Meet your Destination HQ travel experts

Stuart has led Destination HQ since 1998 after a distinguished career in the airline, wholesale and retail travel industries.

As a previous winner of the NTIA Australian Travel Agency Manager of the year, Stuart’s industry knowledge and dynamic management ensure we remain Melbourne’s premium luxury travel agency.

Stuart has led tour groups throughout Europe, Asia and North America and has travelled to South America, North America and throughout Australia and New Zealand.

His favourite destinations are London, Seville, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Hawaii and the Maldives. He has also cruised with Ponant, Explora Journeys, Sea Dream, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Crystal, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America, Windstar, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Viking. On the rivers he has cruised with Tauck, Avalon, Riverside Cruises, Uniworld and AMA Waterways.

Kirilly believes travel is about new experiences and creating memories you will never forget. This is what motivates her when designing your holidays, which she has been doing since 1996.

She loves to plan and create dream holidays as if they were her own and to tailor bespoke experiences to make the trip everything you wish for and need.

Kirilly has travelled to many exciting parts of the world, from South America to take in the views of Machu Picchu and the wonders of Brazil, and amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands to the excitement of the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal. The pristine beaches of Thailand, the Maldives, and Mozambique, as well as the diversity and cultures associated with Cuba are her other travel highlights.

Nicole has more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, and her love, dedication, and passion for travel have only grown stronger throughout her career. An avid traveller and highly experienced travel specialist, she brings exceptional insight, depth of knowledge, and a true understanding of how to design unique and extraordinary journeys for her loyal clientele.

Her global travel experience is extensive, spanning destinations across the UK, Canada, Europe, the USA, Kenya, Jordan, China, Japan, Mauritius, Fiji, the Cook Islands, the Maldives, French Polynesia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Brazil, and Argentina. She has cruised through the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South Pacific, experiencing both classic and expedition-style cruising with world‑leading brands such as Viking, Oceania, Crystal, Explora Journeys, Virgin Voyages, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, and Aurora Expeditions, as well as river cruising in Europe with Viking, Scenic, and AmaWaterways. Her travels also include skiing in the Canadian Rockies, Japan, and the French Alps.

Nicole is dedicated to crafting bespoke itineraries that put her clients’ interests, needs, and dreams at the forefront. She works collaboratively with each traveller to ensure their itinerary, accommodation choices, and touring experiences don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them, creating truly unforgettable and meaningful memories.

As General Manager, Nicole builds strong industry relationships and key partnerships that enhance the client experience. By engaging with global conferences and events, she keeps Destination HQ informed, connected, and ahead of emerging trends.

Vanessa has worked in the travel industry since 2000 and has built an extensive portfolio of bucket‑list experiences. Her travels include an African 4WD safari, sunrise at Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu, the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions, and cultural immersion in Sri Lanka.

She has cruised with leading luxury and expedition brands—including Silversea, Ponant, Oceania Cruises, and Lindblad Expeditions—giving her first-hand expertise across both classic ocean cruising and true expedition voyages. This allows her to help clients choose the ideal cruise line and style for their journey.

Vanessa believes that true longevity in the travel industry comes from delivering outstanding customer service and building strong, lasting relationships with her clients. She has also stayed in exceptional luxury hotels worldwide, further deepening her understanding of elevated travel experiences.

Some of her favourite destinations include New York, Vietnam, Peru, Copenhagen, London, Japan, Italy, Thailand, the Maldives, and skiing in Switzerland and Austria.

Sophie has been a travel advisor with Destination HQ since 2013 and has travelled extensively, including living in Canada for two years.

For Sophie, being a travel advisor is about making her client’s holiday requirements and needs a reality, while helping them to discover new and exciting destinations to experience.

In the fast-paced world of travel, Sophie is committed to remaining up-to-date with industry changes and emerging travel locations, so she can provide her clients with the most accurate and knowledgeable information when consulting with them on their travel plans.

Having stayed at more than eight Club Med resorts worldwide, Sophie can recommend and design Club Med holidays. Beyond this, she has travelled to New Zealand, throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, the UK, Fiji, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico and the USA.

Kate joined our team in 2016 and is passionate about travel and committed to helping you create unforgettable travel experiences. She believes every journey has a purpose, whether it’s enjoying life aboard a luxury cruise or celebrating a special occasion in a Tuscan villa. Kate designs personalised itineraries tailored to her clients’ unique preferences.

Having travelled extensively across Europe, Asia, America & Canada , Mexico, Kate’s most memorable experience was an African Safari. Recently, she led a group to the Kimberley region, where she discovered her love for Expedition Cruising. Since then, she has explored the Arctic and Papua New Guinea aboard expedition vessels and co-hosted Destination HQ’s first ever exclusive journey with a group of 96 guests through the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat.

Kate’s greatest strength lies in her customer service. She takes the time to understand her clients on both a personal and professional level, ensuring their needs and desires are fully met with exceptional attention to detail.

Kirsty is used to hearing the word, Bula! She loves Fiji, its people and culture and has visited the island more than 20 times.

Her motivation for working as a travel advisor is the feedback she receives from her clients after they return from a holiday, and the amazing stories they share. Kirsty loves listening to her clients describe their dream holiday and then designing an itinerary to make it a reality.

It’s also common to find her in Tahiti, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Malaysia, Borneo, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, United States, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Qatar, Oman, United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Germany and Turkey.

June began travelling at the age of 18, and that early exposure to the world sparked a lifelong passion for exploration and cultural connection. Since starting his career in luxury travel in 2017, he has specialised in the cruise industry, with a strong focus on bespoke cruising and expedition experiences. June’s journeys have taken him from Antarctica to the Arctic, the Galapagos to Alaska, from the beaches of Bali to the ski slopes of the French Alps. He has savoured everything from simple home-cooked meals in remote villages to world-class gastronomy, explored hidden Thai towns and walked the glamorous streets of Italy’s iconic cities.
 
Fluent in Mandarin and Bahasa, June brings not only global experience but also cultural fluency and sensitivity to every journey he designs. His high-net-worth clients are time-poor, well-travelled, and discerning — June’s role is to anticipate their needs, offer refined, thoughtful options, and provide the seamless service and insight that elevate every trip into an unforgettable experience.

Josephine, or Jo, blends her passion for travel with her skill in connecting with people as our Operations Manager.

With a focus on detail and a genuine understanding of what motivates our team, Jo is constantly refining and elevating our operations to ensure that we deliver an exceptional experience for our clients and staff.

When she’s not working, you will find Jo on an adventure. Whether it’s basking in the tropical beauty of Hawaii, exploring the lush green hills of Ireland, immersing herself in the winter wonderland of Lapland, or trekking through the wild landscapes of Borneo, Jo loves sharing her travel experiences with our clients.

Jo lives by the mantra that “it’s never too soon to plan your next trip.” Whether she’s curating unforgettable journeys for our clients or planning her next getaway, Jo never misses a chance to inspire others to dream big and travel far.

Leanne is our experienced Groups Coordinator and Travel Advisor Support, ensuring every group tour is meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed.

With her keen eye for detail, she works closely with our clients to confirm vital information, guaranteeing they are always well-prepared and informed well ahead of their travel dates. Leanne also collaborates with our suppliers, ensuring everyone is aligned with the same timelines and expectations for a seamless experience.

A seasoned traveller, Leanne has explored the UK, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Her favourite destinations include the enchanting landscapes of Tanzania, the vibrant charm of Morocco, and the captivating allure of Oman.