Our People | About Us | Sisterhood Womens Travel

Your Award Winning Women's Tour Company. Interesting Itineraries Since 2005.

1300 885 255

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 Sisterhood Womens Travel and owner of an award winning travel agency - “I’ve been in travel for over 21 years and identified the need for a touring company to provide fully inclusive, interesting tours just for women".  Fifteen years on and with over 2000 travellers Sisterhood Womens Travel has become one of Australia's most successful women's tour companies and the first women only tour company to have been granted an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act 1995.

If you do what you love - 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 giving them the opportunity 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 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 surrounds, 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 28 years.  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. My latest adventure was to Egypt & Jordan. 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.

Suzanne Dermody

SWT Central Admin

My first trip overseas was back in 1990 to India. What an absolute assault on the senses that was!  That was the start of my desire to travel anywhere and everywhere.  Since then, I have travelled to many places in Asia, Europe & America but am, by no means finished. I lived in Darwin for several years and have lived in Sydney too.

I love the different and varied adventures you have when you travel. Whether you’re camping, glamping, 5-star accommodation or very basic.  The people you meet, the colours, the smells, the sounds. There is no better feeling than getting up in the morning and wondering what you might see or do that day. 

Starting work at Sisterhood Womens Travel has been inspiring. When I viewed the SWT website I was amazed at the places everyone has travelled and collaborating with women who have all travelled and have similar interests makes coming to work a pleasure, not a chore.  I enjoy speaking with women of various ages, interests and tastes and being able to help cater for all is so rewarding.

I look forward to assisting you with your travel plans and making the booking of your adventure as seamless as possible. 

Bec Wilson

SWT Central Finance

I was born in Sydney, lived there until I was 12, then moved to Melbourne.

My husband Mark and I married (eloped!) 18 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 aged 26, 15 & 9 all at different stages of life, keeping our life very busy with sport, hobbies, school, and mates!

I am in love with the Australian Outback and all the history and culture it holds. I have climbed Uluru and Kata Tjuta, camped underground in Coober Pedy 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 incredibly excited to be welcomed into the ‘Sisterhood’ and experience all the excitement it offers our travellers. I really look forward to being a part of 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 and after four years in Melbourne took off for the UK.  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 industry ever since, in sales marketing, as a travel agent and as a TAFE tourism and tour guiding teacher.  At last I feel it is 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

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.

Cath Douglass

Hostess

I hail from a wheat and cattle farm near Tamworth in regional Australia and after living in Sydney, Perth, London, Adelaide and Melbourne, I have returned to my country heritage. My interest in the travel industry was first sparked by my mother who started taking tours for country people to Fiji when I was very young.   My first job in the industry was as a Hertz Rent A Car girl in my teens.  After exploring most of Australia, my first trip overseas was to NZ.  The amazing sights and experiences I encountered there, especially beautiful Lake Tekapo, confirmed that I had found my calling so travel it was from then on. I spent many years working as a cruise hostess on Sydney Harbour then travelled to London for a few years before starting work at The London Walkabout Club in their travel agency. On my return home I continued working for London Walkabout at their Travel Centre in Sydney. I also loved teaching travel and tourism at both TAFE and private institutes for 9 years to see the enthusiasm of the future travel professionals of our country - many I see out in the industry now.

It was specialising in adventure travel that my love of Africa, South America, India, Egypt came to the fore.  I worked for a number of African safari companies over the years and travelled to Africa many times.  My favourite countries are Kenya and Tanzania and my favourite animal to spot, the illusive leopard. India is also a great love and I have worked with an Indian Tour company based in Delhi for many years.  I have been fortunate to visit India on many occasions and love that it is a total contradiction of itself.  It is a kaleidoscope of colours, sights and sounds that weave their way into your heart and never leave you.

 I am often asked what my favourite travel experience was.  That’s so hard to answer since I have experienced so many from watching the sun rise over the Sahara Desert in Morocco, camped by a real oasis, also in Morocco, marvelled at the mightiest mountains of all – The Himalaya in Kashmir, stayed in an Andean village in the medicine man’s family home in Ecuador, met the Prime Minister of Brazil in the lunar like Brazilian capital of Brasilia, canoed along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe – sleeping amongst the animals on shore, stayed on a Kibbutz in Israel, been cattle droving in central QLD and ridden horses with the huasos through the Torres Del Plaine National Park in Chile.  My favourite would have to be cruising and visiting the Galapagos Islands and their unique animals which I have been lucky enough to experience twice.  My favourite European city is Vienna, my favourite European country is Greece and my favourite unpack and collapse destination is Fiji.

I can’t wait to welcome our Sisterhood Womens Travellers into our orbit where I hope to inspire them to navigate our world, immerse themselves into its cultures and marvel at its natural beauty and wonders.