Carmichael is a graduate of Brisbane State High School in Queensland, Australia, where he played rugby and cricket.

He completed a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and then worked with the News-Mail in Bundaberg.

Carmichael has previously been a fill-in presenter for Pat Welsh and Ben Davis on Seven News Brisbane.

In January 2011, Carmichael was appointed sport presenter on Seven News Sydney replacing Johanna Griggs.

In March 2013, Ryan Phelan succeeded him as full-time weekend sports presenter for Seven News Sydney.