Nelleke Boissevain was born in the Netherlands. After she graduated high school, she studied accounting and secretarial services which included learning shorthand in English, French, German and Dutch.

She met the charismatic René when she was 17. She was selling programs to an open day in ‘Berg en Bos’, a 250-hectare nature park of which her father was the director.

In an effort to impress young Nelleke, René offered to buy all her programs. She declined but did agree to give him a personal tour of the parklands at the end of the day. Later that evening, René had secured a dinner date.

Unfortunately, when it came time to pay the bill, he realised he didn’t have a wallet with him and Nelleke was stuck paying for dinner using the quarters she still had in her pocket from selling the programs earlier that day.

Since that first date, Nelleke has continued to manage René’s finances. Nelleke has accompanied René to all his Agate creek camps and on many overseas trips including Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil and Arizona.

René was born in the Netherlands and has a Montessori schooling.

He has always been a lover of all things ‘nature’.

He completed his military service with the Dutch Marines in Papua New Guinea which is when he vowed to return to the tropics one day.

René created The Crystal Caves in 1987 and he and his wife, Nelleke, have explored different countries in the world in search of unique and perfect crystalised mineral specimens to share with visitors.

Today, he and Nelleke live at Tinaroo in an open plan Bali hut which they share with all manner of creatures, including their beloved spoodle but also occasional snakes, bats, giant golden orbs, goannas and one very curious wallaby.

Kazza was born in Ingham and has loved the tablelands for quite some time now. She fell in love with its natural beauty and rural settings. She loves the tablelands lifestyle.

In Kazza’s free time, she’s a bit of a gamer and watches movies. Also spending time with her fur baby – Kaw. A couple of Kazza’s favourite things to do on the tablelands is to visit the different eateries and swimming in her sisters dam on a hot day. Kazza loves spending time with her family.

Kazza believes in helping reduce waste and is always supporting the local farmers.

Kazza loves dogs. If you bring your doggy in, expect it to receive some love from Kazza.

Sarah is a true FNQ girl – born in Innisfail, raised in Cairns, and now proudly calling the Tablelands home for the past seven years. She loves the sense of community up here and the cooler weather (a welcome change from life on the coast!).

When she’s not at Crystal Caves, you’ll find her camping, exploring, or spending time with her kids down at Tinaroo. One of her favourite weekend traditions is visiting the local markets. Nothing beats fresh produce and a friendly chat with the stallholders.

Sarah is passionate about supporting farmers and strong family values, which shines through in everything she does. As a mum of three, she brings warmth, patience, and a grounded energy to the team.

Julie was born in Mackay but has called the Tablelands home for the past 28 years and she still finds herself appreciating the beauty every time she drives up the Palmerston. She loves the country lifestyle and often feels lucky to live in such a stunning part of the world.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time with friends, and relaxing by the fire (sometimes with a margarita!). She also loves getting out for long walks in the bush.

Her favourite thing to do on the Tablelands is spending time with her grandchildren, especially at the creek. With three daughters and six grandchildren, Julie brings a warm, family-focused spirit to the Crystal Caves team.

Laila grew up in Herberton and loves everything the Tablelands has to offer, from hidden swimming spots to the endless camping and fishing adventures around the region. She’s happiest anywhere there’s water, whether it’s swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the creek.

Outside of work, Laila is a creative soul. She spends her spare time singing, playing guitar, painting, drawing, and getting lost in a good book. She’s passionate about supporting locals and brings that same community spirit into her role at Crystal Caves.

Friendly and approachable, Laila loves chatting with visitors and meeting new faces (especially visiting dogs).

Born in Cairns and raised partly in Canada, Mahli has called the Tablelands home for the past five years. She loves the close-knit community, the stunning waterfalls, and the endless natural beauty.

On her days off, Mahli enjoys hunting for treasures at local op shops and exploring the markets. She’s always up for an adventure, especially if it involves chasing waterfalls, swimming in creeks, or walking one of the many nature trails nearby.

Mahli is passionate about climate action and believes that small everyday choices like recycling, reducing waste, and being kind to animals, makes a big difference. She brings that same mindful energy to her role at The Crystal Caves, helping guests connect with the wonders of the natural world.