When you explore Antarctica on the Orion, you travel with the experts. Every journey features a seasoned team of naturalist guides and special guest lecturers, each one an expert in their field. They are engaging travel companions eager to share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and awe of the great White Continent. Each departure, in addition to our team of naturalist guides, includes one or two lecturers from the following sample list - can change from year to year.

Michelle Broun Michelle is trained in screen printing and has a BA majoring in Aboriginal Studies and Fine Arts. She currently works as a Project Officer for Indigenous Arts at Arts WA.

Ben Cropp Over the last 40 years, Ben has filmed and produced over 150 documentaries showcasing the diversity of life in and around the Great Barrier Reef, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Ben was awarded with the Order of Australia in 1999..

Serge Dansereau Serge is the owner of Sydney’s famed restaurant The Bathers’ Pavilion on Balmoral Beach. Serge’s influence on new and emerging varieties of fresh and handmade produce is legendary.

Captain John Foley Captain Foley has over 30 years experience as a Great Barrier Reef pilot. He has written a number of books including a history of reef pilots, a history of the Torres Strait and a history of shipwrecks in Queensland waters.

Col Cordingley Col has extensive fishing experience in Papua New Guinea, North Queensland, Broome and the Northern Territory and held the World Record for Barramundi on a 6kg line for over 10 years.

Steve Liebman Steve has a well earned reputation as one of Australia’s most respected journalists, broadcasters and television hosts. He has worked extensively in radio and is best known for his television work as co-host for the Today program on channel Nine

Len Zell Len has over 30 years’ experience in marine and coral reef research, education, management and ecotourism. He has worked around the world’s reefs for many years and is actively involved in their protection. His has contributed to many marine life books and expeditions as a still and video photographer.

Margaret Twomey Margaret has been Australia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste since August 2004. Prior to her arrival in East Timor Ms Twomey headed the Government White Paper on Terrorism drafting team in Canberra. Ms Twomey began her public service career with the Department of Defence in 1985.

Ron and Valerie Taylor, Ron and Valerie Taylor have been recognized internationally for their considerable contribution to marine ecology and underwater photography. As well as producing their own award-winning underwater films, they have been involved in many feature films including Jaws.

Sue Boyd During over 30 years of service to the Australian diplomatic corps, Sue has been Ambassador High Commission in Fiji, Vietnam and Hong Kong, and has also worked at embassies in East Asia, Europe and the USA

Alan McBride Alan has over 40 years of international birding experience. Alan has led a number of Australian birding tours of Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

David McGonigal David is an award winning travel writer and an internationally exhibited photographer. David’s travel articles and accompanying photographs have appeared in major publications throughout the world.

Kay Cottee AO Kay was the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted sailing voyage around the world. She was named Bi-Centennial Australian of the Year and became of officer of Australia in 1988.

Mark Christensen Mark has worked for the past 12 years within the tourism industry providing educational programs to visitors in both the Torres Strait and Kimberley regions. Mark also assisted in the recruiting and training of staff in the establishment of Poruma Island Resort.

Rod McLeod In addition to being a qualified surgeon, Rod’s great passion lies in all things Maritime. He was the founder and President of the Queensland Maritime Museum and has worked on the restoration and operation of vessels including the HMAS Diamantina.

Rodney Fox Rodney is an avid diver who survived a savage attack by a great white shark. Since then Rodney has dedicated his life to the study of sharks and has developed the Rodney Fox Shark Experience Museum and Research Foundation in South Australia.

Terry Underwood Terry has won numerous awards for her role as an ambassador for rural business women. Terry’s overnight best selling autobiography “In the Middle of Nowhere” is currently in its 14th edition. She has also published a photographic sequel called “Riveren: My Home Our Country”.

Don & Margie McIntyre Don and Margie spent a year living together alone in a box chained to rocks at Cape Denison Commonwealth Bay and are known as Australia’s “Antarctic couple”. They have written the book “Two Below Zero” and have achieved many awards and accolades for their work in the Antarctic.