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Introducing Australia

When is the best time to visit?
There's no bad time to visit Australia, though there are a few tips to keep in mind. Much of Australia runs hot, especially in the north—places like Uluru, Darwin & Cairns are best visited in Southern Hemisphere winter (June, July, August). The opposite applies for southern regions like Tasmania & Victoria that can get particularly cold in winter—January & February are the most pleasant times to visit.

Interested in the Great Barrier Reef? You'll have warm temps all year, though spring and summer bring stifling temps and lots of warm tropical rain. The famous Gold Coast is the country's Goldilocks region, with lovely weather throughout the year it's known for having beautiful weather most of the year. And given Sydney's southern latitude, glittering beaches are best visited in the warm summer months. Learn more

Where should you go?
Ask an Australian, and they'll tell you that picking a favorite place in their vast homeland feels as impossible as choosing a favorite child. That said, travelers can't go wrong with Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock, the stunning sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory), Cairns and the renowned Great Barrier Reef, and the famous sights of metropolitan Sydney. Head to the Gold Coast for beach time, Melbourne for culture, Kangaroo Island for wildlife, and Broome for to visit the fascinating Horizontal Falls, a series of tidal waterfalls in Talbot Bay that's considered to be a natural wonder. 

How many days do I need?
Since reaching this part of the world requires long flights across multiple time zones for most travelers, it's best to make the most of your journey with at least one week in-country. The more time you can give it, the more relaxed and satisfying the trip will be. A great 10-day itinerary might start with 3 days in Sydney, before heading to Uluru, Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and Cairns for a few days each. Learn more

Have two weeks at your disposal? Even better. Consider flying into Melbourne, spending two days on Kangaroo Island, taking the Ghan Train from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and finishing with two nights each in Uluru, Darwin, and Cairns. Learn more about getting around Australia.

If you're combining Australia with another nearby destination like New Zealand or Indonesia, a 5-7 day trip is doable—you'll probably want to stick to exploring one city and taking a couple of day trips from there.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Australia Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Explore the Gold Coast's extensive coastline
Map of Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days
Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days

Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Starting in Coolangatta, you'll head up the Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise, where you'll enjoy golden beaches, world-class shopping, and a vibrant entertainment scene. End your stay in Byron Bay, taking in stunning sunsets, visiting organic farms, and meeting with friendly local artisans.

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.

Coastal Walk in Australia
Map of Ultimate Australia - 16 Days
Ultimate Australia - 16 Days

This well-rounded 16-day tour of Australia's highlights is sure to delight any first time visitor. You'll explore the hidden laneways of artsy Melbourne and the famous landmarks of Sydney, learn about indigenous culture at Uluru in the country's Red Center, and discover tropical Queensland with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll meet kangaroos at Kangaroo Island, search for crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and have free time to enjoy a few day trips of your choosing.

Kangaroo crosses a dirt road in Western Australia
Map of The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days
The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days

Cover the spectrum of these two dynamic countries with this comprehensive itinerary. Start off in New Zealand, where you'll visit both the North and South islands to explore Maori culture, natural wonders, adventure sports, and more—sip wine on Waiheke island, hike at Aoraki, and cruise through Milford Sound. Then head to Australia, starting with the city sights in Melbourne before you meet the penguins of Phillip Island, stunning scenes of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and urban streets of Sydney.

Uluru at sunset
Map of Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs - 5 Days
Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs - 5 Days

Explore the Australian Outback on this eventful five-day journey. Begin in Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, and discover the ancient Red Centre and its surroundings. Then, travel to Alice Springs to tour the art galleries and local sites, including Anza Hill and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Next, visit the red-hued West MacDonnell Ranges as a scenic sendoff.

Port Douglas Beach
Map of Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days
Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days

Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Make the Most of Your Time in Australia

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Get yourself to Kangaroo Island for a unique experience with the 'roos
How Many Days to Spend in Australia

When planning a trip to Australia, a 10-day trip is an ideal amount of time to visit four different areas. However, if you are strapped for time, you can explore two regions in...

Australia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Australia Content

Admire the colorful landscapes at Bay of Fires, Tasmania
18 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 18 days, you can visit at least three regions in Australia. Those keen on culture will appreciate the Indigenous-led experiences of the east and west coasts, while those interested in road-tripping can opt for an east coast adventure. Enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor activities from Melbourne to Uluru and Port Douglas and Sydney. Outdoorsy folks can hike in New South Wales and Tasmania, while those seeking both adrenaline and rejuvenation can bungee jump and soak in hot springs on a two-country itinerary.

