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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)

SWJ team photo

“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)

  • 150
    trees planted
    last year
  • 1078
    corals surveyed for
    health and bleaching
  • 10
    kilos of rubbish cleared
    from mangroves
  • 87
    comfort packs made
    for the homeless
  • 8
    hours staff volunteered in community

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 Pritchard
Laurie Pritchard
Founder & Managing Director

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.

A love of the outdoors led to 12 years working for and developing adventure trips for organisations like The World Outdoors, Adventures Cross-Country and People to People Student Ambassador Programs in the USA, and RnR Adventures in Australia. Laurie was a field instructor for the Outward-Bound School, leading educational wilderness expeditions for disadvantaged and at-risk youth and she was also the Wilderness Director for Oak Creek Ranch School. In addition to her Bachelor’s Degree, she holds a Diploma of Tourism from Far North Queensland TAFE and is a certified Bronze Medallion. Laurie has travelled to over 40 countries, and her articles about travel have appeared in magazines such as Transitions Abroad, Real Travel and on The Travel Channel’s World Hum. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid, has a Yellow Card for working with people with disabilities and is an active advance PADI SCUBA diver and former lifeguard.  In 2017, she was the regional winner for Institute of Manager and Leaders’ Owner/Entrepreneur category, and was named the CBWC Cairns Small Business Woman of the Year.
Andrew Micklewright
Andrew Micklewright
Operations Coordinator

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,

and adventure tourism. He holds Certificates IV in Outdoor Recreation, Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, Lifeguard and other key qualifications, including a Blue Card and Light Rigid Driver’s License. Andrew’s extensive career includes roles as a Senior Program Officer with the Queensland Government, and as a contractor and group leader with respected organisations such as Hillbrook Anglican School, Trinity Anglican School, Adventure Alternatives, and Lake Tinaroo Active Recreation Centre. He specialises in facilitating experiential learning through activities like kayaking, hiking, high ropes, and multi-day expeditions, with a strong focus on safety, risk management, and youth development. Andrew has worked overseas in both Canada and England, and is also a certified open water sea kayak guide and mountain bike guide.  Andrew recently travelled all around Australia with his wife and two daughters.

Mare Versteeg
Mare Versteeg
Marketing Assistant

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.

She has hands‑on experience working with children as an intern at a primary school, supporting individuals with special needs, and taking on customer‑facing roles as a team leader at an organic supermarket and waitress, where she strengthened her organisation, communication and problem‑solving skills. Whereas once Mare’s life involved hopping between continents with her family, she now channels that energy into discovering new places closer to home, staying active and finding ways to bring people together through shared experiences. Fluent in English and Dutch, with a love for the outdoors and a thoughtful, people‑focused approach, she’s excited to assist students and groups make the most of their time in Far North Queensland.

Mo Chan
Mo Chan
Marine Guide

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

Zoology, Ecology, Anthropology and Film, they blend science and storytelling in a way that makes marine biology feel alive. Mo has worked locally as a snorkel guide, deckhand and zoologist where they handled everything from linework and tender operations to safety briefings and marine biology talks. Before that, they spent years in research labs studying honeybee navigation and cuttlefish behaviour and even completed a conservation internship in Kenya working on the Elephant and Bees project, maintaining hives, supporting community outreach and helping deliver school presentations. Mo’s creative streak runs just as deep as their scientific one. They have worked as a freelance illustrator, photographer and tattooist, designing promotional material for community groups and non‑profits, and assisting an urban beekeeper‑artist with hive maintenance and art installations. Mo’s volunteer history spans wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, Sea Shepherd campaigns, and local arts collectives.

Darryl Schwilk
Darryl Schwilk
Marine Guide

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

and around water his whole life and has devoted the last 15 years to teaching biology, marine and junior science to high school students at Cairns High School. Additionally, Darryl is a trainer / assessor for Royal Life Saving Queensland and for First Aid Academy Cairns as well as a PADI SCUBA instructor. He is also a qualified boatsafe trainer / assessor, a marine radio invigilator, and Chairman of the Peninsula Boating Committee. When on land, Darryl enjoys playing volleyball.

