Our passionate team

John Kugel

Managing Director

John has worked closely with many of Australia's largest organisations for over 10 years, leading the delivery of innovative professional development, training and marketing programs.

He is also the driving force behind Gone Bush Adventures and it's engagement with the Australian corporate sector. He's a bushwalking and wildlife enthusiast who's both an experienced group leader in the wild and in the office.

Cristina Carvalho

General Manager

Cristina leads the marketing & operations of Gone Bush, drawing on over many years experience in business management, marketing, customer service and project management. She brings a practical skill set and serious passion

to the table. Cristina is focused on making Gone Bush programs and overall operations of the business as good as they can be - today and into the future.

Linda's thirty-plus years in education combined with a love of nature, healthy living, spiritual growth and community connection enable her to make meaningful and memorable contributions to Gone Bush experiences. In addition her many contributions via her 'Mumma Kugels' healthy food snacks provided throughout Gone Bush events and adventures have become legendary and must be tasted to be believed.

Andy Richards

Lead Guide

Andy lives and breathes adventure and has been one of Australia's most highly regarded eco-tourism operators for more than 15 years

via his Understand Down

Under tours. His passion for nature, adventure and life are contagious and he has a tremendous ability to inspire and positively influence all he encounters in the bush. 

Alice Allen 

Media Consultant & Producer

Alice works with the Gone Bush team to share their stories, experiences and expertise with the wider world.

A published writer with 5+ years in documentary development and production for TV and more recently radio, she has an eye for ideas, an abundance of curiosity and a love of research and storytelling. Alice finds inspiration in the great (and littler) outdoors, knowledge-sharing, practising and teaching yoga, and cultivating community

Nathan Wainwright 

Lead Guide

Nathan is a ecologist, adventurer and wildlife researcher working tirelessly to protect Victoria's old growth forests and vital ecosystems from the axe. ​Nathan's love for the bush and wildlife combined with his passion to help others better understand themselves and the world around them by looking into nature makes him an invaluable member of the Gone Bush guiding crew.

Josh Kugel

Guide & Consultant

Josh is an intellectual with a depth of experience in the psychology, strategy consulting, financial, community and resources sectors. He is passionate about flourishing and mental health and uses his studies in psychology to scaffold timeless wisdom and the cutting edge to this end.

He's a seasoned adventurer who's as curious in nature as he is about business, culture and enabling people to flourish in life and vocation.

Marlon Riley 

Specialist Guide

Marlon is a Cultural Tutor at Ngutana-Lui Cultural Centre in Brisbane. For over 20 years he has lived his passion and commitment to "Reconciliation through Education", sharing cultural experiences with tens of thousands of people. As a Gone Bush guide, Marlon's knowledge, experience and cultural perspectives are invaluable and greatly contribute to any adventure.

Michael Sainsbury

Specialist Guide

Banksy is a remarkable bushman who's lifelong relationship with adventure has taken him all over the globe. ​He adds significant value to our adventures, carrying a depth of knowledge and wisdom on the natural environment backed by an accomplished career in corporate learning, health,

safety and physiotherapy.

Sylwia Skoczylas 

Specialist Guide 

Sylwia is a thoughtful, caring and skillful wilderness guide as well as professional health coach & remedial massage therapist who feels most at home when in the bush. ​Sylwia is passionate about inspiring people pursue a path of greater wellbeing and using the natural environment to nourish their body, mind and soul.

Jack Dewhurst

 Lead Guide 

Jack is a currently serving as a Parks Victoria Ranger and is an incredibly knowledgeable and caring nature guide. His background in ecology, conservation and environmental science combined with his positive energy, intellect and willingness to share makes him a remarkable companion on any bush adventure.

Paul Dickson

Lead Guide 

Paul is a conservationist and wilderness tour guide with a vast experience and knowledge of the Australian bush - the place in which he feels most at home. ​Paul's number one love in life is guiding people on Nature Engagement Tours and helping them gain an appreciation for wilderness and

the rich environments

on their doorstep.