Spend two nights on Kangaroo Island and check out sites like The Remarkables
Map of Australia's Nature, Wine & Wildlife: Sydney,  Adelaide, Barossa Valley & Palm Cove - 17 Days
Australia's Nature, Wine & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Barossa Valley & Palm Cove - 17 Days

Experience Australia's classic highlights and off-the-beaten-path nature, wine, and wildlife on this comprehensive 17-day tour. Enjoy city sightseeing and food tours in Sydney and Adelaide before road-tripping through the lush Barossa Valley for wine tasting at boutique vineyards. Next, sail over to Kangaroo Island to spot iconic Australian wildlife and fly to tropical Queensland, where rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, and the white sands of Palm Cove await.

Australia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Australia map: 14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Australia map: 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Australia map: 7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Australia
Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 16 hours ago

Liz Neal

I have been involved in the travel industry since my first job out of college, working for hotels, travel companies and for the last 8 years in Springboard Vacations. I approach my customer's...

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Travel specialist Gary Topic
active 3 hours ago

Gary Topic

I am immensely proud of my beautiful, stunning country and love to show it off to visitors. I get a real buzz when someone from overseas says, "Wow, that was amazing." I am also an explorer by...

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Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 4 hours 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 Connie Campos
active 3 hours ago

Connie Campos

I have travel to Australia and New Zealand every year, and I've been to all the places you are looking to visit so I can speak to you from experience and first-hand knowledge.

read more...

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

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Authentic travel experiences

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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

Great vacations in Australia
Australia | Apr 11 - Apr 22, 2023

Ileana
Ileana I.
Jollyville, TX | Reviewed on May 06, 2023

We purchased a costumed designed independent trip to Australia with Springboard Vacations, and we ended up having great vacations on April 2023. We have to thank their trip specialist, Connie, with whom we started communicating in late Dec. 2022. Connie worked with us for over three months prior and during our trip, clearly understood our priorities and wants, and ensured that our two weeks filled with activity and tours-cations in Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns and Sydney would be unforgettable.... read more

We purchased a costumed designed independent trip to Australia with Springboard Vacations, and we ended up having great vacations on April 2023. We have to thank their trip specialist, Connie, with whom we started communicating in late Dec. 2022. Connie worked with us for over three months prior and during our trip, clearly understood our priorities and wants, and ensured that our two weeks filled with activity and tours-cations in Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns and Sydney would be unforgettable. Overall, I will work with Connie again if we plan other trips to destinations covered in her portfolio. Springboard Vacations, can certainly create good travel packages to please any traveler, and at good price.

Overall experience with tours included in our itnerary per our requests and interests: Very satisfied 5/5
Also, all of our tour guides were knowledgeable and courteous. We were glad that with a customed designed trip option, we went to the specific locations and attractions that we were interested in, joining different small groups and being more independent.

Melbourne:
• Great Ocean Road Day Trip- great full day tour with multiple stops including various National Parks)
• Adventure Philip Island & Penguin Parade Excursion - First stop was at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where we enjoyed seeing koalas, and feeding/petting wallabies and kangaroos, and the last stop was the super amazing treat by over 1400 small penguins that got out of the sea and paraded in front of us on their way to their burrows; I really recommend this tour and an upgrade to the Penguins Plus option seating.
• Morning Lanes and Arcades Tour - 3 hour tour was very educational and enjoyable.
• Note: We had 1.5 free days in Melbourne to visit museums, gardens and other points of interest. We highly recommend some free time for these activities.

Uluru:
• Kata Tjuta & Sunset Over Uluru tour- a few hours tour to enjoy very pretty views of the big rock
• Sunrise Over Uluru Culture and Sightseeing tour - very enjoyable sunrise with colorful views, and a good hike that brought us close to the huge rock formations.
• Sunrise Field of Light Tour is a good exhibit with good natural backgrounds (sunset option is available)

Cairns:
• Full-Day Marine World Outer Great Barrier Reef – this was priceless to us, as we spent approx. 2 hours each in the morning and afternoon snorkeling in two different coral reef areas with very abundant sea life. On board, we purchased the bio-snorkeling 30 min tour that led us to about ½ dozen spots where we saw (otherwise have probably missed), and learned about clams and some fish and coral species.
• Note: On our free day we enjoyed a morning on the boardwalk area, and the afternoon was awesome too, as one of us went to the Botanical Gardens and Tanks Art Exhibit, and the other one went white water rafting.
• We wished that we would have spent a third day in Cairns to spent another outer Great Barrier Reef snorkeling.