Robert Poole
Robert Poole
Marine Guide

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

marine life, from little penguins to nudibranchs. Rob went on to study marine environments at Southern Cross University, graduating with a Diploma in Environmental Science, and has since built a career centred around the ocean. A certified dive instructor, Bronze Medallion lifeguard and Master 5 vessel operator accredited by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, he combines strong technical capability with a genuine passion for sharing the underwater world. Rob is a keen SCUBA diver and underwater photographer, documenting marine life and reef systems through his lens. Through his work on the reef, he also contributes to the Coral Nurture Program — a collaborative initiative between researchers, tour operators and Traditional Owners focused on reef restoration and resilience, developing practical, community-driven approaches to support and replenish coral ecosystems. Rob is a proud father of two and has travelled extensively to destinations including Egypt, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Java, Vietnam and New Zealand, experiences that continue to shape his appreciation for marine environments around the world.

Ashaya Snedden
Ashaya Snedden
Guide

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.

Ashaya is currently obtaining her conservation land and ecosystem management certificate through TAFE, and she is a certified Wet Tropics Tour Guide. Ashaya’s knowledge of Far North Queensland even extends to her knowledge about the Indigenous Djabugay language and culture. Although she has a chainsaw operator’s certification, Ashaya speaks for the trees. She has spent much of her time propagating seeds and planting trees in both a natural and landscaping environments. Ashaya is mother to an 8-year-old son, and has travelled extensively through South America and Southeast Asia.

Leanne Hayter
Leanne Hayter
Sydney Guide

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

the Paramatta City Council. She continues her work at Taronga Zoo conducting guided tours and assisting on educational programs for young people. As an active member of the Professional Tour Guide Association Australia (PTGAA) and Guiding Organisation Australia (GOA), Lee has made it her life to introduce visitors to the wonders of Australia. Lee has a Certificate IV in guiding, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate III in Tourism under her belt. She serves as board member of Savannah Guides, and has attended guide training schools from the Wet Tropics to the eastern cape of South Africa. One of her many talents is organising volunteer activities for school holidays and special events. When Lee is not guiding visitors around Sydney, she is rocking out with her bass guitar and her band Something Else Trio.

Rachael MacLeod
Rachael MacLeod
Programs Manager

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

from James Cook University, and brings broad experience across government, the resources sector and private enterprise, with a strong focus on coordination, logistics and delivering meaningful group experiences. Much of her career has centred around working with young people, including disadvantaged youth and regional communities, an influence that continues to shape her approach to creating engaging, educational and well-supported travel programs. Her experience spans large-scale events, school programs and multi-day group travel, supported by hands-on roles in dynamic environments, including emergency response training and operational leadership in fast-paced settings. Rachael’s passion for conservation has also guided her travels and volunteer work, from supporting sustainability education in remote island villages of Papua New Guinea to exploring and connecting with not regularly visited island villages throughout Raja Ampat’s globally significant marine ecosystems. Over many years, she has remained actively involved in environmental initiatives focused on the protection and restoration of marine and coastal environments, wildlife and rainforest ecosystems, with a particular dedication to the health and rehabilitation of sea turtles. Her contributions to conservation have been recognised through being named as Ocean Guardian – Volunteer of the Year by the Cairns Business Women’s Club. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys camping, scuba diving, hiking and exploring destinations well beyond the typical tourist path, drawing on these experiences to continually inspire her work and the way she connects people with place.

Kat Spring
Kat Spring
Groups Coordinator

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

spent years leading teams, coordinating activities and ensuring safe, memorable experiences for guests on Lizard Island, Daydream Island and Orpheus Island. Kat honed her operational and leadership strengths as Marine & Dive Department Manager at Lizard Island Resort, where she oversaw vessel logistics, tour scheduling, staff training and guest experience design. Before stepping into management, she worked as a Divemaster and instructor in Cairns and the Whitsundays, guiding snorkel and dive activities and sharing her love of the reef with visitors from around the world. Earlier roles in customer service and corporate operations helped shape the calm, organised and highly dependable approach she brings to every task. Once devoted to spending every spare moment underwater, Kat now balances her love of the ocean with an active life on land—reading, exploring, staying fit, and occasionally crocheting.

Jessie Rhodes
Jessie Rhodes
Guide

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

a Level 1 & 2 ASA and Australia Swim Certifications counts Ironman athletes and two junior Commonwealth swimmers from the Kenyan national team as clients. Jess is also a professional “digital coordinator”, having produced and developed marketing campaigns and social media strategies for a major Cairns tour company. In that role she also utilised her skills as a certified drone pilot to capture the beauty of Far North Queensland. While she grew up in the United Kingdom, Jess has travelled the globe and now considers Cairns to be her home.

