Our People

 

We love this country! Our team of friendly  Travel Professionals has been creating holidays around Australia since 2001 – and we are pretty good at it!

So if you want an unforgettable holiday, that not only surpasses your expectations but also eliminates all the guessing and hard work, then talk to one of our team today – We are there with you all the way!

Read our reviews and find out why our guests just love what we do!

Elizabeth Marshall

Profile picture for user Elizabeth

Since graduating from university, Elizabeth has now found her true calling in Tourism. She has an understandable love for the great outdoors and a true passion when it comes to helping people discover Australia. Elizabeth takes great pride in ensuring our team has the latest information to showcase the very best Australia has to offer and fits in perfectly to run First Light Travel’s Customer Services.   

Marcella Johnston

Profile picture for user Marcella

Marcella was destined for a bright future in travel, having both Italian and Samoan Heritage, and a love of learning about the different cultures around the world. Her parents fostered her love of travel with family holidays throughout Australia and the South Pacific. After studying, Marcella became Air New Zealand's youngest ever Flight Attendant, a dream of Marcella's as a 9 year old. Her time as a flight attendant came to an end, and she moved to Europe to take on new adventures. Marcela explains how these travel experiences have shaped her as a Travel Designer.

Gina ONeill

Profile picture for user Gina

Gina has moved around Australia but rates Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast as the best place to live! Whilst she feels a trip is not complete without a visit to Australia Zoo she loves the unique wildlife that Tasmania has to offer too. When she is not being fascinated on land by animals, you will find her snorkelling and exploring the ocean. Gina’s passion and care brightens up everyone’s day so you know your travel plans are in safe hands.

Danielle Mueth

Profile picture for user Danielle

Growing up in the USA, Danielle’s passion for travel began at a young age. After a year of studying abroad during university, the travel bug was fully engrained, inspiring Danielle to spend years exploring and living on a variety of continents whilst earning her Master’s degree in Tourism Management. She was drawn to Australasia for the awesome hiking opportunities and unique landscapes. When Danielle is not crafting seamless and unique itineraries for others, you will find her eagerly exploring our backcountry.

 

Narissa Phipps

Profile picture for user Narissa

Upon completion of her degree in the UK, Narissa embarked on a round the world trip landing in Australia for the first time in 2013. After living on Australia’s East Coast and with the South Pacific well and truly cementing the travel bug in place, Narissa moved to New Zealand where she now proudly calls home. Using her unique experience as both a tourist and a local, Narissa now dedicates her time to personally curate the dream itinerary guaranteed to create memories of a lifetime.  

Micala Lindsay

Profile picture for user Micala

I have grown up having family in Aussie so it has always been the go-to destination for family holidays. The Gold Coast in particular is my favorite destination as it has everything I love to do – great shopping, relaxing beaches, theme parks, and wildlife. I have also travelled to Melbourne numerous times growing up to visit family, I don’t think I’ve ever failed to make a trip to Melbourne Zoo every time I’ve been as I am absolutely obsessed with the animals and wildlife in Australia. 

Nigel Williamson

Profile picture for user Nigel

Nigel was born in Adelaide Australia and has been involved in tourism for over a decade. Working as a tour guide in Africa, Nigel literally enjoyed it so much that he decided to run the company - becoming the London based Operations Manager. After completing his MBA and spending three years as a Management Consultant, Nigel felt it was time to get back to the good life - travel!

Natalie te Dorsthorst

Profile picture for user Natalie

Having worked in tourism all her life, talking to Natalie about Australia is like opening up a treasure chest. Whilst she loves all of Australia, her favourite place is Mildura as it ticks all the boxes as a great country town with awesome food wine and people. Of all Natalie’s experiences in Australia, her favourite is houseboating on the Murray River. In her Guest Services role, Natalie’s top tip is to make sure you spend some time finding your feet and wandering with the locals.

Steve Taylor

Profile picture for user Steve

After 4 years running other peoples trucks, Steve established his own successful African overland safari company, overseeing operations and logistics between London and some of the most challenging terrain in travel that there is. In 2003, Steve returned to Perth and is now using his expertise as First Light Travel's Operations Manager.

Anne Baumscheiper

Profile picture for user anne

A seasoned travel professional originating from Germany, Anne loves the ocean and can’t wait to explore the fascinating underwater world that Australia has to offer now that she has completed all her dive training. When Anne’s not working hard in the office or exploring the ocean you will find her out and about on some white knuckle adventure in the great outdoors. 

Brent Narbey

Profile picture for user Brent

Brent has been involved in tourism for over twenty years. He owned an agency in London for 7 years (Global Connect Travel) running `high end' adventure tours in East Africa and diving holidays in the Red Sea, along with other activities and destinations around the world. Currently attempting to mountain bike all the back country tracks he can find and living to tell the tale!

Anna Caudle

Profile picture for user Anna

Originally from the USA, Anna has travelled the globe fairly extensively. She graduated university with a degree in Tourism Management and has since gained experience working in many facets of the industry, including the luxury space. She is passionate about implementing her love and knowledge of Australia to tailor make your dream holiday. When not creating your perfect trip, she can probably be found dreaming up her own next adventure or with her head in the water in her favourite spot in Australia, the Ningaloo reef

Suzie Thorp

Profile picture for user suzie

Suzie is awestruck by Australia’s beauty and huge range of activities on offer. A keen diver she gained her Advanced Open Water Certificate on a live-board on the Great Barrier Reef. When she’s not exploring underwater you can find her courtside at the Australian Tennis Open in Melbourne, and with fifteen years previously in the wine industry, and a ‘foodie’ by nature, she also loves her ‘girls only’ shopping and dining trips to Sydney. 

Michelle Perrin

Profile picture for user Michelle P

Born and bred in New Zealand Michelle loves to travel to unwind.  Her favourite memories from Australia come from the 12 months spent living and working in Melbourne and exploring Tasmania with a 6 month old baby in tow.  Michelle believes that the diversity that Australia offers from busy cities to epic outdoor adventures means it has something for everyone and she looks forward to exploring the remaining two states that she hasn't visited yet.  After having worked in the IT industry for 30 years Michelle now focuses on making First Light Travel's systems even better.
 
 

Judith Pohn

Profile picture for user Judith

Judith comes from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. In 2004 she set out on a world trip, visiting all continents. When she arrived into Australia she didn’t leave a stone unturned covering 2,300 kilometres from Wilsons Prom National Park, all the way up to Cook Town, then to Darwin down to Esperance and Uluru. She’s even hitchhiked across the Nullarbor National Park! Judith loves the Aussies and says that their hospitality helped to make this trip her best one ever. She is looking forward to making this become true for you too.

Dmitry Piven

Profile picture for user Dmitry

Dmitry has been in travel industry since 1992. He started out in Russia as a guide for American travellers. In 2004 Dmitry finally settled in New Zealand. Since this time he has explored every corner of the country, either with clients or with his own family. Fishing, caving, rafting, walking, quad biking and doing the world’s highest bungee (134m) are amongst the activities he enjoys most.

Bernadette Biggelaar

Profile picture for user Bernadette

Travel, connecting with people and creating memorable experiences has always been something that comes naturally to Bernadette. This is what made the decision for her to study and graduate with a degree in International Hospitality Management easy. Bernadette understands the magnitude of Australia as a destination and loves to help ease the decision process in order to maximise time spent exploring. When she is not ‘working’ you will find her seeking out a new eatery, getting amongst nature or going on a weekend roadie. Next up on the bucket list is completing all the amazing hikes around the Blue Mountains! 

Emma Bradley

Profile picture for user Emma Bradley

Emma caught the travel bug on her first ever trip to the Northern Hemisphere! Upon her return in 2017, she just knew she had to share her new passion for those wanting to visit the South Pacific. She started her tourism career as a Travel Designer before moving into the Product space as an Assistant and now a Product Manager. Emma’s favourite place in Australia is currently Melbourne as it ticks all the boxes that every foodie desires but this might all change once she has ticked off her next must visit destination, Margaret River! 

 

Gabriella Darby

Profile picture for user Gabriella

Gabriella grew up in California with frequent trips to the UK to visit extended family and that is where her love for travel began. Living Down Under for the past 5 years, Australia has become her amazing new adventure playground. She loves the mix of the big cities and small towns, with lots of shopping, wineries and tons of unique wildlife you will not find anywhere else. Her love of travel has made her excited to be an integral part of the Accounts team and her best days are when she gets to hear about all the amazing trips our guests are embarking on. 

Jaydene Edwards

Profile picture for user Jaydene

Jaydene has always loved the variety of experiences that Australia has to offer, from being home to the world’s largest coral reef, having one of the oldest cultures in the world (dating back more than 60,000 years!), the amazing food and wine scene and everything else in between! Jaydene firmly believes that Australia has something for everyone and when she is not carefully curating itineraries with a difference, you will find her relaxing at her favourite spot on the Sunshine Coast!

Joanna Havea

Profile picture for user Joanna

Joanna is a dynamic professional with a robust background in customer service and a degree in Tourism Management. Her passion for tourism knows no bounds as she views it as a transformative gateway for individuals to explore diverse cultures across borders. Outside of work, Joanna enjoys spending quality time with her family, embarking on road trips and savouring local cuisines. These experiences serve as wellsprings of inspiration, fueling her drive to craft meaningful travel adventures. Her dedication extends to researching destinations that offer rich cultural experiences, with a particular interest in places like the Northern Territory.

Tatyana Kelenc

Profile picture for user Tatyana

Tatyana has always had a passion for travel and engaging with new experiences which lead her to obtain graduate qualifications in Tourism. Holiday’s growing up were spent on the Gold Coast soaking up the sun and sea or visiting the theme parks. Tatyana loves the diversity of Australia and is particularly passionate about helping others experience the wildlife and wineries of Tasmania! When Tatyana is not dedicating her time to “work”, you can find her relaxing at the beach or exploring nature through a wonderful bush walk.

Katrina Maltais

Profile picture for user Katrina

Having travelled to over 40 countries (so far), Katrina has a wealth of travel knowledge to share! Growing up in Canada, she graduated in Tourism and Hotel Management and has over 16 years of hospitality experience from working in hotels, cruises and living abroad. She first fell in love with Australia in 2015 when she travelled for over a month exploring the stunning Perth to Exmouth coastal bliss. Passionate about experiencing new cultures and learning new things about the world she is now enjoying living in the Southern Hemisphere and is doing an exceptional job as our Business Development Manager. On her weekends you can find her exploring as much of the natural beauty on offer as possible.

Gail MacSween

Profile picture for user gail

Gail grew up in Scotland and began exploring the world with family from an early age. She decided to leave the UK in 2016 on her first solo trip which started off with 2 years travelling the length and breadth of Australia gaining travel and hospitality experience along the way. Camping through the Outback and travelling down the West Coast are some of her favourite experiences in Australia to date. Gail is a fantastic asset to First Light Travel, excelling in her role as Organisational Development Manager. When not “working”, you will find her by the water, bush walking or exploring somewhere new.

Katarina Marsalekova

Profile picture for user katarina

Katarina was born in Slovakia and first came to the Southern Hemisphere in 2018 with the intention of completing a one year trip. Thanks to the natural beauty and unique culture, she now never wants to leave! Katarina has a Masters in Environmental Geography and a huge passion for travel. She finds Sydney and the surrounds hard to beat and is excited to explore every corner of Australia. Katarina is an integral part of our Guest Services team and when she is not in the office you can find her hiking in nature.

Izabella Salamanca

Profile picture for user Izabella

Izabella's love for travel began during her childhood where she became a camping enthusiast, regularly exploring as much of the great outdoors as possible. Her passion lead her to graduate in Tourism and work in hospitality before really kick-starting her career with First Light Travel. She loves experiencing new adventures and lives to help you feel the same when you visit Australia. She is on a mission to visit every corner of every State! Izabella enjoys spending her days supporting the team in her Guest Services role.

Miku Saito

Profile picture for user miku

Originally from Japan, Miku has called Down Under home since 2017. Miku instantly fell in love with the South Pacific and has made many incredible memories here. She has wide-ranging experience in various tourism and hospitality roles with a passion for helping others to also make memories to last a lifetime and have an unforgettable experience in Australia and the South Pacific. Miku is a valued member of First Light Travel’s Guest Services team.

 

Tracy Nguyen

Profile picture for user Tracy1

Tracy is very grateful to have had opportunities to travel with her family from a young age whilst growing up in Vietnam. Tracy was captured by the stunning nature Down Under so much so that she took the plunge to move in 2018. In her spare time, Tracy loves to get on the road to explore all corners that are uniquely Australia. From underwater explorations of the Great Barrier Reef to walking through Kakadu National Park to admiring the coastal views of the Great Ocean Road. When Tracy is not on a road trip, you can find her hard at work in Guest Services.

Naeelah Abrahams

Profile picture for user Naeelah1

South African born, Naeelah moved Down Under in 2017 and fell in love with the pristine beauty. Her love for travel started at a young age with a particular interest in connecting with different people. Naeelah’s explorations taught her that she simply had to help others see the wonders of the South Pacific for themselves, so completed her Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management. Naeelah now helps people book the perfect trip as an Escorted Coach Tour Specialist. You can trust Naeelah to listen to what you want from your dream trip and match you to the best option.

 

 


Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price