Founder & Managing Director

Jake Chiem

I started my adventure in the travel industry more than two decades ago. Over the years my experience in this business ranges from retail and corporate travel booking to wholesale and tour operator. I managed multiple successful travel agencies picking up numerous awards over the years including 2 consecutive years for Best Travel Advisor and 5 awards for Best Travel Manager of the year and Best National sales manager. Was written up in the Travel Weekly magazine as the 6th most successful travel agent of 2006, best new starter business in 2016 and Travel Partners entrepreneurial award 2020.

I have extensively travelled the globe ticking off over 50 countries, and I genuinely believe that travel gives the best life experiences. I want everyone to see the world the way I do.

Growing up in Australia, I made sure I didn’t leave my beautiful home country out when I go travelling. Having travelled from one side of the country to the other, I am passionate about showing off Australia. I created Australia & New Zealand Holidays to showcase the amazing cities, towns, attractions and landscape this region offers.

Founder

Damon Low

Product Manager

Tahnee Inverno

Hello! I’m Tahnee, a professional travel advisor currently residing in Perth, Western Australia. Since 2009, I’ve dedicated my career to providing exceptional travel experiences. I specialise in tailor-made itineraries for solo travellers, couples, families and groups and offer you a unique personalised approach to planning and booking Aussie adventures.

Although I may be biased, Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful destinations globally. It’s this beauty and diversity that fuels my passion for helping thousands of other Australians explore their own backyard and inspire friends from around the globe to journey here from afar.

I’ve been to almost every nook of Australia; had close encounters with the wild life and wildlands of the Top End (Northern Territory), walked through the dense rainforests in Queensland, skied (and fallen) on the picturesque snow fields of Victoria, eaten amazing seafood with a view of the Harbour bridge in Sydney NSW and watched countless sunsets over the many pristine beaches here in Western Australia, to name a few.

New Zealand also holds a special place in my heart. I’ve toured both North and South Island extensively by car, rail and cruise.

My professional career ranges from managing an award-winning retail travel store for five years to running my own mobile travel agency and working for various online agencies in ticketing, corporate travel, and customer support.

There’s no doubt that travel has changed and it’s more important than ever to have your holiday booked by an expert. If you’re looking for someone backed by 12+ years’ experience, who can ensure a safe, seamless, enjoyable holiday, I’d love to hear from you!

Sales Manager

Elena Vartazarian

Travel Expert

Sascha McRae

I caught the travel bug at a very young age. From my first solo overseas trip from Canada to Australia as a curious 8 year old, to moving to Galway, Ireland as a youth craving adventure at 17, the signs were there – I should have known I would grow up to work in travel!
Years of living and adventuring through Europe and its surroundings led me to move to Australia. I had only ever experienced Sydney & The breathtakingly beautiful Blue Mountains in my youth. I have since lived in Northern NSW, Sydney, Adelaide, Eyre Peninsula, and Melbourne. I have dipped my toes in the Indian Ocean, holidaying in Fremantle, and drank fine wines in the Margaret River Region. I have slept under the stars in a swag at Kings Canyon and done the base walk at Uluru.
I have explored Byron and Surfers and spots in between. I have been to a Rodeo in Guyra and the Country Music Festival in Tamworth.
Living and working here for the past 15 years, I have found my joy and passion in being a travel adviser, helping folks discover the food, music, customs and cultures of the world, be it in our backyard or abroad.

Travel Expert

Raffaella Gatto

Travel Expert

Karen Murray

Hey I’m Karen, and I live in the beautiful Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane.  I’ve been in the travel industry since 1996 working with domestic wholesalers, retail and wholesale call travel call centres, customer helplines as well as a self employed work from home travel professional for the last 14 years.  I have excelled at helping my repeat clients with exceptionally well planned travel experiences around the world.

My childhood memories are of family holidays to the Whitsundays, New Zealand, North Stradbroke Island and Caloundra.  I harassed my parents to let me be an exchange student, which they finally agreed to once I had finished year 12. Whilst living in French Canada for 11 months as an exchange student, I learnt from the very young age of 17 that there is no place like home.  I loved my year living overseas 40 minutes outside of Montreal and still hold a deep love of all things Canadian, but I also  learnt to deeply appreciate our Australian way of life especially the quality of our environment and lifestyle.

