The Joy of Effortless Travel: Why Rose White Keeps Coming Back to Aurora Coach Tours

The Joy of Effortless Travel: Why Rose White Keeps Coming Back to Aurora Coach Tours

For Rose White, a seasoned traveller in her 70s, the joy of exploring Australia is only matched by the ease of doing so with Aurora Coach Tours. Having recently returned from her eighth tour with the family-run business – this time to the stunning Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre – Rose is already counting down the days until her next adventure to Lord Howe Island.

“I should be able to book this myself,” Rose admits, reflecting on her years spent coordinating international coach tours for Americans and Germans during her tourism career. “But I won’t, and here’s why: nowadays, my holiday travel is about doing as little as possible. Aurora Coach Tours does the rest. This is how travel should be in the retirement years.”

And that’s precisely what Aurora Coach Tours, owned and operated by Holly and Scott, has mastered. From door-to-door service – complete with luggage handling – to small group tours aboard a luxurious, custom-designed coach with only 28 seats, the company caters to seniors seeking comfort, care and connection as they explore some of Australia’s most breathtaking destinations.

For Rose, it’s this meticulous attention to detail and seamless service that sets Aurora apart. “I don’t lift a finger,” she says. “Picked up at home, I don’t even have to carry my bag. I get on the coach, sit back and soak up this beautiful country of ours.”

Scott and Holly: A Love Story Fuelled by Travel 

The passion that Holly and Scott bring to Aurora Coach Tours is deeply rooted in their own love of exploration – and each other.

Scott, who grew up on the NSW Central Coast, has always had travel in his blood. “The day I turned 20, I got my coach licence,” he recalls. “For the next 10 years, I lived out of a backpack, leading tours around the world. I lived and breathed it. I never paid rent – I was always travelling.”

Holly’s journey was just as adventurous. When she met Scott, she was living in a hostel in Melbourne, working as a travel agent and saving every cent to continue her own global adventures. “I had an agreement with the hostel owners,” she laughs. “I’d make breakfast for the 200 or so guests each morning in exchange for a bed in a 16-bed dorm room.”

Their love story wasn’t seamless – it had its fair share of twists and turns. But, like a scene from a Nora Ephron movie, their paths eventually aligned, bound by a shared love of travel and a dream of creating unforgettable experiences for others.

Why Seniors Are Their Favourite Travellers 

After years of exploring the world, Scott and Holly settled on the Central Coast with their two young children and took over Aurora Coach Tours, infusing it with their energy, expertise and personal touch.

While Scott’s career has taken him across all sectors of the travel industry, working with seniors has always been his favourite. “Over the years, I’d worked with every age group – backpackers, in the charter industry, on cruise ships – but seniors were always the best people to travel with,” Scott says.

“You have a coach full of people who genuinely appreciate what you do and are interested in not just the places we’re visiting but the people we are. It’s a beautiful connection – you’re building relationships that can last a lifetime.”

Bringing Passion to the Road

When Holly and Scott took the reins from the previous owners, they faced the challenge of maintaining Aurora’s reputation for reliable, personalised tours. But according to Rose, they didn’t just meet expectations – they surpassed them.

“Scott and Holly didn’t miss a beat,” she says. “They brought fresh enthusiasm, updated itineraries and added unique stops and commentary that make every trip feel special. They’re the right people for this market.”

Their team – Rog, Alison and Max – also shares their vision for exceptional service. “They’re all wonderful and skilled people to travel with,” Rose says. “They genuinely like the passengers and love what they do, and that makes the tours so enjoyable.”

Resilience and Heart 

Aurora Coach Tours hasn’t had an easy road. Taking over the business just before the travel industry ground to a halt due to Covid-19, Scott and Holly’s resolve was put to the test. Instead of giving up, they weathered the storm with grit and optimism.

“When everything came to a standstill, they hung in there,” Rose recalls. “I, for one, am so pleased they survived. They deserve to do well.”

Safe, Simple and Effortless 

Travelling alone can be daunting, but not for Rose when she’s with Aurora. “I travel on my own with them, and I always feel safe and looked after,” she says. This peace of mind allows her to fully embrace the experience – whether she’s marvelling at the vast landscapes of the Flinders Ranges or soaking in the tranquillity of Lord Howe Island.

For Rose, Aurora Coach Tours embodies the essence of what senior travel should be: stress-free, personal and deeply rewarding. “From the planning and organising to the behind-the-scenes care and attention to detail, they make every holiday effortless and enjoyable,” she says.

With Scott and Holly at the helm, supported by their dedicated team, Aurora Coach Tours is more than a travel company; it’s a labour of love, a passion project and a trusted companion for seniors ready to embrace the golden age of travel.

Discover more about Scott, Holly and Aurora Coach Tours: auroracoachtours.com.au