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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.
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.
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.
Marysia decided to pursue her love for the ocean by studying Marine Biology at James Cook University in Townsville. She was involved in various research projects with CSIRO and AIMS designed to understand how climate change will affect corals.
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).
A naturalist with qualifications in zoology and teaching, Mark has the perfect background for his role as Expedition Leader, bringing to life excursions on water and land for our guests.
Steve has been guiding guests with Coral Expeditions for 11 years taking guests to all of the amazing destinations offered by the company, and before that guiding travellers through Asia, Europe and the Americas.
With over 24 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.
New to the team, Brian has worked as a commercial rafting, scuba instructor, bush walking and sea kayaking guide, Operations Manager, and Outdoor Education teacher across Australia and the Pacific. “I love the mountains and rivers – it’s hard not to in Tasmania, it is home after all, but I am most at home at sea, or more specifically, under it.”
Marysia decided to pursue her love for the ocean by studying Marine Biology at James Cook University in Townsville. She was involved in various research projects with CSIRO and AIMS designed to understand how climate change will affect corals.
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).
A naturalist with qualifications in zoology and teaching, Mark has the perfect background for his role as Expedition Leader, bringing to life excursions on water and land for our guests.
Steve has been guiding guests with Coral Expeditions for 11 years taking guests to all of the amazing destinations offered by the company, and before that guiding travellers through Asia, Europe and the Americas.
With over 24 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.
New to the team, Brian has worked as a commercial rafting, scuba instructor, bush walking and sea kayaking guide, Operations Manager, and Outdoor Education teacher across Australia and the Pacific. “I love the mountains and rivers – it’s hard not to in Tasmania, it is home after all, but I am most at home at sea, or more specifically, under it.”
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.
A newcomer to the team, 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.
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.
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.
A newcomer to the team, 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.
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.
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.
The Reservations Team is made up of five staff, who are Australian (with one Kiwi), 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 three staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns.
Behind the scenes in the creation of extraordinary expedition experiences.
The Reservations Team is made up of five staff, who are Australian (with one Kiwi), 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 three staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns.
Behind the scenes in the creation of extraordinary expedition experiences.
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.
Having collected indigenous art for more than 17 years, Richard is our specialist covering the art of New Guinea and the Maluku Islands.
With insights gathered during 16 years in some of the most remote areas on earth, he shares his love of tribal art and appreciation for the Art of the Pacific.
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.
Allan du Toit transferred to the active reserve as a Rear Admiral in early 2016 after 40 years combined full-time service in two Commonwealth navies.
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.
Darren Jew has photographed the planet’s landscapes and wildlife from Antarctica to Zambia over a 30-year career spent on mountain peaks, desert plains and beneath the ocean.
Jasmine Carey has a passion for the ocean. Her beautiful, intimate photographs of the marine life she encounters confirm her deep connection with the sea.
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.
Having collected indigenous art for more than 17 years, Richard is our specialist covering the art of New Guinea and the Maluku Islands.
With insights gathered during 16 years in some of the most remote areas on earth, he shares his love of tribal art and appreciation for the Art of the Pacific.
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.
Allan du Toit transferred to the active reserve as a Rear Admiral in early 2016 after 40 years combined full-time service in two Commonwealth navies.
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.
Darren Jew has photographed the planet’s landscapes and wildlife from Antarctica to Zambia over a 30-year career spent on mountain peaks, desert plains and beneath the ocean.
Jasmine Carey has a passion for the ocean. Her beautiful, intimate photographs of the marine life she encounters confirm her deep connection with the sea.
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.
Hospitality Team: 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.
From The Bridge:
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.
“Seeing the ecstatic faces and hearing the pure joy in their voices as our passengers comment on what they have witnessed and learnt, is for me the most important, satisfying and unforgettable experience that the Great Barrier Reef can provide. I refer to this natural wonder as my “office” and as far as I am concerned I work in the very best office in the world!”
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.”
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.
“Seeing the ecstatic faces and hearing the pure joy in their voices as our passengers comment on what they have witnessed and learnt, is for me the most important, satisfying and unforgettable experience that the Great Barrier Reef can provide. I refer to this natural wonder as my “office” and as far as I am concerned I work in the very best office in the world!”
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.”