When I returned home, the exchange student experience overseas had moulded my mindset that travel can change your life and much improve your mindset.  My future career choice was made and I promptly dropped out of my political university degree, dropped my ambition to become the next foreign affairs minister of Australia and jumped head first into the travel industry and I’ve been here ever since.

Personally I love travelling for the experiences, the foodie moments, the stories, the landscapes and natures ability to rejuvenate us all. We have some of the most desirable holiday experiences right here in our island nation!  The Whitsundays and the Red Centre always move me.  I have lived in Adelaide for many years, but I’m a Queensland girl through and through.

I’m an expert at itinerary planning and love putting together Australia and New Zealand holidays including cruising, our iconic long distance trains,  road trips and special luxury getaways.
I would love to help your clients to enjoy the best our island nations have to offer.

Travel Expert

Treacy Teen

I’m Treacy, born and bred on the South Island of New Zealand!

My travel career began in high school, choosing to Study Travel & Tourism.

Starting my career in an Information Centre booking activities, accommodation and transport for travellers to New Zealand. I was lucky enough to explore the South Island on many work trips. I experienced such activities as Sky Dives, Bungy Jumps, Canyon Swings, Milford & Doubtful Sound Cruises, Glacier Ice Cave Walks & Helicopter Snow Landings, just to name a few…..

I specialise in New Zealand itineraries and know first-hand knowledge of what New Zealand offers, from the most popular sightseeing attractions to hidden gem spots that only a Kiwi would know.

For the last 9 years, I have been residing in Perth, Western Australia and here is where I stepped into worldwide travel.

I have been lucky enough to travel across Australia, Including exploring places such as the beautiful coastline & beaches to the Dunsborough, Margaret River Wineries to overseas adventures exploring the United Kingdom, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Greek Islands, Dubai, Rarotonga & Fiji.

I would love to tailor-make your itinerary & make sure your holiday is an

enjoyable memory for lasting years to follow.

International Sales Manager

Saskia van den Heuvel

Ever since I can remember, I have always been fascinated with travelling the world, gaining new experiences and exploring different cultures. As a little girl, my favourite pastime was sitting on the couch with Dad and studying the world map, trying to memorise the countries and their capitals and imagining one day I would visit that place. It was my goal to visit every country in the world.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in International Tourism Management, I set out from the Netherlands to discover the world one country at a time. I have found myself falling in love with the country with stunning landscapes, wildlife and Indigenous culture – Australia!

Even though Australia has a massive piece of my heart, family, friends and COVID-19 motivated me to move back to the Netherlands. It definitely also helped that I got the opportunity to continue working for Backroads Australia, but as an International Sales Manager on the European side. This way I get to travel between my two homes and still get to share my passion, knowledge and excitement, turning traveller’s holiday dreams into reality by exploring the ‘back roads’ of Australia.

Travel Expert

Tara Sullivan

Back in high school, my best friend and I had a plan to travel around Australia in a converted old school bus.  While that never happened, all the dreaming and possibilities fuelled my enthusiasm and passion for travel, so after finishing a pretty useless Arts Degree, I found myself drawn to the travel industry.

For me travel isn’t about the list of places I’ve been or jobs I’ve done. It’s about the experiences; the memories; the anticipation in the planning; the freedom; the friendships made; the food shared; the energy of a place – be it a bustling city or a deserted landscape.

One of the best things about travel is the anticipation; the dreaming, planning, imagining and creating.  The excitement starts from the moment you decide to go somewhere and it’s an absolute joy to be able to be a part of this for others!

We are so fortunate to live in such a spectacularly beautiful country – our magnificent coastline; wild interiors; a rich and ancient Indigenous culture, so connected and integrated with the land; a world-class food and wine scene; fabulous cities; iconic sights and just across the Pacific our equally stunning neighbour New Zealand to explore

Recently I hiked the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, sleeping in a swag under the stars.  The sky so vast and expansive, the stars so numerous and bright.  You’d think you’d feel small and insignificant but it was just the opposite, I felt so connected and so part of the universe, an overwhelming gratitude flooded me, how lucky are we that we get to have these experiences and use our knowledge and passions to create them for others.

