Untamed Escapes connects travellers from all walks of life with adventure, culture, wildlife, wellness, and epicurean experiences in nature. Guided by a team of passionate storytellers, our 1-10 day small group and private tours unearth the remote regions throughout South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory’s Red Centre.
Recognised as a Green Travel Leader, Advanced Eco-Accredited Operator and Climate Change Innovator by Eco-Tourism Australia, we are passionate about taking a regenerative approach to tourism.
Untamed Escapes was born from a deep love for adventure, nature, and authentic connections. At the heart of our journey is Hassie—an iconic figure in the Australian tourism landscape—and his wife, Jo. Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to showcasing Australia’s raw beauty to the world.
During a successful stint as the owner of the Port Kenny Hotel, Hassie started the first courtesy hotel bus service in South Australia, transporting patrons safely between Venus Bay and the hotel. He added a little tour of Venus Bay to the shuttle, followed by a feed of freshly caught local whiting. Not a bad service for a small country town! And one that made him realise he quite enjoyed showing people around his backyard. But there was another venture to accomplish first.
In 1998, Hassie and Jo took a leap of faith, purchasing a rundown homestead on 3,000 acres on South Australia’s wildly beautiful Eyre Peninsula. With a passion for sustainability, they transformed it into Coodlie Park Farm Retreat—an eco-friendly property with cabins and a campground that welcomed travellers seeking off-the-grid experiences. Over time, a range of tours were created for guests, and the desire to put the Eyre Peninsula on the map as a must-visit destination grew.
In 2016, Australian Wildlife Adventures was created. Hassie and Jo worked tirelessly to expand this business, advocating for these stunning yet underrated regions at global tourism events. Seeing an opportunity to cater to a broader audience, they introduced higher-end tours alongside new adventure-focused offerings.
Things were ticking along nicely, and then—well, that pandemic thing we’d all rather forget happened. Knowing we needed to adapt, we got creative and launched a yoga tour of the Margaret River region. It was a success, sparking a new era for our company. With wellness tours now part of our expanding product range, it became clear that the time had come to unite all our adventure, wellness, wildlife, and foodie tours under one banner.
And so, in October 2021, Untamed Escapes was born. More than just a rebrand, this marked a new chapter that fully embraced our mission: to connect people with nature, culture, and place through transformational travel experiences across Australia and contribute to restoring and enhancing the places we visit.
We are more than a team. We are family. We love what we do, and we are passionate about giving people the best experience possible when they come on any tour with us. We have the professionalism and experience to back up our passion with more than 120 years of collective experience in the travel industry!
Name
Hassie
Position
Managing Director | Chief Storyteller
Years in Tourism
More like decades!
Favourite Untamed Destination
There is something extraordinary about Head of Bight on the Great Australian Bight. It has a fantastic coastal lookout, with the Bunda Cliffs on one side and the creamiest white dunes you have ever seen on the other. In the winter months, see Southern Right Whales with their young, adding another ‘wow ‘level to it.
Name
Anna
Position
Business Development | Marketing
Years in Tourism
26
Favourite Untamed Destination
I grew up in Perth, so the south-west of Western Australia holds a special place in my heart. From the colossal old-growth forests to the calm turquoise beaches of Geographe Bay. The incredible food and wine is just the icing on top.
Name
Cameron
Position
Customer Service Superstar
Years in Tourism
5
Favourite Untamed Destination
Since moving to Australia from the UK, I’ve been captivated by the country’s incredible natural beauty and inspired by how deeply Australians care about preserving it for future generations. With its endless stretch of sand and sparkling crystal-clear waters, Fisheries Bay brings me so much joy. For me, the more time spent in the sea, the better!
Name
Casey
Position
National Operations Manager
Years in Tourism
14
Favourite Untamed Destination
I love seafood, so it has to be Coffin Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. Sitting out on the calm bay with a fresh oyster in one hand and a glass of sparkling in the other, it doesn’t get much better.
Name
Adam
Position
Groups Manager | Experience Curator
Years in Tourism
12
Favourite Untamed Destination
Albany in Western Australia because the coast is so spectacular. Travelling there for the first time made me understand that Australia is full of beautiful places I’d never heard of and inspired me to get off the beaten path more often.
Name
Gianna
Position
Storyteller | Kangaroo Island Guide
Years in Tourism
9
Favourite Untamed Destination
I’ve got a degree in Animal Science, and love animals, the ocean, and island life. So Kangaroo Island is a pretty good fit for me! I love the stunning rugged coastline, the national parks and greenery everywhere, and of course, the wildlife that comes out when you watch the sunset.
