Michelle Barker at Embark travel

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Michelle Barker at Embark travel

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I am a travel advisor who is passionate about creating amazing experiences around Australia and the world. I love to explore options with my clients and ensure they have all the possibilities before making the decision which best suits their dream holiday. I have been fortunate to travel to most corners of the world, with my favourite places including Africa, India, New York and Hawaii. Any budget

, any destination, any reason - I want to ensure you have snapshots and moments from your holiday that you will remember for a lifetime.

06/06/2026

To be truthful, the day started out pretty cloudy, it was warmer in the water than out, and we had rain on the way out to the reef. But when the sun came out at lunchtime, it was bliss ☀️ AITUTAKI you are a special little part of the world.

And when snorkelling, what’s a little rain anyway 💁🏼‍♀️

03/06/2026

CONNECTION 🥰 to the people, the land, the culture and the stories of a place. It’s what I look for in a holiday and I’ll let you in on a secret - Ariimoana Tours have it by the bucket load.

Jacopo (Jack) and Kura run this amazing company, sharing their love for the Cooks with the travellers who visit. They have a reef tour, privately guided hikes, and the INLAND TOUR- which is what we did.

This is one of those things you can’t just ‘do yourself’. Kura grew up in the village, raised by her grandmother (although she did live in Newcastle for awhile and we had a good reminisce about Darby Raj Indian 😂 small world right!).

We walked through the village, literally picking fruit from the backyard of her Aunties. We chewed on sugar cane cut down in front of us; we ate wild ginger and tumeric picked straight from the ground. And the miracle berries are something you need to come and try (I can’t give away all the secrets!) - but let’s just say, the name is spot on - a miracle!!

My favourite fruit is a Mangosteen and I even got to try a ‘lemon drop mangosteen’. I’m sold - 10/10 deliciousness.

This is private land. You can’t just pop by, it’s not like buying it from supermarket. This feels like being in someone’s home - and in way we were!

After eating our way through the plantations it was off on a hike to a ridge that felt like you were on top of the world. Again, this is through private land. There are no sign posts on where to go, Jack cuts the path himself and has even built a few bridges for the tricky parts.

The view at the top - spectacular. Looking down onto the lagoon, seeing the passages out into the sea… being surrounded by the mountains.

On top of this, we heard stories of the locals and how they are protecting the land. We learnt about the flora, fauna and birdlife. And at the end we were treated to a spread of food prepared by Jack’s mum and a delicious Blue Pea and Ginger Iced tea.

We’ve done a lot of tours and experiences on our time. For us to both walk away saying ‘damn, that was a great experience’ - you know it’s one you need to put on your to do list.

01/06/2026

Hello from the COOK ISLANDS. Working from Rarotonga this week to get away from winter!
While it’s still a bit (a lot)windy on the Southside of the island, the sun is out and on the north/west side it’s absolutely stunning ☀️

Staying at quite a different hotels on this trip (to experience plenty of different styles to share with you) and we’ve already had one of the best experiences hiking up to a ridge to look back over the lagoon (more on that tomorrow).

Pa if you waiting on an email I’ve scheduled in some laptop time in a few hours, so it’s never a real holiday holiday 😂😅🏖️🐚🫶🏼

22/05/2026

EDIT ** this should say Monday 25th May 🤦‍♀️
LAST CHANCE TO RSVP to hear about my group tours coming up for the next few years. Join me for good food, a wine and to hear all about my WHY when it comes to designing and hosting these trips that leave from Newcastle!

Link below to buy tickets but I’ve only opened up a few more places. Grab your place now! And let’s hope my voice improves by Monday 😅🤞🏼

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988744507357?aff=oddtdtcreator

13/05/2026

You’ve seen me share the photos, you’ve travelled along virtually on the adventures… is it time you found out more about the SMALL GROUP TOURS I host from right here in Newcastle?

I’m having an information session on the 25th May where you will hear all about how I design the adventures, why I choose particular experiences and destinations, and of course - where the upcoming tours will be!

It will be a relaxed and informative evening, where you will hear why this style of travel is quite different from traditional group touring. We’ll also dive into some of our upcoming journeys, including Cambodia, India, Svalbard & Iceland, East Africa, European Christmas Markets, and Antarctica.

