I first travelled to Australia as study abroad student, spending four months on the Gold Coast as part of my BA degree in communication. What began as a curious interest quickly became an all-consuming passion as I embraced the Aussie lifestyle. (And to be completely honest — when I saw my first koala in the wild.)
Using the Gold Coast as a home base, I was able to spend weekends trying to surf the waves at local beaches, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef while spending three nights on a catamaran, and encounter wildlife that you can not see anywhere else in the world.
Coming back to the US I knew that I had to help others experience the country that had stolen my heart. This led me to working for the travel company that I went abroad with. When sending students to Australian universities was not enough, I found my way to Audley — where I find absolute joy and fulfilment in curating unique trips for each of my clients. I'm eager to share my love of Australia with all of those who wish to see and experience everything it has to offer.
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Q&A with Desiree
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
I can not claim that it's a dish, but I can claim that it's an Australian delicacy — Tim Tams. I hate to admit that these chocolate biscuits consume most of my diet every time that I visit Australia. They're the perfect combination of crunchy biscuit and creamy filling with a smooth chocolate coating. You'll see them in every grocery store and will be required to bring some home for your family and friends to try.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I'd just been picked up at the airport on Kangaroo Island. My tour guide drove us five minutes to his house for a cup of coffee and Anzac biscuits on his back decking. As soon as we sat down a kangaroo came jumping over to the table from the bush, trying to grab at the milk and food we were enjoying. I was SHOCKED and asked if this was a normal experience. I did not expect wild animals to be so comfortable with humans. My guide, Craig, quickly explained that this was Lucy — the kangaroo that him and his wife had been fostering. Although Lucy was set free into the wild, she still loved to come home and was used to being bottle fed milk from her ‘parents’. Lucy stayed and had some breakfast with us, grabbing our hands to say hi and was playing with the dogs that she grew up with. I have never in my life had such a close encounter with a wild animal. I will never forget Lucy and that experience for as long as I live.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Ask the locals! Fully immersing yourself in the place that you choose to travel to is always my biggest tip. Talk to the locals, find the spots that most tourists don’t know about, experience the culture and make those memories!