Midweek interview with Helen Kretschmann, General Manager, Spicers Peak Lodge
The challenge for the industry is… to entice Australians to travel more within Australia. The lure of low cost overseas holidays in places like Bali & Fiji is often perceived as greater value in terms of experiences to be had.
The things I like about my job… sharing milestones in our guest’s lives and being part of the family that comes with living alongside your team. It’s really a lifestyle choice more than a job.
And the frustrations are… the hours in the day pass way too quickly and losing track of which day it is.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… harnessing my creative side in food or textiles.
My proudest moment was… getting my first job in tourism as a Climb Leader at Bridgeclimb- a real crossroads for me and a massive challenge as I don’t really like heights.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… definitely not for sharing.
I try to relax by… dreaming up business ideas and cooking for people I love.
The last time I feared for my life was… living in a tented ‘luxury’ camp on the edge of the NT Mary River Floodplains and being faced with wild buffalo, crocs & snakes on a daily basis. Especially scary when on your way to the bathroom facilities in the middle of the night!
If I can, I always try to avoid… driving at night especially in remote locations with a plethora of wildlife on the road.
I really wish I had… more time for leisure pursuits.
The best advice I’ve ever received was… try not to judge and don’t take it personally- you never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life.
I don’t understand why people… spend their lives pursuing wealth in the hope of happiness.
My greatest weakness is… food and wine. The simple pleasures in life are the most delicious.
And my greatest strength is… my attention to detail. Sometimes the small things make the biggest difference.
If I was prime minister I would… definitely not be the right person for the job.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… make a donation to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, start up my own dream business, and spend a hefty amount with my friends and family having adventures in amazing destinations.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be… happy in my own skin. You never really know what someone else’s life is like no matter how appealing it looks from the outside.
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. My family is Czech & German and I’d love to discover and explore more of my heritage.
My favourite holiday was… skiing in Japan this year. The snow in Japan is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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