Meet your Guide's

Maree Brennan, is an experienced Hiker lucky enough to live on a Station in South-West Queensland. With a self confessed hiking addiction she brings the life to the party and has walked some of the best hikes in Australia, from the Larapinta Trail in Alice Springs, Copland and Queen Charlotte Tracks in NZ to the famous Kokoda track in PNG. But for Maree it's the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk in her own back yard that kicked off her love for hiking starting back in 2013 when she completed the hike with the QLD Rural Wild Women Hikers. Maree first discovered this hike while mustering cattle on the station, she noticed a helicopter flying above with a net carrying large rectangle rocks. The pilot informed them the rocks were for steps for the great walk they were constructing in the mountains behind Maree's property. Considering this was being constructed right on her doorstep she was instantly excited, she informed her husband that she was going to complete the walk. Baffled he thought she was mad and suggested she do it on a horse instead. Unfazed Maree gathered a few friends and completed what was the first of many walks together. Since then she has completed one major walk a year and sometimes up to four walks. With her experience, love for hikes and bubbly personality she wants to share this with you while completing the Carnarvon Great Walk; Wild and Free —

exactly how life should be.

MAREE

FIONA - OUR SECOND GUIDE

Fiona Bidgood is an absolute gem of a backup guide — the kind of person you’re genuinely grateful to have on the trail. She’s steady, reliable, and always one step ahead, noticing the little things that keep everyone safe, comfortable, and smiling. Fiona has a natural way of calming nerves, lifting spirits, and making even the toughest sections feel manageable. Whether she’s helping someone adjust their pack, offering encouragement at just the right moment, or sharing her trail wisdom with that signature Fiona warmth, she’s an irreplaceable part of the Hike With Maree team. Honestly, every group is better off for having her there.

FIONA

SUPPORT CREW

“At the halfway point of the Carnarvon Great Walk, when everyone rolls into Westbranch tired, dusty, and carrying those 50 hard-earned kilometres in their legs, the magic really begins. Our halfway support crew — Mark, Sandra, Biddy, and Peter — sweep into camp like a little team of trail angels. They bring this incredible mix of kindness, humour, and quiet competence that instantly lifts the whole group. Mark has this steady, calming presence that makes everyone feel looked after. Sandra is all heart, always one step ahead with meal preparation and anything a hiker asks for she gets, very thoughtful just when you need it most. Biddy brings the fun laughter and jokes that makes the campfire chatter flow, reminding everyone that adventure is meant to be enjoyed. And Peter? He rolls in with treats, surprises, a hot shower that tells you the second half of the hike is going to be just fine. Together, they spoil us rotten — feeding us, Whip cracking and also encouraging us, laughing with us, and making Westbranch a place where every hiker feels celebrated. They’re the quiet heroes behind the hike, and the experience simply wouldn’t be the same without them.”