The travel experience collective
Australia
The travel experience collective
Australia
meet our
team
Meet the Team Behind
Get Lost Travel
The GLTG Team is more than a team, we are a family. We are also a dynamic collective of energetic people who bonded over a love for travel. We turn our dreams and ideas into reality, creating inspiring adventures for travellers of all walks of life to enjoy. We share similar philosophies and values and with a goal to become the “Best Place in the World to Work” we have created a lively and positive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and freedom to express their ideas, thoughts and feelings.
GLT Tour GUides
We believe our guides are the heart and soul of our great company and our passengers agree with overwhelmingly positive TripAdvisor reviews specifically mentioning the quality of the Guides and our onboard digital feedback which rates them a pretty decent 9.5/10. They welcome people onboard, sharing their passion and knowledge of the areas they visit with unrivalled enthusiasm and care.
The GLTG go above and beyond to ensure our Guides are the best in the business with new Guides undergoing a vigorous induction and training program and ongoing professional development such as Defensive Driving Courses which Guides undertook in 2018.
Afterall, the quality of a guide is the key to a passenger having a good experience, to having an absolutely fantastic one.
Paul Beames
ceo / founder
Name – Paul Beames
Nickname – Beamsey
Year Started – 2009
After school I….. I became the luckiest person in the world, and fell in love the incredible tourism industry. Working as a tour driver I managed to work, travel, live, laugh and lead around most of Australia and Europe.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: 3 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Tour. More time to explore different climates & environments as well as get to know other people on a deeper level.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… Melbourne is pretty ace but it really is hard to choose between Perth, Sydney or Melbourne. They really are brilliantly unique and special in their own right.
Best international holiday so far: The Italian Amalfi Coast
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… a stuntman
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I’m always & never working, my life is work & play all rolled into one. I absolutely love doing what I do every day. There is no clear cut line in the sand, which is the way I firmly believe life should be lived. I can’t fathom how or why anyone would have it any other way.
What are some of the causes you care about most? Responsible tourism, mental health, environmental issues, clean energy, protecting the Great Barrier Reef, mentoring other entrepreneurs to be the best they can, supporting my GLTG family, creating phenomenal experiences for our travellers, using business as a vehicle to make the world a better place than what we found it.
Life Motto/ Values:
- Have fun and enjoy what you do
- Love your people
- Move fast & respond quickly
- Work smarter and harder
- Be a lifelong learner
- Be cheeky, adventurous and a little bit naughty
- Stay active, fit & healthy
- Come armed with solutions…. not problems
- Done is far better than perfect and pending
- Fit in or F.O.
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: Culture, People, Flexibility, Fun, Family
Kerry Tate
GLTG General Manager
Name – Kerry Tate
Nickname – KT
Year Started – 2018
After school I….. went on to study in France, before kicking off my career in tourism. I’ve been lucky to have a number of epic roles for some incredible brands across both Europe, and Asia / Pacific.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Our 7 day Exmouth Explorer. It’s adventure travel the way it should be. Imagine you and a few new mates from around the globe exploring some of the most remote parts of Australia (and the world). Hiking canyons, swimming alongside whale sharks and manta rays, and getting blown away by unobstructed views of the milky way. This trip is a one in a million.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… It’s a world city like nowhere else on the planet. With a thousand and one things to do and explore on any day of the week, from incredible art exhibitions, a vibrant music scene, more sports than you can shake a stick at and some of the world best coffee culture, there’s nowhere better to live in Australia.
Best international holiday so far: Road-tripping around Iceland in the middle of winter – easily one of the globe’s most amazing countries.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… I’d probably be somewhere in a train or plane, exploring the planet.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Travelling. There’s something about the sense of freedom and discovery that comes with boarding a plane to anywhere.
What are some of the causes you care about most? Climate change and pollution reduction. Human rights and gender equality. I believe that tourism can be a true force for change. No other industry connects peoples and cultures like tourism
Life Motto/ Values: Live the life you love. Love the life you live. (First spotted graffitied on the wall of a hostel dorm in Paris)
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: It’s all about the people.
Craig Cooney
Product Director
Name – Craig Cooney
Nickname – Clooney
Year Started – 2011
After school I….. travelled, laughed and loved. I worked in a variety of roles in various industries before falling in love with tourism whilst cycling across Vietnam. I fell in love with our industry, its people and its potential to bring travellers together and bring joy to many. Ultimately I am motivated by creating experiences that will leave our guests feeling like this world is beautiful and life is to be celebrated.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: our Mornington Peninsula day tour because it is a true local experience that gets away from the tourist crowds. The scenery is stunning; the wine and cider is tantalising and the cheese, chocolates and strawberries are amazing! And there are goats.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… because Dumplings. And theatre. And footy. And noodle markets. And snow. And beach. And ALL the coffee.
