Vicky is the best!
Australia | Dec 21 - Jan 2, 2025

Dan
Dan H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2025

Our guides in Melbourne were excellent - Walter with Around and About, Josh with Oceania Tours Melbourne & especially Shelley Cohney, who did the Jewish Melbourne tour. Let me also add that Vicky didn't have an existing vendor for a Jewish Melbourne tour, but she happened to stumble upon the most knowledgable tour guide about Jewish life and history in Australia. On two occasions we asked Vicky to swap out or cancel scheduled tours on just over 24 hour notice and she managed to get us full refunds, which we really appreciated. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish Vicky had given us more of a heads up about what the Edge experience at the Melbourne Skydeck was, as had we known, we would have told her NOT to book that for us. Without Vicky, our trip would't have been anywhere near as amazing as it ended up being, and I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone booking a trip to Australia!

Hotel Reviews
Rydges Melbourne Hotel
Melbourne

Hotel was great. Having the living room area was a nice plus. My only complaint was that there was no way to attach a Fire TV stick to the TV in the bedroom as there was no way to access the back of the TV given the way the TV was mounted to the wall. The kids really liked the pool and pickleball court.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
I saw a mouse in the lobby (and discretely pointed it out the to the staff).
Pullman Cairns International
Cairns

The kids really liked the pool. We loved that breakfast was included, and it was excellent (the kids really liked the juicer). Balconies in the rooms were a plus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to all of our activities.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Novotel Darling Harbour

Lobby was great - kids loved the foosball table. Pool was also great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Bus Tour, Plus Otway Zipline Experience
Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Bus Tour, Plus Otway Zipline Experience
Melbourne

We were lucky to be the only ones on the tour that day. I know it wasn't set up as a private tour, but that was an added bonus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Walter was great!
Transport
He had wifi on his vehicle, which was awesome.
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 05, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback Dan. I am so pleased you had such a fantastic time in Melbourne and enjoyed the tours with Walter, Josh, and Shelley. I’m so glad Shelley’s expertise brought Jewish Melbourne to life for you.
I also appreciate your kind words about my efforts to accommodate those last-minute changes. Flexibility is key when it comes to making sure your trip is as perfect as possible, and I’m so pleased everything worked out smoothly and our partners could assist...
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback Dan. I am so pleased you had such a fantastic time in Melbourne and enjoyed the tours with Walter, Josh, and Shelley. I’m so glad Shelley’s expertise brought Jewish Melbourne to life for you.
I also appreciate your kind words about my efforts to accommodate those last-minute changes. Flexibility is key when it comes to making sure your trip is as perfect as possible, and I’m so pleased everything worked out smoothly and our partners could assist in this instance

As for the Edge experience at Melbourne Skydeck, I sincerely apologize for not giving you a clearer heads-up about what to expect. I’ll make sure to provide more detailed information going forward.

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so grateful for your recommendation. If you ever decide to visit Australia again (or explore New Zealand!), I’d be thrilled to assist you.

Warm regards,
Vicky 🌏✨