Jess Nietz
Jess Nietz
Marine Guide

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

and Environmental Management, she has a strong foundation in reef ecology and conservation, complemented by years of hands-on experience in the water. Jess has worked as a snorkel guide, delivering safety briefings, in-water supervision and engaging interpretation that helps guests understand the reef’s delicate ecosystems. She has also contributed to reef health as a research diver, conducting Crown-of-Thorns Starfish control, assisting with Reef Health and Impact Surveys, and supporting ghost net and FAD removal operations. Her experience extends beyond guiding, having taught surfing to high school students in Western Australia, coordinated dive operations on a 58-metre superyacht, and completed a six-month marine ecology internship in Raja Ampat, where she supported local dive guide training and translated materials into Bahasa Indonesia. She now channels that experience into exploring Far North Queensland’s reefs, staying closely involved in conservation initiatives and continuing to share her passion for the ocean through education and guiding.

Alex Benavides
Alex Benavides
Marine Guide

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

environmental causes through community campaigns with AMCS and CAFNEC. Alejandra’s not just a seasoned diver—she’s also a media-savvy communicator with a Peruvian background in digital production, and she’s trained volunteers, coordinated outreach strategies, and crafted educational programs for both NGOs and school groups. Whether she’s speaking passionately about marine biology on deck or coordinating logistics for remote environmental camps, Alejandra brings creativity, compassion, and conviction to everything she touches.

Azri Saparwan
Azri Saparwan
Master Reef Guide

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

degree in marine biology. In Singapore Azri provided in-depth guided tours of one of the largest oceanariums in the world. It was here he was involved in animal husbandry, monitoring stress and disease on the fish population. Azri was the Volunteer Coordinator for Reef Restoration Foundation for the Great Barrier Reef, which includes coordinating volunteers in assisting maintenance of coral nursery and monitoring of individual coral growth and survival. He is also the founder of Sukamade Turtle Refuge, a non-profit organisation as an initiative to gather volunteers to aid rangers during the busiest period at a prominent sea turtle rookery in Sukamade, Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Azri is a Paramedic Level 1 with the Singapore Armed Forces, and a rescue SCUBA diver.

Natalee “Nat” Strong
Natalee “Nat” Strong
Guide

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

citizen science, Nat has a knack for turning coral facts into captivating tales—ideal for student groups, eco-travellers, and anyone who’ll listen underwater or above it. She’s a certified PADI Scuba Instructor, Coxswain, and First Aid provider, and has worked with outfits like Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Divers Den, and Cairns Aquarium. She’s led liveaboard expeditions to the far corners of the Coral Sea, wrangled ropes in wild Tasmanian swells, guided 12-day hikes without losing her sense of humour (or any hikers), and even moonlighted as a breath-hold commercial diver for abalone. Whether she’s delivering citizen science talks with ORCA UK, educating kids about shark poo at the aquarium, or pulling sea urchins from the depths, Nat’s all about creating memorable, meaningful nature experiences—with a big splash of fun. When not guiding, she’s probably writing conservation stories, untangling ropes, or plotting her next sea-based adventure.

 

Kylie Michell
Kylie Michell
Sydney Guide

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

young people and an intimate knowledge of Australia’sentire east coast. Kylie then went on to train tour guides for Contiki’s head office in Sydney, and even taught tour guiding at an adult college. Kylie studied mass communications at Macquarie University in Sydney, and obtained her NAATI accreditation as an interpreter which has led to work in Italian as well as French. Kylie has also recently completed a course on the colonial history of Sydney, which has added a new dimension to her knowledge of the city. Although Kylie spent her youth in Florence, Italy, having attended the American School there, she is an Aussie through and through. Consequently, Kylie is just as comfortable sipping a cappuccino at a cafe as a beer in a country pub.

Elizabeth Stevens
Elizabeth Stevens
Senior Groups Coordinator

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

emergencies for a sheltered housing scheme, managing units which required learning calmness under pressure and high-level judgement. Liz also worked as a front desk agent at Hilton Gatwick, which is one of the biggest and busiest hotels in the UK.  Liz followed her heart to Australia, but before she could get her career started in Victoria, COVID hit. So she traded her scarf for overalls and worked some hard yards at a dairy farm, enjoying a complete change of scenery whilst she rode out the pandemic. Next Liz joined Flight Centre as a travel consultant and then eventually found her way to Small World.  Liz loves swimming, diving and cross-stitching. She has travelled to most countries in Europe, extensively through Southeast Asia, and the far corners of Africa such as Tunisia, Malawi and Rwanda.