There’s a small fee to cover catering and venue costs, and you’ll be welcomed with a drink on arrival along with beautiful food from Emilio’s Restaurant.

If you’d like to join me and hear more, you can reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988744507357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Places are limited! Of course any queries about the tours or if you would like more information and can't make the event, please reach out anytime ✈️🌍🫶🏼

10/05/2026

A Happy Mothers Day to all 🌷
But especially to my mum 💜💜

If you can, definitely take that mother/daughter trip. I’ve been lucky enough to take plenty of trips with mine, and I highly recommend it. Bonding, adventures, great times - priceless 🫶🏼✈️

09/05/2026

Ahhh Ted and the Tulips! 🌷🌷
This is my Dad (Ted) enjoying Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands.

Open from mid-March to mid May, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens!

The dancing is questionable, and I’m not sure if there is a reason - but hey, I do love it when you share your travel experiences with me!!!

What do you think, do we need more Ted travelling content?!?

29/04/2026

It's Wilderluxe Glamping's 1st birthday and if you haven't heard of this before - well, you are simply missing out!!! 💫 (also, I'm sorry - I should have told you about it, it's AMAZING)

Wilderluxe is camping, reimagined. Think luxury, space, and tranquillity all in one. It's going to give you 'Luxury Lodges of Australia' style experiences, at exceptional value and close to us! Under 4 hours drive from Newcastle - this is the perfect long weekend away and a winter escape. Think bubble baths on your private balcony, wine around a roaring fire....

And to celebrate their 1st birthday, they are giving 20% for stays of three nights. It's a good reason to stay a little longer, relax and restore your energy, or just to book that break away that you deserve!

With only eight Star Tents and a private guest lounge, you will be staying in a picturesque pocket of the NSW Outback, surrounded by rolling hills, majestic Lake Keepit, and bordered by The Great Dividing Range

With only 8 tents, we can also talk about hiring out the WHOLE place and having it all to your family/friends/colleagues for a few days of bonding and time together.

So what are the rates?
Midweek stay - $575 per night / Weekend stay - $735 per night
This includes accommodation (for up to two guests sharing one tent), Daily breakfast, Complimentary activities including kayaking, SUPing, biking, hiking; Big Sky Dreaming Experience- including Aboriginal astronomy narration film and evening campfire.
Plus we can organise picnic baskets and other bits of pieces before you even arrive.

My special tip - book a cooking class or long lunch at Carrols Gap Farmhouse! Or ask me about the rates for the 'Signature Stay' which has this included (and more!)

If this is something that grabs your interest - let's talk and secure you some dates! With only 8 tents and 20% off, the available dates will disappear before you know it!

email: [email protected] or pop me a DM.

26/04/2026

You’ve got to be in it to win it! You still have time to pop into Susuru Izakaya, sip some ramen and be on your way to Tokyo! 🇯🇵

23/04/2026

I love when you share your amazing finds and experiences on your holidays! It means I have recent info of what is great (whether it be something to do, something to eat or even a new hotel find). But also I can share this with future travellers (sharing is caring!) and on this holiday, I’ve even then gone and done some of them myself!

I have a couple of fun experiences to share with you in Tokyo - but to start with let’s talk perfume with the atelier ANN FRAGRANCE

I was told about this from a client a few years ago - as a mother/daughter they said it was so much fun, So it only made sense for me to take my mum to create our own signature scents!

We started with smelling 37 scents and picking our top 7. How gorgeous is the room and all the furnishings here!! Then break it down to a top 5 scents, and a top 2 to make the base. Then it was time to mix and change the base scents - until we had the right combo that we loved. Pick a bottle, pick a colour, pick a name - and voila! We’re created a signature scent to take home (along with the exact combo in case we want to come back and order more).

I loved that they even sprayed the bag with the base scent we liked the most! This experience took around an hour and you wouldn’t know it was there if you don’t know where to look!

This is an INCLUDED experience on the tour to Japan I am hosting later this year. I only have 1 x double and 1 x solo place available. If you are looking to travel to Japan or join me on an adventure, let’s chat!

Address

PO BOX 1753
Newcastle, NSW
2300

Telephone

+611300891100

Website

http://www.embark-travel.com.au/

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