About Us | Great Outdoors - Hiking & Camping in Australia

FROM BACKPACKERS TO INDUSTRY LEADERS

Great Outdoors began as a passion project between two friends, Liam Harrison and Emma Nguyen, who met while backpacking through Australia's rugged Northern Territory in 2003. Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive resources for independent hikers and campers, they started mapping lesser-known trails and documenting their experiences on a simple blog.

What began as handwritten trail notes and basic camping tips quickly gained a following among adventure seekers looking for authentic Australian wilderness experiences. By 2005, they had formalized their knowledge into guided weekend trips for small groups around the Blue Mountains, operating out of Liam's van and a borrowed equipment shed.

The turning point came in 2008 when their unique approach to low-impact wilderness immersion caught the attention of National Geographic, who featured their expedition through the Larapinta Trail. This exposure, combined with their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and authentic adventure experiences, transformed their small operation into what is now Australia's premier outdoor adventure company.

Today, Great Outdoors employs over 30 dedicated wilderness guides and outdoor educators across five Australian states, while maintaining the personalized approach and environmental values that defined our humble beginnings.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

The principles that guide every step of our journey

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Environmental Stewardship

We believe in leaving no trace and actively contributing to the preservation of Australia's unique ecosystems. Each expedition incorporates conservation education and supports habitat restoration initiatives.

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Authentic Connection

We facilitate meaningful connections—to nature, to indigenous cultures, and to fellow adventurers. Our experiences prioritize depth over distance, encouraging mindful engagement with landscapes and communities.

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Sustainable Practice

Beyond minimal environmental impact, we embrace comprehensive sustainability—from carbon-neutral operations to fair partnerships with indigenous communities and local businesses across our supply chain.

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Inclusive Adventure

We believe wilderness experiences should be accessible to people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. Our adaptive programming and scholarship initiatives help break down barriers to outdoor participation.

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Safety Excellence

Adventure involves inherent risks, but never unnecessary ones. Our rigorous safety protocols, continuous staff training, and state-of-the-art emergency communication systems ensure we maintain the industry's highest safety standards.

MEET OUR TEAM

The passionate experts behind your extraordinary wilderness experiences

Liam Harrison

Co-Founder & Lead Expedition Guide

With over 20 years of wilderness experience across Australia's most challenging terrains, Liam combines technical expertise with an infectious passion for ecological storytelling. His specialty is multi-day treks that reveal the hidden narratives of Australia's ancient landscapes.

Emma Nguyen

Co-Founder & Conservation Director

Emma's background in environmental science informs her unique approach to adventure programming that seamlessly integrates educational components. She leads our partnerships with conservation organizations and oversees our Leave No Trace education initiatives.

Jarrah Wentworth

Indigenous Cultural Liaison

A Ngarrindjeri elder and experienced bushcraft instructor, Jarrah brings deep cultural knowledge to our expeditions. He specializes in bush food identification, traditional navigation techniques, and sharing indigenous perspectives on landscape management through fire.

Sophia Chen

Adventure Photographer & Guide

Combining her skills as both a certified wilderness guide and professional photographer, Sophia leads our specialized photography expeditions. Her work has been featured in Australian Geographic, and she trains our guides in visual storytelling techniques.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Recognized excellence in adventure tourism and environmental stewardship

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Australia Tourism Awards

Gold Medal winner for Eco-Tourism Excellence (2019, 2021, 2022)

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Sustainable Tourism Certification

Advanced Ecotourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia since 2010

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Educational Innovation

Recognition from Australian Outdoor Education Association for our youth wilderness programs

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Media Recognition

Featured in National Geographic's "World's Best Adventure Tour Operators" (2018, 2020)

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Community Impact

Over $250,000 raised for habitat conservation through our guided expedition program

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Customer Satisfaction

Maintained 4.9/5 rating across 2,000+ verified customer reviews since 2015

WHAT OUR ADVENTURERS SAY

Real experiences from people who've explored with us

"The Great Outdoors team transformed what could have been just another hiking trip into a profound connection with Australia's ancient landscapes. Their knowledge of indigenous history and subtle ecological relationships made every step meaningful. Three years later, I still find myself applying the wilderness principles I learned from them."

Marcus Tanaka

Larapinta Trail Expedition, 2021

"As a family with three kids (ages 8-14), we were nervous about a multi-day wilderness experience. Great Outdoors tailored everything perfectly—the pace, the educational activities, the food. The guides had this magical ability to make everyone feel capable while subtly adjusting support levels for different family members. It became our most bonding family experience."

Olivia Barrett

Family Adventure Program, 2022

"I've done guided expeditions on four continents, and Great Outdoors stands head and shoulders above the rest in their attention to detail and environmental ethics. Their guides aren't just technically proficient—they're genuinely inspiring people with deep connections to the places they share. The way they incorporate indigenous perspectives and conservation education sets a new standard."