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Our reservation staff are available Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 5.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Expedition Team Guest Lecturers Ship Crew
Throughout your cruise, you will delight in the attentive service of our professional Australian and New Zealand residency crew. Carefully selected for their engaging personalities, attention to detail and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, our staff will ensure you receive a warm welcome aboard.
On each voyage, our Expedition Leaders bring guests the depth of experience required to put together daily programmes given prevailing weather and local conditions. They are complemented by an expert Guest Lecturer, with knowledge of disciplines ranging from anthropology, geology, history and flora and fauna of the region, offering layers of insight relevant to your itinerary and to support the depth of immersion in your travel experience.
Our Kimberley and Cape York, Arnhem Land and Torres Strait expeditions have a renowned Australian team of our own Expedition Leaders and regular Guest Lecturers who have a specialist understanding of the unique landscapes, flora and fauna and indigenous cultures of the region. Having guided expeditions in the region for over three decades we know the nooks and crannies others don’t. Our Expedition Team provide local expertise especially on guided nature walks and with bird and wildlife spotting.
Your cruise will be led by a dedicated Expedition Leader who will work closely with the Captain to determine our daily programme, ensuring that the best use is made of prevailing weather and tidal conditions. Your Expedition Leader will join all shore excursions and activities, provide daily recaps and briefings, and is always on hand to answer any questions. The expedition team uses our ships’ shallow draft, quick disembarkation capabilities, our special tender equipment such as the Xplorer vessel and Zodiacs, and our open deck spaces onboard to take you up close to the places we visit.
Jamie has been working with the company for 18 years (since early 2003) now, and is well known by a majority of our guests that have travelled with us to all our destinations (including the Kimberley, Cape York & Arnhem Land and international).
With over 25 years at sea, Dawn is a seasoned Scuba Instructor with a passion for the marine environment. She has a passion for photography, biology and the natural world.
Starting with the company in 2016, Alistair loves sharing the remote and spectacular places that we go with our guests who he considers travellers, not tourists.
The ocean has always played a big role in Cara’s life. She was an active member of the surf life saving and surfing communities, and is passionate about the Reef, spending many years teaching people how to Scuba dive. Cara loves experiencing diving through the eyes of a new diver and looks forward to meeting you.
Emily has experience in the marine eco-tourism industry working with dolphins, sea lions, and whales, also volunteering with turtles. Emily studied marine science and conservation biology for her Undergraduate, and marine biology for her Masters.
Cai has a strong passion for the marine environment. With parents who are also Dive Instructors, Cai has spent a lot of time in the water growing up and through his early career. With a Bachelors Degree in Marine Conservation, Cai is excited to offer his knowledge and experience as an expedition crew member.
Katie has a big passion for the ocean and recently became a Master Reef guide. She has worked in a lot of locations around Australia including the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Ningaloo Reef, Kimberley’s, Abrolhos Islands, Gold Coast and Morten Island.
Anita studied a bachelor of Marine Science degree with a major in Environmental Management and has a passion to educate others about how we can protect our underwater world.
I love the opportunity of being able to work in remote, isolated, beautiful parts of Australia (and hopefully elsewhere once we can!) and being able to share what I know about the environment, animals and especially the ocean.
With a passion for exploration, nature conservation, exchanging stories and knowledge, she believes that nature and adventure are best shared with company.
New to the team but not to the world of cruising, Ilana is passionate about the ocean and the environment, and can’t wait to share her enthusiasm with Coral Expeditions’ guests.
Meg credits her sense of adventure and the unique opportunity to utilise her skillset as what lead her to joining the Coral Expeditions team in September of 2021. With a marine science background, Meg loves to travel and learn about the incredible Australian coastline.
A Tassie girl at heart, Amber has spent the last few years planning and guiding Sea Kayaking and Bushwalking trips around her home state. Adventuring is her passion and she loves to help facilitate a unique experience to those around her.