Name
Geoff
Position
Port Lincoln Storyteller
Years in Tourism
17
Favourite Untamed Destination
You can’t beat Sleaford Bay on the wild, Southern Ocean side of Lincoln National Park. It features empty beaches, pounding surf, spectacular views, abundant wildlife, and the huge dunes are exhilarating to 4WD through.
Name
Nadine
Position
Regenerative Tourism Specialist
Years in Tourism
18
Favourite Untamed Destination
It’s hard to pin down a favourite destination as this whole continent is just breathtakingly beautiful. I love Ningaloo Reef and Karijini National Park, as well as Perth and Margaret River. But the rugged wilderness of the Eyre Peninsula’s West Coast is what makes you want to come back.
Name
Damien
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
A long time!
Favourite Untamed Destination
I guided my first tour across the Nullarbor for Hassie’s back in the summer of 2005. I’ve now taken the magnificent journey more than 100 times, so this has to be one of my favourite untamed destinations.
Name
Ruby
Position
Customer Support | Sales
Years in Tourism
2
Favourite Untamed Destination
I may be biased, but I consider the Fleurieu Peninsula my favourite untamed destination. It offers so much diversity, from beaches with stunning cliff formations to abundant wildlife encounters and the most laid-back wineries and breweries. A few of my favourite things to do include a morning dip at Moana Beach and walking in Kuitpo Forest.
Name
Brendan
Position
Finance Specialist | Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
10
Favourite Untamed Destination
Coming soon
Name
Sean
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
17
Favourite Untamed Destination
Western Australia because there’s always somewhere new to discover. I particularly love Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grande National Park because it’s such a beautiful and wild place.
Name
Eli
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
2
Favourite Untamed Destination
My favourite untamed destination is Kings Canyon, and the sunrise walk there is my favourite walk on the Uluru tour. The stunning views and colours of the Canyon at sunrise are pretty special!
Name
Tom
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
Favourite Untamed Destination
My favourite untamed destination is camping among the ancient slopes and native pines in the Flinders Ranges. Stories around the campfire while the galaxy shines above.
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Name
Jack
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
4
Favourite Untamed Destination
Born and raised in Melbourne, my guiding experience expands across all corners of Australia and New Zealand. While Australia has so much to offer, my fascination with geology always has me leaving Kata Tjuṯa wanting more. The cultural significance and landscape are just unmatched.
Name
Iluka
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
1
Favourite Untamed Destination
I’m grateful to work with Untamed Escapes, where I’ve had the opportunity to visit diverse destinations such as Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta. Among them, Uluru holds a special place in my heart for its intoxicating, otherworldly beauty, which I believe has the power to profoundly impact one’s life — it certainly did mine!”
Name
Steve
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
Have lost count!
Favourite Untamed Destination
Coming soon
Name
Beebs
Position
Port Lincoln Storyteller
Years in Tourism
A lot
Favourite Untamed Destination
A Port Lincoln local for 50 years, Beebs is known for his incredible local knowledge and great sense of humour. He told us his favourite untamed spot is Golden Island Beach in the Coffin Bay National Park. Meet Beebs on one of our Port Lincoln or Coffin Bay Day Tours.
Name
Gary
Position
Storyteller Guide
Years in Tourism
15 and some
Favourite Untamed Destination
I worked on tourist boats for 15 years before becoming an Untamed Escapes guide, and I have to say there’s something familiar about boats in the sea and buses in the desert. I like the Wild West meets Mad Max of Coober Pedy and the Oodenatta Track.
Name
Position
Years in Tourism
Favourite Untamed Destination
Looking for a change in career or a fresh start? We are always on the lookout for energetic and charismatic Storyteller Guides for our trips across Australia. If you love nature, camping and adventure and are passionate about delivering outstanding tour experiences to a range of people from 18 to 80, get in touch! While experince is an advantage, we are more than happy to train the right people.
Enjoy Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay as well as 2 nights in Adelaide. Indulge in South Australia’s finest food and wine on this 5-day epicurean experience on the Eyre Peninsula.
On this Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay day tour you will experience the best of the Eyre Peninsula’s coastal sights and flavours.
Hop on our all inclusive 3-Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours. Departing Adelaide all year round, you’ll be unearthing nature’s ultimate playground.
Departing November to April, this yoga retreat from Perth will satisfy your soul. Be connected with mind, body and country on this Margaret River Wellness Adventure.
135 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
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