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Diane Pass

Destination – world wide Presenter  

Special Interest Expert –  Olympics and more

Biography

Diane Pass is an expert destination speaker with extensive experience across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific. Drawing on a distinguished career in leadership and public speaking, Diane masterfully blends history, geography, and local culture with captivating personal stories that bring every port of call to life.

Her unique perspective is shaped by fifteen years participating in the legendary Desert Duel, a charity 4WD expedition through Australia’s most remote landscapes. These adventures, combined with decades of global travel, provide Diane with an endless collection of unforgettable stories and practical travel insights.

Join Diane for informative and entertaining presentations that explore tropical norths, rugged outbacks, and dramatic coastlines. Her talks are designed to enrich the cruise experience, offering guests deep cultural connections and memorable narratives that stay with them long after the voyage ends.  

Author, ‘Concept of Operations for Games Workforce, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games’.

Torch Bearer, Sydney 2000, Olympic Torch Relay.

Attendee and supporter, Paralympic Games, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012.

Past Chair, NSW Paralympic Committee and current Chair, Wheelchair Sports NSW.

RECENT CRUISES:

Celebrity Solstice, Sydney – Singapore, October 2025, 8 presentations.

Celebrity Edge, Sydney – New Zealand – Sydney, December 2025, 4 presentations.

200+ professional presentations, conferences, businesses, schools & universities, clubs.


 

DESTINATION PRESENTATIONS

  1. Far North Queensland

World Heritage Wonders & Wild Australia

  • Discover the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system.
  • Explore ancient tropical rainforests that have survived for millions of years.
  • Meet giant dinosaurs, crocodiles and the unique wildlife of Australia’s tropical north.
  • Hear fascinating stories of pioneering explorers, colourful characters and unforgettable adventures.
  1. South East Queensland

City, Coast & Country

  • Explore vibrant Brisbane, host city of the 2032 Olympic Games.
  • Experience the glamour and excitement of the Gold Coast.
  • Discover the Sunshine Coast’s spectacular beaches, mountain villages and surprisingly famous roundabouts.
  • Learn why this region has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most popular destinations.
  1. Sydney & Beyond

Australia’s Historic Harbour City

  • Discover Australia’s birthplace and its spectacular harbour, bridge and opera house.
  • Visit world-famous museums, galleries and iconic landmarks.
  • Ferry across Sydney Harbour to Manly, explore North Head and journey to the magical Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters.
  • Hear stories that reveal why Sydney consistently ranks among the world’s great cities.
  1. Melbourne & Victoria

Gold, Grandeur & Great Stories

  • Learn how the Victorian gold rush transformed Australia’s future.
  • Explore Australia’s renowned food, coffee and cultural capital.
  • Journey along the spectacular Great Ocean Road with tales of shipwrecks, romance and mystery.
  • Discover why Victoria continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
  1. Adelaide & South Australia

Australia’s Elegant Walking City

  • Wander through historic Hahndorf in the beautiful Adelaide Hills.
  • Sample some of Australia’s finest wine regions and culinary experiences.
  • Visit Kangaroo Island, renowned for its remarkable wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
  • Discover why Adelaide is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.
  1. Ghost Town Cricket

Why Cricket is Much More Than a Game

  • Understand cricket’s unique language before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
  • Discover the remarkable award-winning documentary filmed in an Australian ghost town.
  • Learn why millions of people happily watch a five-day Test Match—even when nobody wins!
  • Enjoy humorous stories that reveal cricket’s unique place in Australian culture.
  1. South West Western Australia

Hidden Gems & Remarkable People

  • Explore Perth, Fremantle and the beautiful Swan River.
  • Hear the inspiring story of one of Australia’s pioneering female botanists.
  • Meet Rottnest Island’s famous smiling quokkas.
  • Discover one of Australia’s most beautiful and underrated regions.
  1. Australia’s Wild North West

Ancient Landscapes & Extraordinary Adventures

  • Discover dramatic gorges, ancient landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage.
  • Swim alongside whale sharks and playful dolphins.
  • Visit Broome for pearls, camel rides and unforgettable sunsets.
  • Hear Diane’s extraordinary story of surviving a crocodile-infested river in nothing more than a tiny aluminium boat.
  1. New Zealand

Our Neighbours Across the Ditch!

