A tour operator that loves teachers
(and caffeine)
The Small World team is a collection of educators, guides and tourism experts who, in many cases, drink a heck of a lot of coffee. This is because we are insanely dedicated to meeting your educational goals and providing a ridiculously high level of customer service.
“A professional and well-organised trip from start to finish. Materials and experiences matched description. The fact that we had everything so planned was amazing. Guides were personable, energetic and very knowledgeable. Small World Journeys was recommended by everyone we spoke to”.
– David Brennan, teacher, Wollongong School of the Performing Arts, NSW (Oct ’18)

“A professional and well-organised trip from start to finish. Materials and experiences matched description. The fact that we had everything so planned was amazing. Guides were personable, energetic and very knowledgeable. Small World Journeys was recommended by everyone we spoke to”. – David Brennan, teacher, Wollongong School of the Performing Arts, NSW (Oct ’18)
Our Team
Our team is made up of very different nice folks,
but the one thing that unites us is our love of teaching young people.
Most of us have university degrees – and in some cases masters
degrees and PhDs – with years of tourism expertise to boot. This means
we are good at teaching your students about zooxanthellae with flotsam
jelly fish AND ensuring your hotel pillow is fluffy.
Laurie founded Small World Journeys in 2008. Educated at the Cranbrook-Kingswood School and the University of South Florida in the USA and L’Institut de Touraine in France, Laurie also held a university teaching post in far western China.
Laurie founded Small World Journeys in 2008. Educated at the Cranbrook-Kingswood School and the University of South Florida in the USA and L’Institut de Touraine in France, Laurie also held a university teaching post in far western China.
Although Andrew grew up in the Northern Territory, the majority of his adult life has been spent in Far North Queensland. He is a highly experienced outdoor education professional with nearly two decades of leadership in outdoor recreation, education,
Although Andrew grew up in the Northern Territory, the majority of his adult life has been spent in Far North Queensland. He is a highly experienced outdoor education professional with nearly two decades of leadership in outdoor recreation, education,
Mare is a globally minded, people‑focused professional with a genuine love for travel, culture and creating positive experiences for others. Originally from the Netherlands but raised in Dubai and Oman, she brings a truly international perspective.
Mare is a globally minded, people‑focused professional with a genuine love for travel, culture and creating positive experiences for others. Originally from the Netherlands but raised in Dubai and Oman, she brings a truly international perspective.
Originally from Brisbane but now located in Cairns, Mo is a zoologist, snorkel guide and all‑round nature enthusiast who’s just as comfortable wrangling ropes on a vessel as they are explaining the love life of cuttlefish.With a double degree in
Originally from Brisbane but now located in Cairns, Mo is a zoologist, snorkel guide and all‑round nature enthusiast who’s just as comfortable wrangling ropes on a vessel as they are explaining the love life of cuttlefish.With a double degree in
Darryl has both a Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science (Marine Zoology) from James Cook University in Cairns. Having spent a significant amount of time in his youth on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Cairns and Mackay, Darryl has been in
Darryl has both a Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science (Marine Zoology) from James Cook University in Cairns. Having spent a significant amount of time in his youth on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Cairns and Mackay, Darryl has been in
Rob is our real-life Aquaman, bearing a close resemblance to actor Jason Momoa. Having grown up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, he spent much of his time exploring the ocean right on his doorstep,where he developed an early fascination with
Rob is our real-life Aquaman, bearing a close resemblance to actor Jason Momoa. Having grown up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, he spent much of his time exploring the ocean right on his doorstep,where he developed an early fascination with
As a Cairns region local, Ashaya’s relationship with the rainforest began when she was quite young. She has worked as an environmental field officer, a landscaper, and in forestry with a regeneration program in both Queensland and New Zealand.
As a Cairns region local, Ashaya’s relationship with the rainforest began when she was quite young. She has worked as an environmental field officer, a landscaper, and in forestry with a regeneration program in both Queensland and New Zealand.
Lee has Sydney in her blood. She has volunteered as an “Aquarist” at the Sydney Aquarium, worked as a trainer at Taronga Zoo to teach employees about tour excellence, and developed and delivered tours focusing on Aboriginal and colonial heritage for
Lee has Sydney in her blood. She has volunteered as an “Aquarist” at the Sydney Aquarium, worked as a trainer at Taronga Zoo to teach employees about tour excellence, and developed and delivered tours focusing on Aboriginal and colonial heritage for
Rachael is a Queensland local with a lifelong connection to the state’s diverse landscapes, shaped by a childhood spent travelling to remote and lesser-known places across Australia. She holds a Diploma in Business and Event Management
Rachael is a Queensland local with a lifelong connection to the state’s diverse landscapes, shaped by a childhood spent travelling to remote and lesser-known places across Australia. She holds a Diploma in Business and Event Management
Having built her career across some of Australia’s most iconic islands and tropical destinations, Kat now feels most at home where the reef meets the rainforest. With a Bachelor of Marine Science and qualifications as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, she has
Having built her career across some of Australia’s most iconic islands and tropical destinations, Kat now feels most at home where the reef meets the rainforest. With a Bachelor of Marine Science and qualifications as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, she has
Jess is our amphibious guide: she is skilled both in the water and on land. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports & Social Science from the University of Bath and has spent years teaching young people how to swim and be safe in the water. Jess holds
Jess is our amphibious guide: she is skilled both in the water and on land. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports & Social Science from the University of Bath and has spent years teaching young people how to swim and be safe in the water. Jess holds
Equally at home guiding snorkellers, leading reef talks or supporting students as they discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, Jess brings a calm confidence and depth of knowledge to every experience.With a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science
Equally at home guiding snorkellers, leading reef talks or supporting students as they discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, Jess brings a calm confidence and depth of knowledge to every experience.With a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science
