Our Team at Sisterhood Womens Travel
Our wonderful team of experienced tour hostesses share your passion for travel and can't wait to welcome you to your next adventure! No matter who you are lucky enough to have hostess your group, you'll find us all warm, friendly, nurturing and supportive. Life is all about getting out of your comfort zone and what better way to discover the world than under the guidance and encouragement of a friendly professional in an amazing small group environment! When the time is right for you to take the plunge - don't worry we're here to catch you!
Hayley Morris
Founder / Hostess / Travel Designer
As the founder of award-winning Sisterhood Womens Travel and pioneer of womens travel in Australia, “I’ve been in travel for over 24 years and identified the need for a touring company to provide fully inclusive, interesting tours just for women". Nineteen years on and with thousands of 'sisters' having enjoyed our small group adventures, Sisterhood Womens Travel has become one of Australia's most successful women's tour companies and the first (and only) women-only tour company to have been granted an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act 1995.
If you love what you do - your passion will rub off on other people. Two things I love to do: one is to travel and I’ve been lucky enough to experience many places in the world both independently and within a group environment. The second thing I love to do is bring like-minded women together to share travel experiences allowing them to make new friends in the process, not just whilst on tour but beyond. I've travelled to Russia, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Canada, Alaska, Sri Lanka, Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, Thailand, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, United Kingdom, River Cruising in Europe, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Sabah, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the USA including Hawaii, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria and I can’t wait to see more with you for company…!
One of the things I love about travelling with a group of inspiring women is that we are all brought together to share a passion for travel and to see our amazing world in the company of friends, what better way to travel! To share experiences, to share stories, to have a laugh at the end of the day and to immerse ourselves in our wonderful surroundings, I am truly privileged to have this amazing opportunity and I look forward to you joining me!
I've recently bought a riad in Marrakech, Morocco so I hope to welcome you to my favourite part of the world one day soon!
Donna Simmons
Manager - SWT Central / Hostess
Travelling is in my blood. I've been in the Travel Industry for over 30years. I've been lucky enough to travel to USA, including New York, San Franciso, Las Vegas and Mexico. I've enjoyed Fiji, Vanuatu, Noumea, Tahiti, Bali, New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Croatia, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, Egypt and Jordan. My latest adventure was to Antarctica. I've sailed and railed throughout Europe but also love travelling in my back yard including exploring Central Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales and both Kangaroo and Lord Howe Islands. In 2018 I travelled to South Africa and competed in the Cape Town marathon (my other love!) and I was also lucky enough to visit Uganda on our Sisters in the Mist tour. I've walked the famous Camino de Compostella twice with a bunch of 'Sisters" and have been to Uganda twice on tour with Sisterhood. I look forward to meeting you either at Sisterhood Central or on my next tour!
Sarah Segal
2IC - SWT Central Admin
From a very young age, I worked out that the world was an amazing place, full of far away lands and cultures, and I knew that I had to get out and see it…All I dreamed of, was travelling and exploring, and once old enough, I was off.
Since my very first overseas trip in 1986, I have travelled far and wide. Before making travel my profession 20 years ago, some of my adventures included working in an American summer camp, volunteering at a peace organisation in Norway, camping across the US in National Parks from New York to LA, and living on a kibbutz in Israel – where I went for 7 weeks and stayed for 7 years!
Once I joined the travel industry in 2002, opportunities to explore more of the world were on offer, and I loved it! I have stayed in everything from a 6-star resort in Abu Dhabi and to an Eco-Lodge in the Amazon jungle, from a casino resort in Macau to a tent on the Inca Trail in Peru. I love roller coasters and beaches, Disney parks and National Parks and have been fortunate enough to have had a variety of amazing experiences in many countries and cities around the world.
The last few years during Covid were tough for travel, and I am so happy to be back in the industry that I love, working with a likeminded group of women helping other women fulfill their travel dreams.
Bec Wilson
SWT Central Finance
My travel experience is not as extensive as the other girls but I have holidayed in Bali & Thailand a couple times and enjoyed a few beautiful South Pacific and Australian cruises.
