Some of the most exciting voices in the Australian outdoors are descending on Jimmys Beach for ExplorerFest 2025 this May. Let’s meet them!
For a group of people who love to get outdoors and away from people, you adventure folk really love community. Go figure though. How many chances are there to meet and hang with other like-minded legends in Aus?
Not enough is the answer, so we set out to change it. Now with ExplorerFest less than two months away we’re stoked to officially announce the line up of speakers and educators who are bringing inspiration to the festival.
Don’t miss out!
Aunty Liz McEntyre
Where to find her: Welcome to Country and Cultural Talk
Photo supplied by Indigenous Allied Health Australia
Aunty Liz McEntyre is a Worimi Guringai Elder and a board member of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. One of our first steps with ExplorerFest was to seek the blessing of the local First Nations people and we feel very privileged to have their blessing.
ExplorerFest will begin with a Welcome to Country in Gathang language by Archie, Aunty Liz’s grandson, followed by a smoking ceremony and Yidarki played by cultural educators. Following this, Aunty Liz will talk about Worimi Country and share a blessing from her and her ancestors, for those walking the Yacaaba Headland.
Rick J Petersen
Where to find him: Survival & bushcraft skills workshops
Photo supplied by SBS
We’ve been big fans of Rick ever since he stole the show (and our hearts) on Season 2 of Alone Australia. He’s a larger-than-life character with a huge beard, a hilarious turn of phrase, and more outdoor skills than you’ll ever fit in your rucksack. He’s even told us ahead of the festival that he doesn’t have a tent, preferring to sleep out in the elements. We’re stoked to announce that Rick’s heading down from Gubbi Gubbi Country to share his wisdom at ExplorerFest 2025.
Listen now: Rick J Petersen Has Been Preparing for Alone Australia Season 2 His Whole Life – We Are Explorers Podcast
Caro Ryan (Lotsafreshair)
Where to find her: The North Face Story Slam & Main Stage
Hailing from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Caro is Aussie bushwalking royalty. She inspires people to hit the trails through her website lotsafreshair.com, is the author of How to Navigate, is part of the SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR) and a certified MC.
Caro will be hosting The North Face Story Slam, so bring your best adventure (or misadventure) yarn, and ink in some time to attend her presentation: Anatomy of a Search.
Samantha Gash
Where to find her: Main Stage & Jeep Beach 4WDing
Photo supplied by Samantha Gash
If you haven’t heard of Sam Gash it’s about time you did. Sam’s a social entrepreneur and expedition-level endurance athlete who’s run across India, the Simpson Desert, Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail and much more, all while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes.
Sam’s also the founder of Her Trails, a group that’s all about unleashing women’s full potential, and she’s even featured on Australian Survivor and was interviewed by Brooke Nolan (also on this list) for We Are Explorers.
Sam will give one of her famously powerful talks on the main stage, fire up and don’t miss it!
Matt Horspool
Where to find him: Photography Masterclass with OM Systems
We’ve been working with Matt for years and he was even one of the judges of MOMENTS, our photo, video, and writing competition last year. We’re constantly floored by his insane eye and skill with a lens. Have a look, you might even already be following @etchd!
So we’re super excited to announce that Matt will be running a Photography Masterclass on behalf of OM Systems as one of their brand ambassadors. Bring your camera and a creative eye, you’re about to level up.
Dr Dimitri Douchin
Where to find him: Stargazing experience & Main Stage talk
Yep, we’ve got an actual astrophysicist on site for ExplorerFest. Dimitri has been running Blue Mountains Stargazing with his fiancée Caroline Boulom since 2020, with the tours recently expanding to Jervis Bay and Byron Bay.
Expect high-powered telescopes, laser pointers to guide your understanding of the constellations, and maybe even some historical astrology courtesy of Caroline. With the clear skies above Worimi Country, it’s sure to be a very special part of your ExplorerFest evening.
You’ll also be able to catch Dimitri on the main stage for a presentation he describes as ‘TedTalk meets with stand-up comedy’. Strap in!
Hilary McAllister
Where to find her: Trail runs & Main Stage
Our mates at For Wild Places are coming along to ExplorerFest and Hilary runs the whole shebang. FWP’s goal is to use trail running as a meaningful expression of environmental stewardship, and through the Pilliga Ultra, Traction (Trail Action) events, and advocacy, they’re working to protect the places we love to explore.
Catch Hilary on one of our beach trail runs or trots out to Yacaaba Headland, or on the main stage where she’ll be talking about protecting our wild places and sports activism.
Dr Amelie Vanderstock (Amelie Ecology)
Where to find her: Main Stage & Workshop Tent
Native bees, composting, ukelele? Yes! Amelie Vanderstock is an ecologist and educator with a PhD on native bees and a huge passion for citizen science. Get keen for singalongs as you learn about the importance of native pollinators (even in the city) and how we can all BEE involved. Amelie Ecology (letsbeescientists.org) will be running two workshops and performing on the main stage.
Brooke Nolan
Where to find her: Writing workshop
Brooke is a We Are Explorers OG – her first article was published back in 2017! Now with over 70 articles published on We Are Explorers, and numerous contributions to other adventure publications, Brooke’s a certified voice in the outdoor writing, communication, and storytelling space.
If you’ve ever wanted to get into outdoor writing, or are looking for tips to take yourself to the next level, don’t miss Brooke’s adventure writing workshop at ExplorerFest. Plus, she has great banter.
Scott and Liesl
Where to find them: Plant Fibre Cordage Making workshop by Living Strong
Living Strong is locally owned and operated by proud Arrernte man and artist Scott and his wife Liesl, a qualified and experienced ecologist. Their workshops are all about working and connecting with the Australian bush. At ExplorerFest you’ll have a chance to learn which plant fibres to use for strength and ease, and make your very own string to take home with you.
Don’t miss out!