Travel Expert

Michelle Kingston

Michelle is a dedicated and experienced travel professional who discovered her passion for exploration at the age of 25. Her love for travel was ignited during her backpacking adventures across Europe and her extended stay in London for 12 months. She continued to pursue her wanderlust at 27 by embarking on an enriching journey through Canada.

Since then, Michelle has established herself as a reputable figure in the travel industry. After relocating from Sydney, she immersed herself in the captivating landscapes of Queensland’s idyllic islands, including Daydream, Brampton, and Kingfisher Bay Resort. Since settling on the Gold Coast in 2001, Michelle has become deeply entrenched in the local travel scene.

With over a decade of experience, Michelle began her travel career in 2009, initially working in a retail store. Since then, she has successfully transitioned into a self-employed professional, operating her business from the comfort of her own home. Her expertise extends to serving a diverse clientele, ranging from corporate travelers to groups, individuals, and families.

Michelle’s approach to travel goes beyond mere arrangements and bookings. She believes that every journey is an opportunity for new experiences, culinary discoveries, and the creation of lifelong memories. From the moment she engages with her clients, Michelle is committed to providing comprehensive support, guiding them through the planning process, offering creative ideas, and ensuring that every aspect of their trip is meticulously taken care of.

Having explored various destinations within Australia, including all states, as well as venturing to New Zealand and Fiji, Michelle possesses a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise. She is well-equipped to assist you in crafting your dream holiday plans, drawing from her extensive travel experiences.

With Michelle as your travel partner, you can trust that your vacation will be meticulously planned, allowing you to relax, explore, and create lasting memories.

Travel Expert

Julie Revett

Booking your holiday can be quite involved, daunting & costly. I am here to find you the best deals, take the stress out of planning your well-deserved break & make your holiday fun!

My love of travel began 20 years ago. I am lucky enough to have travelled widely to destinations such as domestic Australia, Indonesia, Singapore (yes, 22 times!) Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, Hong Kong, Jamaica (having been married on Onassis’ yacht!) Mauritius, Fiji, New Zealand (both North and South Island) Paris, England and Scotland, USA and Canada. I have even sailed a few cruises!
My clients book with me because they know I listen to their needs. I have the experience and first-hand knowledge to give recommendations which are tailored to your requirements and more importantly I can save you time and money. Satisfaction is the number one element for me as a professional travel planner. Most of my clients will come by me, from recommendations from one of their friends, colleagues or family letting them know about their fantastic holiday experiences.

So, next time you are looking for the perfect holiday please call me. I guarantee to provide you with the highest possible level of personal service coupled with enthusiasm, reliability and most importantly my own extensive travel history.

Travel is indeed my passion not just my job.

Travel Expert

Sarah Cutri

Coming Soon

Travel Expert

Sandra Bucknell

Coming Soon

Tour Guide

Renee Tilbrook

Renee is a passionate and experienced travel professional with a strong affinity for exploration and creating memorable experiences for her clients. Originally hailing from the picturesque Southern hills of Adelaide, near the renowned McLaren Vale wine region, Renee possesses a deep appreciation for the culinary arts and all things related to food and wine. While gastronomic delights have always been a motivating factor in her travels, it is the rich historical landmarks, captivating myths, and immersive cultural encounters that truly captivate her.

With a desire to turn her love for travel into a profession, Renee embarked on a career as a travel agent. Over time, she diversified her expertise within the industry, venturing into roles such as a tour guide, hotel guest services, and local host. While her travels have taken her to numerous destinations worldwide, it is the opportunity to bring people together and share the magic of Australia that brings her the greatest joy.

While Renee boasts extensive knowledge of most Australian cities, she remains perpetually curious, constantly seeking out new local cafes, restaurants, and experiences to indulge in. She believes that there is always more to learn and discover, and she eagerly looks forward to sharing her wealth of local knowledge while embracing the thrill of the unknown with her clients.

With Renee as your guide, you can trust that her passion for travel, dedication to providing exceptional service, and commitment to sharing the wonders of Australia will create an unforgettable and enriching journey for all those who embark on it.