Sydney
• Sydney Opera House 1 hour tour was very informative, and at the end we bought tickets for a night performance which was worthy.
• Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights tour (informative 3 hours drive around the city and to Bondi Beach)
• Afternoon ferry ride that took us to the Taronga Zoo – excellent with a wide variety of local birds, koalas kangaroos, dingo dogs and many more interesting/exotic animals.
• Full Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Day – we first stopped at a farm for about 1.5 hrs to pet a koala, watch many kangaroos, wallabies and emus, and then we arrived at the National Park where we enjoyed the views at different stop points, a 2 mile hike, and its garden.
• Note: We had free time in Sydney to walk on the bridge across the Harbour, go for the Saturday Night fireworks on Darling Harbour, do a little shopping, and eating at various restaurants of choice. We wished that we had a free full day to visit museums and gardens around Sydney.

Transportation from/to all airports: Very satisfied
Transportation was consistently excellent: On time, top notch and vehicles, and the drivers were friendly and respectful.

Hotels: Very satisfied.
Mantra on Russell, Melbourne: Good option because location of hotel was convenient, e.g., close to free light rail, to lots of stores and good restaurants in the predominately chinese area. The room appeared to have been recently remodeled, it was well appointed, super clean and with all desired ammenities (including a kitchenette). I enjoyed the swimming pool too. Good service. 

Desert Garden Hotel, Uluru: Great option
It was super close to the "town square" of the hotel, there is a small but well appointed grocery store, free laundry facilities (dryer/washer), many stores and restaurants (very good food), and opportunity for various presentations and for walking around hotel between tours to the National Parks. All tour companies covering the area have representatives in an office in the "town square", so if necessary, we could ask detailed questions about tours in our itinerary. Good service. 

Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside: Very satisfied with this hotel
Very good location with access to boardwalk and restaurants. Pretty lobby, gardens and restaurants and the large room was clean. Breakfast was good too. Good service.

Mantra, Sydney: Excellent a 6 out of 5 if possible to rate it that way.
Location is to die for, with the light rail station being in front of the hotel. Hotel is surrounded by malls, stores, grocery stores, many restaurants and within walking distance of key tourist locations as you described in our itinerary. The hotel was very clean, the suites are very well appointed, and it was great to have a washer/dryer in our suite. Very good service with friendly and helpful personnel. On two out of the three mornings during our stay in the hotel, we had to leave prior to their small restaurant being opened for breakfast at 7:00 AM; the chef prepared us to go breakfast boxes with delicious/good content on the first day with less than 30 minutes of my request when he had just arrived, and appeared to have a semi-ready to go box on the second day, as he handed them to us at his official start time of 6:30 AM.

Local specialist: Connie Campos
Connie
Connie Campos
Local specialist in Washington | Replied on May 07, 2023

Dear Ileana,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. We take all your feedback in consideration to always improve our service.
We're really grateful and appreciate you taking the time to share your rating with us.
I am passing your comments to my colleagues and we hope to see you again in one of trips.
Your 5 star rating is very much appreciated...

Best regards
Connie

Easiest Trip I've Ever Taken!
Australia | Apr 10 - Apr 27, 2023

Amelia
Amelia D.
South Korea | Reviewed on May 05, 2023

One of the best things we ever could have done was worked with Liz to organize our trip to Australia and New Zealand. The process of organizing our trip (hotels, transfers, events) was so much easier working through Liz as it narrowed down the millions of options and she kept us within a reasonable amount of our budget. What really stood out was when our flight to Australia was completely canceled. Between Liz and Leslie in Australia, they helped reorganize our trip, working with the tour... read more

One of the best things we ever could have done was worked with Liz to organize our trip to Australia and New Zealand. The process of organizing our trip (hotels, transfers, events) was so much easier working through Liz as it narrowed down the millions of options and she kept us within a reasonable amount of our budget. What really stood out was when our flight to Australia was completely canceled. Between Liz and Leslie in Australia, they helped reorganize our trip, working with the tour companies to ensure our trip was still amazing. They were both so helpful and we would have been so much more stressed without them during that time. Also, Liz was able to coordinate our tours so that all but maybe two tours picked us up at our hotel, eliminating the need for a rental car everywhere we went.

