About Down Under Journeys

Creating extraordinary Australian experiences since 2005

Our Story

How a passion for Australia's natural beauty became a thriving travel company

Down Under Journeys was founded in 2005 by Emma and David Wilson, two passionate travelers who had spent years exploring every corner of Australia. After guiding friends and family on unforgettable journeys across the country, they realized there was a gap in the market for truly authentic, immersive Australian travel experiences.

Starting with just three tour options and a small office in Sydney, Down Under Journeys quickly gained a reputation for exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and access to experiences that went beyond the typical tourist routes. Word spread through glowing customer testimonials, and within five years, we had expanded to offer tours across all Australian states and territories.

Today, Down Under Journeys is recognized as one of Australia's premier travel specialists, with a team of 25 dedicated professionals who share our founders' passion for showcasing the best of Australia. We've guided more than 50,000 travelers from around the world, helping them create memories that last a lifetime.

While we've grown over the years, our core mission remains unchanged: to share Australia's extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, culture, and people through authentic, sustainable, and transformative travel experiences.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do at Down Under Journeys

Authenticity

We're committed to showcasing the real Australia, going beyond tourist clichés to create genuine connections with places and people. Our experiences reflect the true character and diversity of the land down under.

Sustainability

We believe in protecting the natural wonders that make Australia special. From partnering with eco-certified operators to supporting conservation initiatives and respecting indigenous land management practices, sustainability guides our decisions.

Local Expertise

Our team includes naturalists, historians, indigenous guides, and regional specialists who bring deep knowledge and passion to every journey. Their insights transform good trips into extraordinary experiences.

Personalisation

We understand that each traveler is unique, with different interests, abilities, and travel styles. We take pride in crafting journeys that are tailored to individual preferences while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Down Under Journeys, we believe that responsible travel is not just an option—it's an obligation. Australia's natural environment is both fragile and resilient, and we're committed to ensuring our operations contribute positively to its preservation.

We've implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes:

  • Carbon offsetting for all our tours through native Australian reforestation projects
  • Partnerships with indigenous-owned businesses and community tourism initiatives
  • Strict "leave no trace" principles on all wilderness experiences
  • Supporting wildlife conservation through donations to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy
  • Prioritizing locally-owned accommodations and food providers to maximize economic benefits to communities

In 2022, we were proud to receive Advanced Eco-certification from Ecotourism Australia, recognizing our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Meet Our Expert Team

The passionate professionals who make your Australian adventures possible

Our team is the heart and soul of Down Under Journeys. Each member brings unique expertise, local knowledge, and genuine passion for sharing Australia's wonders with our guests. Many of our guides and travel specialists have been with us for over a decade, creating a depth of experience that translates into exceptional service and unforgettable journeys.

All our tour guides undergo rigorous training in safety protocols, environmental best practices, and cultural sensitivity. They're not just experts in their regions—they're natural storytellers who bring Australia's landscapes, history, and wildlife to life. From marine biologists who lead our Great Barrier Reef adventures to indigenous guides sharing traditional knowledge in the Outback, our team creates the meaningful connections that define a Down Under Journeys experience.

Emma Wilson

Co-Founder & Managing Director

With a background in environmental science and 20 years of travel industry experience, Emma oversees our company operations while maintaining our commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

James Cooper

Head Guide & Outback Specialist

A former park ranger with 15 years of experience leading tours throughout central Australia, James's knowledge of Outback landscapes, wildlife, and storytelling abilities make him one of our most requested guides.

Sarah Mitchell

Tasmania & Wilderness Expert

An avid hiker and naturalist, Sarah specializes in Tasmania's world-heritage wilderness areas. Her intimate knowledge of hidden trails and wildlife habitats creates unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Michael Thompson

Sydney Guide & Operations Manager

Born and raised in Sydney, Michael combines deep local knowledge with operational expertise. He ensures our tours run smoothly while sharing his intimate knowledge of Sydney's hidden gems.

Our Certifications & Memberships

Industry accreditations that reflect our commitment to excellence

Australian Tourism Accreditation Program

Advanced Eco-certification by Ecotourism Australia

Australian Federation of Travel Agents

Quality Tourism Assured

Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist Program