News & Awards

Women In Travel Awards: Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

We are humbled and proud of our Managing Director, Indigo Penn for being nominated as a 2024 Finalist in the Travel Weekly Women in Travel Awards in both the Entrepreneur and Wholesale / Tour Operator categories. Thanks to all of our team and customers who have supported us in our journey so far, with such an exciting future ahead!

Exciting News: On Course Tours & Travel acquires well established Newcastle based coach tour company – Sept 2024

On Course Travel is thrilled to announce it has acquired Aldinga Tours, a beloved and well-established coach tour company based in Newcastle. This partnership brings the best of both worlds, ensuring that travellers will continue to enjoy an outstanding array of opportunities to explore Australia and beyond.

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Newcastle community, Paul and Barbara Burgess, founders of Aldinga Tours, have decided to retire. However, their passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences lives on through this exciting new chapter. “We’re proud of what we’ve built with Aldinga Tours and are confident that On Course Travel will carry on our tradition of excellence,” said Paul Burgess.

Aldinga Tours will continue to operate out of its Newcastle location, with no changes to the familiar departure meeting places. This ensures a seamless transition for existing customers, who can look forward to the same trusted service they’ve come to know and love.

On Course Travel, a dynamic Sydney-based company, brings a fresh and energetic approach to organising and running tours. “We’re excited to partner with such a reputable company and expand the travel opportunities available to our customers,” said Indigo Penn, Co-owner of On Course Travel.

This partnership opens a world of new travel opportunities, with exciting destinations and experiences designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. Traveling with a group not only allows participants to discover the wonders of the world but also fosters social connections and shared adventures. Studies have shown that travel keeps the mind engaged and active, and group tours are a wonderful way to combat loneliness and build new friendships.

Paul and Barbara will remain involved in the business, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of the personal touch that Aldinga Tours customers have always appreciated. They will work closely with On Course Travel’s father-daughter team, Evan and Indigo Penn, to bring a new era of travel opportunities to the Newcastle community and beyond.

Young Achiever Award for Travel, Tourism and Hospitality – 2024

The new managing director at On Course Tours and Travel, Indigo Penn, has taken out the prestigious Channel 7 ‘Travel, Tourism and Hospitality’ category at the 2024 Young Achiever Awards.

Indigo has been in the role for less than a year and has set out to develop new partnerships in the broader travel industry, focusing on supporting communities that have been impacted by natural disasters like floods or fires. Indigo said she was honoured to receive the award, which is supported by the Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

“This award is a testament to our amazing team at On Course Tours & Travel, who all share my belief in the transformative power of travel,” she said.

On Course Tours and Travel specialises in bespoke tours for mature travellers, including single-day, extended coach tours, cruises and overseas holidays.

Tours are designed to bring like-minded people together, offering authentic cultural experiences and immersion in the smaller towns and regions of Australia.

“I would like to thank our thousands of loyal customers for their support over the past 30 years – we are thrilled to be able to offer even more diverse and exciting tours into the future,” Indigo continued. “In February 2025, On Course will be running a first-of-its-kind, mature-aged volunteer tourism trip to Cambodia to help teach English and support underprivileged Cambodian school kids.”

Driver of the Year Award – 2022

In the 2022 Australasia Bus and Coach Expo, Hans Keetels from On Course Tours and Travel won the highly prestigious NSW 2022 Coach Driver of the Year award.