Our Team

Marie joined Adventurous Women as Owner & Chief in January 2024, taking over from founder, Sue H. Having spent years in adventure travel previously, but then re-training as a chef, Marie yearned for the sense of community and commaraderie that comes with group adventures and longed for the opportunity to get outdoors. A native of Cambodia, Marie's playground was the vast archeological ruins and forests of Angkor. She is now a resident of Brisbane and often joins the S.E. Queensland day activities as well as occasionally hosting multi-day adventures.

Sue O...(often confused with Sue H) has also been an integral part of AW since it's inception and therefore has a wealth of knowledge which she is happy to share with other members. Sue O can also be found escorting some of our more 'extreme' and/or 'adventurous' tours and activities....she's often found hanging around on top of mountains!!!

Kokoda Track Guru Jazzy has always preferred hiking boots to high heels and loves the thrill of a challenge. She's trekked the globe - conquering Kokoda, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kinabalu, Kalar Patar, Everest Base Camp & the Sandakan Death March. However, every year she heads back to her favourite place of all, The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea for her annual adrenalin fix - If Kokoda is on your bucket list, Jazzy can show you the way!

I'd been a solo explorer for many years, I really enjoyed being alone in nature, on the trails, on the water, in the mountains, it was my therapy, the one place I felt at peace, never having to apologise for being deaf. My desire to keep finding new places to explore as my boys grew up & left home, I made the decision to make a change. A Really Big Change!

So, in the year I turned 50 - I joined the world of the hearing! I travelled far and wide seeking adventure with like minded women that had me clinging to the clifftop trails of the Cinque Terre, standing on the top of Australia, marvelling at the abundant wildlife on Kangaroo Island, amazed at the beauty of the PNG jungle, humbled by the delicate Sherpas who guided me safely into Base Camp.

I discovered my voice. I discovered my place. I discovered my tribe.

I'm excited about this new chapter with Adventurous Women^® and I look forward to hearing all your stories.

I've always loved travelling with my family and learning about other cultures. Recently I began adding a few hikes to my travels until now my travels have become centred around the hikes! I must admit I do prefer a day-pack glamp versus a full pack these days though

I have a long list of places still to explore and my list just keeps increasing. I can't wait to start sharing travel ideas and adventures with the adventurous women of Queensland.

Leonie is a power house in South Australia, organising events in the local area. She is an avid runner and hiker, and has participated in marathons and endurance events, but is just as happy walking with a group and sharing her knowledge or helping those in need. She is adventurous, bubbly and outgoing and loves cooking.

If you're in SA look for her trekking the Adelaide hills or enjoying a nice drop of Barossa wine

My happy place is anywhere outdoors; hiking, kayaking, camping, and also getting out into the wilds by 4WD or motorcycle. I love to hunt down unique, challenging and fun ways of experiencing the world and believe women of any age or stage of life should have opportunities to live the life they desire.
I have also recently made the transition from traveller to travel writer, and thoroughly enjoy sharing travel tales, preferably around a campfire!

Jess's love of the outdoors began from a young age growing up by the ocean near Newcastle. Her love for hiking started later once a move to the Gold Coast gave her access to the World Heritage listed National Parks within the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim.

With a background in Youth Development and Outdoor Education, she has a passion for connecting people with outdoor spaces to create memorable experiences for all her guests.

Now living as a nomad, Jess travels throughout the year to experience the best that Australia has to offer.

After guiding three of our Overland Track Trips in Tasmania, Jess is excited to be part of the AW team in WA.

2015 was the year I was asked "Would you like to come Hiking?".
I have never looked back, always planning for the next adventure with lots more to come.

I have also travelled in NZ with a bucket list to do all the great walks.I work for BreastScreen Queensland in administration, with four grandchildren under four life gets busy between Brisbane and Melbourne.

My passion is hiking, you will also see me out and about with Adventurous  Women backing up Chris on the trails.

Adventuring out into the world fuels my passion for life. There’s always something new to discover about myself, whether I’m exploring ideas, immersing myself in nature, meditating, or just being fully present. My love for solo hiking and traveling, primarily in Western Australia, led me to start organising events for my WA community, helping others to discover themselves as I have.
As a brand ambassador for Adventurous Women, I’m excited to share my journey and inspire everyone, including those with neurodiversity, to embrace the spirit of adventure. I look forward to connecting with you out there!

After moving from Canberra, Tara found her perfect match in the AW community, driven by her lifelong love for the outdoors and memories of camping and hiking with her family.

Transitioning from a career as an Executive Chef, she discovered a passion for long-distance trekking to combat burnout and soon pursued a certificate in Outdoor Leadership.

Now a Tour Leader, Tara inspires women to embrace adventure, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Outside of AW tours, she guides high school expeditions involving hiking, mountain biking, and water sports and enjoys abseiling around the Sunshine Coast on weekends, sharing her infectious enthusiasm for exploration.

Maria is an aspiring adventurer who delights in living vicariously through our tour participants, setting them up for success by getting the details right. 

Maria calls Uluwatu, Bali her home —a vibrant paradise she embraced after moving from her traditional hometown of Solo, Java.

Maria delights in trekking along lush paths or discovering local cafes to enjoy a spicy meal, often gravitating toward the rich flavors of Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Maria's travels so far have brought her into contact with many great adventurers who have inspired her and being involved in Adventurous Women allows her to engage with this community on a daily basis. 

Always up for a challenge, Maria embodies the spirit of Adventurous Women with willingness to take on the responsibility for coordinating the many moving parts of preparing our groups to travel.

Having been a participant on many adventures with AW, Angela jumped at the opportunity to join the team as our Event Coordinator in South Australia. 

The profile picture here was taken at Devils Pool Livingstone Island Victoria Falls Zambia during the 2024 AW Africa trip. 

Angela says that her most impactful travel experience was Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience of being so close to the mountain gorillas and observing their behavior for an hour.

Favourite food? It's a close contest between Pavlova and Vietnamese Cha Ca or Pho!