Meet Our Team

Home to many of Australia’s most experienced and sought-after travel advisors and cruise master consultants. We are a team of avid travellers; between us we have the globe covered and we’re passionate about all things travel- cruise, adventure, touring and more.

Our mission is turning travel dreams into memorable experiences.

Mike Dwyer

Principal

Mike Dwyer

Despite more than four decades of working in travel, Mike has lost none of his enthusiasm for travel, or his passion for elevating the role of travel advisors from salespeople to genuine advisors.

After graduating college in Melbourne, Mike worked as a travel agent in London for over 3 years, in both leisure and corporate. This was followed by postings to Tonga, and  New Zealand, before moving back to Australia.

After joining Contiki as a sales rep in Brisbane, Mike met the lovely Mandy (now wife and partner), and together they relocated to Sydney where Mike was appointed as State Manager for Tourism Qld.

Mandy Dwyer

Director/ Owner

Mandy Dwyer

Having spent more than 40 years in various sectors in the travel industry, the last 20 years as Owner/ Director of Main Beach Travel has by far been her most rewarding, and maybe challenging too!

With a comprehensive portfolio of discerning travel clients, Mandy’s network of partners / contacts ensures her clients are treated like VIPs always.

Mandy’s enviable reputation means she is often sought by media for her views & recommendations.

Top 3 Destinations : Antarctica, South Africa and India

Top Travel Tips: Keep travelling = keep growing

Karen Birch

General Manager Operations

Karen Birch

Karen has worked in the Travel Industry for 35 years, both with airlines and travel agencies.

Karen returned to Main Beach Travel in January 2020, bringing with her a wealth of leadership and industry expertise. Little did she know what was ahead of her for the next two years. She is a key cog in the everyday running of the business while also working closely with both the Corporate and Leisure specialists.

Top 3 Destinations: Russia, New York and Oman

Top Travel Tips: learn a few foreign words in the country you are visiting.

Tina Duckmanton

Corporate and Groups Manager

Tina Duckmanton

Industry Experience: 27 years

3 Memorable Experiences

  1. Canada: Skiing, the best, no crowds, bluebird powder days &  stunning scenery .
  2. Peru: The scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Agues Calientes to explore Machu Picchu was special.
  3. Japan: Exploring Japan with the family, full of traditions and culture & fabulous skiing

Top Travel Tip: travel with your grown-up children. So rewarding to connect with them on a different level.

Tyson Franke

Corporate & Groups Travel Advisor

Tyson Franke

Industry Experience: 19 years

3  memorable experiences

  1. New York: Lunch with my wife at Loeb Boathouse Restaurant overlooking Central Park’s lake. Book in advance for an outside table.
  2. Helicopter Trips:  In magnificent locations – Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains/ New York
  3. Orlando Theme Parks/ Disney Cruise with Kids: Very happy family times- great for kids, but even better for the child in you!

Top Travel Tips:  Always carry Lomotil.

Monique Tonkin

Corporate & Groups Travel Advisor

Monique Tonkin

Industry Experience: 18 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. S. Africa: Home is where the heart is. Where culture is thick and rich and Mother Nature is at its best.
  2. Rome: Walking the streets, wining and dining. Visiting Vatican City, an experience next to none.
  3. New Zealand: a 6 week off the beaten track motorhome family adventure along the North Island’s East Coast. Absolutely breathtaking.

Top Travel Tips: Travel with your children and build amazing memories with them. The world is our playground!

Margot Knispel

Cruise Master & International Travel Advisor

Margot Knispel

Industry Experience: 30 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Russia: The history is intense & architecture grand
  2. Kenya:  The freedom when on safari in the Mara, seeing the animals running wild & free is heart warming.
  3. Antarctica/ The Arctic: Being within arm’s length of the wildlife was a privilege. & the scenery  ‘otherworldly’.

Top Travel Tips: Read up on the history, nature and culture of your destination prior to departure.

