Who we are
About Us.
Beyond Horizons Institute was built on a simple belief: when young people are given the space, support, and challenge to grow, their belief in themselves expands beyond what they ever thought possible.
Our mission
Accessible outdoor education for rural youth.
We deliver outdoor education and mentoring programs that inspire growth, resilience, community engagement, and personal discovery to young people in rural and regional Australia.
Our vision is a world where rural youth access wild spaces, inspiring mentors, and transformative outdoor experiences that allow them to connect with themselves and their Country.
We deliver a program, but we are really building a community.
The story
How it started.
Beyond Horizons Institute grew out of Bree's decade-plus career in outdoor education across Australia. What began as an unexpected direction through university study became a personal philosophy: that challenging yourself by choice transforms who you are.
Ultra-marathons. A four-month thru-hike of New Zealand's Te Araroa trail. Years spent leading young people through wild country. Bree came to understand that the experience of stretching beyond your comfort zone in nature leaves a mark that lasts long after you return home.
She founded Beyond Horizons to make sure rural young Australians get that experience.
When young people are given the space to grow, their belief in themselves expands beyond what they ever thought possible.
Bree, Founder
The team
The people behind the program.
Bree
Founder
Hi, I'm Bree, founder of Beyond Horizons Institute. I grew up in a rural community and experienced firsthand both the strengths and challenges that come with growing up in the country.
What many people don't know is that I never planned on working in the outdoor industry. I had absolutely no idea what Outdoor Education was.
I enrolled in Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism at university and TAFE for a few simple reasons: the photos looked fun, it was outdoors, and I loved nature. That's it.
From my very first day, everything felt unfamiliar. I had no gear, no experience, and often felt like everyone else knew more than I did. The truth is, I struggled. I was challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally.
But something kept drawing me back. It was the feeling that came after the challenge. The feeling of achieving something I once thought was impossible.
First, I couldn't believe I could complete a three-day hike. Then I couldn't believe I could plan one. Then I couldn't believe I could navigate through the bush using only a map, compass, and the skills I'd learned. And eventually, I couldn't believe I could build a career inspiring people to get outdoors.
At some point, something shifted. Instead of thinking: “I can't believe I just did that” — I started thinking: “I believe I can do this… and I wonder what else I'm capable of?”
“I wonder what else I'm capable of?”
That single question changed everything. It became the foundation for so much of my life.
It sparked a curiosity that led me far beyond what I ever imagined growing up. I've guided outdoor programs across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. I've worked alongside incredible outdoor educators, guides, and mentors who have become lifelong friends.
That same curiosity led me to become an ultramarathon runner, something younger me would not have been able to comprehend. I've crossed finish lines I never thought possible. I've also experienced failure, including a race I didn't finish. As disappointing as that was, it taught me lessons about resilience, preparation, and self-awareness that success alone never could.
That curiosity also led me to walk the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail. For four months I hiked, hitchhiked, met strangers who became friends, and discovered more about myself than I ever expected.
None of these experiences were part of some grand plan. They happened because I was introduced to the outdoors and given an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone.
Looking back, some of the greatest lessons I've ever learned and some of the moments I'm most proud of happened outside. Not because the outdoors magically changes people. But because it creates opportunities to challenge yourself, build confidence, solve problems, work with others, and discover what you're truly capable of.
That's why Beyond Horizons Institute exists. Because every young person deserves the opportunity to experience that same sense of curiosity, growth, confidence, and possibility.
To stop asking, “Can I do this?” And start asking: “What else am I capable of?”
Luca
Website Developer & Outdoor Educator
Luca brings both technical expertise and hands-on outdoor education experience to the team. As an outdoor educator, Luca supports participants through programs and expeditions. As the website developer, he keeps the digital side of Beyond Horizons running and evolving.
Beyond Horizons Institute acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and journey. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise the ongoing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country.
Want to know more?
Read about our values, our safety commitment, or get in touch directly.