About Outback Active Co.

Connecting adventurers with the untamed heart of Australia since 2008

Panoramic view of the Australian outback with red rock formations

Our Story

Founders of Outback Active Co. standing in front of the company's first office

Outback Active Co. began as a dream shared by two adventure-seeking friends, Lucas Thompson and Amelia Nakamura, who met while working as wilderness guides in the Northern Territory. During long evenings under the star-filled outback sky, they envisioned creating experiences that would connect people with the raw beauty and ancient wisdom of Australia's red center.

In 2008, with little more than a second-hand 4WD vehicle, basic camping equipment, and profound knowledge of the land, they guided their first official expedition—a small group of international tourists seeking an authentic outback experience. Word quickly spread about their unique approach, which combined adventure with deep respect for the land and indigenous culture.

As demand grew, so did their vision. By 2012, they had established their headquarters in Alice Springs and expanded their team to include specialized guides with expertise in ecology, geology, indigenous culture, and adventure sports. Today, Outback Active Co. has grown to become Australia's premier outback adventure company, serving thousands of guests annually while maintaining the personalized touch and environmental ethos that has defined us from day one.

Despite our growth, we remain true to our founding principles: to facilitate transformative encounters with the Australian wilderness while preserving its integrity for future generations.

Our Mission & Values

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create transformative outdoor experiences that inspire connection with nature, foster personal growth, and promote environmental stewardship through safe, sustainable, and culturally respectful adventure tourism in the Australian outback.

🌿

Environmental Sustainability

We implement rigorous leave-no-trace protocols, minimize our ecological footprint, and actively contribute to conservation initiatives that preserve the unique outback ecosystems for future generations.

🛡️

Safety Excellence

We maintain the highest standards of safety through comprehensive risk management, advanced training for all guides, state-of-the-art equipment, and detailed emergency response protocols.

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Cultural Respect

We honor the deep connection of indigenous peoples to the land through respectful collaboration with Aboriginal communities, sharing of cultural knowledge, and supporting indigenous-led initiatives.

Transformative Experiences

We believe in the power of wilderness to inspire profound personal change, designing experiences that challenge comfort zones, foster self-discovery, and create lasting connections between people and nature.

Meet Our Team

The passionate experts who bring the outback to life

Lucas Thompson, Co-Founder and Expedition Director

Lucas Thompson

Co-Founder & Expedition Director

With 25 years of wilderness experience across four continents, Lucas oversees all expedition operations. His background in ecology and passion for conservation inform our sustainability practices, while his mountaineering expertise ensures the highest safety standards across all adventures.

Amelia Nakamura, Co-Founder and Cultural Programs Director

Amelia Nakamura

Co-Founder & Cultural Programs Director

Before co-founding Outback Active, Amelia worked extensively with indigenous communities throughout Australia. Her academic background in anthropology and personal connections with Aboriginal elders have shaped our unique approach to cultural immersion and respectful tourism practices.

Jarrah Walters, Head Survival Skills Instructor

Jarrah Walters

Head Survival Skills Instructor

A proud Arrernte man, Jarrah brings thousands of years of indigenous knowledge to our survival workshops. His extensive military background and certification in wilderness medicine complement his deep understanding of traditional outback survival techniques, making our workshops truly world-class.

Sophie Greenwood, Environmental Education Specialist

Sophie Greenwood

Environmental Education Specialist

With a PhD in Desert Ecology from the University of Adelaide, Sophie develops our educational content and leads specialized nature tours. Her research on climate resilience in outback ecosystems has been internationally recognized, and she brings this cutting-edge knowledge to every adventure.

Our Achievements

Recognition of our commitment to excellence in adventure tourism

Outback Active team receiving award at tourism ceremony
  • 🏆

    Australian Tourism Excellence Award (2024)

    Recognized for outstanding contribution to sustainable adventure tourism and setting industry standards for environmental practices.

  • 🌟

    Advanced Ecotourism Certification

    Highest level of certification from Ecotourism Australia for our demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

  • 🔍

    Safety Excellence Recognition

    Awarded by the Outdoor Council of Australia for maintaining exceptional safety records and pioneering emergency protocols for remote expeditions.

  • 🤝

    Indigenous Tourism Partnership Award

    Honored for our collaborative approach with Aboriginal communities and commitment to authentic cultural representation.

  • 📊

    100,000+ Guests Served

    Proud to have shared the magic of the outback with over one hundred thousand visitors from 78 countries, maintaining a 4.9/5 satisfaction rating.

What Our Adventurers Say

Portrait of David Chen from Singapore smiling
★★★★★

"My week with Outback Active was nothing short of transformative. The survival workshop pushed me beyond what I thought possible, while the guides created a perfect balance of challenge and support. What impressed me most was their genuine respect for the land and Aboriginal culture. I left with not just new skills, but a profound connection to one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes."

David Chen, Singapore

Wilderness Survival Intensive

Portrait of Emma and James Collins smiling
★★★★★

"As seasoned travelers who've explored over 40 countries, we can confidently say our Outback Active expedition ranks among our top three travel experiences ever. The attention to detail was remarkable—from the perfectly paced itinerary to the gourmet camp meals that somehow appeared in the middle of nowhere! The night spent under the stars with Jarrah sharing dreamtime stories will forever be etched in our memories."

Emma & James Collins, United Kingdom

10-Day Ultimate Outback Explorer

Portrait of Maria Rodriguez smiling
★★★★★

"Organizing a corporate retreat for 15 executives is no small task, but the Outback Active team made it seamless. The custom team-building program they designed achieved exactly what we needed—breaking down hierarchical barriers and building authentic connections. The impact has been lasting; six months later, our leadership communication has completely transformed. Worth every penny for the return on investment in our team dynamics."

Maria Rodriguez, HR Director at TechFusion Global

Executive Team Building Program

Ready to Experience the Outback?

Whether you're seeking adventure, team growth, or a deeper connection with nature, our team is ready to craft the perfect outback experience for you.