A South Australian local, Naomi’s passion for the marine environment started at a young age. Guiding and travelling is where her heart is, and being able to access some of the most incredible remote places in Australia while observing wildlife in their natural habitats is an absolute dream come true.
Karla’s passion for wildlife and outback Australia has taken her on some pretty wild adventures throughout her career. After studying zoology Karla worked as a zoo keeper for 5 years at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW central coast. At the zoo Karla specialised in exotic reptiles as well as arachnids, milking funnel web spiders for the lifesaving antivenin program.
Jamie has been working with the company for 18 years (since early 2003) now, and is well known by a majority of our guests that have travelled with us to all our destinations (including the Kimberley, Cape York & Arnhem Land and international).
With over 25 years at sea, Dawn is a seasoned Scuba Instructor with a passion for the marine environment. She has a passion for photography, biology and the natural world.
Starting with the company in 2016, Alistair loves sharing the remote and spectacular places that we go with our guests who he considers travellers, not tourists.
The ocean has always played a big role in Cara’s life. She was an active member of the surf life saving and surfing communities, and is passionate about the Reef, spending many years teaching people how to Scuba dive. Cara loves experiencing diving through the eyes of a new diver and looks forward to meeting you.
Emily has experience in the marine eco-tourism industry working with dolphins, sea lions, and whales, also volunteering with turtles. Emily studied marine science and conservation biology for her Undergraduate, and marine biology for her Masters.
Cai has a strong passion for the marine environment. With parents who are also Dive Instructors, Cai has spent a lot of time in the water growing up and through his early career. With a Bachelors Degree in Marine Conservation, Cai is excited to offer his knowledge and experience as an expedition crew member.
Katie has a big passion for the ocean and recently became a Master Reef guide. She has worked in a lot of locations around Australia including the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Ningaloo Reef, Kimberley’s, Abrolhos Islands, Gold Coast and Morten Island.
Anita studied a bachelor of Marine Science degree with a major in Environmental Management and has a passion to educate others about how we can protect our underwater world.
I love the opportunity of being able to work in remote, isolated, beautiful parts of Australia (and hopefully elsewhere once we can!) and being able to share what I know about the environment, animals and especially the ocean.
With a passion for exploration, nature conservation, exchanging stories and knowledge, she believes that nature and adventure are best shared with company.
New to the team but not to the world of cruising, Ilana is passionate about the ocean and the environment, and can’t wait to share her enthusiasm with Coral Expeditions’ guests.
Meg credits her sense of adventure and the unique opportunity to utilise her skillset as what lead her to joining the Coral Expeditions team in September of 2021. With a marine science background, Meg loves to travel and learn about the incredible Australian coastline.
A Tassie girl at heart, Amber has spent the last few years planning and guiding Sea Kayaking and Bushwalking trips around her home state. Adventuring is her passion and she loves to help facilitate a unique experience to those around her.
A South Australian local, Naomi’s passion for the marine environment started at a young age. Guiding and travelling is where her heart is, and being able to access some of the most incredible remote places in Australia while observing wildlife in their natural habitats is an absolute dream come true.
Karla’s passion for wildlife and outback Australia has taken her on some pretty wild adventures throughout her career. After studying zoology Karla worked as a zoo keeper for 5 years at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW central coast. At the zoo Karla specialised in exotic reptiles as well as arachnids, milking funnel web spiders for the lifesaving antivenin program.
Coral Expeditions was one of the first cruise operators to employ interpretive guides on our cruises, a tradition that continues today. Each trip includes a mix of our full-time guest lecturers who join the expedition team and special guest lecturers who are chosen for specific local knowledge.
Dr Alexander ‘Sandy’ Scott describes himself as an educator, naturalist field guide and traveller. Much of the expertise and skills he uses in the field and in his writing arise from his teacher training in Agricultural Science and whilst attaining his BA, M Litt, Ph D from the University of New England, New South Wales.
