2026

Congratulations to all finalists in the 2026 Tassie Tour Guide Award.

We are delighted to announce this year's finalists, recognising their outstanding contribution to delivering exceptional visitor experiences across Tasmania.

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Guillaume Barbeau, Lark Distillery

Guillaume Barbeau is a staple of the LARK hospitality team, bringing infectious energy to each and every tour that he hosts. Not only can he combine the passion and detailed product knowledge to win over legions of new fans to our special brand of Whisky, but he is always determined to provide the training opportunities to new team members that can deliver the same tours to the same level of exquisite quality.

Thomas Carney, Lark Distillery

With well over three years of tenure under his belt with the Lark Distillery, Thomas Carney has become a trusted wealth of knowledge for those who visit Tasmania and wish to venture into the ever-expanding world of Tasmanian Whisky.

His passion for both the craft and unique envrionment that shape this industry is rivalled only by the welcoming nature that he exhibits towards every guest that finds their way into the Lark Cellar Door.

Jesse Chippindall, Seahorse World

Jesse Chippindall is an integral part of the Seahorse World team. A career spanning 19 years, with various roles. Jesse has seen continual growth in his professional career and is now Seahorse World's senior Aquarium Manager and Principal Tour Guide. Jesse is dedicated to his role and is passionate for innovation, inclusivity and has the ability to make every tour educational, fun and memorable. Visitor experience is always at the forefront of everything he does, and this is reflected in the many positive reviews and testimonials from families, school groups and visitors.

Dr Lisa Gershwin, Glow Tours

Who doesn't love things that glow in the dark? Glow Tours offer an unforgettable way to experience nature. The aurora, marine bioluminescence, electric apricot- or bubblegum-glowing possums, brilliant green-glowing snails with little blue eyes, and owls flashing cherry-red as they lift their wings to fly. Glow Tours are led by Dr Lisa Gershwin, a neurospicy scientist, a pioneer in glow science in Tasmania. By using exploration and storytelling to inspire empathy for the natural world, Lisa aims to use the magic of nature’s glow as a pathway to sustainability.

Alicia Johns, Off The Leash Tours

Alicia Johns, better known as “Leash”, is the owner and operator of Off The Leash Tours in Hobart. Known for her outgoing personality and highly personalised approach, she creates private Tasmanian tour experiences that focus on connection, fun and memorable moments rather than scripted sightseeing. Combining local knowledge, wineries, scenic locations and her signature ‘car-a-oke’ experience, Leash has built a reputation for tours that feel more like exploring Tasmania with a local friend. As a solo female operator, she is passionate about showcasing Tasmania in a way that feels authentic, relaxed and genuinely unforgettable for every guest she hosts.

Bill Roe, Tasmanian Walking Company

Bill Roe joined the Tasmanian Walking Company as a Trainee Guide on the Three Capes Track in November 2021. Guest feedback from Bill's very first training trip said he "was a star" and that Bill would be "a tremendous asset" to the Tasmanian Walking Company. This prediction has held so very true. In the almost 5 years he has guided, Bill has set the standard of what a guide should be. He has excellent guest focus and commitment to safety, fosters connection and curiosity, has a keen love of planet Earth and its inhabitants, and leads trips with kindness and integrity.

Mike Smith, Tasmanian Walking Company

Mike Smith joined the Tasmanian Walking Company as a Trainee Guide on the Three Capes Track in 2022. Since joining the team, Mike has become a highly valued and highly respected member of the guiding team, working consistently to foster true connection with guests on tour, and connection to the special and unique places he guides in. Mike’s care for his fellow guiding co-workers to support their wellbeing and development, and his care and consideration for guests, are demonstrated each time he heads out on track.

Carleeta Thomas, wukalina Walk

Carleeta Thomas has been guiding for wukalina walk since its inception in 2016. Born on Cape Barren Island Carleeta has become a world class guide, blending high level knowledge and understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal History and a warmth that ensures guests get to experience the rich cultural emersion provided on the walk in a safe and respectful environment. A leader not only within the wukalina team but the Aboriginal community as a whole Carleeta is a shining light that continues to lead the way in many areas in particular Aboriginal Tourism in Tasmania.

2025

Congratulations to all nominees for the 2025 Tassie Tour Guide Award.

Sam Bradley,Derwent Experience

Sam Bradley is a Tasmanian tour guide, storyteller, and founder of The Derwent Experience. With a deep love for his island home, Sam creates experiences that bring together nature, history, food, and connection. Whether he’s leading a walk through Hobart’s heritage streets or sharing a quiet moment by a mountain river, Sam guides with curiosity, care, and heart. His tours reflect a belief that the best travel moments are often the simplest — shared stories, good company, and a sense of place. Sam’s work invites people to see Tasmania not just as a destination, but as something to belong to.

Nathan Cocks, Tassie Tours Tasmania

Nathan Cocks is a passionate Tasmanian tour guide with Tassie Tours, specialising in the Hastings Caves and Tahune Airwalk experience. With a background in outdoor education and hiking leadership, Nathan has spent the past 18 months developing his craft across Tasmania. Known for his personalised approach, Nathan engages guests through interactive experiences - sharing endemic plant samples, telling compelling environmental stories, and showcasing 900-year-old Huon Pine pieces. Studying surveying and spatial sciences alongside guiding, Nathan continuously enhances his knowledge through university education, peer learning, and conversations with industry professionals, delivering memorable experiences that highlight Tasmania's natural beauty and cultural significance.

Cat Davidson, Inala Nature Tours

Based on Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, this passionate naturalist and guide brings science to life with humour, heart, and deep local knowledge. Specialising in Tasmania's extraordinary wildlife, they make complex ecology accessible while creating spaces where guests feel respected and open to wonder. With guiding experience from Hudson Bay to the Falkland Islands, Cat Davidson connects people with place, transforming observation into memory and stewardship. Her philosophy centres on deep respect for guests, wildlife, and Indigenous heritage. Guiding for Inala Nature Tours, they blend ecology with storytelling, inspiring curiosity, creating unforgettable encounters and lasting connections to the natural world.

Laura Dabner, Woolnorth Tours

Laura Dabner graduated from TAFE Tasmania, Drysdale in 1998 with an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management. Having worked in all aspects of the industry, and lived all along the east coast of Australia, in 2014 she returned home to take over Woolnorth Tours from her mum. From here, Laura worked as a guide and learnt much of her history and farming knowledge from her mother.

Howard Smith, eGuide

Howard Smith is a seasoned tour guide with over 20 years of experience in tour guiding. As founder of the award-winning Cradle Coast Tours and now a valued guide at eGuide with David Hearle, Howard is known for his deep local knowledge, engaging storytelling, and strong commitment to sustainability. He creates meaningful connections with guests and ensures every environment is left as it was found. Howard has a passion for Tasmania’s natural beauty and an ability to inspire and educate others.