KimKim helps travelers enjoy visiting other countries confidentally
Australia | Feb 16 - Feb 28, 2025

Michelle
Michelle C.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

We engaged KimKim to put together an itineray for my husband and I for Australia. We had used the online travel agency last year for a trip and really liked their selections of hotels and execursions.

After a month long cruise, we were debarking in Sydney and planned to spend nearly two weeks there. Paula, our travel consultant, was very responsive in helping us plan our time there and finding places to stay. Overall, we are very pleased with how the trip went in Australia. There were two hotels that just okay. One had water damage and the chef didn't show up for breakfast on a morning we had an early excursion and had to scramble to find a quick breakfast.

That said, I would recommend using KimKim to my friends and family. The team does a fantastic job in helping travelers get around in countries that they have not traveled before. I like that we receive an itineray with all of our day to day activities that includes key contacts and addresses.

Hotel Reviews
Mercure Cairns
Cairns

Tbere was water damage in the lobby of the hotel. The chef didn't show up for work on a morning we had an early execursion. The first morning we went to breakfast, the coffee machine wasn't working. The second morning, we had to scramble to find a quick breakfast before we were picked up as the chef didn't show up for breakfast. They didn't offer to help us pay for that. While the room was nice, it was very hot and humid and the room's AC had a hard time keeping up.

Authenticity & Character
Overall the hotel seems a bit shabby.
Location
Very good location to restaurants and shopping.
Staff
The staff at the front desk were very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Again, while clean, except for the waer falling from the ceiling tiles, the hotel seemed shaby.
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, an IHG Hotel
Adelaide

Really enjoyed staying at this hotel. It seemed new and was very well appointed.

Authenticity & Character
It had a great vibe.
Location
While across the public market, it was a bit of a hike to the CBD, restaurants and shopping.
Staff
Everyone at the front desk was extremely helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yes.
Mercure Welcome Melbourne
Melbourne

The hotel is located in the middle of Chinatown and on a busy street. It lacked any character and the breakfast was inedible. The rooms were small and lacked storage space for suitcases, etc. Plus the rooms were very warm, again it was hot and humid and the AC couldn't keep up.

Authenticity & Character
The entire hotel seemed bland and uninviting.
Location
There were other hotels not right in the center of everything and on a street (alley really) that had busy traffic.
Staff
While the staff was friendly, the front desk seemed to be busy.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was small and we just didn't want housekeeping to come in. I'm not even sure the cleaners even tried to come in every day. Overall, the place didn't seem super clean.
Activity Reviews
Dolphin Sanctuary Guided Kayaking
Dolphin Sanctuary Guided Kayaking
Adelaide

The place was not inviting and the operator didn't open the doors until the time the tour started. There was no place to wait and we had to find our own tranportation there and back. They seemed a bit short staffed and disorganized until the last minute. Even though we did see dolphins, I wouldn't recommend this tour to anyone.

Quality of Experience
There were two groups but at the end it was one big, unruly group. At one point, all the kayays ended up to a narrow point going into a mangrove, those of us in the front were pushed into trees and had a hard time getting through the narrow point.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
When we did have a chance to chat with our guide, he seemed knowledgable. But once the two groups merged, it was hard to follow instructions.
Transport
Transportation was not included and it the location seemed a bit out of the way. We had to pay for an Uber both ways.
Private Dinner, Tales & Cocktails Experience
Private Dinner, Tales & Cocktails Experience
Melbourne

This was an amazing experience. Our guide, Raff, took us to three unique places we never would have found on our own. Plus he was a great conversationalist and shared information about the arts scene in the city. Very impressive.

Quality of Experience
Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. He took us to some great restaurants and had lots to share about the surrounding locations. The entire experience was incredible.
Food
All of the food was so good. We ate house made tqcos at a rooftop restaurant, enjoyed wine with cheese and crackers and ended with a drink at a unique speakeasy.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See above.
Transport
Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure by 4WD
Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure by 4WD
Australia

Overall this was a good tour, just really long. Rown, our guide, was very knowledgeable and engaging. He did a great job with the group and well-versed about Daintree and the rainforest and its history. Great storyteller. The only drawback was the cruise we took on the river. I don't think that added anything to the experience. We probably gotten home a bit sooner if we skipped that.

Quality of Experience
Our guide did a fantastic job. Plus we were seeing so many beautiful locations.
Food
The food at the restaurant was good but not great. Knowing there aren't a lot of options it worked. The restaurant offered a great backdrop to the forest. Plus many in our group were able to go for a swim in the river next to the restaurant.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rowan is really good at what he does!
Transport
The vehicle was clean and comfortable.
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

This was an amazing tour. I'm so glad we were able to do this. The story of the construction and updates just fascinating.

Quality of Experience
We got to see nd listen to the orchestra practice playing in the large hall.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was knowledgeable but came across a bit snooty.
Transport
We walked there ourselves after lunch and took an Uber to the hotel
Discover Melbourne by Bike
Discover Melbourne by Bike
Melbourne

I did not participate as we had a long tour the day before on a tour we booked on our own. However Glen went and enjoyed seeing the city by bicycle. The guide, Pat, asked the group if they minded if the tour went on a bit longer to cover more ground. Everyone agreed and had a good time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowlegeable about the city and bicycling.
Transport
Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Day Trip
Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Day Trip
Sydney

While this was a long day, it was enjoyable. Steve was a great guide who was very knowledgable.

Quality of Experience
Was very excited to pet a koala bear and feed kangaroos and wallabyes.
Food
We stopped at a restaurant on the beach. There were great options to choose from and the food was great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very knowledgeable about the places we visited and the surrounding area. He was also very personable. too.
Transport
Clean and comfortable.
Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
Sydney

It was great to drive around and have someone point out points and places of interest. However, we saw some great architecture and didn't really stop in the city, probably due to traffic. Our guide took us out of the city center to nearby neighborhoods where we did stop a few times. I probably would have preferred a walking tour of the city.

Quality of Experience
Overall it was nice and the guide was knowledgable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was very knowledgble.
Transport
Clean and comfortable.
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Australia

Overall, the tour to see the Great Barrier Reef was great. That said, the weather brought high winds making the sea choppy the cruiand the cruise a bit uncomfortable for several people. But the staff did a great job in offering ginger to help those struggling with seasickness. tThey also had two marine biologist to provide educational components on the way to the reef and back.

Quality of Experience
The staff did a great job getting people ready to visit the island and snorkel if they wanted.
Food
They had a variety of food that provided those with diet restrictions with options. The food was well marked and tasty!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The ship was rocky, but that's not the fault of the tour operator. The ship was very nice and comfortable overall.
Local specialist: Paula Adams
Paula
Paula Adams
Local specialist in California and Australia | Replied on Mar 24, 2025
G'day Michelle & Glen, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip as well as the awesome pictures. I truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time. It was a pleasure working with you both. Your review helps me continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you so thank you again for sharing your experiences with me. If there's anything else I can do to make your future travels even more... Read more

G'day Michelle & Glen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip as well as the awesome pictures. I truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time. It was a pleasure working with you both.

Your review helps me continue to provide exceptional service to valued clients like you so thank you again for sharing your experiences with me. If there's anything else I can do to make your future travels even more memorable, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure to the South Pacific!

Kind Regards,
Paula