Zoologist, educator, conservationist and author, Ian Morris OAM is one of Coral Expeditions long-time Guest Lecturers. He has travelled extensively in the Australian tropics and played a significant role in the Cape York, Arnhem Land and Torres Strait cruise program.
Marine Biologist Mike Sugden owned his first boat at the age of 14 paid for by paper rounds before school. He has a passion for marine life and has been involved in research projects studying organisms from the tropics to the cold waters of Tasmania and southern Australia.
Terry is a retired Senior Principal Research Scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science where he worked for many years in Townsville concentrating on issues related to the Great Barrier Reef. In retirement Terry is a Guest Lecturer across several of Coral Expeditions cruise itineraries.
Tom is a qualified naturalist with extensive knowledge of the tropical environment especially birds, marine life and plants. He worked as a teacher in Arnhem Land, TAFE lecturer in Cairns and as a professional fisher. Tom has been a Guest Lecturer with Coral Expeditions since 2010 mainly in the Kimberley, Tasmania and the Top End.
American-born Linda Hoffman has lived and worked in Indonesia since 1989. Her career as a freelance travel writer, field guide and guest lecturer for study groups has taken her to many of southeast Asia’s most far-flung locations where she has had many amazing experiences. Based in Yogyakarta for the last 10 years, Linda has also authored the Turtle Travel Pack Indonesia.
Michael studied archaeology and anthropology at the ANU in the 1980’s before training as a teacher. He has worked across various educational and heritage roles, including as a teacher in Arnhem Land, heritage specialist with BHP, and with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and as a lecturer in Cultural Resource Management at the Top End’s Batchelor Institute.
A seasoned traveller with a degree in mechanical engineering and special interest in reptiles and invertebrates; Greg began his career extracting venom from snakes for use in the production of antivenins. Developing subsequent expertise in the scuba dive industry, today Greg specialises in creating and maintaining innovative wildlife exhibits and delivering interactive presentations that seek to translate ecological and biogeographical concepts into accessible and engaging content.
Mateo is a naturalist guide and self-confessed bird whisperer whose family were among the first settlers to arrive to the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand. He is a passionate conservationist and outdoorsman, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge about native flora and fauna and the natural environments we explore.
Anne O’Dea has over 30 years of experience in the natural and cultural resource management, training and public education. Her career has seen her working for the World Heritage areas of Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta & K’gari (Fraser Island and surrounding waters). She is currently engaged as a consultant working across a variety of research, citizen science and environmental education projects in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Working in the World Heritage areas of Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta & K’gari (Fraser Island and surrounding waters) in conjunction with the indigenous traditional owners; Steve is qualified with a Masters of Philosophy and a Bachlor of Zoology Science bringing wit him over 30 years experience in natural and cultural resource management to bring a unique perspective to environmental and cultural education.
Howard has been captivated by the marine ecosystems and rich maritime history of the west coast of Australia for nearly four decades. The Houtman Abrolhos Islands has been of particular interest since his first visits in 1980. In the decades since, through his first-hand diving and exploring trips and delving into the research material and archives, he has built up a considerable knowledge of this pristine archipelago.
A regular contributor to Australian Geographic, Alasdair has spent the past 15 years working as a field guide and lecturer on expedition cruises to Antartica, the islands of the Southern Ocean, and the Kimberley.
Lea McQuillan is a marine biologist who has a keen interest in plants, birds and mammals. After completing an honours degree in Environmental Management, she worked on various international research projects including, coral reef habitat mapping on the second biggest barrier reef, which is in Belize.
He has worked as a guide & lecturer around the world and has over 130 talks with his own photographs and other peoples jokes. He has explored over 50 countries across all 7 continents, including over a 100 expeditions into the Kimberly.
A writer by trade, Quentin remains one of Australian Geographic’s longest-serving contributors. This 35-year association includes feature stories covering some of Australia’s most beloved and far-flung regions.
Research scientist and environmental educator, Liz has worked at many locations around the world including the remote Indian Ocean outposts of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, Tasmania and it’s off-shore islands and the swamps of the USA.