Emma Lodge
Emma Lodge
Groups Coordinator

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,

publishing, and project delivery, she has spent more than a decade bringing ideas to life — from wellness festivals and community events to guided eco tours and hands-on workshops across the region. Emma honed her event and engagement expertise as the founder of Bloom Inspiring Wellness, where she coordinated an annual wellness festival, and designed, edited, and published Bloom Magazine, which was distributed across Far North and Southeast Queensland. Prior to this, she created The Organic Experience, a guided eco tour connecting visitors with Atherton Tablelands farmers, developing itineraries and leading immersive, locally grounded experiences. She has also worked across tourism, retail, and health, giving her a strong foundation in customer service, logistics, and operations. Her global experiences include volunteering in Tanzania and Zambia, working holidays in Australia and New Zealand, and extensive travel throughout Asia and Europe. Emma now spends her time exploring Far North Queensland’s food and nature scene, deepening her wellness studies, and continuing to develop new community-focused ideas.

Steven Gill
Steven Gill
Guide

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.

With a background spanning hospitality, groundskeeping, and education, Steven has worn many hats—including bars manager at the Sheraton Grand Mirage and restaurant manager at Longitude 131 in the Northern Territory. He’s also taught English in Brazil. In addition to Small World Journeys, Steven also works as an educator with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters, sharing his passion for marine environments with students. Steven founded Gone Buggo, a small business based in Cooya focused on bugs and nature-based education, and he’s maintained a long-standing commitment to environmental education and engagement. He’s known for his versatility, curiosity, and love of hands-on learning, and is often found exploring with his daughter or engaging curious minds through science storytelling.

Rose Chiu
Rose Chiu
Marine Guide

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,

she has guided school groups, teenagers and at‑risk youth through forests, rivers and reef environments across Taiwan and now brings that expertise to Far North Queensland. As the founder of the Green Island Open Water Marine Project, Rose created multi‑day ocean journeys that blend technical water skills with environmental awareness, giving students a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and responsible ocean interaction. Her background spans outdoor education, experiential learning and cross‑cultural facilitation. She has worked with experimental schools, NGOs and international youth camps, supporting student development through nature‑based programs and leading multi‑day expeditions with a strong focus on safety, group dynamics and pastoral care. Before specialising in marine education, Rose coordinated large‑scale outdoor programs for over 270 students at an international school in Taipei, ensuring smooth logistics and alignment with educational goals. In addition to her guiding work, Rose brings extensive training in wilderness first aid, outdoor leadership and risk management, along with professional fluency in English and Mandarin. When she’s not guiding, Rose is often freediving, exploring new coastlines or refining her experiential learning programs.

Elena Egorov
Elena Egorov
Marine Guide

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

span marine tourism, alpine sports, and environmental fieldwork. Her experience includes guiding snorkel and dive tours on the Great Barrier Reef, instructing snowboarding at Club Med Tomamu and The Remarkables, and conducting ecological field surveys for the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program in Far North Queensland. Elena also taught English to adult learners in Okinawa, combining her love of language and cultural exchange with her growing proficiency in Japanese. Elena recently completed a 1200km solo pilgrimage around Shikoku Island, demonstrating resilience, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for nature and personal growth. She brings a calm, confident presence to her work, with a strong focus on safety, inclusivity, and creating memorable experiences for guests of all backgrounds.

Kate Flanagan
Kate Flanagan
Guide

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,

and worked as a deckhand on marine excursions. She brings a calm, safety-focused approach to activities like kayaking, hiking, and rafting, and is passionate about helping people connect with nature.

George Woodleigh
George Woodleigh
Guide

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

guide, public servant and even ran his own…coach touring business. George loves teaching visitors about Australian flora, fauna, and biodiversity, and he is especially fond of teaching young people about his culture. George has three grown children and lives with his wife Alice, and loves both rugby league and country music. He has travelled to far flung locations such as the Philippines, and the home of country music, Nashville USA.

our
Vision

To be Australia’s premier provider of education for youth outside the classroom.

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.

Rainforest Rescue

Small World Journeys has given over $5,000 to Rainforest Rescue to support the adoption of rainforest land at risk. Every...
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Reef Restoration Foundation

We are a proud sponsor of a coral propagation tree at The Great Barrier Reef through Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF)....
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Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Since 2012, Small World Journeys has given over $50,000 to The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island to support...
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Rosies Friends on The Street

Small World Journeys’ groups participate in a community service project to help patrons of Rosies. Rosies Friends on The Street...
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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

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