You’re invited to an intimate VIP luncheon hosted by Crooked Compass Founder & CEO, Lisa Pagotto, an immersive afternoon where travel, storytelling, and curiosity converge.
Over a long lunch inspired by the flavours of the world’s most fascinating frontiers, Lisa will take you on a journey across continents, revealing the people, places, and stories that sit beyond the traditional tourist trail. From the Roman ruins of North Africa and the deserts of the Middle East, through the mountain kingdoms of the Himalayas and the cultural crossroads of Central Asia, to the tribal heartlands of Papua New Guinea, this is a celebration of travel that challenges assumptions and expands horizons.
Travel is at its most powerful when it shifts perspectives.
Join Lisa as she shares stories from some of the world’s most misunderstood, remote, and remarkable destinations. Wander through centuries-old caravan cities, stand amongst nomadic communities, cross vast deserts, explore forgotten kingdoms, and discover cultures that continue to thrive far from the spotlight of mainstream tourism.
More than a travel presentation, this is an invitation to see the world differently.
Drawing on decades of experience travelling through some of the world’s least visited regions, Lisa will offer unique insights, fascinating stories, and a glimpse into the extraordinary journeys that define the Crooked Compass collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller seeking what is next, or simply curious about the world beyond the familiar, prepare to be inspired by destinations that remain rich in culture, authenticity, and wonder.
This is a rare opportunity to connect directly with Lisa, whose work across remote and complex regions has been built on cultural respect, access, and depth. Her firsthand stories, honest reflections, and practical guidance are designed to expand your perspective and refine your understanding of these remarkable places.
These exclusive luncheons are intentionally intimate. Places are strictly limited and confirmed on a first-come basis.
Each luncheon has a nominal cost, fully redeemable when you book within 60 days of the event. Attendees will also receive a special value-add should they reserve a journey following the luncheon.
Our Beyond the Bucket List Facebook community is a place for curious travellers to share stories, discover fascinating destinations and connect with like-minded people.
Many of our luncheon guests are already members.
Come and say hello before the event.
Date: 24th November 2026
Venue: Miss Morgan @ The Victoria Hotel
Address: 215 Little Collins St, Melbourne 3000
Time: 12pm sharp
Cost: $89 AUD per person
| Reserve My Place – Melbourne |
Date: 25th November 2026
Venue: Rothwell’s Bar & Grill – Cellar Room
Address: 235 Edward Street, Brisbane 4000
Time: 12pm sharp
Cost: $89 AUD per person
Date: 29th October 2026
Venue: QT Hotel – George Room
Address: 478 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Time: 12pm sharp
Cost: $89 AUD per person
Date: 26th November 2026
Venue: Mount Lofty House- Coach House Private Dining Room
Address: 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers South Australia 5152
Time: 12pm sharp
Cost: $89 AUD per person
Date: 27th November 2026
Venue: Matilda Bay Restaurant – Wine Room
Address: 3 Hackett Dr, Crawley Western Australia 6009
Time: 12pm sharp
Cost: $89 AUD per person
All luncheons are banquet-style. Please advise of any dietary requirements when registering and we’ll do our best to accommodate
Crooked Compass is a boutique tour operator uncovering the world’s best kept secrets through small group touring and customised itineraries. Created to inspire and educate through culturally immersive experiences and the power of storytelling, itineraries offer travellers a new perspective on a deeply personal level. Crooked Compass strategically and sensitively integrates local communities, aligning with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. www.crooked-compass.com
Crooked Compass is an Accredited member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO). Member number #48335343.
CATO membership signifies a participant’s alignment with, understanding of, and compliance with all aspects of the CATO Member Code of Conduct, as well as adherence to financial reporting obligations based on the jurisdiction in which the member is domiciled.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
