HEAD GUIDE AND DRIVER
WALK INTO LUXURY
The advice I received years ago was to “start small fires”, that is, start with what you already know and just build upon that information and knowledge as you go.
Tell us how you spend your days. What do you do?
My days are spent enjoying the best job in the world, whilst I host guests on our Signature 4 Day walk on the Cape to Cape track. I love being a Lead/Head Guide and sharing this special corner of the world with our guests. Over 4 days we showcase the best of the Cape to Cape, walking 42 km and ending each day with beautiful accommodation, wines and food. I also keep an eye on our stock levels, train new staff and I’m generally the “go-to” person in our South-West team. I also drive for our guests which entails Perth return transfers and daily pick-ups and returns when walking.
Did you always plan to work in the hospitality industry?
I also work as a Registered Nurse and when we moved back to the South-West 30 years ago, it was always in my mind that I would like to work in the tourism industry. For a long time I was busy with my nursing career in many roles but I always enjoyed learning about our local flora, fauna and stories in general.
So, how did you get into tourism and hospitality?
After many years nursing, I took a break for two years when I was about 48 and during that time became a Tour Guide for guests visiting from Cruise Ships and also at the nearby Ngilgi Cave and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Working in those areas then led me into spotting my dream job with Walk Into Luxury.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a warm, happy, relaxed, optimistic, and friendly person. I love to spoil and nurture those around me. I love to walk, chat, bake and enjoy volunteering, quilting & mosaicking in my spare time. I’m a perpetually busy person!
What do you love most about the industry?
The thing I love most about the industry is welcoming guests to our South West and the Cape to Cape and being able to share so many stories and my passion for the area with them.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is that I get to meet all sorts of interesting people who I then get to host for 4 days whilst enjoying a beautiful walk and also get to keep fit and healthy whilst I’m doing it!
What’s your best advice for anyone starting out?
Never think you’re too old for something new, I was 47 when I first guided! The advice I received years ago was to “start small fires”, that is, start with what you already know and just build upon that information and knowledge as you go. As you feel comfortable with a certain amount of info etc. then you add some more. Most of all, just be your natural self, people really value your genuine nature, warmth and character.
And what’s next for you?
I’m now 57 so pulling back a bit from my nursing and hoping to stay Tour Guiding for as long as my knees will allow! I also drive for Walk Into Luxury which is always a great mix of the two roles.
