Motivational keynote speaker · Australia & NZ
An ocean story for an ocean nation.
Carina Bruwer is a motivational keynote speaker whose open-water story lands nowhere better than Australia — a nation that lives in the sea — and she brings it to Australian and New Zealand conferences in person or virtually.
Few audiences understand the ocean like Australians, and few keynotes use it like Carina's. 'The Art of Turning the Tide' turns 30+ marathon swims and 10+ world firsts — including the English Channel and the Straits of Gibraltar — into a practical message about resilience, fear and performing under pressure, layered with lessons from an award-winning music career and tech entrepreneurship. She is represented in Australia by Platinum Speakers, has been featured by CNN and Sports Illustrated, and works with global clients including Xero, Novartis and YPO. For Australian and New Zealand events, she travels from Cape Town — or delivers the same keynote virtually on AEST-friendly hours.
The signature keynote
The Art of Turning the Tide
Why she works for Australia & New Zealand
Ocean credibility
30+ marathon swims and 10+ world firsts — a story that resonates deeply with Australia's open-water and surf-lifesaving culture.
Australian representation
Represented in Australia by Platinum Speakers — or book directly for a faster, simpler arrangement.
View her Platinum Speakers profile ›Familiar clients
Works with global organisations Australians know, including Xero, Novartis, Pfizer and YPO.
Virtual-friendly
When the distance doesn't make sense, the same keynote is delivered as a broadcast-quality virtual session on AEST/NZST hours.
See her in action
Audiences don't just listen. They remember.
Booking Carina for an Australian event
- Travels from Cape Town via direct flights from Johannesburg to Sydney and Perth.
- Fees quoted in AUD or USD; travel is one return flight and accommodation.
- Available for conferences, leadership events and association summits across Australia and New Zealand.
- Broadcast-quality virtual keynotes available on AEST/NZST-friendly hours.
Prefer to book through a bureau? Carina's Australian bureau profile at Platinum Speakers ›
What hosts say.
Deeply inspirational, engaging and entertaining — it captured everyone's attention from start to finish. It exceeded all my expectations and left a lasting impression on me and many others.
Everyone at Novartis was just blown away by Carina. More than one guest — including a team member of 18 years — said she's by far the best speaker they've ever had. It made a massive impact.
She connects deeply with her audience — not just inspiring in the moment, but sharing insights and life lessons that resonate long after the event is over.
Trusted by leading organisations
Common questions.
Does Carina Bruwer speak at events in Australia?
Yes — Carina is available for Australian and New Zealand conferences, represented locally by Platinum Speakers and also bookable directly. She travels from South Africa, or delivers the keynote virtually on AEST-friendly hours.
Why does her keynote work for Australian audiences?
Her story is built in open water — 30+ marathon swims and 10+ world firsts including the English Channel — which lands powerfully with Australia's ocean culture, alongside lessons from elite music and tech entrepreneurship.
Can she do a virtual keynote for our Australian team?
Yes — 'The Art of Turning the Tide' is delivered as a broadcast-quality virtual or hybrid keynote, scheduled to suit Australian and New Zealand timezones.
Bring Carina to your Australian stage.
Tell us about your event and we'll come back within one business day with availability and a tailored proposal — in your currency.