My husband Mark and I married (eloped!) 22 years ago on beautiful Mana Island, Fiji. Soon after, we spent a year living and travelling all over Queensland, but missed the diversity of Melbourne and returned to where we now live in the stunning Yarra Valley. We have 3 beautiful boys and 2 gorgeous grandchildren, all of which keep us very busy.
My true love is our own country. I am in love with the Australian Outback and all the history and culture it holds. I climbed Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and spent time living within the culture and lifestyle of the aboriginal settlement Yuendumu, along with many other treasures of our stunning outback. I love road trips, caravanning and camping, hiking, and have enjoyed time in many of the quirky, quaint and historic towns all over our incredible country.
I am so grateful to be a part of the ‘Sisterhood’ and experience all the excitement it offers our travellers. I really look forward to watching the continual growth of what I believe is, a wonderful & unique concept for women…..to experience the world of travel and all the magic that brings, along with making and sharing these amazing tours and events with new friends, created through a mutual love of travel. Our planet is a gift to humanity and having the opportunity and privilege to travel anywhere in the world with friends for company is truly a blessing.
Glenis George
SWT Central / Admin / All Rounder
I'm the all rounder at Sisterhood Central and absolutely love working with the girls helping to make your travel dreams come true. Like all of the team at SWT I too have a passion for travel and have been lucky enough to travel to England, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Morocco, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Swtizerland, Scandinavia, Vietnam, Fiji, Bali, New Zealand, South America, Czech Republic, Austria and the Netherlands. I look forward to seeing you at SWT Central and hearing about your travel dreams.
Carolyn Allen
Hostess
My feet first began to itch when I escorted coach tours for Contiki through Europe in 1980. Since then I’ve enjoyed a very varied and respected career in the travel industry servicing retail, corporate, group and conference clients.
I have travelled to all corners of the globe and taken many groups with me along the way. I enjoy 'getting down and dirty' with the locals and my knowledge of all things off the beaten track is exceptional.
I love weaving my magic over groups of 'Sisters' to amazing destinations including Morocco, India, Borneo, Kamalaya Wellness Retreat in Koh Samui, Scotland, Spain & Portugal to name a few.
I am passionate about travel and like nothing more than to share new and wonderful experiences with my fabulous travelling companions.
Denise Moore
Hostess
I am and always have been an absolute travel enthusiast. My love of travel began when my Dad returned home to Ireland from a business trip to Germany in the late 60’s and wowed the family with his experiences and his few words of German. Before embarking on my Travel Career, I studied and worked in Europe where I gained first hand knowledge of Mainland Europe and its diverse cultures and people.
I fell head over heels in love with France after living there for 6 months- and I have never recovered! I then spent 7 years in working in Germany while travelling all around Europe at weekends and during my holidays and then moved to London for a further 7 years. My husband, 2 children and I moved to Melbourne in 2000 and I have never looked back.
I have been working in Travel since 1986 and have travelled extensively but have many places yet to tick off yet. I have visited the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, Sweden, Finland, Italy, USA, Caribbean Islands of Saint Lucia and Jamaica, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, The Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zanzibar and New Zealand and hopefully this is just the beginning! I am very excited to be involved with Sisterhood Womens Travel and look forward to our new adventures together.
Simonetta Seri
Hostess
Do you have 'itchy feet' too? (Luckily I have a very understanding & supportive husband!).
There is something special about travel that makes it so intoxicating and I love experiencing new sights, religions and cultures (the good, the bad & the ugly) and, of course, the food!
I have worked as a tour leader for several years and am a qualified paramedic. It is my job is to ensure your travel experience is joyous and memorable. I have found group travel to be so much fun with surprising and serendipitous moments.
I am delighted and excited to be part of the Sisterhood team, and can’t wait to meet you on our next 'feet scratching' adventure. Ciao!
Dawn Caputo
Hostess
My first overseas trip was at the tender age of 19 (yes of course it was to Bali) and once I was bitten by the travel bug, there was no stopping me!
My next trip began as a two-month visit to family in Canada, Greece and Italy. However, it developed into an 18-month adventure through Europe and eventually coming home overland. Yes, it was the 70s, and I embarked on the “hippie trail” through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia.