An avid bird watcher, photographer and volunteer for TAS Parks, Shane has spent a lot of time in Melaleuca and on Schouten Island, and Cooks beach at Freycinet Peninsula.
Derek Pugh OAM, is an educator and award-winning author with books on NT history, science, travel and YA fiction.
Mark has been lucky to have lived and worked in North Queensland, Ecuador, Hawaii and New Zealand as a wildlife guide where he took great pleasure in showcasing the country’s natural history to international visitors.
Dr Alexander ‘Sandy’ Scott describes himself as an educator, naturalist field guide and traveller. Much of the expertise and skills he uses in the field and in his writing arise from his teacher training in Agricultural Science and whilst attaining his BA, M Litt, Ph D from the University of New England, New South Wales.
Zoologist, educator, conservationist and author, Ian Morris OAM is one of Coral Expeditions long-time Guest Lecturers. He has travelled extensively in the Australian tropics and played a significant role in the Cape York, Arnhem Land and Torres Strait cruise program.
Marine Biologist Mike Sugden owned his first boat at the age of 14 paid for by paper rounds before school. He has a passion for marine life and has been involved in research projects studying organisms from the tropics to the cold waters of Tasmania and southern Australia.
Terry is a retired Senior Principal Research Scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science where he worked for many years in Townsville concentrating on issues related to the Great Barrier Reef. In retirement Terry is a Guest Lecturer across several of Coral Expeditions cruise itineraries.
Tom is a qualified naturalist with extensive knowledge of the tropical environment especially birds, marine life and plants. He worked as a teacher in Arnhem Land, TAFE lecturer in Cairns and as a professional fisher. Tom has been a Guest Lecturer with Coral Expeditions since 2010 mainly in the Kimberley, Tasmania and the Top End.
American-born Linda Hoffman has lived and worked in Indonesia since 1989. Her career as a freelance travel writer, field guide and guest lecturer for study groups has taken her to many of southeast Asia’s most far-flung locations where she has had many amazing experiences. Based in Yogyakarta for the last 10 years, Linda has also authored the Turtle Travel Pack Indonesia.
Michael studied archaeology and anthropology at the ANU in the 1980’s before training as a teacher. He has worked across various educational and heritage roles, including as a teacher in Arnhem Land, heritage specialist with BHP, and with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and as a lecturer in Cultural Resource Management at the Top End’s Batchelor Institute.
A seasoned traveller with a degree in mechanical engineering and special interest in reptiles and invertebrates; Greg began his career extracting venom from snakes for use in the production of antivenins. Developing subsequent expertise in the scuba dive industry, today Greg specialises in creating and maintaining innovative wildlife exhibits and delivering interactive presentations that seek to translate ecological and biogeographical concepts into accessible and engaging content.
Mateo is a naturalist guide and self-confessed bird whisperer whose family were among the first settlers to arrive to the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand. He is a passionate conservationist and outdoorsman, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge about native flora and fauna and the natural environments we explore.
Anne O’Dea has over 30 years of experience in the natural and cultural resource management, training and public education. Her career has seen her working for the World Heritage areas of Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta & K’gari (Fraser Island and surrounding waters). She is currently engaged as a consultant working across a variety of research, citizen science and environmental education projects in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Working in the World Heritage areas of Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta & K’gari (Fraser Island and surrounding waters) in conjunction with the indigenous traditional owners; Steve is qualified with a Masters of Philosophy and a Bachlor of Zoology Science bringing wit him over 30 years experience in natural and cultural resource management to bring a unique perspective to environmental and cultural education.
Howard has been captivated by the marine ecosystems and rich maritime history of the west coast of Australia for nearly four decades. The Houtman Abrolhos Islands has been of particular interest since his first visits in 1980. In the decades since, through his first-hand diving and exploring trips and delving into the research material and archives, he has built up a considerable knowledge of this pristine archipelago.
