About Us
Our Story
Sydney Connect was founded in 2008 by Emma and James Richardson, two passionate conservationists with a deep love for Australia's natural landscapes. What began as small guided walks through the Blue Mountains has grown into the country's premier national park guide service.
After working for various environmental organizations and witnessing the growing disconnect between urban Australians and their natural heritage, the Richardsons decided to create a service that would make Australia's wilderness areas more accessible while promoting conservation awareness.
In our early years, we operated with just three guides and focused exclusively on day trips near Sydney. As our reputation for exceptional experiences and ecological knowledge grew, we expanded to cover parks across New South Wales, and eventually all of Australia's most significant protected areas.
In 2015, we partnered with Indigenous communities to incorporate traditional knowledge into our tours, creating a more authentic and respectful approach to experiencing the landscape. Today, Sydney Connect employs over 30 dedicated staff and works with dozens of local experts across the country to provide unforgettable national park experiences.
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
At Sydney Connect, we are dedicated to connecting people with Australia's extraordinary natural landscapes through immersive, educational experiences that inspire conservation and appreciation of our ecological heritage.
Environmental Stewardship
We promote responsible tourism that minimizes ecological impact while maximizing educational value. Every tour incorporates conservation principles and practical ways visitors can protect natural environments.
Cultural Respect
We acknowledge and honor the traditional owners of the lands we visit, incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into our programs through collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
Accessibility
We believe nature should be accessible to everyone. We design experiences for various physical abilities and backgrounds, ensuring Australia's natural wonders can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Scientific Accuracy
Our guides are trained in ecology, geology, and wildlife biology. We provide accurate, up-to-date information about the ecosystems we explore, collaborating with researchers to ensure scientific integrity.
Meet Our Team
The passionate experts who bring Australia's natural wonders to life
Claire Donovan
Lead Naturalist
With a PhD in Australian Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Melbourne, Claire brings exceptional scientific knowledge to our tours. Her specialty in native bird identification makes our birdwatching experiences truly world-class. Claire has published numerous research papers on the impact of climate change on native ecosystems and leads our conservation initiatives.
Marcus Wentworth
Operations Director
A former park ranger with 15 years of experience in the Queensland National Parks Service, Marcus oversees all our tour operations. His intimate knowledge of Australia's wilderness areas and exceptional organizational skills ensure our experiences are both safe and unforgettable. Marcus is also a certified wilderness first responder and trains all our guides in safety protocols.
Leila Nambucca
Aboriginal Cultural Guide
A respected member of the Gumbaynggirr people, Leila brings thousands of years of traditional knowledge to our experiences. Her expertise in bush foods, medicinal plants, and Dreamtime stories provides visitors with profound insights into Australia's oldest living culture. Leila leads our cultural immersion programs and trains our team in culturally sensitive guiding practices.
Dr. Raj Patel
Conservation Scientist
Raj joined our team after a distinguished career at CSIRO, where he specialized in wildlife corridor research. His expertise in ecosystem rehabilitation has been instrumental in our conservation initiatives across multiple national parks. Raj leads specialized ecology tours and coordinates our citizen science programs that allow visitors to contribute to ongoing research projects.
Our Achievements
Milestones and recognition in our journey to connect people with nature
50,000+
Visitors guided through Australia's national parks since our founding, with exceptional satisfaction ratings consistently above 4.8/5
25
Conservation projects supported through our community initiatives, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and invasive species management
12
Industry awards received for excellence in ecotourism, including the prestigious Australian Tourism Award for Ecotourism (2019) and the NSW Sustainable Business Award (2021)
8
Formal partnerships with Aboriginal communities across Australia, creating meaningful employment and ensuring authentic cultural experiences
What Our Visitors Say
Experiences shared by those who've explored with us
"Our three-day guided trek through Kakadu with Sydney Connect was truly life-changing. Our guide Leila's knowledge of indigenous plant use and wildlife spotting was extraordinary. We saw species I never knew existed in Australia and learned about the deep cultural significance of the landscape. The tour was perfectly paced with just the right balance of information, adventure, and quiet contemplation."
"As a photographer with special mobility needs, I was concerned about accessing some of Australia's more remote natural wonders. Sydney Connect not only accommodated my requirements but went above and beyond to ensure I could capture the perfect shots. Their knowledge of lighting conditions and wildlife behavior helped me create my best portfolio yet. I particularly appreciated how they adapted the pace without making me feel like I was holding the group back."
"We booked the family adventure package with Sydney Connect for our children's first visit to Australia. Dr. Raj led our Blue Mountains experience and had an incredible talent for making complex ecological concepts accessible to our 8 and 10-year-old kids. They're still talking about the nocturnal wildlife spotting and the aboriginal art we discovered. The attention to safety while still creating a sense of adventure was perfect for our family."
Explore Our Adventures
Glimpses of the extraordinary experiences we provide
Ready to Explore Australia's Natural Wonders?
Whether you're planning your first visit to a national park or seeking a specialized adventure, our team is ready to create the perfect experience for you. Contact us today to begin your journey into Australia's magnificent landscapes.