Greg Solomon

International Travel & Cruise Advisor

Greg Solomon

Industry Experience: 17 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Ngorongoro Crater Great Rift Valle, Tanzania: The abundance of wildlife is extraordinary
  2. Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen, Paris :  Your are guaranteed to find the perfect ‘piece’.
  3. Marquesas Islands: Cruising here from Tahiti, truly paradise!

Top Travel Tips: Walk! It’s the best way to discover a new destination.

Hollie Johnson

International Travel & Cruise Advisor

Hollie Johnson

Industry Experience: 26 years

3  memorable experiences

  1. Botswana: Experiencing the animals up close on  twice daily GAME drives & GnT’s at sunset.
  2. Italy: Skiing at Club Med Pragelato Sestriere, all-inclusive is so easy. “EAT, SKI & SLEEP & repeat.
  3. California, USA-Drive Holiday: Exploring  California in the convertible, from Napa Valley to Yosemite.

Top Travel Tips:  buy something on your travels to remind you of your adventures.

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Seeking Independant Advisors

Want to be part of our Family?

We Value Your Success & Individual Needs

Industry Experience: Required

  1. Freedom/ Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want,. You know what works best for you!
  2. Relationships Matter: Our genuine partnership approach means we want to understand  & support your needs.
  3. Trusted & Awarded: We are known and trusted and our core values on integrity, honesty and success!

Join us: And enjoy the benefits of working with a successful intimate team !

Recruiting Now

Seeking a Leisure & Cruise Advisor

This could be you, Reach out to us!

Industry Experience: Experience preferred

3 desired attributes:

  1. Resourceful with a can do attitude: Most importantly you will be passionate about travel and be capable of working independently within a team.
  2. Professional: You will need to be competent/ confident reliable and respectful.
  3. Cultural Fit: We value our team and culture and want you to feel a part of something special

Top Travel Tips: Reach out to us, we would love to speak to you!

Anke Thorand

Corporate & Groups Travel Advisor

Anke Thorand

Industry Experience: 22 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Ngorongoro Crater Great Rift Valle, Tanzania: The abundance of wildlife is extraordinary
  2. Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen, Paris :  Your are guaranteed to find the perfect ‘piece’.
  3. Marquesas Islands: Cruising here from Tahiti, truly paradise!

Top Travel Tips: Walk! It’s the best way to discover a new destination.

Jolee Gallagher

Marketing & Events Manager and Client Relationships

Jolee Gallagher

Industry Experience: 27 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. South Africa: Being on safari,  watching the  animals interact at the waterhole as the sunsets with a G&T.
  2. Galapagos: Snorkeling with sea iguanas and witnessing a Blue-footed Booby mating dance.
  3. Lake Como: sailing Lake Como exploring the gorgeous villages & waterfront mansions,  finishing the day with a feast at Villa Serbelloni.

Top Travel Tip: Travelling with families makes the best memories.

Linda Merten

Accounts Manager

Linda Merten

Industry Experience: 20 years

3  memorable experiences

  1. San Francisco& Napa Valley : Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge through tumbling fog to the stunning Napa valley where a glass or two of Cab Sav is just perfect.
  2. NZ – South Island:  Self drive through  the South Island,  jaw dropping scenery that just keeps giving.
  3. Edinburgh: Wandering the  quaint cobblestone streets  up to Edinburgh Castle at night  is a must!

Top Travel Tips: Always use packing cells.

Independent Travel Affiliates

Vicki Carmichael

Personal Travel Manager

Vicki Carmichael

Industry Experience: 30+ years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Malaysia: Experiencing my first MotoGP race at the Sepang International Circuit.
  2. Alaska: Expedition cruise  onboard National Geographic Quest with Lindblad Expeditions.
  3. Europe: Discovering quaint villages river cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam and coming home engaged!

Top Travel Tips: Travel by yourself at least once and pack your patience, it makes you a happier traveller!

