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
Outdoor Educator & Website Developer
I wasn't a particularly outdoorsy kid — or teenager, for that matter. Growing up, I went on a few camping trips with my family, but I was the one who was scared of the rain on the tent and constantly worried about snakes.
After finishing school, I pursued my passion for music. I worked in a recording studio and completed a Diploma of Music Production. When I finished, I looked back and realised that for years I had spent most of my time indoors, sitting in front of a computer screen. I felt like I hadn't seen enough sunlight, adventure, or challenge, and I knew I was ready for a change.
Almost by chance, I discovered a Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership and convinced my best mate to enrol with me. The course covered hiking, off-track navigation, canyoning, abseiling, canoeing, leadership development, and a range of practical life skills. Along the way, I made lifelong friends and connections — and I haven't looked back since.
The first week was intimidating. I'd never slept alone in a tent before, and I had no idea how to use a compass. Everything felt unfamiliar. But it was during this course that I discovered my love for rock climbing. Since then, I've spent countless days climbing outdoors, sleeping in my car, under park shelters, and in tents, chasing good weather, great climbs, and unforgettable experiences with friends. Through climbing and the outdoors, I've met incredible people and gained a completely different perspective on life.
What started as learning outdoor skills soon became something much bigger. Spending time outside taught me how to communicate more effectively, understand myself better, manage stressful situations, and find a healthy outlet for my mental wellbeing. The lessons I learned in the outdoors naturally carried over into my everyday life.
“After that journey, challenges that once felt overwhelming seemed much more achievable.”
One experience that stands out was joining Bree on the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. To be honest, I didn't really want to do it at first. It looked difficult, uncomfortable, and far outside my comfort zone. But after several incredible and challenging months on the trail, it became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It sparked a deeper sense of adventure, broadened my perspective, and helped me become a more independent and capable person. After that journey, challenges that once felt overwhelming seemed much more achievable.
When I think about where I started and who I am today, it's clear to me that the outdoors has had a profound impact on my life. That's why I'm passionate about sharing these experiences with others. Knowing how transformative outdoor experiences can be — especially for someone going through a difficult time or lacking confidence — makes it incredibly rewarding to help others discover what they're capable of.
Professionally, I've worked in outdoor education as an expedition leader, canyon guide, and ski instructor. It's one of the few industries I've experienced that offers an almost unlimited range of opportunities, places to live, people to meet, and adventures to pursue. In the same year, I was teaching cross-country skiing in the Victorian snowfields and guiding canyon trips through the remote wilderness of the Blue Mountains. I love that the same skill set can take you to completely different environments and open doors all over the world.
For me, the outdoors isn't just about hiking, climbing, or adventure. It's about growth, resilience, connection, and discovering what you're capable of when you step beyond your comfort zone. And that's exactly why I'm excited to be part of Beyond Horizons Institute.
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.