Best international holiday so far: Italy. Because its Italy. And I love Italy.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… A tour guide again. Because I love being with the people of the world and showing of our beautiful country. And I do a mean Koala impersonation.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
Having Sunday morning brunch with my kids.
What are some of the causes you care about most? I care mostly about supporting people who feel overwhelmed by life. Life can be tough and we all have our dark days. I’ve spent some time at rock bottom and its not pretty down there. I believe we can all be better at supporting each other in this experience called life.
Life Motto/ Values: Love
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: I’m encouraged to be myself
Caitlin Sewell
Key Accounts Director
Name – Caitlin Sewell
Nickname – Sewelly
Year Started – 2010
Fin Beames
Finance Director
Name – Fin Beames
Nickname – Bingo
Year Started – 2009
After school I….. I worked as a stock agent (the animal kind) and with Vic Police
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Mornington Winery Tour as it is a great part of the world and has lots of yummy food.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because…The people are so friendly, it is so easy to get around and it has the best restaurants and cafes
Best international holiday so far: Definitely my Alaskan experience, it was very memorable.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… Australia’s best Prime Minister
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Spending time with my family
What are some of the causes you care about most? Global warming, preserving habitat and wildlife.
Life Motto/ Values: Nothing Ventured, nothing gained
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: The Great Crew.
LISA Beames
Company Director
Name – Lisa Beames
Nickname – Pie
Year Started – 2009
After school I….. started work as a Primary School Teacher.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Great Ocean Road because I love the majestic magic of the landscape and the ocean.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… the nightlife and the arts
Best international holiday so far: is going to Alaska and Canada
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… sitting on the beach drinking champagne!
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? spending time with my family
What are some of the causes you care about most? the environment and creating a better education system.
Life Motto/ Values: You’re dead a long time so live life to the full.
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: the fun family atmosphere
Aino Beames
Book Keeper
Name – Aino Beames
Nickname – Paino ( Pine-o )
Year Started – 2011
After school I….. moved across the globe to live and work in Australia. 8 years later I’m still here!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Mornington Peninsula, because what is better than wine, cheese & chocolate?!
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… there’s always some new awesome places to discover
Best international holiday so far: maybe New Zealand!
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… a dolphin trainer
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Cuddling baby Max, eating cheese, watching movies, drinking tea
What are some of the causes you care about most? Global warming, preserving habitat and wildlife.
Life Motto/ Values: rescue doggies
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: The people.
Ben Matthews
MTB ADVENTURES
Name – Ben Matthews
Nickname – “Benny” to most or “Kippa” to a few
Year Started – 2013
After school I….. studied, worked and taught audio production, ended up falling into IT in a national systems admin role then threw it all away to become a tour guide and to ride bikes!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Hands down the 8 Day Ultimate Bikes, Beers & Bakeries Road Trip! It’s my baby. My dream tour for years and to have it off the ground makes me one mighty happy chappy! Why is it so good though? Riding mountain bikes every day, visiting the best craft breweries in Vic, eating some of the finest bakery lunches all in my favourite part of Australia; Victoria’s High Country.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… of its diversity. Food and cultures mix with a thriving music scene and sporting events matched with the best coffee baristas in the world!
Best international holiday so far: Riding my bike 8,200km from coast to coast of the US with my brother.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… Living out of the back of a van travelling Australia as a nomad.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Riding my bike! Wait… That is work! Oh well. Still my answer.
What are some of the causes you care about most? Palm Oil free, environmental and population sustainability & waste reduction.
Life Motto/ Values: Strive to be the best human I can be: Listen, learn & forgive.
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: Fun. Family. Freaking Awesome!
Vicky Hartley
Melbourne Operations Manager
Name – Vicky Hartley
Nickname – Hollywood
Year Started – 2015
After school I….. a love of travel led me to study Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Positions in Field Operations & Outdoor Education Leadership took me to all corners of Victoria working with school children through to corporate groups. In 2005 I moved to Central Australia becoming an Outback Tour Guide, which began a 10-year odyssey of touring throughout Australia. I gained extensive experience as a Driver/Guide for Wayward Bus, Adventure Tours Australia, Oz Experience, Topdeck Travel & Under Down Under Tours until finally arriving back in Melbourne bringing my wealth of knowledge & experience to Wildlife Tours Australia and the Get Lost Travel Group firstly as a guide, then in January 2016 moving into Operations, and in 2018 becoming the Melbourne Operations Manager for The Get Lost Travel Group.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Mornington Peninsula, great food, great wine & great views
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… It has a little bit of everything, and it’s my home.