Needless to say, upon my return to Melbourne, I did not complete my social work course, and enrolled into a Diploma of Travel and Tourism. This started my career in travel which now spans close to 30 years. Over this time, I have escorted many groups to Europe, and my aim has always been to impart my love of travel, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Working in travel has also allowed me to maintain connections with my family in Greece and my husband’s Italian heritage and enjoy many overseas adventures with my family.
I look forward to bringing my passion for travel and people to Sisterhood Womens Travel!
Pamela Thompson
Mum / Public Relations
As Hayley's Mum I have been with Sisterhood since its inception 14 years ago...first as a tour hostess and now as an office support and public relations contributor. My hostessing during fifteen tours introduced me to many wonderful women on their individual journeys and I was priveledged to share many life changing adventures with them. To see women depart, often as strangers, and return with new found friendships, supports the wonderful concept of women only travel, and I am proud of Hayleys achievements.
Kathy Lang
Hostess
I was born in New Zealand and like most Kiwis, travelling is a rite of passage. I crossed the ditch in the mid 70s with my first post-university job being a resident singer at the Swagman Restaurant in Ferntree Gully, with part time PE and Maths teaching on the side. Four years later I took off for the UK to start my real travel adventures. After surviving temp work in bars, restaurants, offices and in teaching, I decided tour guiding was the ideal way to experience the Continent. I have been involved in the travel and events industry ever since; in sales marketing, as a travel agent, and as an events and tour hostess. I retired after 25 years as a TAFE tourism, events and tour guiding teacher, as it was time to get back on the road again. I'm excited about joining Sisterhood Women’s Travel and I'm really looking forward to sharing new adventures with like-minded women.
Jennifer Boyd
Hostess
My fascination for adventure commenced when l should have been listening to my teachers but instead I was day dreaming about having a horse and becoming a jillaroo in Australia’s outback. At 19 years of age I decided to make that dream come true and l bought 120 acres of scrub and moved to a place called Ewingar in New South Wales. I lived off the grid for 6 years with no electricity and learnt a lot about the land. I could say l starred in my own 1980’s Australian Survivor
A burning desire was still in me to travel the world and to experience cultures, so I sold my farm and bought a round the world ticket. In 1988 I landed in China and travelled through China for 8 weeks, what a culture shock now l was sucked in and I wanted more, I trekked through Nepal and then India and then travelled through Europe. By this time l was running out of money so I found work as a crew member on a private yacht sailing from Seattle to Glacier Bay Alaska and then as a horse trekking guide in Israel and the Greek Islands.
Eight years later l decided to come back to Australia and this is when I began work in the travel industry. Initially I began with a trekking company offering tours around Australia and the world. I then branched into developing product and commenced to specialise in South and Central America and the Polar regions.
An enthusiasm for mountains and landscapes led to my trekking the classic Inca Trail and the Salkantay route in Peru, the ‘W Trek’ in Torres del Paine National Park, day hikes in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, and climbing to the top of Auyan Tepui in Venezuela.
My inaugural cruise to Antarctica was in 2004, and I was fortunate to be able to return in 2012 and 2019. Setting foot on Antarctica is a bucket list item for many but no one can really prepare themselves for this incredible experience. Close encounters with curious penguins, playful seals and breaching whales creates a wildlife experience like no other. Antarctica and the surrounding Sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia are some of the last true wilderness we have remaining, a sacred place of peace, pristine purity, global co-operation, scientific observation and preservation.
I look forward to sharing and inspiring the Sisterhood community.
Silvana Danielis
SWT Central Admin/Hostess
My name is Silvana and I am delighted to join the Sisterhood Womens Travel Team.
The travel bug has been a slow burning fascination buried beneath my duties as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. No doubt many of you can relate – we’re good at putting others first!
I love meeting “sisters” united in their desire to see more of the world and to find adventure in whatever form it takes.
Helping to provide an opportunity for other women to feel a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction in ticking off those bucketlist items, in a supportive environment, gives me great satisfaction!
