The founding team of Travel Australia on Sydney Harbour

Our Story

Travel Australia began in 2015 as a passion project between four friends who shared a love for Australia's diverse landscapes and unique experiences.

The journey started when Emma Thompson, a travel writer from Melbourne, met Jack Wilson, an outback guide from Alice Springs, during a travel convention in Sydney. They quickly bonded over their shared frustration about the lack of comprehensive travel resources that covered both Australia's iconic destinations and its hidden gems. Soon after, they were joined by Mia Zhang, a transportation specialist with extensive knowledge of navigating Australia's vast distances, and David Cooper, a wildlife photographer whose stunning images captured the essence of Australian landscapes.

What began as a simple blog sharing personal experiences and travel tips quickly evolved into a comprehensive travel resource as our audience grew. By 2017, we had expanded our team to include local experts from every Australian state and territory, allowing us to provide detailed, first-hand information about destinations across the continent. In 2019, we launched our interactive route planning tools, which have helped thousands of travelers create personalized Australian itineraries tailored to their interests, timeframes, and budgets.

Today, Travel Australia has grown into one of the most trusted resources for Australian travel information, with over 2 million annual visitors and partnerships with tourism boards across the country. Despite our growth, we remain committed to our founding principle: providing authentic, practical advice that helps travelers experience the true essence of Australia.

Our Mission & Values

We're committed to transforming how travelers experience Australia through authentic, comprehensive, and responsible travel resources.

Authenticity

We believe in showcasing the real Australia, beyond tourist clichés. Our content is created by people who live in and deeply understand the regions they write about. We highlight cultural nuances, local favorites, and genuine experiences that create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations.

Practicality

Australia's vast size and diverse environments present unique travel challenges. We're committed to providing practical, detailed information that addresses real-world concerns like distance management, seasonal considerations, budget planning, and logistical hurdles. Our advice is always grounded in actual travel experience.

Sustainability

We promote responsible travel that respects Australia's fragile ecosystems and indigenous cultures. Our guides emphasize eco-friendly options, highlight conservation efforts, and educate travelers about responsible interaction with wildlife and protected areas. We believe sustainable tourism ensures Australia's treasures remain for future generations.

Meet Our Team

The passionate travel experts behind Travel Australia's comprehensive guides.

Emma Thompson, Travel Writer

Emma Thompson

Co-Founder & Content Director

Former Melbourne resident with over 15 years of experience exploring Australia's urban centers. Emma specializes in finding hidden cultural gems and affordable luxury experiences in Australia's major cities.

Jack Wilson, Outback Guide

Jack Wilson

Co-Founder & Outback Specialist

Born in Alice Springs, Jack has spent two decades leading tours through Australia's remote regions. His intimate knowledge of outback conditions and connections with indigenous communities enrich our route planning.

Mia Zhang, Transportation Specialist

Mia Zhang

Co-Founder & Logistics Director

With a background in Australian transportation planning, Mia provides expert insight into navigating Australia's vast distances efficiently. She's personally tested every major transport route in our guides.

David Cooper, Wildlife Photographer

David Cooper

Co-Founder & Visual Director

Award-winning photographer specializing in Australian wildlife and landscapes. David contributes stunning visuals and expert advice on wildlife encounters and photography opportunities throughout Australia.

Our Achievements

Milestones and recognition we've received along our journey.

Growth & Impact

  • 2 Million+ Annual Visitors

    Our website now serves over 2 million travelers each year with comprehensive Australian travel information.

  • 50,000+ Itineraries Created

    Our interactive route planning tools have helped create over 50,000 personalized travel itineraries.

  • 150+ Local Partners

    We've built relationships with over 150 local tour operators, accommodation providers, and transportation services across Australia.

Recognition & Awards

  • Best Travel Blog 2025

    Awarded by the Australian Travel Association for our comprehensive and accurate travel information.

  • Excellence in Digital Content 2022

    Recognized by the International Travel Media Awards for our interactive route planning tools.

  • Responsible Tourism Advocate 2025

    Recognized by Sustainable Travel International for our promotion of eco-friendly travel options and respect for indigenous cultures.

What Travelers Say

Hear from travelers who've explored Australia with our guides.

Sarah Jenkins smiling in front of Sydney Opera House

"Travel Australia's comprehensive city guides completely transformed our family trip to Sydney and Melbourne. The detailed neighborhood breakdowns helped us choose the perfect accommodations, and their public transport explanations saved us hours of confusion. The restaurant recommendations were spot-on for our family's needs, and their suggested day trips led us to experiences we would have otherwise missed."

Sarah Jenkins

Family traveler from Canada

Marcus Rodriguez posing with camera in Australian outback

"As a photographer seeking Australia's most photogenic locations, I found Travel Australia's route planning tools invaluable. Their detailed guides on timing for optimal lighting conditions at Uluru and the Twelve Apostles helped me capture stunning images. The insider tips about lesser-known lookout points in the Blue Mountains and Kakadu National Park led me to perspectives that weren't crowded with other tourists. This resource truly understands the needs of photography enthusiasts."

Marcus Rodriguez

Travel photographer from Spain

Aisha and Michael Chen in front of Great Barrier Reef

"Planning our three-month Australian road trip seemed overwhelming until we discovered Travel Australia. Their detailed transportation guides helped us decide between buying a campervan or renting cars, and their seasonal travel tips led us to adjust our itinerary to avoid the wet season in the north. The accommodation reviews saved us from booking several places that wouldn't have suited our needs, and their budget breakdown templates helped us manage costs on our extended journey."

Aisha & Michael Chen

Long-term travelers from Singapore

Ready to Explore Australia?

Whether you're planning your first Australian adventure or returning to discover more of this beautiful country, we're here to help make your journey unforgettable.