About Us

Discover the passion and people behind Australia's premier hiking experiences

Team of hiking guides on mountain summit

Our Story

Australian Hiking Trails began in 2005 when two passionate hikers, Emma Lockhart and Michael Chen, found themselves constantly fielding questions from international friends about Australia's best walking tracks. What started as informal guide services for friends soon grew into a dedicated business as demand increased for knowledgeable, safety-conscious guides who could reveal Australia's hidden natural wonders.

Initially operating only in Queensland's scenic hinterlands, our reputation for exceptional experiences and deep ecological knowledge quickly spread. By 2010, we had expanded to cover trails across five Australian states, and today we proudly offer guided experiences on over 45 of Australia's most breathtaking routes.

Throughout our growth, we've maintained our founding principles: small groups, expert local knowledge, environmental sustainability, and a commitment to revealing the cultural and ecological stories behind each landscape. Our Brisbane headquarters remains our base of operations, but our team of guides now spans the continent, bringing local expertise to each unique Australian environment.

Our Mission & Values

Guiding principles that drive everything we do

Our Mission

To connect people with Australia's diverse landscapes through safe, educational, and transformative hiking experiences that foster a deep appreciation for natural environments and their cultural significance.

Core Values

Safety First: Comprehensive risk management and guide training to ensure wellbeing on every trail.
Environmental Stewardship: Minimizing our footprint and actively contributing to conservation efforts.
Cultural Respect: Acknowledging and honoring the Traditional Owners of the lands we traverse.
Knowledge Sharing: Providing rich ecological and historical context to enhance the hiking experience.
Inclusivity: Making nature accessible to people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.

Meet Our Team

The passionate experts behind your extraordinary hiking adventures

Emma Lockhart

Founder & CEO

With over 20 years of hiking experience across six continents, Emma brings her passion for sustainable adventure tourism to every aspect of the company. A certified wilderness first responder and environmental conservationist, she ensures our operations maintain the highest standards of safety and ecological responsibility.

Michael Chen

Founder & Operations Director

Michael's background in wilderness logistics and his encyclopedic knowledge of Australian terrain make him the perfect architect of our hiking experiences. He personally scouts and develops new trail offerings, ensuring each route showcases the best of Australia's natural diversity while remaining accessible to various skill levels.

Jade Nguyen

Head Guide & Training Manager

With a background in outdoor education and ecology, Jade oversees our guide training program and quality standards. Her specialty is interpreting complex ecosystems for hikers of all knowledge levels. She has personally led over 500 expeditions and developed our comprehensive guide certification program.

Dr. William Cooper

Environmental & Indigenous Partnerships

Will coordinates our relationships with conservation organizations and Indigenous communities. With a PhD in Environmental Management and decades of experience working with Traditional Owners, he ensures our hiking programs respect and benefit the cultural and ecological contexts in which we operate.

Our Achievements

Milestones that mark our journey of excellence

Industry Recognition

Queensland Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism (2018, 2020, 2022)
Ecotourism Australia Advanced Ecotourism Certification
Australian Tourism Accreditation Program Gold Status
Adventure Tourism Safety Excellence Award 2025

Customer Impact

Over 15,000 hikers guided safely through Australian landscapes
98% customer satisfaction rating based on post-trek surveys
50% of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals
Travelers from over 40 countries have hiked with us

Environmental Impact

Carbon-neutral operations since 2018
12 conservation projects supported across Australia
1,000+ volunteer hours contributed to trail maintenance annually
Developed award-winning "Leave No Trace" training program

Community Partnerships

Formal partnerships with 8 Aboriginal communities for cultural tours
Annual scholarship program for Indigenous outdoor leadership training
Support for 5 regional tourism development initiatives
Regular educational hiking programs for underserved schools

What Our Clients Say

Experiences shared by those who've hiked with us

Rachel Thompson

Melbourne, Australia

"As someone who hikes regularly, I was looking for guides who could show me the hidden gems of the Grampians that most tourists miss. Australian Hiking Trails exceeded every expectation! Our guide knew every plant, animal, and rock formation, and shared fascinating Indigenous stories about the landscape. The personalized attention and flexible pace made this the best guided hike I've ever experienced."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tomas Lindberg

Stockholm, Sweden

"Traveling from Sweden to hike the Larapinta Trail was a big investment, and I'm so glad we chose Australian Hiking Trails to guide us. The pre-trip preparation materials were comprehensive, the equipment was top-notch, and our guide's knowledge of desert survival and local ecology added dimensions to the experience we couldn't have had on our own. The night sky presentation under the stars was a highlight we still talk about years later."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Olivia Martinez

Chicago, USA

"I booked the Fraser Island Great Walk for my family, including my elderly parents and young children. I was concerned about the varying ability levels, but Australian Hiking Trails customized the experience perfectly. Our guides were patient, encouraging, and so good with the kids—turning the walk into a nature treasure hunt. Meanwhile, they ensured my parents could take alternate routes when needed. The attention to individual needs while keeping the group experience cohesive was impressive."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Moments from the Trails

A visual journey through our hiking experiences

Ready to Experience Australia's Best Trails?

Let our expert guides lead you on an unforgettable journey through Australia's natural wonders. Whether you're looking for a challenging multi-day trek or a family-friendly day hike, we have the perfect adventure waiting for you.

Contact Us Explore Trails