A couple highlights for others planning to go to Australia and New Zealand who love the outdoors:
Sydney
- Explore the Gardens
- Do a harbor cruise at night, the views are worth it!
- Full Day Blue Mountains Tour -> One of the top things we did, the most amazing day and most amazing guide
Cairns
- Great Barrier Reef is a must, Passions of Paradise was the company we took and the experience and what we learned was amazing!
- Wait-a-while Evening Rainforest Tour was amazing! The guide was so knowledgable and friendly!
Brisbane
- We rented a car and did the Australia Zoo ourselves which was perfect because we got there right when it opened and left just as is was closing. You need a whole day!
Auckland
- Afternoon Wilderness Experience
- We did a shared tour to Hobbiton that dropped us off in Rotorua, cutting down on travel time which was great!
Rotorua
- Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience was a must to learn about the culture and the history of New Zealand
- Loved the Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel, it was central and near tons of places to grab a bite to eat!
Queenstown
- The Rydges Lakeland Resort was stunning and made it easy to walk to places in Queenstown
- Full Day Routeburn Hike --> Absolutely stunning!
- Milford Sound
- Full Day Funyak Safari Trip --> So much fun! JJ led our group as we kayacked down the Dart River and was just so much fun to chat with and explore!

Hotel Reviews
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
Sydney

Absolutely stunning hotel and room! Staff was super friendly and helpful. Fabulous location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
Palm Cove

Good location, clean and spacious room, small company. Nothing is included in the cost of the room (bathroom amenities, cost to wash pool towels, laundry cost was $8).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They let us check in early which was much appreciated!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Spring Hill
Authenticity & Character
Location
A little further away from the center of town but was an easy walk.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crowne Plaza Auckland
Auckland

Lots of construction happening outside the hotel so we didn't do a lot of exploring outside. Rooms and staff were kind, breakfast included.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Regent of Rotorua
Rotorua

Loved the location next to a bunch of restaurants, easy walking location around town. Super cute and modern hotel, a gem in Rotorua!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rydges Lakeland Queenstown

Great location, unique atmosphere!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on May 05, 2023

Hello Amelia
Thanks for the detail review and the wonderful ideas you are sharing with future travelers!!

I am very glad that you were able to take this trip and I enjoyed working with you very much. Hope we can help in the future to one of our other great destinations.

Liz

We loved our trip to Australia and Connie was...
Australia | Apr 14 - Apr 20, 2023

D
Dianne W.
Cohoes, NY | Reviewed on May 03, 2023

We loved our trip to Australia and Connie was very patient and helped to plan the perfect trip for us. She responded immediately to any questions I had . We had wanted a trip to see more " nature " and she suggested Tasmania. She advised that we rent a car ( which we were hesitant to do ) . But, it was perfect and fun going out of our comfort range. The driving turned out to be so laid back and easy , and such beautiful scenery ! We visited Cradle mountain first and then on to Hobart. Thanks... read more

We loved our trip to Australia and Connie was very patient and helped to plan the perfect trip for us. She responded immediately to any questions I had . We had wanted a trip to see more " nature " and she suggested Tasmania. She advised that we rent a car ( which we were hesitant to do ) . But, it was perfect and fun going out of our comfort range. The driving turned out to be so laid back and easy , and such beautiful scenery ! We visited Cradle mountain first and then on to Hobart. Thanks Connie !

Hotel Reviews
The Grace Hotel
Sydney, NSW
Location
Walking distance to Barangaroo/ The rocks - Perfect !
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cradle Mountain Hotel
Cradle Mountain
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ibis Styles Hobart
Hobart
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location. Within walking distance to many attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Taste of Sydney Private Tour
Sydney

Loved this tour ! It was perfect for us especially since we had only 1 day in Sydney. We started at a nearby hotel within walking distance. Our guide was very informative and fun and we were able to experience foods that we probably would not have if we were on our own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Exceptional guide. Very fun and knowledgeable. He seemed to genuinely love what he was doing.
Devils @ Cradle After Dark Feeding Tour
Cradle Mountain National Park

Great experience if you love animals . Not only do you get to see Tasmanian devils, but Quolls which are endangered species as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Bruny Island Tour
Hobart

So much fun and the food tastings were fantastic ! Cheeses, honey, beer and lunch !

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Connie Campos
Connie
Connie Campos
Local specialist in Washington | Replied on May 03, 2023

Thank you very much for your great feedback. I am so happy you took my recommendation and loved Tasmania. There are so many hidden jewels in those amazing place. I am happy you enjoyed the trip and please do let us know should you wish to put another amazing trip to the South Pacific.
Thank you again,
Connie