About Wild North Australia

Welcome to Wild North Australia, where passion for the untamed wilderness meets a commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural respect. Established in 2005 by a group of environmental scientists, indigenous guides, and adventure enthusiasts, our company has grown from a small regional tour operation to the premier eco-tourism provider in Australia's northern territories.

Our journey began when our founder, Dr. Marcus Thornton, a marine biologist studying the Great Barrier Reef, became captivated by the extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage of Australia's northern regions. Realizing that this remarkable landscape was both under-appreciated and under threat, he assembled a team of like-minded experts determined to share the wonders of the north while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Wild North Australia founders standing by a billabong with indigenous guides

Our Journey

Early days of Wild North Australia tours with vintage vehicles

The first years were challenging as we navigated the complexities of operating in remote wilderness areas while building relationships with traditional owner groups. We started with just two tour vehicles and a handful of dedicated guides, focusing solely on day trips around Kakadu National Park.

By 2010, we had expanded to offer multi-day expeditions across the Top End, partnering with indigenous communities to create culturally immersive experiences that went beyond typical tourism. These partnerships formed the foundation of our approach: authentic engagement with the landscape guided by those who know it best.

The turning point came in 2015 when we received international recognition for our innovative "Walking with Elders" program, which connects visitors with indigenous knowledge-keepers for an unfiltered cultural exchange. This recognition brought global attention and allowed us to expand our operations to the Kimberley region and Cape York Peninsula while maintaining our core values of sustainability and respect.

Today, Wild North Australia operates across the northern third of the continent, employing over 70 staff, the majority of whom are indigenous Australians. We've pioneered carbon-neutral adventure tourism in the region and continue to advocate for conservation efforts that protect the extraordinary landscapes we call home.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To connect people with the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of Northern Australia through sustainable, educational, and transformative experiences that benefit local communities and contribute to conservation efforts.

Sustainability

We operate with minimal environmental impact, measuring and offsetting our carbon footprint while actively participating in conservation initiatives across the regions we visit.

Cultural Respect

We acknowledge the deep connection between indigenous communities and country, ensuring our operations honor traditional custodianship and contribute positively to cultural preservation.

Education

We believe that meaningful learning experiences create passionate advocates for wilderness protection, and we strive to make every tour an opportunity for discovery and understanding.

Community

We prioritize local employment, fair revenue sharing with traditional owner groups, and long-term partnerships that support community-led development initiatives.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards of safety, comfort, and expertise in everything we do, ensuring our guests experience the best of the north without compromise.

Adventure

We embrace the spirit of exploration and wonder that the northern wilderness inspires, creating journeys that challenge, refresh, and reconnect people with the natural world.

Our Team

The heart of Wild North Australia is our extraordinary team of passionate experts, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to create unforgettable wilderness experiences. Meet some of the key people who make our journeys so special:

Dr. Marcus Thornton - Founder and Director

Dr. Marcus Thornton

Founder & Director

A marine biologist with over 25 years of research experience across the Great Barrier Reef and northern coastal systems, Marcus founded Wild North Australia after realizing the power of experiential learning in creating environmental advocates. His scientific background ensures our operations are grounded in ecological principles.

Aunty Lillian Burralung - Cultural Advisor

Aunty Lillian Burralung

Cultural Advisor

A respected elder from the Jawoyn people, Aunty Lillian has been sharing her knowledge of country, bush foods, and Dreaming stories for over four decades. Her guidance shapes our cultural protocols and ensures authentic engagement with indigenous heritage across all our tours.

Claire Mackenzie - Head of Sustainability

Claire Mackenzie

Head of Sustainability

With a background in environmental engineering and policy development, Claire oversees our sustainability initiatives, carbon offset programs, and conservation partnerships. Her innovative approaches to eco-tourism have earned Wild North Australia multiple awards for environmental leadership.

Jarrah Wilson - Lead Wilderness Guide

Jarrah Wilson

Lead Wilderness Guide

Born and raised in Arnhem Land, Jarrah brings unparalleled knowledge of northern ecosystems and wildlife behavior to our expedition teams. A qualified zoologist and traditional hunter, his ability to track and interpret animal signs creates unforgettable wildlife encounters for our guests.

Our Achievements

Over the years, Wild North Australia has pioneered sustainable tourism practices and received recognition for our commitment to environmental and cultural integrity:

Environmental conservation award

Environmental Leadership

  • Advanced Ecotourism Certification since 2010
  • Carbon Neutral Operations Certification
  • Australian Tourism Sustainability Award (2018, 2021)
  • Conservation Leadership Award from Australian Conservation Foundation
Cultural heritage award

Cultural Excellence

  • Indigenous Tourism Excellence Award (2018, 2020, 2022)
  • Reconciliation Action Plan Gold Status
  • First Tour Operator Invited to Conduct Cultural Tours on Restricted Tribal Lands
  • Official Partner of Indigenous Rangers Program
Tourism industry award

Tourism Excellence

  • Australian Tourism Award for Best Tour Operator (2019, 2022)
  • Lonely Planet Top 10 Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Worldwide
  • TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (9 consecutive years)
  • Featured in National Geographic's "Best of World" Tours

Guest Experiences

"Our expedition with Wild North Australia was truly transformative. The depth of knowledge shared by our guides about both the natural environment and indigenous culture was extraordinary. Watching the sunset over Kakadu's wetlands while listening to Dreamtime stories from an elder is a memory I'll treasure forever. The commitment to sustainability was evident in every aspect of the tour."

Emily Harrison from London

Emily Harrison

London, UK

"As a wildlife photographer, I've traveled extensively, but my journey with Wild North Australia stands out as exceptional. Their guides seemed to have a sixth sense for locating elusive species, positioning us perfectly for spectacular encounters. The small group size and expert knowledge made all the difference. I captured images beyond my expectations while learning about conservation challenges facing these remarkable ecosystems."

Hiroshi Tanaka from Tokyo

Hiroshi Tanaka

Tokyo, Japan

"We chose Wild North Australia for our family adventure because of their commitment to cultural respect and environmental stewardship. What we didn't expect was how brilliantly they would engage our children. Our guides made learning about indigenous plant use and wildlife tracking feel like a treasure hunt. The kids still talk about making traditional tools and identifying animal tracks. It was educational without ever feeling like a lesson."

Maria and Carlos Rodriguez from Spain

Maria & Carlos Rodriguez

Barcelona, Spain

Ready to Explore the Wild North?

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Australia's last great wilderness frontiers. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or wildlife encounters, our expert team will create the perfect northern experience for you.

Contact Us Today