour was a waste of time except the MCG tour and the MCG guide was excellent.
The pick up to and...
Read more

Sydney Blue Mountain trip was exciting with Guide Elliott who was very knowledgeable and polite.
Uluru the walk looking at the skies was good. Hotel stay was standard with lousy job by housekeeping.
In Cairns the Ocean Freedom trip was exciting well looked after by the amazing staff.
Daintree Wanderer tour was very interesting in the rain forest and teh guide was excellent.
Melbourne City tour was a waste of time except the MCG tour and the MCG guide was excellent.
The pick up to and from Melbourne Airport was very efficinet with the driver Pierre.
New-Zealand trip to Queenstown was interesting. The St. Moritz Hotel is good with the lake view unfortunately there were scaffoldings that blocked the view.
Milford sound Cruise was very scenic but the flight portion did not happen due to bad weather.
The TSS Earnslaw buffet lunch did not have good choice for vegetarian meals in spite of one requested beforehand.
In Auckland The Waiheke Island wine tour and lunch were excellent with a very knowledgeable guide from Ananda Tours.
The Rotorua tour could have been better with the inclusion of the Cultural presentation at Te Puija which was missed. The guide Harry was brilliant.
Special mention to be made of Raymond shuttle service to and from Auckland airport for their very timely and friendly service.
Thanks to Vicky of VIO travel Australia for arranging this trip at short notice and planned very well except for early morning pick ups as teh whole trip was fast paced.
I would

Hotel Reviews
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

Housekeeping was poor

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Langham, Melbourne
Southbank
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fable Auckland
Auckland
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel St. Moritz
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ocean Freedom - Cruise to Outer Edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay Reef (Departs from Cairns)
Ocean Freedom - Cruise to Outer Edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay Reef (Departs from Cairns)
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Daintree Wanderer Tour
Private Daintree Wanderer Tour
Australia

Different kind of rain forest !!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

One of the best theatres in the world.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour
Blue Mountains Full Day - Private Tour
Sydney

Worth the full day trip.

Quality of Experience
Transport
 Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney
Transport
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sydney

Very relaxing and good food.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Field of Light Dinner | Indulge in a feast for the soul
Field of Light Dinner | Indulge in a feast for the soul
Uluru

A sprecial place to celebrate my wife's 70th birthday.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Nov 05, 2024
Hi Mohan,
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed review! I’m thrilled to hear about the memorable highlights, and I’ll certainly pass along your feedback to each of the guides, drivers, and hotels. It sounds like Guide Elliott in the Blue Mountains and Harry in Rotorua left a lasting impression, and I’ll let them know how much you appreciated their expertise and kindness. Raymond is a wonderful and we adore working with partners like him.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Ocean Freedom trip in...
Read more

Hi Mohan,
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed review! I’m thrilled to hear about the memorable highlights, and I’ll certainly pass along your feedback to each of the guides, drivers, and hotels. It sounds like Guide Elliott in the Blue Mountains and Harry in Rotorua left a lasting impression, and I’ll let them know how much you appreciated their expertise and kindness. Raymond is a wonderful and we adore working with partners like him.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Ocean Freedom trip in Cairns and the fascinating Daintree Wanderer rainforest tour—it’s wonderful when the guides and staff make these experiences seamless and enjoyable. I’m also delighted that the Waiheke Island wine tour stood out
I’ve noted the issues you mentioned, including housekeeping at Uluru and limited vegetarian options on the TSS Earnslaw buffet and in Uluru. I’ll pass your feedback onto the providers.
Thank you again for trusting me to organize this trip at short notice.
Warm regards,
Vicky