Bringing together careers in ecotourism, outdoor education and environmental science, the team at Navigate Expeditions are formulating a new way to experience the outdoors and our natural environments through immersive nature based experiences that give back.
Impacts of humans are evident in every corner of the word, from the highest peaks of the Himalayas, to the depths of the ocean, the poles and in most remote terrestrial environments.
Navigate Expeditions offers an immersive, regenerative travel experience for the environmentally conscious traveller. When leaving one of our tours you will look back and see a positive impact that you and your co-travellers have had. You will leave with a feeling of achievement and satisfaction that you’ve travelled and left the environment in a better place than when you arrived.
Navigate Expeditions offers more than just incredible adventures; we’re committed to leaving a positive impact on the places we explore. Here’s how you can make a difference with us:
Plus, every Navigate Expeditions tour contributes to local community, conservation, or cultural groups, ensuring your adventure directly benefits the places you visit.
We’re constantly seeking new ways to give back and create meaningful connections with the environments we cherish.
All our guides are passionate about giving our guests the very best nature-based travel experience on the South Coast of NSW. Our guides are professionals who have been working in the outdoor guiding industry for over a decade. They each have their current first-aid certificate, driver’s license and working with children check.
Troy loves spending time on country. Teacher of outdoor education and nature enthusiast who has worked building connections between people and country for over 20 years.
Lara is a passionate environmental educator with a wealth of experience across Australia, from the red deserts to remote Arnhem Land. Now settled on the stunning Sapphire Coast of NSW, she shares her love for the outdoors as both a school teacher at a local environment centre and a guide. When not inspiring the next generation, you’ll find her exploring the National Park, surfing local breaks, or enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Johan has over 25 years of experience as a Senior Head Guide, National Parks Ranger, and photographic safari guide. He is passionate about conservation, ecology, and photography. Johan is a remote area firefighter and is qualified in First Aid and CPR. He loves challenges, good food, and exploring remote locations, and is eager to guide you on your next adventure with Navigate Expeditions.
Since arriving on the Far South Coast in 2017, Josh has immersed himself in its stunning natural beauty. An experienced outdoor educator, he spends his days leading camping, hiking, and paddling adventures. Josh is passionate about sharing the wonders of the region’s estuaries through kayaking tours with Navigate Expeditions. When not on the water, you’ll likely find him enjoying a cuppa tea on a picturesque riverbank.
Steve, a passionate outdoorsman and knowledgeable guide with Navigate Expeditions, has spent most of his life exploring the south coast of NSW. His love for the natural environment stems from his childhood experiences accompanying his botanist father on field trips and family camping adventures.
Steve’s guiding career began in Kakadu National Park, and he further enriched his understanding of Australian culture by living in a remote Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land for 15 years. His passion and expertise promise an unforgettable experience for those joining him on expeditions.
Pat has been an outdoor adventure guide for over 20 years and for much of this time operated the commercial adventure company Z Access Adventures, specialising in vertical adventure sports including Caving, Rock-climbing and Canyoning. He also ran Bushwalking and adventure camp activities programmes and worked as a Wilderness First Responder Instructor for several years teaching wilderness first aid to adventure guides that worked all over the world.
Grant has joined Navigate Expeditions after a long career as a Ranger with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service. He was involved in setting up the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, which reintroduced many locally extinct species, and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the reserve with visitors. Grant is also interested in Indigenous and European Cultural Heritage on the Sapphire Coast. Having recently moved to the area, he looks forward to spending time with Navigate Expedition guests on guided walks through the spectacular National Parks in South East New South Wales.
David has joined Navigate Expeditions with a lifetime of experience in the outdoors. He began exploring the Australian bush and rivers as a boy and went on to have a long career as a District Fisheries Officer, which brought him to the South Coast in the early 1980s. David gained his Senior Sea Kayaking Instructor rating and has taught, paddled and lectured all over Australia and New Zealand. He guided school students on coastal sea kayaking expeditions and is passionate about showing people the stunning South Coast rivers and bush. In addition to paddling and bushwalking, David loves spending time on deserted beaches or river banks with a steaming hot mug of tea.
Sam Bright brings decades of outdoor expertise to Navigate Expeditions. Starting on a 1970s mountain farm, he later led expeditions with Outward Bound Australia, Coastlife, and NOLS.
A certified instructor in hiking, canoeing, rafting, sea kayaking, sailing, and ropes, Sam also serves as an active firefighter. His wilderness first aid knowledge and passion for the Australian landscape ensure enriching experiences for every guest.
Jess leads the team at Navigate Expeditions and oversees all of its operations. She has a diverse background, having worked in the outdoor education industry, managed a luxury eco-lodge, and sailed the Northwest Passage on a 29ft yacht. Jess also co-owned and operated Chris Bray Photography, a tour company specialising in wildlife and nature photography. She brings extensive experience in outdoor guiding and tourism to Navigate Expeditions and has a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Anthropology. Jess is an adventurer at heart and enjoys being in nature, meeting like-minded people, and indulging in white chocolate.
Melinda has over 20 years of experience as an Outdoor Educator/leader, working for companies such as ‘Go Ride a wave’ and Aussie Action Abroad. She has a degree in Outdoor education and has worked with private schools as an outdoor education leader. Melinda is passionate about exploring the outdoors and has paddled kayaks and outriggers internationally.
Kerrie’s passion for nature led her to a degree in Outdoor Environmental Education and time spent with Indigenous communities in Arnhem Land. She founded Wild Cherry Nature Connection in 2016, offering programs that blend bushcraft, survival skills, and nature connection practices. Kerrie’s expertise is deepened by training with Tom Brown Jr. of The Tracker School in Advanced Tracking and certifications in Equine Facilitated Learning, Mindfulness, and Addictions Awareness.