About AussieTrek

AussieTrek team exploring Australian landmarks

Our Story

AussieTrek began in 2012 when three passionate Australian travel enthusiasts – Sarah Whitman, Jake Thompson, and Emily Chen – found themselves frustrated by the lack of comprehensive travel resources that truly captured Australia's breathtaking diversity. After years of individual exploration across the continent, they joined forces to create what would become Australia's most trusted travel guide platform.

Starting with a simple blog documenting their favorite hidden gems, the trio quickly gained recognition for their authentic, in-depth destination reviews and stunning photography. Within two years, their following had grown exponentially, attracting partnerships with tourism boards across Australia.

By 2015, AussieTrek had transformed from a hobby project into a full-fledged travel company with a dedicated team of researchers, photographers, and local experts. We pioneered a rigorous methodology for evaluating destinations based on natural beauty, cultural significance, accessibility, and visitor experience.

Today, our annual "Top 10 Australian Destinations" guide has become an authoritative resource for travelers worldwide, helping over 250,000 visitors annually discover the perfect Australian adventure. Our expanded team now includes former park rangers, indigenous cultural advisors, and environmental scientists, ensuring that our recommendations balance tourism interests with cultural respect and conservation priorities.

Our Mission & Values

Mission

To inspire and empower travelers to experience Australia's extraordinary destinations with authenticity, respect, and wonder. We strive to showcase both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures while promoting sustainable tourism practices that preserve these natural and cultural wonders for future generations.

Core Values

Authenticity

We personally visit and thoroughly research every destination we feature, providing honest, unbiased recommendations based on real experiences.
Cultural Respect

We honor the traditional custodians of the lands we explore, working with indigenous advisors to ensure respectful representation of culturally significant sites.
Sustainability

We promote responsible travel practices and partner with eco-conscious tourism operators who prioritize environmental conservation.
Accessibility

We believe Australia's wonders should be accessible to all, providing detailed information on facilities, access points, and inclusive experiences.

Meet Our Team

Our diverse team of travel experts combines decades of experience exploring Australia's most spectacular destinations.

Sarah Whitman

Founder & Head of Research

With a background in environmental science and 15 years of experience in ecotourism, Sarah leads our destination research team. She has personally visited over 500 locations across Australia and specializes in identifying emerging destinations that offer authentic natural experiences.

Jake Thompson

Co-Founder & Photography Director

A former National Geographic contributor, Jake oversees all visual content at AussieTrek. His award-winning photography of Australian landscapes has been featured in major publications worldwide. Jake has developed our distinctive visual style that captures both the grandeur and intimate details of each destination.

Emily Chen

Co-Founder & Community Director

Emily manages our traveler community and partnerships with local tourism organizations. With a background in cultural anthropology, she ensures our guides include authentic cultural insights and meaningful local interactions. Her work has been instrumental in developing ethical tourism guidelines for visiting indigenous sites.

Marcus Walters

Chief Experience Officer

A former park ranger with 20 years of experience in Australia's national parks, Marcus evaluates accessibility, facilities, and overall visitor experience at each destination. His expertise in adventure tourism and safety protocols ensures our recommendations are both exciting and responsible.

Our Achievements

Industry Recognition

"Best Digital Travel Resource" - Australian Tourism Awards, 2025
"Excellence in Sustainable Tourism" - Eco-Tourism Council of Australia, 2022
"Outstanding Content Excellence" - Digital Publishers Association, 2021
"Best User Experience" - Travel Technology Awards, 2020

Impact & Reach

Over 250,000 travelers guided annually across Australia
Community of 75,000+ active members from 185 countries
97% satisfaction rate from verified travelers
15,000+ personalized trip itineraries created

Partnerships

Official content partner for Tourism Australia
Consulting role with UNESCO for World Heritage sites
Collaboration with 12 indigenous tourism organizations
Advisory position with Parks Australia on visitor experience

What People Say About Us

"AussieTrek's comprehensive guides transformed our family's three-week Australian adventure. Their detailed information about each destination helped us prioritize our itinerary and discover hidden gems we would have otherwise missed. The cultural insights for Uluru were particularly valuable, giving us a deeper appreciation beyond just the scenic views."

James Wilson

Family traveler from Canada

"As a solo female traveler, I appreciated AussieTrek's safety tips and detailed transportation information. Their community section connected me with other travelers, and I ended up making friends I'm still in touch with a year later! Their recommendations for off-season visits to popular spots helped me avoid crowds while still experiencing the best of Australia."

Elena Petrova

Solo traveler from Russia

"We've relied on many travel guides over the years, but AussieTrek stands apart for their commitment to authenticity and detail. Their insights into Tasmania's wilderness areas and local food scene led us to experiences we would never have found elsewhere. What impressed us most was how they balanced popular attractions with lesser-known spots that provided equally memorable experiences."