A regular contributor to Australian Geographic, Alasdair has spent the past 15 years working as a field guide and lecturer on expedition cruises to Antartica, the islands of the Southern Ocean, and the Kimberley.
Lea McQuillan is a marine biologist who has a keen interest in plants, birds and mammals. After completing an honours degree in Environmental Management, she worked on various international research projects including, coral reef habitat mapping on the second biggest barrier reef, which is in Belize.
He has worked as a guide & lecturer around the world and has over 130 talks with his own photographs and other peoples jokes. He has explored over 50 countries across all 7 continents, including over a 100 expeditions into the Kimberly.
A writer by trade, Quentin remains one of Australian Geographic’s longest-serving contributors. This 35-year association includes feature stories covering some of Australia’s most beloved and far-flung regions.
Research scientist and environmental educator, Liz has worked at many locations around the world including the remote Indian Ocean outposts of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, Tasmania and it’s off-shore islands and the swamps of the USA.
An avid bird watcher, photographer and volunteer for TAS Parks, Shane has spent a lot of time in Melaleuca and on Schouten Island, and Cooks beach at Freycinet Peninsula.
Derek Pugh OAM, is an educator and award-winning author with books on NT history, science, travel and YA fiction.
Mark has been lucky to have lived and worked in North Queensland, Ecuador, Hawaii and New Zealand as a wildlife guide where he took great pleasure in showcasing the country’s natural history to international visitors.
Tim Harvey, co-founder of the Sea Turtle Foundation, was recently named one of Traveller Magazines “Heroes of Nature”. Tim has an infectious knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife and a unique perspective on the way we interact with the world around us.
Ian has always been driven by twin passions: the bush and the beach. Ian has a love of presenting the wonders of the natural world, bush walking, travelling and beachcombing.
Goyma is member of the Golumala Clan from Yolngu people of NE Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. He hopes to promote the traditional cultural values of the Yolngu people while continuing to research the ancient trade connection between the people of Indonesia & northern Australia.
Tim Harvey, co-founder of the Sea Turtle Foundation, was recently named one of Traveller Magazines “Heroes of Nature”. Tim has an infectious knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife and a unique perspective on the way we interact with the world around us.
Ian has always been driven by twin passions: the bush and the beach. Ian has a love of presenting the wonders of the natural world, bush walking, travelling and beachcombing.
Goyma is member of the Golumala Clan from Yolngu people of NE Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. He hopes to promote the traditional cultural values of the Yolngu people while continuing to research the ancient trade connection between the people of Indonesia & northern Australia.
Back on land, the team working from the office are working hard to make sure your entire experience runs smoothly from the time you first contact us.
Leissa Prouchandy joined the Coral Expeditions team in September 2021 in the newly created Guest Services Executive role. Her passion for nurturing guest experience and loyalty has developed over many years working in leading hotel brands in Cairns and Brisbane and she is excited to take on the challenge of establishing this new role to support Coral Expeditions and our guests.
The Reservations Team is made up of five staff, who are Australian, and based out of our headquarters in Cairns. Sitting together in a block in the middle of our open plan office, they are the hub for jokes and snacks and keep the mood of the office bright and cheery.
The Product Team is made up of four staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns, working behind the scenes to create extraordinary expedition experiences.
After 12 years guiding guests with Coral Expeditions, Steve joined our Product Team shoreside in 2021. With his experience as Expedition Leader for many of the amazing itineraries offered by the company, he now uses this knowledge to assist in the creation of expedition experiences to come.
Leissa Prouchandy joined the Coral Expeditions team in September 2021 in the newly created Guest Services Executive role. Her passion for nurturing guest experience and loyalty has developed over many years working in leading hotel brands in Cairns and Brisbane and she is excited to take on the challenge of establishing this new role to support Coral Expeditions and our guests.
