Our Story

Higher Ground Travel & Events was born on the road — founded by Will Maley after twenty plus years working in travel, tours & event management, a decade living and working across France, Italy, the UK, USA and Canada, and adventures in 40 countries along the way.

Today we bring that same first-hand knowledge to every trip we plan: elevating travel, events and cycling experiences into moments our clients remember for years, not just weeks.

Our service offering starts with client engagement and through collaboration, understanding, and our product knowledge, we build programs and itineraries to meet and exceed expectation.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

I have had the pleasure of attending multiple international trips across different sporting events organised by the amazing team at Higher Ground led by Will. Every trip has always been exceptional and very much is a true 'once in a lifetime experience'.

The foundation is well organised travel, hotels and tickets which all operators can deliver. The Higher Ground difference is the smarts, thinking and on ground knowledge and support that creates a unique experience for the travel group.

There are many good companies that support businesses and groups in this space but Higher Ground is the best I have ever had the pleasure to travel and would recommend without hesitation.

Kristiaan Kroon, Omnicom Media Australia CEO

HGTE was founded by Will Maley, whose extensive travels and diverse background shape our unique approach. With over a decade spent living and working in France, Italy, the UK, USA, and Canada, Will's adventures across 40 countries have fueled his passion for uncovering hidden gems and connecting with local cultures.

Blending experience in international travel, tour management, and project delivery, Will has collaborated with major corporations like SBS Media, News Corp, Skoda, and Cycling Australia, as well as schools and state governments.

During Will's time living in Europe he built up a fantastic team of local guides from Italy, France and Spain who support the development of HGTE's custom programs and guide our guests on hosted tours. The team have been working together for around ten years and add immensely to the local experience that our guests enjoy.

In 2024, HGTE joined TravelManagers Australia to expand our offerings, including flights and travel agency services, while maintaining personalised service and a focus on bespoke programs.

Higher Ground Travel & Events is based in Mansfield, in the heart of Victoria's High Country.

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TravelManagers Australia Pty Ltd trading as Higher Ground Travel & Events
ACN 113 085 626. A member of IATA, AFTA, CLIA

Part of the House of Travel Group, TravelManagers Australia Pty Ltd is a network of home-based mobile personal travel managers. Across the network, personal travel managers have on average over 20 years’ travel industry experience. Since opening in New Zealand in 1986 and its arrival into Australia in 2007, House of Travel has grown into the largest independent travel company in Australasia. This means that by being a personal travel manager, not only does Higher Ground Travel & Events have access to amazing travel deals that we can provide you, but you have the security that your money is secure during the booking process.

Under no circumstances will TravelManagers accept cash payments, nor should payments be made to any other bank account, other than the TravelManagers client trust account (ANZ BSB: 012 172 | Account: 4967-59407). For details, please visit www.travelmanagers.com.au/peaceofmind

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Our Points of Difference

Product Knowledge & Experience

Over 12 years of crafting boutique special interest leisure and corporate tours to Europe, including 6 years based year-round in France
Established relationships with authentic, local experience providers for unique insights and exceptional experiences
A dedicated local guide and service team in Europe supporting itinerary development and delivery
20 years of experience in travel and events, focusing on mid and high-end leisure and corporate clients and groups

Personalised Service

Fully customised program and itinerary development in close consultation for both leisure & corporate clients
Face-to-face, on-line and phone consults throughout the planning, development and pre & post travel stages
On-site management and hosting services available to enhance your experience
Experience working directly with Directors and Senior Executives of major national corporations in the development and delivery of corporate programs

Major Project & Event Experience

10+ years working with major national companies and leadership teams to deliver impactful client and staff programs
Experience partnering with and delivering major events in Australia and Europe
Expertise in managing multi-million dollar private and public sector tourism projects, ensuring exceptional service, budget management and client satisfaction
10+ years creating and hosting corporate and leisure group tours to the Tour de France, Vuelta, Giro, and other pro-races as well as custom ride tours across Europe

Choice, Flexibility & Booking Confidence

Being part of the TravelManagers Australia network gives our clients:

Access to TMA's strong relationships and buying power with reputable airlines, hotels, cruise companies, wholesalers and tour operators from across the globe
No directive on which airline or supplier to book, rather a focus on what best meets our clients' needs
Flexibility to meet face to face, by phone, email or video call
Peace of mind from TMA's industry leading travel consumer protections, including the use of a dedicated and audited Client Trust Account for all client funds prior to transfer to suppliers.