AmaWaterways names Australian ‘dream team’

Christine Oliver, based in Brisbane, will cover Queensland,Western Australia and the Northern Territory, while Kim Vaughan, who will be based in Melbourne, is responsible for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

In Sydney Kylie Chapman is responsible for New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand.

Ian Lyne has been appointed head of reservations and Angela Smith head of marketing.

2025 bookings

Through the AmaWaterways’ Australian team, travel advisors will be able to book 2025 river cruises on more than 35 itineraries across a fleet of 29 custom-designed ships operating in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

AmaWaterways decided to open its regional Australia/New Zealand operation with the end of its 19-year partnership with Australian Pacific Touring ending at the close of 2024. 

Co-owner Gary Murphy, son of the late Jimmy Murphy, one of the company’s founders, came to Australia late last year and appointed Richards to head up the operation.

‘I am thrilled with the dream team we have brought together to launch AmaWaterways’ full range of remarkable river cruises to the Australian and New Zealand markets,’ Murphy said.

The ‘dream team’ is currently on a familiarisation with Richards.