Best Private Guides in Australia
post date: 10-09-2024
written by: Alison Hassel
For more than 25 years, The Tailor has cultivated connections with some of Australia’s most exceptional guides. These individuals are not just knowledgeable experts; they are storytellers, adventurers, and companions on your journey. And most importantly, they’re our friends.
Our commitment to crafting unparalleled experiences means pairing you with guides who we trust to elevate your every moment. Join us as we shine a spotlight on these extraordinary people and discover the magic they bring to every tailor-made adventure.
With a lifelong connection to the land and its people, every bespoke journey with Cathy Wharton from North West Safaris becomes an immersive journey into the heart of Australia’s tropical north. Growing up on a cattle station, Cathy’s love for the land and respect for its people developed at an early age. Her adventures have taken her across Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, fuelling her passion for exploring her own country and sharing its wonders with others.
Cathy’s intimate knowledge of Queensland’s secret spots, along with her lifelong friendships with locals and Aboriginal Elder, Mooks, allows her to craft exclusive experiences for The Tailor. From river drifting under the canopy of an ancient rainforest, heli flights to remote Aboriginal rock art galleries and picnics on pristine sandy beaches, Cathy’s experiences transcend the ordinary and unlock the many marvels of one of Australia’s wildest frontiers.
With her incredible passion, innate knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, guests are left with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s diverse beauty, rich history and unique culture.
Offering more than 25 years of guiding experience rooted in game lodges across Southern Africa, Brendon Bevan brings a profound understanding and appreciation for the natural world as lead guide at Baird Bay Experience and The Tailor’s Private Safari Guide service.
Formerly managing some of Australia’s premium lodges, Brendon possesses extensive knowledge of the country’s unique flora and fauna. Having hosted guests across Australia for the past fifteen years, from the central Flinders Ranges to the remote reaches of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Brendon is intimately familiar with diverse landscapes and wilderness lodges.
Combining both his first-hand experience with luxury lodges in Australia and his natural ability to elevate the experience for guests, Brendon is not only one of Australia’s most acclaimed guides, but is also developing a comprehensive training program to shape Australia’s next generation of outstanding private guides.
With his innate ability to create unforgettable experiences and adapt to the needs of every travelling party, Brendon ensures each journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As he continues to shape Australia’s next generation of outstanding private guides, Brendon’s legacy of excellence in guiding and commitment to conservation is a privilege to experience.
Applying more than twenty-three years of local knowhow and incorporating a network of specialist South Australians, Lead Guide for The Tailor Touring Co., Andrew Walters, provides seamless pickups and transfers peppered with local commentary, and characterised by his easy-going nature and ability to read guests.
Andrew is a seasoned guide who highlights the best of South Australia – whether it’s to experience major icons or off the beaten track experiences only known by locals. With his extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for creating unique and memorable experiences, Andrew ensures that every tour is tailored to showcase the best of South Australia’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned wineries.
Whether you’re exploring the picturesque Adelaide Hills, sampling world-class wines in the Barossa Valley, or indulging in gourmet delights in McLaren Vale, Andrew’s expertise guarantees an unforgettable journey through wine country and beyond.
Meet Amanda Fry, your expert guide to the natural wonders of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. With a background working with some of the biggest celebrities, media, and brands in the world, Amanda made a significant career shift to pursue her passion for the great outdoors and commitment to conservation. This transition led her to found Experience Nature, where she could share her deep love for the diverse landscapes of Australia with fellow nature enthusiasts.
Amanda’s work extends beyond guiding, having collaborated with global leaders like Richard Branson at the Change Makers Rule Breakers conference and assisted in re-populating several endangered species of lemur in the Caribbean. These experiences shaped her dedication to protecting our natural world and led her to establish the “Respect Nature” policy and Environmental Code, which are integral to every tour she leads through Experience Nature.
As your guide, Amanda offers immersive and educational experiences that allow you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Whether you’re exploring quaint country villages, hiking rainforest trails, taking part in the paddock to plate process, or learning about the region’s rich Aboriginal Cultural history, Amanda’s warm demeanour and expert guidance ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Journey into the heart of the majestic Blue Mountains with world-renowned explorer and two-time Guinness World Record Holder, James Castrission. With a remarkable resume that includes kayaking unassisted across the Tasman Sea, trekking to the South Pole and back, and penning a couple of bestselling books in between, James brings a wealth of experience to every adventure.
His passion for exploration is contagious, infusing each tour with a sense of daring and discovery. Whether traversing through rugged landscapes, conquering towering peaks or canyoning through verdant gorges, it’s no surprise that James’ experience is a favourite amongst clients of The Tailor.