Best international holiday so far: 6 week African Safari from Nairobi to Capetown in 2012, an amazing experience which has yet to be equalled.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… still be punching out awesome tour experiences in Australia somewhere.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Travelling and Sleeping
What are some of the causes you care about most? Environmental protection and zero waste living.
Life Motto/ Values: 20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than things you did do – Mark Twain
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: The people.
Marilou Binkhorst
Reservations Manager
Name – Marilou Binkhorst
Nickname – Lou
Year Started – 2013
After school I….. Worked as a Travel Advisor at TravelBird in Amsterdam, then went off to had the most amazing trip through South America to then come back home here with the GLT Family in Melbourne 😊!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Mornington Peninsula Wine, cheese and chocolate tour, Wine and cheese.. need I say more?
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… of all the hidden bars, amazing food and fun events that are on all year round. We’re also pretty lucky to have some of the most amazing hike places in our backyard, such as the You Yangs and the Werribee Gorge
Best international holiday so far: South-America, going from glaciers in Argentina, to the beautiful salt desert in Bolivia and then the magical Machu Picchu in Peru.. just amazing!
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… a professional cheese-taster
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Discovering new national and international places, boxing, hiking, going on other outdoor adventures, oh and eating cheese (with a cheeky wine).
What are some of the causes you care about most? Nature conservation, human rights
Life Motto/ Values: fill your life with adventures, not things
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: the family feel
Melissa Tuliranta
Reservations
Name – Melissa Tuliranta
Nickname – Mel / Melly / Smelly Melly
Year Started – 2017
After school I….. worked in hospitality and events back home in Finland for a few years to save money to come to Australia. I finally made it here 2015, travelled the East Coast and then got a job in a river cruise company in Melbourne. I really wanted to get a career in tourism so I then worked for a year in a travel agency before landing a job with GLTG!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Would have to be Mornington Peninsula. I love that we visit small suppliers, the scenery is beautiful and both food and wine on the day is amazing.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… it has such an amazing selection of cafes and restaurants, always a new place to discover! We also have so many unique places surrounding us whenever you feel like escaping the city. After almost 3 years living here my list of places to visit just keeps getting longer!
Best international holiday so far: outback in Australia.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… a full time environmental activist!
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Eating something insanely good and unhealthy
What are some of the causes you care about most? Would be definitely all things sustainable. I’ve started GLTG’s non profit arm ‘Trash Bags On Tour’ with my coworker and friend Kat and that initiative has become my baby.
Life Motto/ Values: Be the change you wish to see in the world
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: The people.
Lizzie Fenwick
Customer Service Officer
Name – Lizzie Fenwick
Nickname – McSquizz
Year Started – 2016
After school I….. worked with children, then realised working with backpackers was like working with big kids! I have worked as a Tour Guide in a number of Countries and now work for GLT as well as running my own small group tours.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: The GORPI! On the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island 2 day tour you avoid the Crowds, Aussie BBQ, take a Ferry and see the Penguins… What more to you need!?
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… there is something different to emerge yourself in every day of the week!
Best international holiday so far: Maybe not a holiday but everyone should tick Scotland off their bucket list!
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be…
Running an Eco-Backpackers Hostel
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Taking my dog on private tours of the countryside for walkies!
What are some of the causes you care about most? looking after the one planet that we have and animal welfare.
Life Motto/ Values: Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: The ‘Can-do’ and supportive family
Kellie Murphy
Tailormade & Charters
Name – Kellie Murphy
Nickname – Kell
Year Started – 2018
After school I….. Worked in a special needs school and then had an opportunity to work overseas in a Special Needs Camp and had the best time! I travelled around the world meeting amazing people and having amazing adventures. I fell in love with travel and so began my entry into this addictive industry.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… Melbourne is home, and as they say “home is where the heart us”
Best international holiday so far: That’s not a fair question, cannot possibly be answered. Every holiday is special and the best!
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Travelling the world and spending time with my wonderful family, friends and my amazing Gus, the German Shepherd and Prince Harry the Cat.
What are some of the causes you care about most? Global warming, animal rights, gender equality, medical research, anything anti discrimination.
Life Motto/ Values:
Dance like no one is watching…
Sing like no one is listening…
Love like you’ve never been hurt…
Live as though heaven is on earth…
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: Always an adventure at work.
