Your Guide - Jaqui 

I started Walks in the Wild because adventure; real, uncomfortable, meaningful adventure - has shaped my entire life.

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I’ve been hiking for almost 4 decades - since I was a toddler. The bush has always felt familiar to me - a place of curiosity, challenge, and calm. Over the years, that love for the outdoors evolved into endurance running and long-distance hiking, including 38+ officially timed ultramarathons (lots of unofficial) and multi-day hiking expeditions completed solo and self-sufficient.

 

Alongside this experience, I hold a current wilderness first aid certificate, ensuring safety, preparation, and calm decision-making are central to every Walks in the Wild adventure.

By day, I’m a corporate woman, in a busy, demanding role that involves talking all day, constant decision-making, and travelling around Australia. I work in sales and account management, and I am an experienced Mental Health First Aid facilitator. I know firsthand how easy it is to slip into burnout, how noisy life can become, and how far removed we can feel from ourselves when we’re caught in the rat race.

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Walks in the Wild was created as an antidote to that.

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I wanted to create a space where women could step away from the pressure, the expectations, and the constant pace and reconnect with something simpler, more grounding, and more honest. The bush offers that in a way few places can. It slows you down, strips things back, and invites you to meet yourself where you are.

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So many women tell me they don’t know where to start, that they feel nervous about going out alone, or that adventure feels like something they admire from a distance but don’t see as “for them.” I created Walks in the Wild to make it easier, and safer, to experience the beauty of the bush while still being challenged and supported.

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This isn’t about ticking off scenic walks or chasing summit selfies. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone in a considered, supportive way - whether it’s your first overnight hike or a stretch into something more physically and mentally demanding.

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Alongside my life in the outdoors, I bring a strong background in mental health, wellbeing, and leadership. I understand how powerful it can be to step away from everyday noise, challenge your body, and reset your mind - and how transformational those experiences can be when they’re done well.

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Walks in the Wild is about growth, grit, pride, and connection.

And it’s about creating your own adventure - one step at a time.