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Tropical North Queensland: 3 adventure experiences you can’t miss

Tropical North Queensland is where nature cranks the adrenaline to eleven.

Tasmania Summit Of Kunany © Paul Fleming

Tasmania's top 5 experiences

Rich in stories, soul and staggering scenery, Tasmania is where history whispers from sandstone buildings and adventure calls from every windswept bay and mountain peak. This island may be small, but it’s brimming with pinch-me moments.

Where to walk in Australia

Six spectacular spots for putting one foot in front of the other.

Hidden gems in Australia you didn't know about

We all love Aussie for a holiday...But do you find yourself returning to the same sports year-in, year-out?

Milestone celebration holiday ideas

Whether you’ve got a big birthday coming up, planning a 3G holiday (aka a fun trip with three generations), or making the most of your family time before the kids head out into the world, we’ve got you covered!

Top tips for your ultimate Queensland holiday

Queensland is the perfect destination for every type of traveller. Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family getaway, a romantic retreat, or an epic road trip, this stunning state has it all!

Sunrise, sunset & starlight on the Great Barrier Reef

Australia

A meal to remember in the Daintree Rainforest

Australia

What it's really like to travel on The Ghan

Here’s a peek into what it’s truly like to travel on The Ghan - one of the world's most legendary rail journeys.

Top 10 Australia events for 2025

From sun-soaked summer festivals to cosy winter feasts, Australia’s event calendar never sleeps. No matter the season, there’s always something to celebrate — and Aussies sure know how to throw a party.

Spoil yourself in an all inclusive luxury!

Whitsundays

Be dazzled by Vivid Sydney

Sydney

The best shopping on the Gold Coast

If you check more luggage on the return flight...well, we've been there too!

7 spots you can't miss in the Gold Coast's hinterland

Explore further in the Gold Coast by heading away from those famous beaches and turning inland for adventure — and for eating!

5 family resorts in the Gold Coast

We don’t use the ‘F-word’ at House of Travel (favourite) but we know what’s popular, and what our customers love, and these five Gold Coast hotels are always top-dog for family holidays.

48 hours on the Gold Coast

Our ‘Been there, haven’t done that yet?!’ guide to 48 hours on the Gold Coast proves that this destination still has quite a few surprises up its sleeve.

12 free (or nearly) things to do on the Gold Coast

Aside from hitting the famous beach, these are the very best low-cost gems on the Gold Coast.

Do’s and dont's for Gold Coast theme parks

Here's how to make the most of your time in the Gold Coast's famous theme parks.

Top 9 things to do with the family in the Gold Coast

The ultimate 7-day Sunshine Coast itinerary

Sunshine, sea breezes and serenity. The Sunshine Coast blends golden beaches with lush green hinterland – it’s like summer never ends.

All-inclusive luxury in the Whitsundays

Discover Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat, a secluded adults-only island retreat in the Whitsundays and the first 100% solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.

Indian Pacific Rail Broken Hill NSW © Journey Beyond

Indian Pacific Rail Journey: What to know before you go

Step aboard the legendary Indian Pacific and experience the golden age of train travel — reimagined in five-star style.

Where should I go in Australia?

Whether you're craving the excitement of high-energy cities or the relaxation of laid-back beaches, Australia has it all. From iconic landmarks to secret spots only locals know about, our guide will show you where to go and what to see to get the most out of your Australian adventure.

Top things to do in Sydney and surrounds

You'll never run out of things to do in Sydney, but don’t forget to set some time out to explore the wonders of New South Wales.

Top 5 reasons to visit Vivid Sydney

What will Vivid 2025 bring? Here are five reasons to book your trip to Vivid Sydney with House of Travel. Celebrating its 15th year in 2025, Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest festival of light, music, ideas, and food.

Meet our Australia specialists

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Kirsty Howlett

House of Travel Palmerston North: Broadway

I love that Travel experiences gives you lasting memories.

I've worked in almost every area of the travel industry over the last 30 years and have a wealth of experience to help plan your next trip!

Kirsty

Lisa Crawford

House of Travel Lower Hutt

My love of languages and exploring the world has naturally evolved into a career in travel. I enjoy discovering what motivates your travels and tailoring your trip to suit your own style and interests.

I have travelled extensively across Europe and lived abroad both in the UK and Paraguay. Recent travel highlights include cruising Hawaii’s Islands and experiencing the best of Washington DC.

My special interest is in cruising, from the world’s largest floating resorts to casually cruising Europe’s rivers or the more adventurous Expedition ships to the Antarctic. There is a cruise possibility for every personality and preference!

I look forward to getting to know you and helping you to get the most out of your next adventure.

Lisa

Andy Gosnell

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team and Andy is ours! His easy and honest approach makes for an enjoyable relationship and experience for clients, suppliers and all the team.

Travel has always been a constant in Andy's life.

Andy first developed a love for travel early, living in the USA for 3 years from the age of 5. After this he has taken every opportunity, travelling the world to some of its most remote spots. Whether he is trekking in the Patagonian Andes, strolling the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread across USA, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, Andy's in his element.

Being in the travel industry for almost 7 years has given Andy a great opportunity to visit amazing places and diversify his knowledge, so no matter where you want to go, he will have some expert advice to make your trip unforgettable.

"I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything, your only limited by how far your imagination can stretch."

Years in the industry: 7
No. of countries visited: 10
Favourite place to visit: Amalfi Coast
Nest place on the list to visit: Yosemite, California

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien.

Why I love travel:

The places I see and the people I meet, travel really is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from all cultures and walks of life. Remember life is short, travel often.

My travel tips:

If you are always early, you are never late.
Prebook as much as possible before you go and schedule rest days on long trips.
Live courageously - you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

Italy - The food, the history, the people, the stunning coastlines, and mountains. Italy should be on everyone's bucket list.
USA - With a multitude of cultures to experience and adventures to be had, you could spend your life just in the USA and not see everything.
Patagonia - A challenge to reach, the landscapes that will great you make every minute of the journey worth the effort.

What's in my suitcase:

Kindle/E-reader - it is easy to pack, light to carry, and has a long battery life; this is an essential on all my trips.
Noise cancelling headphones - perfect for noisy flights and airports.
Travel plug adapter - easy to forget but a must have.

Andy

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Lovely to meet you! My love for travel began early—at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I’ve never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I’m here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I’m known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.

Sarah