With James, you will embark on a journey that will hone your skills and push your limits, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and memories that last a lifetime.
Craig Wickham is the heart and soul behind Exceptional Kangaroo Island. His relationship with The Tailor extends well over two decades, and with our trusted friend as your guide, you’re not just exploring a destination; you’re delving into his lifelong love affair with Kangaroo Island’s rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.
Hailing from the island, his deep-rooted connection to the land and its inhabitants was further cemented from a career studying wildlife and park management and working with National Parks, which transforms each excursion into an intimate encounter with nature.
Through Craig’s eyes, you’ll witness the island’s untamed splendour and conservation efforts, leaving you with a profound appreciation for its treasures. With each tour curated to your personal preferences, an unforgettable adventure awaits on Kangaroo Island with one of Australia’s most personable and knowledgeable guides.
Step into the world of Localing Australia, a premier boutique touring company that The Tailor has worked closely with for more than 10 years. Localing is touring for people who don’t like tours – offering a refreshingly personalised approach to travel that goes far beyond the standard experience. Renowned for their bespoke experiences that delve deep into the essence of Australian culture and its unique landscapes, meet Dan, Dingo, and Libby, the extraordinary guides behind the magic.
Dan and Dingo are your experts on the ground in Melbourne, ready to immerse you in the kinetic energy of the city’s streets, culture, and history. Dan is the resident history buff and a passionate storyteller, who’s unique cultural insights will change the way you experience Australia. Dingo knows everyone in Melbourne’s vibrant arts and cultural scenes. As a quick thinker and fast talker, a day with him will ensure an all-access pass to Melbourne’s coolest cats.
Meanwhile, Libby brings her expertise from a lifetime spent travelling, offering personalised tours amidst the hip coastal playground of Byron Bay. She’s cool, calm and collected with an eye for detail that will ensure your time with her is not just a tour, but a captivating journey through one of Australia’s most sought-after coastal havens.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along South Australia’s remote and rugged coastline with David ‘Lunch’ Doudle, your expert guide from Australian Coastal Safaris. With years of experience and a deep family connection to the Eyre Peninsula, those lucky enough to tour with Lunch will enjoy his laidback Aussie personality, infectious enthusiasm and the opportunity to uncover the wonders of this wildly beautiful slice of Australia.
Meet wild koalas at a location where they are quite literally at eye level, hunt and gather seafood for a beach BBQ, swim with Australian sealions in secluded bays, roam over massive sand dunes and rugged clifftops to discover secret locations only known by locals.
With David you’ll venture into the heart and soul of the region and share authentic encounters with locals that will leave an indelible mark on your Australian adventure.
Meet Alex and Jamie, the dynamic husband and wife duo behind Local Eyes Sydney, where their passion for exploration meets personalised service. With a background in prime-time TV and international trade respectively, the pair left their corporate careers to build a local touring business that spoke to their personal interests of travel, sports, the outdoors and most importantly, people. Coupled with their intimate knowledge of Sydney’s iconic landmarks and rare finds, they now curate unforgettable experiences that showcase the city’s vibrant culture and diverse coastal landscapes.
For nearly a decade, The Tailor has worked closely with the pair to give guests an intimate perspective into the local essence of Australia’s largest cosmopolitan centre. Whether you’re wandering through historic neighbourhoods, savouring culinary delights, hiking coastal trails, or soaking in panoramic harbour views from the couple’s private boat, Alex and Jamie ensure every moment is infused with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of local charm.
To discover Sydney through their eyes is to experience a city that reveals its soul, one incredible moment at a time.
Join sixth generation Tasmanian and real-life bushman, Craig Williams on an extraordinary adventure through Australia’s Apple Isle. The mastermind behind Pepper Bush Adventures, Craig’s intimate understanding of Tasmania’s wilderness, honed over years of exploration, ensures that every outing is a bespoke journey into the heart of the island’s untamed beauty.
With Craig as your guide, you’ll travel country roads, stand amongst ancient forests and giant trees, climb dolerite mountain peaks, and delve into Tasmania’s rich history and wildlife. His personalised approach and deep connection to the land create a truly immersive experience, where each moment is filled with wonder and discovery.
From fireside tales of ‘bussie’ adventures to exploring the nighttime forests on a Quoll Patrol, Craig’s quick-witted charm and expertise ensure an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s rugged wilderness.
Don’t just take our word for it
As pioneers in Australian five-star luxury and experiential travel, we have the accolades to prove our expertise. The Tailor and our Founder and Managing Director, Drew Kluska, have been recognised with prestigious awards, showcasing our dedication to crafting exceptional journeys across Australia.