Australia is vast — and that's what makes it incredible. From the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the pristine coastlines of Queensland and the rugged wilderness of Tasmania, the diversity can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. That's where Cooee Tours comes in. We specialize in private, locally guided tours designed for comfort, flexibility, and genuine Australian insight that goes beyond the guidebooks.
Planning your first trip to Australia? The sheer size of the country—similar to the continental United States—means you need to be strategic about your time. Private tours eliminate the guesswork, offering curated experiences that maximize your limited vacation days while providing the authenticity and flexibility that large group tours simply can't match.
Unlike cookie-cutter group tours where you're herded from location to location on a rigid schedule, private tours adapt to your interests and pace. Want to spend an extra 30 minutes at that breathtaking lookout? Done. Prefer to skip the tourist trap and explore a hidden local gem instead? Your guide knows just the place.
These handpicked tours are perfect starting points for your Australian adventure:
Perfect for first arrivals. Discover Brisbane's vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, stunning viewpoints, and local insider spots that only residents know about. Your guide will share the stories behind the city and help you get oriented for the rest of your Australian journey.
Explore BrisbaneOne of Australia's most iconic and photographed coastal drives—experience it properly without the crowds. Stop when and where you want, from the Twelve Apostles to hidden beaches and rainforest walks. This isn't just a drive; it's an immersive experience.
View DetailsEscape to lush rainforests, charming mountain villages, and breathtaking scenic lookouts without the hassle of car hire. Experience the best of Queensland's natural beauty with stops at local markets, artisan shops, and pristine waterfalls.
Discover MoreSee Sydney's most famous landmarks including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then escape to iconic beaches like Bondi and Manly. Your local guide will reveal the best viewpoints, cafes, and hidden spots that tourists usually miss.
Book Sydney TourDelve into Melbourne's famous cafe culture, street art, and hidden laneways with an expert guide. Experience the city's creative heart, from rooftop bars to underground music venues and the best coffee you'll ever taste.
Explore MelbourneNot all tour operators are created equal. Here's what sets Cooee Tours apart and why we're the trusted choice for thousands of first-time Australian visitors:
Choosing your first Australian tour can feel overwhelming. We've organized our most popular offerings into categories to help you decide:
Get oriented fast with comprehensive city tours in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Perfect as your first activity to understand the layout, culture, and best spots in each city.
Australia's coastline is legendary. Experience it properly with our Great Ocean Road private tour, or explore the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast beaches and hinterlands.
Discover world-class Australian wine regions with private tastings at boutique vineyards. Choose from the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, or Yarra Valley tours.
Get up close with Australia's unique wildlife in their natural habitats. Our ethical wildlife tours in Tasmania and Kangaroo Island offer unforgettable encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and native birds.
Escape the coast and explore Australia's stunning mountain ranges, rainforests, and charming villages. Perfect for nature lovers who want cooler temperatures and lush scenery.
Have something specific in mind? We create fully customized private tours based on your interests, whether that's photography, history, adventure activities, or indigenous cultural experiences.
Beyond booking tours, here's what first-timers should know to make the most of their Australian adventure:
Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December-February) offers beach weather but can be hot and crowded. Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November) provide ideal conditions with mild weather and fewer tourists. Winter (June-August) is perfect for the northern regions and offers the best value with lower prices.
Australia is enormous. For first-timers, we recommend at least 10-14 days to explore 2-3 major regions properly. Trying to see everything in one trip leads to exhaustion and missed experiences. Focus on quality over quantity—you can always come back!
While renting a car works for some, many first-time visitors underestimate the distances and driving conditions. Private tours eliminate stress, allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery, avoid navigation hassles, and provide expert local knowledge. Plus, you can enjoy Australian wines without worrying about driving!
Layers are key—temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon, especially in coastal areas. Don't forget sunscreen (Australian sun is intense!), a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Many of our tours include refreshments, but staying hydrated is crucial.
The questions we hear most from first-time visitors:
Private tours offer personalized experiences with flexible itineraries, expert local guides who share insider knowledge, comfortable transportation with hotel pickup, and the ability to explore at your own pace without the constraints of large group tours. This is especially valuable for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time and truly understand Australia's unique culture and landscapes.
The best private tours include city tours in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne for urban exploration; the Great Ocean Road for iconic coastal scenery; Queensland's Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast for beaches and hinterland; and food and wine experiences in the Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley. Wildlife tours in Tasmania and Kangaroo Island are also highly recommended for first-timers.
We recommend booking private tours at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (December-February and school holidays). However, last-minute bookings may be available depending on guide availability. Early booking ensures you get your preferred dates and allows time to customize your itinerary.
Most Cooee Tours private tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, experienced local guide, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Some tours include meals, entry fees, and refreshments. Specific inclusions vary by tour, so check individual tour details for complete information.
Yes! That's one of the main benefits of private tours. Cooee Tours works with you to customize your itinerary based on your interests, pace, and preferences. Whether you want to spend more time at specific locations, add extra stops, or adjust departure times, our guides accommodate your needs.
Absolutely! Private tours are ideal for families because you control the pace and activities. Our guides are experienced with children and can suggest family-friendly stops, breaks, and activities. We can also provide child seats and accommodate shorter attention spans with engaging storytelling and interactive experiences.
Private tours are exclusively for you and your travel companions—no strangers. You have complete flexibility over timing, stops, and pace. Group tours follow fixed schedules with multiple travelers, limited flexibility, and set itineraries. While group tours cost less, private tours offer significantly more value through personalization and attention to your specific interests.
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia and not culturally expected like in North America. However, if you've received exceptional service, a tip is always appreciated. Many of our guests choose to tip their guides 10-15% if they've had an outstanding experience, but there's absolutely no pressure or obligation.
Real feedback from travelers who chose Cooee Tours for their first Australian adventure:
"As first-time visitors to Australia, we were overwhelmed by choices. Cooee Tours made everything easy. Our guide Mark was incredible—knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely passionate about showing us his country. The private tour meant we could go at our own pace and ask endless questions without feeling rushed."
— Sarah & David M., United States
"We wanted to see the Great Ocean Road but didn't want to drive ourselves. Best decision ever! Our private tour let us stop whenever we wanted for photos, and our guide knew all the best spots that weren't crowded with tourists. Worth every penny."
— Emma C., United Kingdom
Private tours. Expert local guides. Flexible itineraries.
Start planning your authentic Australian adventure today.
Have questions? Contact our team for personalized recommendations
More helpful resources for first-time Australian visitors: