Our Team - Insight Australia

OUR
TEAM

BirgiT Bourne

Originally from Bonn (Germany), Birgit has forged a career in travel over three decades that has taken her from tour guiding to tour wholesaling, from Germany to Australia. With extensive experience in inbound tourism and unbeatable destination knowledge, Birgit leads the Insight Australia Travel team with a genuine enthusiasm for sharing and protecting the country she now proudly calls home.

A keen runner and talented photographer, Birgit has a genuine love for the great outdoors and, whilst there aren’t too many places she hasn’t been or seen, she has an unwavering commitment to getting to know every corner of this great continent.

Favourite destination in Australia: “The Australian Outback must be my favourite place. You can lose and find yourself in the Outback, a place rich in Aboriginal history and rugged, natural beauty! This is what Australia is about and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world! I love the Northern Territory and Kimberley/WA, with iconic outback landscapes and undiscovered secrets. One of my most memorable experiences was a trip to Mt Borradaile in Arnhemland with Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris. Mt. Borradaile is a registered aboriginal sacred site and a landscape of rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs and rainforests, a beautiful wilderness. The enormity of the legacy of Aboriginal culture – its complexity and spiritual depth – is barely understood by most of us and you will get a great insight into this.”

VIVIENNE BARLOW

Growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Viv has spent many weekends exploring the area’s beautiful coastal walks or swimming at the beach with her young family. It is this appreciation for the natural beauty in our own backyard that Viv enjoys sharing so passionately with visitors from around the globe.

A group travel specialist for more than 15 years, Viv has an insightful flair for all aspects of smooth group operations.

Favourite destination in Australia:“For me, the awe of outback Australia in the Northern Territory has such spectacular memories. From the ground all the way to the sky, seeing the amazing changing colours of the sands through to the formation of the natural structures of the landscape. A highlight for me has to be experiencing sunset at Uluru and looking up at the sky it’s hard not to see why the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu have a deep connection to the land. Another must do for me has to be experiencing sunrise on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk – the climb is challenging but such an achievement when you reach the top to have 360 degree panoramic views over the red sands”.

Bryan Arnicar

Born and raised on a Queensland farm, Bryan had always dreamt of travelling the world, following in the explorers’ footsteps. By the age of 30, he had visited all 7 continents and decided to draw on these experiences and inspire others to travel.

Moving to the UK, he embraced the long, cold winter months and unpredictable summer days, and soon became a leading expert in selling Australia as a holiday destination. Bryan has extensive experience in Sales and Marketing across a multitude of distribution channels and the opportunity to return home and lead a talented team to promote nature, wildlife and conservation tourism with Australian Geographic Travel was too good to pass up.

Bryans biggest adventure (and achievement) to date, is his young family. “Seeing my two boys happy, healthy and having fun is one of life’s greatest joys”.

Favourite destination in Australia:“My favourite destination in Australia would probably be Tasmania. I love nature and wildlife and in Tasmania you don’t have to travel far to experience this. The beaches are pristine and the water is turquoise, the wildlife is prolific and the wilderness is untouched. Snow adorns the mountain tops in winter and the long summer days, allow extra time to explore.”

Joana Olah

After studying tourism in Germany, Joana moved to Australia in 2001. She found Australia to be the most beautiful place she had ever visited. So much so that she never left.

With a real passion for anything Travel/Tourism Joana has built her career here over the last two decades, working in a wide array of tourism roles in sales, product development, and online travel.

Besides working in travel Joana spends her spare time discovering new places and loves to go camping, hiking, and always planning her young family’s next adventures. As a keen foodie she is always on the lookout for new food venues she can try out, while also being a keen wannabe chef at home.

Favourite destination in Australia:“There are simply too many favourite spots to only have one, but I do fondly remember arriving in Australia and going on a long road trip to Tropical North Queensland. Walking in ancient heritage-listed rainforests with trees so tall you can hardly see the sky, trying exotic tropical fruits, and spotting crocodiles in the river, it could have not been more different from Germany. I loved the steamy tropical weather, and everyone was so friendly. I remember going out on a coral reef for the first time, being amazed by the colours, the sea creatures I saw, and the huge shock when I came across my first reef shark. But it doesn’t matter which direction you go, there is always a breathtaking destination around the corner, that’s Australia!”

Ines Gormley

Ines passion for the international travel and the tourism industry has seen her working in several countries around the world.

She migrated to Australia from Germany in 2002 and has since been working for Australian wholesalers, inbound tour operators and touring companies with a focus on product management and business development.

Ines is passionate about protecting the environment and offering sustainable touring options with a focus on conservation and wildlife. Her happy place is the great outdoors. Being out and about bushwalking, camping, trail running – is her way to re-energize and charge her batteries. Ines is also a life coach and in particular looks to help, support and empower women.

Favourite destination in Australia:“Having travelled extensively to all states and territories of this amazing continent, my biggest “WOW” moment occurred while visiting Western Australia. A trip to Karijini National Park and the Ningaloo Coast made a huge impression on me. The stunning landscape, the ancient deep gorges of layered red rock and swimming through crystal-clear waters, the freshwater falls and the secluded swimming holes surrounded by lush green ferns. Karijini combined with the UNESCO world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and it’s unique marine and wildlife experiences make WA my favourite travel destination."

Michael Bourne

Michael has worked in tourism and hospitality for more years than he would like to say.

His passion for delivering high levels of service and his love of developing and working in high performing teams however remains unabated.

Michael has travelled extensively around Australia and his favourite spot is always the last one he visits.

He remains constantly ready for (and looking forward to) the next travel opportunity

Daniela Byrne

Daniela was in Australia for a gap year when she met her now husband and they settled for a life on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 20 years later Daniela has worked in various areas of the tourism industry and is now enjoying selling her new homeland to other travellers from overseas.

Daniela loves Sydney where you can combine a swim at the beach in the morning so easily with a visit at the Opera House at night. She and her young family embrace all of the cultural experiences the city has to offer, the vibrant restaurant scene, and the beautiful nature that surrounds them during bushwalks and bike rides.

Favourite destination in Australia:“There are a lot of stunning areas in Australia but my favourite spot is the Whitsunday Islands. Having worked for Hamilton Island I was in the lucky position to experience all the beauty in real depth. There is nothing like seeing the Great Barrier Reef from a helicopter or staying for a night during a Reefsleep in this natural wonder. As soon as you put your head underwater you become part of this wonderous world that is so fragile and beautiful and needs our protection. I saw turtles, clownfish and the most amazing array of colourful fish. The gorgeous luxury resorts that await are equally amazing to the boats that take you out on multi-day trips to experience the Reef. Sitting on deck, the glistening ocean surrounding you and the whitest beaches on your fingertips… I don’t think there is any better place to be.”

Andrea Maertens

A love for travel has led Andrea to explore many countries in Europe and abroad, but it was during her first trip to Australia with her now husband that she felt a deep connection with this beautiful corner of the world.

After a few more trips downunder they packed up their young family and life in Germany and made the move. Her happy place is the outdoors where she likes to spend time with her family to explore and recharge, be it camping, hiking and sailing.

Andrea loves connecting with others over good food and conversation and has also just become a certified nutrition consultant. She brings her tour guiding experience, strong customer service focus and passion for travel to the team.

Favourite destination in Australia:"It is impossible to pick just one favourite given the diversity that Australia has to offer. The wilderness and wildlife of Tasmania, the unique and rugged Outback, Western Australia and far north Queensland have all left lasting impressions on me. These places are unlike anything else you can find in the world. The connection with the land and its people that one can make by travelling here with not just open eyes but an open heart is what makes Australia a remarkable place to explore."

Marlene Walter

Born and raised in Southwestern Germany, Marlene has always been passionate about the outdoors, and everything related to nature. Her first visit to Australia in 2009 ignited a deep love and appreciation for the country’s vastness and the profound solitude of some of its landscapes. After what feels like countless trips to Australia, she made the leap to migrate in 2019.

With a degree in nature conservation and extensive knowledge of native flora and fauna, Marlene has enjoyed spending the past 3 years guiding mostly nature-related tours between Adelaide and Melbourne. As a Tour Coordinator, she leverages her expertise to design exceptional travel experiences that cater to a variety of interests—whether it’s adventure, culture, or wildlife. Besides that, Marlene really cares about making the world a better place. She’s very interested in regenerative tourism and loves to share easy tips to reduce waste while exploring Australia’s amazing landscapes. Her aim is to inspire others to appreciate the natural world and embrace sustainable practices, making travel not just enjoyable but also responsible.

Marlene’s commitment and expertise in delivering unforgettable adventures in nature, combined with her passion for the tourism sector truly sets her apart in the industry.