The Reservations Team is made up of five staff, who are Australian, and based out of our headquarters in Cairns. Sitting together in a block in the middle of our open plan office, they are the hub for jokes and snacks and keep the mood of the office bright and cheery.
The Product Team is made up of four staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns, working behind the scenes to create extraordinary expedition experiences.
After 12 years guiding guests with Coral Expeditions, Steve joined our Product Team shoreside in 2021. With his experience as Expedition Leader for many of the amazing itineraries offered by the company, he now uses this knowledge to assist in the creation of expedition experiences to come.
Our experienced Pursers are on call 24 hours a day to ensure your cruise experience is as comfortable as possible. Visit the Purser’s desk to find out more about the services and facilities on board, purchase internet and telephone cards, check your on-board account and seek advice about your onward travel arrangements. The Purser’s hospitality staff will service your stateroom each morning, turn down your room in the evening and assist during meal service in the Dining Room.
Josh Coxall
Equipped with a Degree in Marine Biology and a love for the sea, Josh has been exploring the Great Barrier Reef with Coral Expeditions for over 10 years. Starting as a Trip Director, you now find Josh in the Bridge as Master. Pop into our Open Bridge for a chat with him as he navigates you through the Coral Sea.
Having joined Coral Expeditions in 2011 as a cruise attendant, throughout her 9 years with us she has worked with many captains, deck officers and crew. “They have all taught me something that helps me to be the best at my role. Most recently, Captain Craig and JB have taught me the new skill of how to drive an azipull vessel.”
Jo’s journey with Coral Expeditions began fourteen years ago as a Maritime Trainee. In her years with us she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge working in roles from Deckhand, Mate and now as a Bosun.
Josh Coxall
Equipped with a Degree in Marine Biology and a love for the sea, Josh has been exploring the Great Barrier Reef with Coral Expeditions for over 10 years. Starting as a Trip Director, you now find Josh in the Bridge as Master. Pop into our Open Bridge for a chat with him as he navigates you through the Coral Sea.
Having joined Coral Expeditions in 2011 as a cruise attendant, throughout her 9 years with us she has worked with many captains, deck officers and crew. “They have all taught me something that helps me to be the best at my role. Most recently, Captain Craig and JB have taught me the new skill of how to drive an azipull vessel.”
Jo’s journey with Coral Expeditions began fourteen years ago as a Maritime Trainee. In her years with us she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge working in roles from Deckhand, Mate and now as a Bosun.
We often run themed expeditions in which we welcome experts in their field onboard to share their knowledge. Themed voyages include indigenous art, nature photography, Boab Bicentenary, and wellness. We also run special expeditions in partnership with other organisations including GBR Legacy, and our major partner Australian Geographic. Below are some of the special guests we have welcomed onboard for previous voyages, or are planning to welcome onboard for special voyages in the future.
Mick brings a curious mix of education and experience to this role of guest lecturer with Coral Expeditions. After serving in the navy as a hydrographic surveyor, Mick went on to teach practical navigation in the UAE while studying maritime archaeology. By combining an archaeological approach with personal experience of seafaring and the methods used by early surveyors, Mick can offer unique perspectives on the ways people stayed safe – or didn’t – while navigating ancient oceans.
Internationally renowned Torres Straight artist, Brian Robinson will guide expedition guests through Cape York and Arnhem Land on a voyage combining the very best of Australia’s beautiful northern coastline with a unique opportunity to experience art and culture first hand.
Revered former Papua New Guinea politician Dame Carol Kidu is best known for her social policy reforms and for championing social justice. She shares her extraordinary life experiences on selected expedition departures. “Papua New Guinea is so close to Australia yet so little understood. I invite you to take off your Western lens and venture into another world with me as we explore just a sample of the diversity that in PNG – a nation in transition.”
Formerly a blue-water mariner, celestial navigator and skipper, Jeffrey became a specialist marine writer and photographer studying the fascinating maritime world in Asia, and in particular Indonesia. He has published extensively on these subjects in both popular and academic journals, and was the Editor of the Australia National Maritime Museum quarterly journal, Signals, until 1987 when he retired and was appointed honorary research associate.
