Walkabout Training

03/10/2026

🌿 Two Sessions Down, Four to Go! 🌿🚣‍♀️
A fantastic start to this round of Be Active Be Alive canoeing.
On Friday evening we headed out onto Lake Gregory, enjoying calm conditions, beautiful light and plenty of birdlife. One of the highlights was getting up close to a group of pelicans. It's only when one paddles past your canoe and takes off a few metres away that you truly appreciate just how big these magnificent birds are!
It was great to see a mix of familiar faces and newcomers on the water. One of my favourite things about these paddles is seeing people return and bring friends along to share the experience.
Today we swapped freshwater for saltwater and set off to circumnavigate Harriet Island on the high tide. There were concerns the middle-of-the-day timing might bring strong winds, but instead we were treated to a gentle breeze, clear blue skies and ideal paddling conditions.
The inside channel beneath the bridges was calm and peaceful, while the wildlife put on a spectacular show. Egrets stood out in brilliant white against the mangroves and, after Mark pointed out that this was often a good spot to see them, a Rainbow Bee-eater appeared almost on cue, flying directly above our canoes. Its bright colours stunning against the blue sky. A little later a majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle watched over the river from a tree before taking flight as we paddled beneath.
It has been a wonderful start to the program and a reminder that some of Bundaberg's best experiences are right on our doorstep.
🚣 Upcoming Sessions
Moore Park Beach�📅 Tuesday 20 October�⏰ 3:00pm - 6:00pm
We'll be meeting near the southern end of the beach at the Lassig Street car park and, conditions permitting, launching into Moore Beach Creek on the high tide to explore this beautiful and often-overlooked waterway.
There are still places available across the remaining sessions:
📍 Moore Park Beach�📅 20 October | ⏰ 3:00pm - 6:00pm
📍 Elliott Heads at River Heads boat ramp �📅 24 October | ⏰ 8:30am - 11:30am
📍 Sandy Hook Boat Ramp at ski club �📅 6 November | ⏰ 2:30pm - 5:30pm
📍 Baffle Creek from Rocky Point boat ramp �📅 14 November | ⏰ 9:30am - 1:30pm
✅ Registration required�📱 Text Mark on 0402 402 263
A big thank you to everyone who joined us over the first two sessions. Looking forward to seeing where the next four paddles take us!
🚣🌿

28/09/2026

What an incredible few days on Country.
On Thursday we collected our good friends Kylie and Janzey and, after a final shop, pointed the vehicle north towards Cape York. Our first stop was beautiful Elim Beach, where we were warmly welcomed by the ever-generous ivan Deemal. I've been fortunate enough to have visited the Cape for many years and to have known Ivan's father, Eddie, a truly unique and unforgettable man. We settled into the idyllic campground, rolled out the swags, and spent the evening watching the sun set over the famous coloured sands.
Friday saw us make our way into Cooktown to explore some of Australia's first contact history. We climbed Grassy Hill and soaked in the magnificent views before visiting Reconciliation Rocks. This remarkable place marks the site of a peacemaking encounter between Captain Cook, his crew and the local Bama people. The story has been preserved through local oral histories and is also recorded in the journals of both Cook and Joseph Banks. It is a powerful story and one I wish more Australians knew.
After lunch on the Cooktown waterfront and a wander through town, we escaped the heat with a swim at the spectacular Isabella Falls. There can hardly be a better place to wash away the dust and sweat of a tropical day.
An early start on Saturday allowed a few fish to be caught before we packed up and headed towards Laura. Along the way we detoured to Wujal Wujal because Bloomfield Falls simply cannot be missed. We even spotted a crocodile basking on the riverbank en route. Thanks to some unusual dry-season rain, the falls were absolutely thundering. "Majestical" might not be a real word, but it felt like the perfect description.
That evening we settled into our campsite at Laura. Some opted for an early night while others embraced the local tavern karaoke.
Sunday was a day immersed in culture and Country. After visiting Split Rock, we met the one and only Johnny Murison from Jarramali Tours. Johnny took us out to Base Camp before we climbed aboard the buggies and tackled the iconic Maytown Track to reach his Upper Camp and extraordinary rock art gallery.
Words struggle to do justice to that place. Standing above the rugged gorge country, then descending beneath towering cliffs to view some of the most remarkable rock art in Australia, was an experience that touched both heart and mind. It was a privilege to hear Johnny share stories and knowledge of Country that have been passed down through countless generations.
With our cups already full, we finished the afternoon with a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Little Laura River while others put the buggy to good use gathering firewood.
All too soon Monday arrived. After heartfelt farewells and promises to return, we collected the vehicle and trailer and began the journey back to Cairns. To stretch out the adventure a little longer, we took the scenic coastal route via the Mulligan Highway and the Bloomfield Track. A couple of crocodiles sunning themselves in the mangroves provided one final reminder that this is truly wild country.
Eventually we returned to Cairns and said goodbye to Kylie and Janzey.
The weekend was so much more than a road trip. Country inspired us, grounded us, challenged us and restored us. We returned with overflowing cups, grateful hearts, and a deeper appreciation for the landscapes, histories, cultures and people that make this part of Australia so special.
Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge, stories and hospitality along the way. We'll be back.