  • Discover the spectacular landscapes that make New Zealand one of the world’s favourite travel destinations.
  • Explore the enduring ANZAC relationship forged through history, friendship and shared values.
  • Enjoy the friendly rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in rugby, cricket, netball and many other sports.
  • Smile at the similarities—and differences—that make Kiwis such wonderful neighbours.
  1. South Pacific

Paradise on Australia’s Doorstep

  • Explore the island nations of Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Solomon Islands.
  • Experience spectacular coral reefs, turquoise lagoons and palm-fringed beaches.
  • Discover vibrant cultures, music, traditions and warm island hospitality.
  • Learn why these tropical islands remain among Australia’s most loved cruise destinations.
  1. Southeast Asia

Our Fascinating Northern Neighbours

  • Discover the rich cultures and remarkable diversity of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
  • Learn how centuries of trade, migration and shared history have shaped Australia’s relationship with its northern neighbours.
  • Experience magnificent temples, bustling cities, colourful traditions and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Savour the extraordinary cuisines that have transformed Australian dining and become favourites around the world.

Every destination presentation can be adapted to suit individual cruise itineraries, voyage lengths and audience interests, ensuring guests enjoy a unique, engaging and memorable enrichment experience wherever they are travelling.

 


SPECIAL INTEREST PRESENTATIONS 

  1. Olympics, Paralympics & Torch Relay – My Story
  • Winning an Olympic sponsorship.
  • Helping build the world’s biggest logistical puzzle.
  • Carrying the Olympic Flame across Outback Australia.
  • Personal stories from inside the Games.
  1. Ancient Olympia – 1,200 Years of Olympic History
  • Where the Games began.
  • Competition, religion and the Olympic Truce.
  • Why athletes competed naked.
  • How the ancient Games finally came to an end.
  1. Olympic Torch Relay – Stories from Around the World
  • Iconic cauldron lightings.
  • Extraordinary torch designs.
  • Remarkable relay journeys by land, sea and air.
  • Magical moments from every continent.
  1. Paralympic Games – A Global Phenomenon
  • The world’s second-largest multi-sport event.
  • Extraordinary athletes overcoming extraordinary challenges.
  • How the Paralympic Movement continues to transform lives.
  • Why LA28 promises to be unforgettable.
  1. The International Olympic Committee – More Than Just the Games?
  • How the IOC really operates.
  • Fighting corruption and protecting sport.
  • Athlete-led initiatives changing the Olympic Movement.
  • Youth Olympics and the future of global sport.
  1. Hosting the Olympic Games
  • Who really pays?
  • Economic realities versus public perception.
  • Are future host cities becoming harder to find?
  • Why companies invest billions in Olympic sponsorship.
  1. Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games
  • What defines a winter sport?
  • New events and spectacular competition.
  • Incredible stories of courage and unlikely champions.
  • The most unexpected Olympic gold medal in history.
  1. Designing the Games
  • Logos, mascots and visual identity.
  • Stunning venues and ceremonies.
  • Fashion, medals and Olympic branding.
  • Where sport meets world-class design.
  1. Memorabilia Mania
  • Why Olympic collecting becomes addictive.
  • Pins, mascots, uniforms and hidden treasures.
  • The famous trading centres inside the Games.
  • What makes memorabilia valuable.
  1. Behind the Rings – A Sponsor’s Olympic Journey
  • Inside one of the world’s biggest sponsorships.
  • Recruiting 10,000 Olympic workers.
  • High-pressure decisions and unexpected challenges.
  • Funny, surprising and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories.
  1. LA28 – The Most Commercially Successful Games Yet?
  • What’s new for Los Angeles.
  • Innovation, technology and fan engagement.
  • Transport, venues and the Community Ticket Program.
  • Why LA28 may redefine the Olympic experience.

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL TALK –

The ‘Big Things’ of Oz – Man Made & Natural

Well-travelled storyteller Diane Pass has explored 31 of the 52 U.S.

states, more than 60 countries, and every corner of Australia — but some

of her most unforgettable memories come from the quirkiest landmarks

of all.

Growing up in Oz means growing up with the legendary “Big Things” —

the giant roadside icons scattered across cities, towns, and tiny villages

nationwide. From oversized fruit to colossal animals and everything in

between, these playful monuments embody Australia’s unique spirit of

fun, humour, and larrikin charm. They make you laugh, pull over, and

snap a photo — whether you planned to or not.

In this entertaining and visually rich presentation, Diane shares the stories, culture, and character

behind these iconic landmarks and in a surprising twist, asks you to consider the impact of ‘Nature’s

Big Things’ in Oz. Whether you’ve already fallen in love with Australia or are dreaming of visiting one

day, you’ll leave inspired — and with a brand-new bucket list of Big Things you’ll want to see for yourself.

Media

Video Demo Reels

Diane Pass, guest speaker, Probus (Business & Professional) Club, 2024

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