Deryn first worked as a tour guide in the mid 1980s for Top Deck Travel, taking young people around Europe while sleeping, cooking and travelling on a double decker bus. In the late 1990s Deryn started tour leading around Australia and overseas.
She has maintained her enthusiasm for new adventures and passion for sharing the travel experience, but these days prefers to explore the world of gardens, art and history in a little more comfort.
For more information on her tours visit Travelrite International
Cherry Blossom Cruise & Tour of Japan with Deryn Thorpe
26th March – 12th April, 2025
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Deryn Thorpe on the Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise & Tour 2025 aboard the luxurious Queen Elizabeth. This exclusive 17-night adventure takes you through the enchanting cities of Tokyo, Amori, Sakaiminato, Nagasaki, Shimizu, and Kyoto in Japan, along with a fascinating visit to Busan, South Korea. Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms, explore historic temples and gardens, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japan and South Korea, all while enjoying the expert guidance and insightful talks from renowned horticulturist Deryn Thorpe.
Tour highlights include:
- Tour leadership by Deryn Thorpe
- Enjoy a city tour of Tokyo and see Ginza
- Imperial Palace East Garden
- Omiya Museum, the most outstanding center for bonsai in Japan
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Hama-Rikyu-Teien garden
- Talk by Deryn Thorpe about her life in gardening and pointers on the design features of Japanese gardens
- Yuushein Flower Park
- Stunning peony flower arrangements by Shogo Kariyazaki a famous Japanese flower artist
- Walk along Nakamise-dori market in Asakusa
- 8thcentury Bulguksa Temple – Busan
- Sightseeing tour with a local guide around Busan
- See the Peace Memorial Park, located near Ground Zero- Nagasaki
- Travel by Bullet train to Kyoto
- Picturesque Philosopher’s path, which extends along the river under cherry trees, which we hope will be in blossom
- Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the temple of the Golden Pavilion
- Ride on the Hakone Ropeway
- Jojakko-ji, a 1640 temple set in a beautiful grove of trees
- Superb Zen garden at the Tofuku-ji Temple – Kyoto
- Discuss your garden with Deryn and receive advice
- Farewell dinner
- Explore Osaka Castle
For more information visit:
https://www.travelrite.com.au/garden-tours/japan-deryn-thorpe-mar-2025.php
Garden Cruise to New Zealand with Deryn Thorpe
20th November – 7th December, 2025
Embark on an enchanting journey through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, led by award winning Garden Journalist Deryn Thorpe. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of vibrant garden visits, including stunning private estates and public gardens, showcasing the country’s diverse flora. Participants will explore the lush scenery of both the North and South Islands, enjoying expert insights from Deryn and engaging with local gardening enthusiasts. The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to provide ample opportunities for relaxation and inspiration, making it perfect for both avid gardeners and nature lovers alike. Discover the beauty of New Zealand’s gardens while savoring its rich culture and stunning vistas on this unforgettable tour. Join us for an adventure that will inspire and rejuvenate!
Tour Highlights:
- Tour leadership by Deryn Thorpe
- Sight-seeing city tour of Auckland
- Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands – Auckland
- Highwic homestead and garden
- The 12ha Tikiteret garden, developed since 1987
- Art Deco Centre – Napier
- Visit Welton House, a plant lovers paradise
- Paripuma, a 20-year-old garden, which has created habitat for wildlife
- Ohinetahi garden
- New Zealand’s ‘castle’ which overlooks the Otago Peninsular
- Milford Sound, star of Fiordlands National Park
- Hannah Moloney’s garden
- Cloudehill – a maze of stone walls and jewel
- Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
- Farewell drinks
- Cruising onboard MS Noordam
For more information visit
https://www.travelrite.com.au/garden-tours/nz-deryn-thorpe-nov-2025.php
Garden Cruise to New Zealand with Deryn Thorpe
4th- 23rd February, 2026
Embark on an extraordinary journey on the Singapore to South Africa Garden Tour, led by award winning Garden Journalist Deryn Thorpe. This unique itinerary begins in vibrant Singapore, where you’ll explore iconic sites like Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. From there, we cruise to South Africa through the stunning Indian Ocean, visiting Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar. We will explore the magnificent waterfalls, forests, wildlife and gardens of these beautiful islands. The adventure continues in South Africa, experiencing the breathtaking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town and the picturesque Cape Winelands, renowned for their exquisite private gardens and fine wines. Enjoy South Africa’s sublime natural beauty and wildlife with visits to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Van Standens Wildflower Reserve, and the Ethno-Botanical Garden and Indigenous Field Garden. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of horticultural exploration, cultural immersion, and stunning natural landscapes.
Tour Highlights:
- Tour leadership by Deryn Thorpe
- Explore Gardens by the Bay – Singapore
- Sightseeing tour of the island and the capital, Port Louis
- Visit the Pamplemousses Botanic Gardens
- The vast, beautiful reserve, the Parc National de Montagne d’Ambre
- Lokobe Natural Reserve
- Richards Bay, which has the deepest natural harbour in Africa
- DumaZulu Traditional Village
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
- Van Standens Wildflower Reserve
- Ethno-Botanical Garden and Indigenous Field Garden
- Deryn will give an interesting talk about her life in gardening
- Sightseeing tour of the city Cape Town
- Cable car to the summit of Table Mountain to enjoy spectacular views – Cape Town
- Travel to the wine region of Stellenbosch
- Rustenberg Garden reputed to be the best garden in South Africa
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Farewell dinner
- Cruising onboard Norwegian Dawn
For more information visit
https://www.travelrite.com.au/garden-tours/singapore-africa-deryn-thorpe-feb-2026.php
Hi Deryn, a belated thank you for the Ballarat and Melbourne Garden
Tour – it didn’t only live up to expectations, it exceeded them! It was a
wonderful week, made even better by your expert guidance and relaxed
manner. A highlight for me was meeting Phillip Johnson, he is such an
inspiration.
Lynne, Fremantle
Thanks for the superb French tour. It was very interesting both
historically and horticulturally and you made everyone in the group feel
very welcome and relaxed. You managed everything in such a relaxed and
friendly way that it felt like we were a group of friends travelling
together rather than an ‘organised tour’. I have already recommended
your tours to my friends.”A bientot”
Aline, Mosman Park
I booked on to the Melbourne and Ballarat tour rather on a whim, as I
wanted to see Paul Bangay’s garden. However our tour took us to so many
wonderful gardens, thank you. My sincere thanks for the planning,
knowledge and commitment you put into our tour. You are an excellent
tour guide, good with a group and not intrusive, and it was a very happy
week indeed.
Anne, Melbourne
I had the pleasure of being part of an Italian Garden tour with Deryn
as the horticultural guide in May 2014. Deryn’s plant knowledge with
historical context complimented the beautiful gardens and places that we
visited. Her relaxed style, gentle good humour and sense of fun ensured
that we all had a wonderful experience.
Caroline, Mt Lawley