Meet the Team ~ Renae ~ Wonder Woman
Your role within Australian Coastal Safaris and your background
A bit of everything - I call myself a 'bitsa girl'. You'll find me doing anything from sales and marketing, to logistics and planning itineraries (I especially love planning the personalised private tours, that's always fun). I also get out and guide tours once in a while to keep in touch with guests, visitors and locals.
My background;
One of the first things that I wanted to do when I finished school was to travel - and that's what I did! I spent 3 years travelling Australia and then headed overseas for another 3 years, over the years I've been extremely lucky to have visited over 60-odd countries but still many more to come. Work wise I dabbled in hospitality but over the last 30+ years I've been in the tourism industry - as a tourism lecturer at TAFE, a guide, running my own guiding business, a travel agent, event management, basically anything to do with tourism.
Why do you guide/work in the tourism industry?
I have a passion for this industry, this community, Port Lincoln and the wider region. Making people see and realise what we have in this region - the untouched, superb, special coastline, 'take for granted' wildlife and our outdoor living - it's what I love. And I'm so lucky I get to live where here and experience these things everyday!
Recently I was fortunate to be up at Baird Bay swimming with the amazing sealions and dolphins with my family. Definitely the best thing to do in a wetsuit!
What's your favourite animal experience on tour?
Seeing the Rosenburgs Goannas! They're massive, like a mini Komodo dragon! For a long time they've been pretty rare to see - I've been out in the National Parks since I was a little girl and would never see them. Now they're starting to come back with a vengeance, which is really exciting. Due to the conservation efforts by the park their population has grown and we are now seeing them on tours!
When you’re not guiding tours or planning tours, what are you doing?
I'm at home (which I love) - or I'm at the beach, camping (hopefully more of that soon!), walking, or on an Electric Mountain Bike, or just being active - generally with the kids and family!
Now that the world is opening up I will be back into visiting and experiencing new places, sights & sounds.
What’s your favourite place to go on the Lower Eyre Peninsula?
Mount Greenly - I love climbing to the top and sitting to enjoy the stunning 360 degree view of the coastline, farmland and the huge salt lake below!
Why is this place so special?
Unique, old school Australia. Everyone takes a sigh when they arrive, it's so easy. It's relaxing and full of adventure all at the same time (without the busy-ness)! Come and enjoy it with us!
Top tip for travellers visiting this region
Relax! But also - speak to the locals because they're always friendly and they've got so much knowledge on all the special places to go. Oh, and wave when you drive past someone on the highways - it's what we do here!
Join Renae on a tour
Want to join Renae on tour? You can usually book her for an Electric Mountain Bike tour - reach out and say hi, we'd love to tour with you.