Travel agencies have had to weather acts of God, endure acts of man, and let’s not forget that little global curveball—the pandemic—but few are actually forged in the flames of disaster. Riverland Travel in Maclean, NSW, has battled both fire and flood, proving time and again that resilience, community, and passion are the true cornerstones of success.
From bus tickets to a full-service agency
Riverland Travel’s story began in the front window of a second-hand furniture store, where founder Judy Castle set up a bus and train ticketing service in the early 1980s.
Maclean, a town of around 8,000 people on the Clarence River in Northern NSW, wasn’t exactly a travel hub, but Judy saw the demand and grew the business. Over time, Riverland Travel became the only dedicated travel agency in town, with a client base that extends far beyond its sugarcane farms and prawn trawlers.
A long-time member of Travellers Choice, the agency has weathered decades of industry challenges—but none quite as dramatic as the events of 2006.
How fire changed everything
It started as an ordinary day until a fire broke out in an upstairs unit above the shop next door. Three businesses were destroyed. Riverland Travel, miraculously, wasn’t one of them—but it came dangerously close. The agency was partially damaged, enough to force a temporary relocation to the Castle family home.

Current owner Zoe Eagleton, who took over the business in 2016, says the fire is still fresh in the town’s memory—especially for her husband, Alwyn. As a local fireman, he was on the frontline battling the blaze, trying to save not just buildings but the livelihoods inside them. Today, he’s deputy captain of the Maclean Fire and Rescue NSW station and plays a different kind of support role—helping with Riverland Travel’s back-office operations and even escorting day tours.
A flood, a shutdown, and a helping hand
Fire wasn’t the only disaster to threaten the business. In 2022, rising floodwaters swept through Maclean, forcing the agency to evacuate. With their shop underwater, operations came to a complete standstill for nearly two weeks.
“We were forced to evacuate, which meant we couldn’t operate whatsoever for almost two weeks. In response, Travellers Choice offices around the country came to our aid, helping reschedule flights and managing our customers’ travel arrangements.”
She says the support they received was invaluable. “We’ve had other close calls, and whenever we’ve faced difficulties, the Travellers Choice family has always been there.”
Celebrating four decades of travel
Through fire, flood, and an evolving industry, Riverland Travel has not just survived but thrived. To mark 40 years in business, Eagleton recently hosted a celebration at the local bowls club, bringing together 70 guests, including loyal clients and former staff.
“There were lots of stories to tell and we decorated the room with memorabilia, including old boarding passes, pictures of former consultants, old images of the agency and even a photo of the building next door on fire,” says Eagleton.
“It was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much this business means to the people here.”
Riverland Travel isn’t just a business—it’s a community fixture, woven into the lives of the people it serves.
“Riverland Travel has earned an enormous amount of trust and loyalty since it first opened its doors,” said Eagleton.
“We’re just so privileged and grateful to have had the opportunity to continue the vision and values that have made this business a cornerstone of the community for the past 40 years.”