Ella McDonald
Marketing Executive
Name – Ella McDonald
Nickname – Elabodela
Year Started – 2018
After school I….. went to university where I completed my bachelor in business (marketing) before working in administration for a psychologist and then in the bridal industry – they are basically the same thing!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: The reverse great ocean road! Why? Why not! I could do the tour over and over again, the coastal views are incredible! Who wouldn’t love it.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… there is such a variety of things to do and see! 4 seasons in 1 day is pretty special too
Best international holiday so far: Snowboarding down the Swiss alps for the first time!
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be…
Living somewhere near mountains, maybe Canada, NZ?
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Sitting in the garden with a cup of tea and my animals.
What are some of the causes you care about most? Animal welfare and cancer research/support.
Life Motto/ Values: do the things that make you happy!
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: support, travel and the atmosphere!
Jason Wass
Sydney Operations Manager
Name – Jason Wass
Nickname – Jace-Face, Wassy, Wasabi
Year Started – 2018
After school I….. Couldn’t decide if going to Uni was for me so I set off on my first (of many) overseas jaunts. I moved to the UK as a working holiday maker and it’s the best thing I could have done as it started my love for travel. I came home two years later and I moved to Melbourne and started my career (15 years strong and many different types of jobs) in the Travel industry, the greatest industry of all. From those first days until now it has taken me to all corners of the globe and given me some of the greatest experiences of my life thus far!
Favourite GLTG tour & why: 2 Day Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens Adventure is the best trip at GLTG!! What other trip do we offer that you can you experience mother nature at her finest ,by climbing ancient mountains, seeing different flora and fauna on land and at sea, hanging out on pristine beaches and of course learning about one of the world’s oldest Indigenous nations? And to top it all off you get to drink wine from Australia’s oldest wine region!
Melbourne is the 2nd best city in the world because… Sydney is better
Best international holiday so far: Every single one of those adventures I’ve had since the first time I travelled. Those adventures also include this wonderful country I call home!
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… I would like to wear many hats, so I think it would be a Guesthouse owner/manager/tour guide/dog owner /all around fun loving guy somewhere in this amazing world somewhere near the ocean!
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?Travelling!! It’s the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer
What are some of the causes you care about most? Global warming, animal rights, gender equality, medical research, anything anti discrimination.
Life Motto/ Values:
Live life to the fullest because you only get one chance
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: Work hard, play hard and People
Kathryn Farrell
Reservations & Co-Founder of Trash Bags On Tour
Name – Kathryn Farrell
Nickname – Kat
Year Started – 2017
After school I….. Studied performing arts and taught this, then travelled to London and worked in any tourism, events and reception job i could to pay for all my amazing travel. Basically for a decade I travelled to 42 countries whilst working in tourism, travel and events because.. why not!?
Favourite GLTG tour & why:
Yarra Valley! Exploring a beautiful region with a small group of people whilst treating yourself to wine, chocolate, cider, icecream PLUS an alfresco lunch overlooking the green vineyards.. can life get any better!?
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… I grew up in Melbourne and I’m still finding new gems of this city. I can literally Get Lost in my own city and see something new I never have before.
Best international holiday so far: 2 destinations.. Africa – it feels like where time began, South America – it feels like this is where life’s heartbeat is.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be…
Travelling the world, learning the ways of the local people and lending a helping hand wherever I could.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Being in nature, being with friends, having a laugh, drinking wine, Latin dancing, cleaning beaches, speaking Spanish, hanging with Family and our cutest dog in the world (no I’m not bias).. the list goes on..
What are some of the causes you care about most? Plastic Pollution in our Oceans, respect and integration of 1st nation people
Life Motto/ Values:
Live, Love, Laugh
Do as you would be done by
Tomorrow is promised to no one, so do it today
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened
Life is magical, you just need to stop, listen and look around you
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less:
Everyone’s “Hell Yes” attitude
Peter Adams
GLT Operations Manager
Name – Peter Adams
Nickname – Pistol
Started – Yesterday
After school I….. I did a hair dressing apprenticeship.
Favourite GLTG tour & why: Anything that goes past Punt Rd.
Melbourne is the best city in the world because… Batman lives here
Best international holiday so far: Tasmania
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be… Richmond Tiger mascot
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Touching my moustache
What are some of the causes you care about most? Global warming, animal rights, gender equality, medical research, anything anti discrimination + other stuff like football
Life Motto/ Values:
Be hairy.
Best thing about working for GLTG in 5 words or less: I can’t get enough of the Westgate Bridge.