I have been extremely lucky in my life to have travelled to many countries over the years with my family and friends. With a customer service background I look forward to assisting 'Sisters' to have an unforgettable travel experience.
Kaarie Stephens
Hostess
In my younger years, I had a great time in Europe, specifically in London, Amsterdam, Paris, and parts of Germany. But then I found Japan. In third year university, while studying Japanese, I took a job as a swimming teacher in Kobe. After living in Japan for a year, my language was fluent and on return to Melbourne I worked as a Japanese speaking tour guide for inbound tourists from Japan, showing off our beautiful city and surrounds. Moving north, my Japanese took me to Port Douglas, where I worked at the Sheraton Mirage Country Club in the Golf pro shop. The Great Barrier Reef called, so then I worked as a snorkelling guide for Quicksilver in my dream job. Later back in Melbourne, I hosted Japanese weddings, interpreting and guiding. For the last few years I’ve worked with international students at Monash and RMIT, teaching Academic English and escorting study groups in Victoria. Recently I worked in Jakarta at STPI Aviation Institute which was another fabulous cultural experience. On top of this, I’ve been going back to Japan for holidays, staying at temples, traditional inns and Airbnb’s off the beaten track. I look forward to taking you there one day and to many other places.
Shani Vander-Young
Hostess
For me, travel fills my soul and makes me feel very alive. It has opened my mind to new cultures, pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone, inspiring me to experience new things. I am so excited to join the Sisterhood Team, to share and enjoy my passion for travel with enthusiastic women who want to embark on new adventures and make new friends along the way.
My love of travel probably stems from a family trip as a teenager to the Netherlands to see where my father was born and grew up. That sense of being connected to a wider world had such an impact on me! Then came my first career as a flight attendant which allowed me to discover the joys of Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand and the U.S but probably best of all I was able to explore many parts of Australia (those near an airport!). After gaining my teaching qualification, I took on the role as overseas tour coordinator organising and accompanying tour groups over a 10-year period to Europe, travelling through Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. Through all of this, I gained confidence as a traveller and guide to others, able to flex with unexpected surprises.
My husband and I have always enjoyed travelling with our three sons both within Victoria and overseas on skiing holidays to New Zealand and Canada and to explore family connections in Germany. We hosted German students over many years which has resulted in firm and meaningful friendships overseas. One of my sons now lives in Berlin, which has allowed me the opportunity to have a base from which to really get to know this city and practise my German language skills. Germany has now really become a second home!
Sometimes all you need is the promise of friends and a thirst for adventure.
Joy Rixon
Hostess
Over the years I've had many geographic moves and much enjoyed travel experiences, including living and working in various Australian states and in Hong Kong for several years, Nanjing in China, and living in London for over three years has made for a richly rewarding life.
My love of people and places has me feeling boundless excitement to be traveling with like minded people on many of the well planned Sisterhood tours.
Amidst the fun and friendship, I look forward to us all sharing the ignited curiosity, new knowledge and experience awakening of the senses and happiness to mention but a few of the wonderful gifts of traveling together.
My background in hospitality and International Education teaching included coordinating diverse international groups of many different ages and individuals with varied travel experiences in Australia.
A fascination with different cultures led me to teaching English as an Additional Language, and Business and Academic English. I also delivered professional development Cross Cultural Communication programmes.
I look forward to sharing and experiencing the joys of travel with a group of adventurous Sisters.
Cindy Plant
Hostess
I am crazy about travel and seeing all the beautiful places the world has to offer. I also love the adventure and the sense of achievement that comes from going places and participating in local events. I have been known to fly to Paris for 5 days to do a run from the Eifel Tower to Versailles. I have also flown to places like New York or South Africa to celebrate milestone birthdays. I have lived in New Zealand for a couple of years and have participated in almost every outdoor activity on offer, including white water rafting, skiing and parachuting just to name a few.
My favourite country is Italy. I first visited in 1990 and have been back seven times since, taking different people with me each time and exploring the different regions in more depth. I love the medieval villages, the amazing scenery, the passionate people and of course the food. I am a real “foodie” which probably explains why Spain is my second favourite country with all of that magnificent tapas, although I also love Thai and Indonesian cuisine too.
