About Us
Who We Are
Beyond Horizons Institute is an outdoor education organisation based in rural Australia with a clear purpose: to empower young people through meaningful outdoor experiences, personal growth and life-changing adventures.
We specialise in guiding youth – particularly those from rural and regional areas – through experiences that build confidence, resilience, leadership and connection to their community and the natural environment.
Our programs follow the Duke of Edinburgh Award framework and are designed to be inclusive, accessible and transformational.
Our Founder & Story
My name is Bree and I’m the founder of Beyond Horizons Institute – someone who grew up in a rural community and experienced firsthand the unique strengths and challenges faced by rural youth.
My journey into the outdoor industry was very random. In fact, I had no IDEA what outdoor education was and I only went to University and TAFE to study it because the pictures looked fun and it was outside.
From my first ever day being a part of the outdoor education/recreation and ecotourism industry, I have never looked back. This didn’t come without difficulty though… I struggled to keep up the majority of the time, I had no gear and no idea, I was challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. However, something about the feeling after I completed something was contagious and addictive.
I couldn’t believe I was capable of hiking on a three day journey, then I couldn’t believe I was able to plan a three day journey. Then I couldn’t believe I was able to navigate through the bush using a map and compass and the skills I’d developed and learnt. I couldn’t believe that I had the skills and knowledge to guide others through the bush. Then I couldn’t believe that I could make a career out of being outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors.
Then something switched… Instead of me 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?’.
This started my personal journey of challenging myself by choice. I’ve been on countless adventures and experiences that I never would have known about if I hadn’t been introduced to the outdoor industry.
I have had the opportunity to guide for multiple businesses in NSW, VIC, NT and TAS. I’ve met incredible people who also work in the outdoor industry and this has led to life-long friendships I’ve developed.
I feel incredibly grateful and lucky to have so many inspiring, kind and caring professionals in my circle of friends and mentors.
I became CURIOUS and began to WONDER what else I’m capable of? This curiosity and wonder led me to become an Ultra Marathon runner. Something I would have laughed at or never considered when I was younger. I also did not finish (DNF) one of my races, and even though it sucked, I was able to understand and reflect on why and how it happened.
This curiosity and wonder also led me to walk the length of NZ on a trail called the Te Araroa. I spent four months thru-hiking through NZ, hitch-hiking, making friends and discovering more about myself. I never would have known about this trail or even considered it an option if I wasn’t a part of the outdoor industry.
Through my personal journey into outdoor education, bushwalking, expedition planning and youth development, I discovered that some of the greatest learning and MOST proudest moments have happened outdoors.
I’ve worked in the industry for over 10 years and in that time I’ve witnessed young people transform – not only physically, but emotionally and socially – when challenged in supportive outdoor environments.
I kept questioning why this was never an option where I grew up and it sparked something within me. My CURIOSITY and WONDER.
It sparked a vision:
– To create a space where rural youth can stretch themselves beyond comfort zones
– To provide mentorship and support to develop a strong community of young outdoor participants
– To make outdoor education and the Duke of Edinburgh Award accessible
Why This Matters
Young people today face unprecedented challenges – from social isolation and screen addiction to limited opportunities in rural settings. Our programs help bridge that gap by offering real experiences with real impact – fostering:
Confidence
Leadership
Resilience
Peer and community connection
Access to lifelong skills and opportunities
We believe that when young people are given the space, support and challenge to grow, their belief in themselves expands beyond what they ever thought possible – and that ripple effect strengthens families, schools and whole communities.
Our Team
Our team is growing and we are very fortunate to have access and personally know so many incredible outdoor educators.
Luca – Our Website Developer and Outdoor Educator
💜 Join Us
Whether you’re a student eager for adventure, a parent wanting meaningful opportunities for your child, a school seeking partnership, or a community member who wants to support our mission – there’s a place for you with Beyond Horizons Institute.
Together, we can help young people go beyond horizons – in nature and in life.