Sydney Brisbane Cairns Alice Springs

Our Story

Aussie Wanderlust was born from a deep love for Australia's diverse landscapes and cultures. Founded in 2010 by Emma and Michael Thompson, a husband and wife team who spent years backpacking across the continent, we started with a simple mission: to help travelers experience the real Australia.

After completing a life-changing 18-month journey through every Australian state and territory, Emma and Michael realized that many tourists were missing out on the authentic experiences and hidden gems they had discovered. They decided to create a travel agency that would go beyond the typical tourist routes.

What began as a small operation out of their Sydney apartment has grown into one of Australia's most respected boutique travel agencies. Today, our team of 20+ passionate travel experts continues the founders' tradition of creating authentic, immersive, and sustainable travel experiences.

Despite our growth, we've remained true to our roots – we still personally scout each destination, build relationships with local communities, and design each itinerary with the care and attention of people who truly love this land.

Our Mission

To create transformative travel experiences that connect people with the authentic spirit of Australia while supporting local communities and preserving the natural environment for future generations.

Our Values

Authenticity

We create genuine experiences that reveal the true character of Australia's landscapes, wildlife, and people.

Sustainability

We're committed to environmentally responsible tourism that preserves Australia's natural beauty for future generations.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in every aspect of our service, from itinerary design to customer care.

Cultural Respect

We honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples and foster meaningful cultural exchanges.

Meet Our Team

Our team of passionate travel experts is dedicated to creating unforgettable Australian experiences for every traveler.

Emma Thompson

Co-Founder & CEO

Emma's 15+ years of travel experience and deep knowledge of Australia's hidden gems drive our company vision.

Michael Thompson

Co-Founder & Operations Director

Michael's background in environmental science and tourism management ensures our tours are both exceptional and sustainable.

Sarah Williams

Head of Tour Design

Sarah's creative approach to itinerary design and attention to detail create memorable journeys for our clients.

David Chen

Customer Experience Manager

David's dedication to customer satisfaction ensures every traveler feels supported from booking to return home.

Contact Our Team

Our Journey

From a small startup to a leading Australian tour operator, here's how we've grown over the years.

2010

The Beginning

Emma and Michael Thompson founded Aussie Wanderlust in Sydney after their 18-month journey across Australia.

2012

First Office

Opened our first proper office in Sydney's CBD and expanded to a team of 5 travel specialists.

2014

Expansion

Launched operations in Melbourne and Brisbane, expanding our tour offerings across eastern Australia.

2016

Sustainable Tourism Award

Received our first Australian Tourism Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Practices.

2018

Indigenous Partnership

Established our Indigenous Cultural Exchange Program in partnership with First Nations communities.

2020

10th Anniversary

Celebrated 10 years of operation and launched our Domestic Explorer initiative during pandemic travel restrictions.

2023

Today

Now a team of 20+ travel experts, operating nationwide with a focus on authentic, sustainable Australian experiences.

What People Say About Us

"Working with Aussie Wanderlust to plan our family's Australian adventure was the best decision we made. Their knowledge of child-friendly activities and accommodations made traveling with kids a breeze. Every detail was perfectly arranged, and the personalized guidebook they created for us was invaluable!"

The Wilson Family

from Chicago, USA

"As senior travelers, we were concerned about the logistics of exploring Australia, but Aussie Wanderlust tailored everything to our pace and interests. Their guides were knowledgeable and attentive, and we never felt rushed. The cultural experiences they arranged, particularly with Aboriginal communities, were profound and respectful."

Robert & Elizabeth Thompson

from Edinburgh, Scotland

"I was impressed by Aussie Wanderlust's commitment to sustainable tourism. Our guide showed us how they work with local communities and conservation efforts. The wildlife encounters were ethical and educational, and I appreciated that our tour had minimal environmental impact while still allowing us to experience Australia's incredible biodiversity."

Sophia Müller

from Berlin, Germany