Favourite destination in Australia:"It’s tough to pick just one! Among my top favourites are Little Desert National Park and the High Country in Victoria, the Cool Temperate Rainforests around the Melbourne area, Kalbarri National Park and Shell Beach in Western Australia, Iron Range NP in Far North Queensland with its many colourful birds, Kata Tjuta, Lawn Hill NP,…. The list goes on. Each place offers a unique experience, and I love the opportunity to help others discover the incredible diversity of Australia."

astrid gerber

Astrid, originally from Germany, made her life-changing move to Australia after completing her degree in Tourism.

Since then, she has dedicated herself to the inbound tourism industry, bringing both passion and expertise to every project she undertakes. Her mission is to help businesses run smoothly and efficiently by ensuring their systems are optimized for success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Astrid is deeply passionate about the healing power of nature, travel, and family, finding inspiration in the world around her and the people she loves.

Favourite destination in Australia:"Anywhere and everywhere! Australia has so many spectacular destinations and so much diversity that I find it impossible to pick a favourite. The spots that touch me the most are places where I feel deeply connected to nature and where you feel the ancient history of the country with every fibre in your body – sitting on a secluded cliff overlooking the majestic Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, swimming in crystal clear turquoise water on Rottnest Island, listening to Didgeridoo play in Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup WA, feeling the spiritual power of Uluru and the red earth in the Red Centre, watching kangaroos hop across Pebbly Beach in Shoalhaven, the colours and cheekiness of rainbow lorikeets chasing each other, the beauty of wildflowers in spring, the ocean of stars in the outback night sky… There’s magic everywhere!"

alyssa

Alyssa has extensive knowledge of a variety of destinations across Australia, especially those offering an authentically nature focused ecotourism experience. With a background of sustainable tourism destination management, events and partnerships; Alyssa brings to her role an eye for detail, strong organisation skills and passion for making the travel experience a win-win for guest and place.

Growing up in South Australia, Alyssa’s love for Australian nature and diverse landscapes was ignited at a young age. Coming from a large family, road trips was the mode of transport, often exploring the SA/QLD/NT/NSW outback in winter or summer holidays on the coast.

Alyssa’s passion for sharing Australia’s beauty started with her family hosting international exchange students annually for more than 20 years. Her curiosity of international culture remains, Christmas lunch is now a melting pot of cuisines thanks to the influence of exchange students and their traditions.

Favourite destination in Australia:"I had the privilege of visiting Lord Howe Island and it’s a definite standout for me. The island is an incredible mix of coast and mountains, coral, sea life, birdlife, hiking and the feeling of an untouched destination. Efforts by the community to genuinely care for their place is displayed in the experience, it is mostly car free where guests are encouraged to cycle everywhere, birdlife is difficult to miss and at night there are no streetlights, making for an incredible display of the night sky."

Jessica

Jessica is passionate about all things nature and travel and heads up the marketing for all things Insight Australia Travel and Australian Geographic Travel.

Jessica grew up in Tasmania and spent a lot of time on road trips and camping around the state. After moving to Port Macquarie for her high school years, she became accustomed to the coastal lifestyle before moving to Sydney for university.

Since graduating a bachelor of business management in International Tourism, she has worked for a number of Australian-owned travel companies including tour groups, cruise and media. Jess is passionate about showcasing the beauty of Australia and doing so through environmentally and culturally sustainable travel.

Favourite destination in Australia:"It's a tough one. I will always have a soft spot for Tasmania's east coast, particularly Freycinet National Park, where I have fond memories of camping with my family at Coles Bay and we would do the walk over the Hazards to Wineglass Bay. My first trip post-COVID-19 was to Uluru and that was a breathtaking experience, everything from the landscapes, culture and hikes, an experience I will never forget!"

Ashleigh

I'm a passionate traveller, nature lover, and explorer of all things beautiful and meaningful across the globe. Born and raised in South Africa, I recently took a leap and now call Australia home. While the move is still fresh, my spirit of adventure is anything but new.

For me, travel has never been just a hobby—it’s a way of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively around the world, and I’m always chasing the next beautiful waterfall or unforgettable sunset—they’re my favourite parts of any journey. I’m at my happiest when I’m uncovering something new and inspiring.

While I’m deeply drawn to the raw beauty of nature, I’m equally fascinated by the richness of history and the charm of great architecture. Historical landmarks, forgotten ruins, and buildings that tell stories through their design all hold a special place in my heart. I believe that the true magic of travel lies in how it connects us.

As I begin this new chapter in Australia, I’m slowly discovering its many layers: rugged coastlines, wild bushlands, vibrant cities, and the incredible people who make this country feel like home. I haven’t picked a favourite destination here just yet—but that’s only because the journey is still unfolding, and I’m loving every moment of it.

OURTEAM