When it comes to marine education and grassroots advocacy, Alejandra has an unmatched drive for impact. With years immersed in Queensland’s reef tourism and conservation scene, she’s led underwater tours as a dive instructor and eco guide while championing
When it comes to marine education and grassroots advocacy, Alejandra has an unmatched drive for impact. With years immersed in Queensland’s reef tourism and conservation scene, she’s led underwater tours as a dive instructor and eco guide while championing
Azri is one of our Master Reef Guides and is working on his PhD. He grew up in South Australia, and his love of the sea took him frequently to the water. Azri studied at Flinders University (Bachelor of Science) where he attained high distinction for his
Azri is one of our Master Reef Guides and is working on his PhD. He grew up in South Australia, and his love of the sea took him frequently to the water. Azri studied at Flinders University (Bachelor of Science) where he attained high distinction for his
Originally from Tasmania but now reef-rooted in Far North Queensland, Nat is a marine guide, dive instructor, and ocean enthusiast who’s basically swapped gumboots for fins. With a background in environmental education, reef ecology, and
Originally from Tasmania but now reef-rooted in Far North Queensland, Nat is a marine guide, dive instructor, and ocean enthusiast who’s basically swapped gumboots for fins. With a background in environmental education, reef ecology, and
Kylie is our Sydney-based guide: she loves showing visitors the hidden and unusual corners of Sydney, and her two children keep her busy discovering more. Kylie got her start as a guide in 1994 with Contiki which gave her a sound background in managing of
Kylie is our Sydney-based guide: she loves showing visitors the hidden and unusual corners of Sydney, and her two children keep her busy discovering more. Kylie got her start as a guide in 1994 with Contiki which gave her a sound background in managing of
Elizabeth Stevens (Liz) is well equipped to organise all aspects of our tours, having a Bachelor’s Degree in International Tourism Management from the university of Surrey (with first class honours). Liz started her career as the first point of contact in
Elizabeth Stevens (Liz) is well equipped to organise all aspects of our tours, having a Bachelor’s Degree in International Tourism Management from the university of Surrey (with first class honours). Liz started her career as the first point of contact in
Originally from Jersey, Channel Islands, Emma has called Far North Queensland home for many years and brings a deep love of community, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences. With a Diploma of Events and a strong background in marketing,
Originally from Jersey, Channel Islands, Emma has called Far North Queensland home for many years and brings a deep love of community, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences. With a Diploma of Events and a strong background in marketing,
Steven began his journey in tourism as a snorkel host and tour guide for Calypso and Tropical Journeys in Port Douglas, where he developed strong public speaking and science communication skills while guiding reef and rainforest experiences.
Steven began his journey in tourism as a snorkel host and tour guide for Calypso and Tropical Journeys in Port Douglas, where he developed strong public speaking and science communication skills while guiding reef and rainforest experiences.
Rose is our calm‑water navigator: an outdoor educator and marine guide who feels most at home when she’s helping young people connect with the ocean. With over six years of experience designing and delivering in‑water learning programs,
Rose is our calm‑water navigator: an outdoor educator and marine guide who feels most at home when she’s helping young people connect with the ocean. With over six years of experience designing and delivering in‑water learning programs,
Elena is an energetic and adaptable tourism professional with a passion for outdoor adventure and cross-cultural connection. She holds a PADI Divemaster certification, First Aid & CPR, and has worked across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan in roles that
Elena is an energetic and adaptable tourism professional with a passion for outdoor adventure and cross-cultural connection. She holds a PADI Divemaster certification, First Aid & CPR, and has worked across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan in roles that
Kate Flanagan is an experienced outdoor educator and adventure guide based in Far North Queensland. With a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and a strong background in environmental sustainability, Kate has led school camps, guided river tours,
Kate Flanagan is an experienced outdoor educator and adventure guide based in Far North Queensland. With a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and a strong background in environmental sustainability, Kate has led school camps, guided river tours,
George is a Cairns-area local, with his Aboriginal ancestry (Yidinji) tracing back thousands of years in this region. George has explored almost every inch of Queensland, from the rainforests of the Wet Tropics to the tip of Cape York Peninsula. He has worked as a tour
George is a Cairns-area local, with his Aboriginal ancestry (Yidinji) tracing back thousands of years in this region. George has explored almost every inch of Queensland, from the rainforests of the Wet Tropics to the tip of Cape York Peninsula. He has worked as a tour
our
Vision
Vision
To be Australia’s premier provider of education for youth outside the classroom.
What We Have To Offer
Besides Our Dashing Good Looks
We are fiendishly concerned about details. That includes everything from our risk assessments to creating activities to match your curriculum. It means thoughtfully arranging meaningful community service and citizen science projects that matter.
It also means being thorough and transparent with our pricing and creating a special trip website for all of our teachers. The “day by day” itineraries we send you are planned to the minutest of detail, leaving you free to simply enjoy your students and the trip. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also be pampered by ridiculously good looking people.
Who we sponsor and support (and sometimes kiss)
Our goal is to leave our community better because we exist, not despite it. We want to ensure the sustainability of the communities in which our guests travel. This is why Small World Journeys has committed at least 5% of net profits each year to support non-profit community and environmental organisations. We also give kisses for free.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
We humbly acknowledge Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People as the first inhabitants of Australia and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where we work and our groups travel, which include the Yirrganydji, Yidinji, Kuku Yalanji, and Djabugay people.
We were inspired by the beautiful artwork of local indigenous artist Colin Higgins – painter and musician from Yarrabah. We commissioned Colin for the use of his painting (symbolising the world in the dry season) and are grateful for his contribution to Small World Journeys