23/09/2026

23/09/2026

Wardingarri Way Leadership Program
Last week I had the privilege of helping facilitate the inaugural Wardingarri Way Leadership Program in the Taroom district.
Over eight days participants followed sections of the Wardingarri Way journey, learning from Country, Elders, local landholders and each other. Leadership wasn't explored through PowerPoint presentations or conference rooms, but through walking, camping, storytelling, shared meals, campfires and time spent on Country.
Together we read the landscape, explored bush foods, reflected around evening fires, discussed the challenges of leadership in contemporary Australia, and considered what it means to balance old ways and new ways of knowing.
One of the highlights was seeing relationships develop between people from very different backgrounds and sectors. Traditional Owners, business leaders, government representatives, community members and industry stakeholders all brought different perspectives, yet common themes emerged throughout the week: the importance of listening, building trust, respecting Country and taking responsibility for the generations that follow.
The landscapes themselves became powerful teachers. From the forests and grasslands around Auburn River, to the river systems that connect this country, participants were continually reminded that leadership is less about position and more about stewardship, service and relationship.
A huge thank you to the many people who contributed their knowledge, stories, hospitality and support throughout the week. Programs like this are only possible because of the generosity of communities willing to share their Country and their experiences.
I came away with a renewed appreciation for the richness of this part of Queensland and the power of experiential learning to bring people together in meaningful ways.

16/09/2026

Walkabout Training are currently out on Country, helping with a leadership program with First Nations mob as part of the 5 year anniversary of the return of the Star of Taroom. We’ve had some beautiful experiences and can’t wait to update you at the end of the week.

16/09/2026

A northern journey of listening, wellbeing & relationship.

Before the National Outdoor Education Conference begins, join a small-group journey on Country in Far North Queensland’s famous Quinkin rock art region. This premium pre-conference expedition invites outdoor educators into a grounded, culturally held experience focused on wellbeing, listening, and learning how to work respectfully on Country.

This is not a tour. It is an intentional journey designed to restore, reconnect, and re-orient before entering the conference space.

Learn more / book: https://outdoorsqueensland.com.au/whats-on/on-country-before-conference
Discounts for First Nations people & students

16/09/2026

Be Active Be Alive canoe sessions coming soon. Join us for some free canoe time.

16/09/2026

🎓 Leadership is a journey, not a destination.
This week I graduated from the Australian Rural Leadership Program, an experience that has strengthened my commitment to creating opportunities for young people across rural, regional and remote Australia.
Over the past 18 months I’ve had the opportunity to learn from an inspiring cohort of leaders, explore new perspectives, and reflect deeply on the future of education, leadership and community development.
The experience has reinforced something I’ve long believed: leadership grows through connection, challenge, service and time on Country.
The lessons from ARLP will continue to shape the future direction of Walkabout Training as we work to build pathways for young people through outdoor learning, vocational education, cultural partnerships and community leadership.
A sincere thank you to the Fairfax Family Foundation for their support and investment in leadership for rural Australia.
The work continues. 🌿🚶‍♂️🔥
OutdoorEducation YouthDevelopment FirstNations CommunityLeadership

01/09/2026

🚣‍♂️🌿 BABA Canoeing is Coming Back! 🌿🚣‍♀️
After a fantastic year of paddling adventures through BOOM, Paddle & Connect, and Be Active Be Alive, I’m excited to announce that we’ll soon be launching another round of FREE BABA canoeing sessions across the Bundaberg Region.
Over the past year we’ve explored some incredible waterways together, including:
✅ Harriet Island
✅ Lake Gregory
✅ Sandy Hook
✅ Cedars Crossing
✅ The Burnett River
And we’re already looking at a few exciting new locations for the upcoming program.
🤔 So here’s my question...
Where would you like to paddle next?
What are your favourite local waterways?
Which places would you love to revisit?
Are there any hidden gems around Bundaberg, Childers, Elliott Heads, Moore Park, Baffle Creek or beyond that deserve a closer look?
Drop your suggestions in the comments below👇
One of the best things about canoeing is that everyone experiences it differently. Some paddle for fitness, some for wildlife, some for mindfulness, and others simply enjoy the opportunity to spend a few hours outdoors with good company.
The next BABA program is currently being planned, so now is the perfect time to let me know where you’d like to go.
Who knows... your suggestion might end up on the final schedule! 🚣🌿
PaddleLife OutdoorCommunity ExploreBundaberg BurnettRiver GetOutside AdventureForAll PaddleAndConnect BOOMProgram Bundaberg