As a child, Ian liked reading Enid Blyton and Boy’s Own Adventures stories. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Melbourne and has since lived, worked and travelled across Indonesia.
Jürgen Freund is a natural history and conservation photographer. He is as much at home taking photographs underwater in the oceans, as he is in fresh water, rainforests, deserts, and up in the air. Stella Freund, is a photo story producer and documentary filmmaker with a long list of books and films to her credit.
Sue Crafer has raced in fifteen Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races. Her first race was on the mighty “Condor of Bermuda” when they raced down through the gap between Tasman Island and the mainland of Tasmania. (Which is now illegal on the yacht race but where we hope to take you on this voyage weather dependent of course). Sue joins us in 2021 for what she considers is her 17th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
We are pleased to introduce our special guests who will join us for The Solar Eclipse Expedition, Marnie Ogg and Professor Fred Watson AM. Marnie receive two International Dark Sky Defender awards for her personal and board efforts. Fred is known for his public presentations, award-winning books and TV and radio interviews, and is also Astronomer-in-Charge and Head of Lighting and Environment at the Australian Astronomical Observatory.
Mick brings a curious mix of education and experience to this role of guest lecturer with Coral Expeditions. After serving in the navy as a hydrographic surveyor, Mick went on to teach practical navigation in the UAE while studying maritime archaeology. By combining an archaeological approach with personal experience of seafaring and the methods used by early surveyors, Mick can offer unique perspectives on the ways people stayed safe – or didn’t – while navigating ancient oceans.
Internationally renowned Torres Straight artist, Brian Robinson will guide expedition guests through Cape York and Arnhem Land on a voyage combining the very best of Australia’s beautiful northern coastline with a unique opportunity to experience art and culture first hand.
Revered former Papua New Guinea politician Dame Carol Kidu is best known for her social policy reforms and for championing social justice. She shares her extraordinary life experiences on selected expedition departures. “Papua New Guinea is so close to Australia yet so little understood. I invite you to take off your Western lens and venture into another world with me as we explore just a sample of the diversity that in PNG – a nation in transition.”
Formerly a blue-water mariner, celestial navigator and skipper, Jeffrey became a specialist marine writer and photographer studying the fascinating maritime world in Asia, and in particular Indonesia. He has published extensively on these subjects in both popular and academic journals, and was the Editor of the Australia National Maritime Museum quarterly journal, Signals, until 1987 when he retired and was appointed honorary research associate.
As a child, Ian liked reading Enid Blyton and Boy’s Own Adventures stories. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Melbourne and has since lived, worked and travelled across Indonesia.
Jürgen Freund is a natural history and conservation photographer. He is as much at home taking photographs underwater in the oceans, as he is in fresh water, rainforests, deserts, and up in the air. Stella Freund, is a photo story producer and documentary filmmaker with a long list of books and films to her credit.
Sue Crafer has raced in fifteen Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races. Her first race was on the mighty “Condor of Bermuda” when they raced down through the gap between Tasman Island and the mainland of Tasmania. (Which is now illegal on the yacht race but where we hope to take you on this voyage weather dependent of course). Sue joins us in 2021 for what she considers is her 17th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
We are pleased to introduce our special guests who will join us for The Solar Eclipse Expedition, Marnie Ogg and Professor Fred Watson AM. Marnie receive two International Dark Sky Defender awards for her personal and board efforts. Fred is known for his public presentations, award-winning books and TV and radio interviews, and is also Astronomer-in-Charge and Head of Lighting and Environment at the Australian Astronomical Observatory.
It is with heavy hearts that Coral Expeditions joins the Kimberley community in mourning the passing of long-time Kununurra resident Chris Done.
Chris was Coral Expeditions longest serving Guest Lecturer – cruising the Kimberley coastline since we began operations in the 1990’s.