The Pink Pelican Team
Our team at Pink Pelican Tours is made up of good friends including two sisters. We are like-minded, hardworking country girls with an outlook on life to try new things, meet new people and make the most of life to…
“go have fun!”
Food Writer & Cookbook Author Sophie Hansen
When it comes to food, Sophie Hansen is the expert. Sophie is one of Australia's most highly regarded contemporary country cooks. She attracts a huge community of followers to her ‘Local is Lovely’ blog and Instagram page, weekly ‘5 Things to Be Cheerful About’ newsletter, as well as hosting countless pop-up dinners (consistently booked out!) and cooking events throughout regional Australia.
Sophie is trained in print journalism and has over 25 years’ experience as a food writer. Before settling down with her family on a farm near Orange in NSW, she traveled the world to explore the food culture in many countries.
Sophie has written five cookbooks including Local is Lovely, A Basket by the Door, In Good Company, Around the Kitchen Table and What Can I Bring?
Sophie’s calming presence and friendly nature makes her the perfect Tour Guide for Pink Pelican Tours.
Award winning Winemaker Kate Day
Kate Day is an award-winning winemaker with more than 25 years of experience in the wine industry. She has worked across some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Marlborough, bringing both expertise and a warm, approachable style to every experience.
Kate has travelled extensively throughout Europe and spent extended time living there with her family, immersing herself in the French, Italian, and Austrian wine regions. This firsthand experience, combined with her passion for regional food, wine, and culture, allows her to create experiences that feel authentic and truly memorable.
As one half of the female winemaking duo behind ‘In Two Minds Wines’, Kate has built a successful independent wine business grounded in quality and creativity.
Known for her engaging and welcoming nature, Kate has previous experience as a Tour Guide in France’s Champagne region. Her priority is ensuring every guest feels relaxed, looked after, and returns home with unforgettable memories.
Kate lives in the Mudgee wine region with her family.
Tour Leader
Melissa Bowman
Melissa studied a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Travel Services Management before packing her bags to travel through Europe, Canada, the US and Mexico where she commenced her career working in the hotel/hospitality industry.
After a few years, Mel returned home to continue her career. She has 15 years experience in the travel industry working as a Travel Consultant at some of Sydney’s most highly regarded travel agencies – Wentworth Travel, Goldman Travel and Ursula King Travel.
With this invaluable experience and travel industry connections, Mel will be managing logistics at Pink Pelican Tours, and will be your Tour Leader for various trips. Mel is energetic, friendly and fun with exceptional organisational and communication skills.
Mel has spent most of her life living in country NSW and is the devoted mother of three sons. Mel and Felicity are sisters, and both have fond memories of their childhood growing up on their parents’ farm near Cootamundra.
Tour Leader & Director
Felicity Armstrong
Felicity Armstrong, Director and Founder of Pink Pelican Tours, has spent the past 20 years as the Researcher for Getaway - Australia’s longest-running and highest-rating travel show which airs on Channel 9.
Felicity’s role with Getaway involves researching international destinations and crafting itineraries for film crews to travel all over the world.
Through detailed planning and coordination, Felicity has curated travel itineraries to more than 60 countries around the world. She loves meeting and dealing with people and has formed strong networks in the travel industry during that time.
Felicity is excited to be sharing her passion of crafting travel itineraries with Pink Pelican Tours. Felicity will be managing logistics and will be your Tour Leader for various trips.
Felicity has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication- Journalism. She has spent the majority of her life living in country NSW and is the proud mother of three daughters.
