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

Sue
Sue K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2025

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

Hotel Reviews
Mercure Welcome Melbourne
Melbourne

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

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

Nice hotel with balcony overlooking their pool and the Sound.

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

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

Quality of Experience
I enjoyed our Oceania driver and guide, Nick. He was informative and really provided us with a great experience.
Food
Food options were undesirable so we we got scallop pies nearby that were awesome.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A bit bumpy in the back! Good amount of bathroom breaks.
Local specialist: Paula Adams