As well as visiting many countries overseas over the years I have also been very fortunate to travel throughout Australia. My parents instilled in me a love of the outdoors with many camping trips and I have continued exploring Australia and have spent time at many of Australia’s great wonders including Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef to name a few.
I love to meet new people and learn their stories. My personal goal is to make the world a better place one interaction at a time. I hope that one day I get to meet you through Sisterhood and I can share with you my passion and enthusiasm for life and travel.
Robyn Leonhardt
Hostess
Hello, fabulous travellers! I'm Robyn, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Sisterhood community! My passion for travel and connecting with people has led me on an incredible journey, and I can't wait to share it with all of you.
My travel adventures began in my late 20s when I made the bold decision to leave Australia and relocate to Denver, Colorado, USA, in 1993. It was there that my three wonderful sons were born. During this time, I worked with Youth With A Mission, traveling with small groups across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. We even had the amazing opportunity to live in Lausanne, Switzerland, for six months in 1999/2000, exploring northern Europe.
Before my American adventure, I was raised in beautiful Sydney, and later, in late 2003, I moved to vibrant Melbourne. Despite these moves, Sydney remains my heart's home, where I love spending time with my ever-growing family, which now includes 25 grandchildren among my siblings.
From 2016 to 2019, I reignited my love for travel by taking annual trips with women's small group tours to Vietnam. These experiences fuelled my desire for new adventures. Just before COVID, I decided it was time to reinvent myself and embrace new opportunities for the next chapter of my life.
Personal development and exercise are my passions, keeping my mind, body, and soul healthy. Last year, I revisited Bali (my first trip was in 1991) and fell in love with this favourite Aussie destination all over again.
I can't wait to travel with you, support you, encourage you, and create fabulous fun times and wonderful memories together. Here's to our next adventure!
Sally Gilbert
Hostess
My passion for travel began at 21 when I threw on a backpack and set off for a year in the UK and Europe. That’s when I caught the travel bug, and it bit hard! After returning to Melbourne, I worked for two years on reception of a five-star hotel, saving every penny for my next adventure. At 23, I embarked on a two-year working holiday, landing fantastic roles in London, including heading up the sales department and working on reception of a five-star boutique hotel, meeting and assisting fascinating people. During this time, I travelled extensively around the UK, Europe, and America.
During that 2 year trip life took an unexpected turn when I literally bumped into a guy on the London tube, who later became my husband. We had two beautiful children, and that working holiday turned into13 fabulous years living in England. During my time abroad, we frequently travelled to many different destinations in Europe and saw much of the UK, with additional trips to Africa, America, and the Middle East. We returned to Australia permanently in 1998, welcoming our third child, which temporarily slowed down our travels.
In 2022, I visited Japan and Vietnam, then in 2023 I packed up my laptop and bathers for a couple of months in Bali and a trip to Thailand to escape the Melbourne winter. This April (2024), I had an amazing trip to Dubai and revisited my old haunts in London, which was incredibly fun. There is still so much more of the world to see, and I’m excited to continue exploring.
I’m so happy to be part of the Sisterhood family and look forward to experiencing and exploring many more cultures that await me.
_300_400_c1.jpg)
Donna McDonald
Hostess
With a wealth of global experience spanning continents and cultures, I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to the Sisterhood family.
Having journeyed through South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, as well as traversed Europe from vibrant Russia to sun-kissed Croatia, my travels have cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse tastes and preferences. From the historic charm of Italy to the bustling energy of Spain, and the picturesque coasts of Portugal, I've had the privilege to immerse myself in varied environments and customs.
Beyond Europe, my adventures have extended to the UK, Dubai, USA, Mexico, Thailand ,Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Maldives and the tranquil expanses of the South Pacific and New Zealand and of course our own fabulous country, which I have been very fortunate to have flown around and visit many unique destinations by small plane.
I am also learning to indulge in the serene pleasures of sailing holidays, fostering a passion for creating memorable experiences on the water.
Drawing from these rich encounters, I am excited to join the Sisterhood Women’s Travel Group and look forward to meeting wonderful women and sharing fabulous experiences.