Jade Proske

Personal Travel Manager

Jade Proske

Industry Experience: 35+ years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Santorini: Sunset cocktails with classical arias  overlooking the caldera at Franco’s Bar- Fira.
  2. Reims: Wining & dining through the Champagne region of France.
  3. Egypt: Cruising the Nile and following Agatha Christie’s Egypt.

Top Travel Tips: Take the time to do at least one special escapade a year, it will seem expensive at the time but the memory and joy, will last a lifetime And if possible reserve Club Rooms at hotels.

Richard Muff

Personal Travel Manager

Richard Muff

Industry Experience: 20+ years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Scandinavia : Dog sledging through the snowy wilderness under the aurora borealis, then sleeping under the stars.
  2. Africa :Being woken to the sounds of lions making their claim to their territory and  enjoying breakfast views at the local watering hole.
  3. NZ : Cruising spectacular Fiordland National Park.

Top Travel Tip :  Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get off the beaten path like a local.

Gary Deigan

Personal Travel Manager- Cruise Specialist

Gary Deigan

Travel Experience: 40+ years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Adriatic Sea: 7 magnificent days island hopping on the 3 master luxurious mini cruiser, The MV Barbara.
  2. Rugby World Cup- Wales: and touring Welsh Valleys.
  3. Austria: sleeping in Maria Von Trapp’s bed in beautiful Salzburg, Mozart’s birth town

Top Travel Tips: Slow down, you can’t see everything.  Eat where the  locals eat.

Kylie Mee

Personal Travel Manager- Cruise Specialist

Kylie Mee

Travel Experience: 20 years

3 memorable experiences

  1.  Ovation of the Seas: Exploring NZ with 18 family members. The best holiday for every extended family
  2. Italy: Studied Reggio Emilia  in Northern Italy and fell in love with everything Italian
  3. Experiencing Formula One: In Singapore, OZ and  Malaysia-  the engines roar and adrenaline flows-WOW!

Top Travel Tips: Don’t wait to travel. There is always a perfect way for you and your life!

Brigid Avery

Global Travel Advisor

Brigid Avery

Industry Experience: 30+ years – 7 Continents – Virtuoso

Memorable experiences

  1. Antarctica: waking up on the ice in Antarctica after camping out for the night only to find a very curious penguin in my tent might take the cake.
  2. Rwanda – Gorilla’s: Being up in the misty mountains surrounded by these beautiful gentle creatures was a sacred experience.

Top Travel Tip : Always photograph what you’re packing in your luggage – just in case you need to verify the contents for travel insurance!

Jessica Cameron

Personal Travel Advisor

Jessica Cameron

Industry Experience: 12 years

3 memorable experiences

  1. Myanmar: Cruising down the Irrawaddy river through the ancient city of Bagan. It’s awe inspiring
  2. Brazil: Standing at the feet of Christ the Redeemer looking down over the sprawling city of Rio
  3. Canada: Living in British Columbia being able to travel extensively through the Rocky Mountains.

Top Travel Tip: Organise foreign currency before leaving home

Seeking Groups Specialist

We Value your Success and Individual Needs

Incentive & Groups Travel Manager wanted

  1. Freedom/ Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want,. You know what works best for you!
  2. Relationships Matter: Our genuine partnership approach means we want to understand  & support your needs.
  3. Trusted & Awarded: We are known and trusted and our core values on integrity, honesty and success!

Join us: And enjoy the benefits of working with us.

Seeking Travel Managers

We Value Your Success & Individual Needs

Building Bespoke Partnerships with You

Industry Experience: Experience Required

  1. Freedom/ Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want,. You know what works best for you!
  2. Relationships Matter: Our genuine partnership approach means we want to understand  & support your needs.
  3. Trusted & Awarded: We are known and trusted and our core values on integrity, honesty and success!

Join us: And enjoy the benefits of working with a successful intimate team !