Royal National Park

Drew – Indigenous Intellect

Drew is an Australian Aboriginal man born in Gadigal country. He is from the Arakwal language group of the Bundjalung Nation from the Northern Rivers, thereby making him a black sand, saltwater person. As a well respected Indigenous story-teller, Drew is currently a TAFE lecturer and has extensive experience in legislation and judiciary for NSW Government. Our recent guests are simply captivated by him.

Rebecca – Lawyer gone chef

Rebecca is a passionate born and raised Sydney-sider who has spent her life discovering more to love about Sydney. Formerly a commercial lawyer, Rebecca is an entrepreneur, a qualified chef and a wine expert who loves exploring local flavours and pairing them with Australia’s wonderful wines. Rebecca is fluent in French and Spanish, which has made discovering different countries and cultures around the world some what easier, but she always finds herself delighted to call Sydney home.

Bask in the gourmet delights that Sydney has to offer with Rebecca and benefit from her diverse knowledge, expertise and passion. Learn about Sydney from a new perspective, with insights into everything ranging from information about the Australian wine industry and Sydney’s best foodie hotspots, to the history of Sydney.

Carol – Top Sydney Stylist

Carol’s economy of style and energetic Sagittarian traits inform her visionary MO, whilst her drive and industry know-how will hook you from the get-go. From enabling private clients to cultivate and own their individual look, in turn boosting their sartorial mojo, to styling a shoot or furnishing a private residence, she brings her exacting eye and acute organisational skills to every project. Carol’s fundamental quest is to equip clientele with a very clear and positive vision of themselves or their brand.

As a stylist, Carol possesses over twenty years of experience in fashion, commercial and interior styling, working with private clientele plus Australia’s top photographers, models, and high profile personalities for major publications and television networks. Having completed studies in journalism and fashion design in Sydney, Carol established herself in print media as a beauty and fashion editor landing the plum role of producing and styling covers and shoots for The Sydney Morning Herald supplements including ‘Good Living’ and ‘Spectrum.’

Carol then spread her wings as a freelance stylist dressing both men and women for numerous productions on Channel 10, Channel 7 and MTV Australia whilst contributing to key print titles including Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Bride to Be and various Hardie Grant publications. She also created and managed her own bespoke fashion label Halcyon Collections for four years and worked as a merchandise and sales specialist for the iconic fashion label Scanlan Theodore.

More recently, she was the resident Style Lecturer at the The Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney, in a part time capacity. Her role involved preparing students for a range of creative and technical roles in the design industry (including: fashion styling, creative direction, visual merchandising, magazine publishing, event design and management, plus interior design and food styling).

Strengthening her branding acumen, Carol is also actively involved in the commercial arena, styling and producing content for advertisements and personal branding.

Benedict – Adventurist

Ben was born and raised in Sydney, and despite spending plenty of time away he is consistently lured back home by Sydney’s unique blend of water, bush, and cosmopolitan culture.

With a warm, laid back attitude, Ben approaches his tours like a day out with long lost mates. He loves to tell the stories and anecdotes which give each destination its real character, and gets a kick out of seeing these places through the fresh eyes of his guests.

Ben is a volunteer Surf Life Saver at Tamarama beach, a fussy foodie, and has too many hobbies to count (let alone actually do), including sailing, hiking, watching comedy, rock climbing, and dangling down canyons of the Blue Mountains. He has an infectious enthusiasm for life and a smile that seems to be fixed in place.

Evan – Beach Boy

Evan grew up in Bondi Beach, spending most mornings and afternoons by the coast, in the ocean and surfing. His family owns working land in country New South Wales so when he’s not on the beach, he’s in the country living a completely different Australian lifestyle.

During university breaks from Australia’s capital Canberra, Evan had the opportunity to travel the globe and visit over 60 countries. His passion though and the place he calls home is Sydney. Showing visitors all the best hidden locations and revealing what truly makes Sydney the best place on earth is what Evan does effortlessly on every tour.

Rosie – @rosiebondi

Most locals know Rosie, or RosieBondi, due to her huge following on Instagram. You’ll find Rosie along the coast at sunrise most days snapping the locals, beaches, surf and rock pools. Rosie is super friendly and has a wicked sense of humour. She loves sharing her knowledge of Sydney beaches and history along with tips and tricks on how to capture the best shots of the area. Born and raised in Ireland and growing up close to the Atlantic, Rosie has an deep rooted love of big surf and wild ocean.

Rosie learned Photography the old fashioned way through years of experience and our guests love her enthusiastic and down to earth way of teaching. Nikon Australia and Leica Australia often feature her work and her images have been sold across the globe. 

Sladj – Hostess with the mostest

Sladj has a way of making you see the little things which are often overlooked. Her infections smile and joyful outlook on life is uplifting, energising and addictive to be around. Her love for sharing Sydney is motivated by witnessing her guest’s reactions as they experience a place for the first time. When she’s not exploring new corners of the world, Sladj loves waking up early to catch a Sydney sunrise or dancing the night away with friends.

Gitte – Creative Master

Gitte’s career highlights include – founder and director of Gitte Weise Gallery Sydney / Berlin and ROOM 35 Sydney (1992 – 2010); Exhibition Manager for the Biennale of Sydney (1988 and 1990) and curatorial and exhibitions researcher at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia for the Collection Handbook (2013 – 2014). Gitte currently works as a curatorial adviser and manager for a private art collection in Sydney, as well as regularly hosting members of the Art Gallery of NSW Society on tours through Sydney Galleries and Institutions. Most recently Gitte managed an art/opera tour in France and now in Melbourne for the art fair.

Alice – Connoisseur

Alice is a Sydney native who knows the beautiful coastline as well as she knows the twists and turns of the city streets and the treasures they hold. Her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for art, culture and her city is infectious and she enjoys making people feel at home no matter how far from home they may be.

She is a practicing artist, educator and curator with degrees in Art Theory and Visual Art. When not working in the art gallery, producing public artworks or waxing lyrical about the joy of finding a perfect food and wine combination, Alice can be found stretching out in a yoga session or curling up with a good book.

Tim – Aboriginal Local

An Australian Aboriginal man born in Guriwal, more commonly known as La Perouse, in 1969, one of twelve children and the youngest boy. Tim grew up embracing his culture, learning the ways of his ancient ancestors. He was taught to hunt with Boondi (throwing sticks), spear and boomerang, to gather the fruits and berries and dig for tubers. His father was a fisherman and he passed on much of his knowledge to his young son. During school holidays Tim would go ‘walkabout’ with family and friends, he would camp up and down the coast from Newcastle in the north to Eden in the south. Never once did Tim forget his origins. The city was where he was born but the bush and the ocean is where his spirit belongs. Tim shares his huge wealth of knowledge in a warm and friendly manner that leaves both adults and children feeling connected to and in awe of his culture.

Matt – The Sand Man

Growing up in Maroubra in Sydney’s Eastern beaches, he knows his way around the sand and the city. He prides himself on his personal attention and making sure that every guest leaves with a smile on their face and a desire to come back to Sydney. Matt is very well travelled and has been to nearly 60 countries and ventured to all 7 continents. While he loves to travel it’s the Harbour City that always calls him home.

When Matt isn’t guiding he spend his free time surfing, exploring food and culture, playing guitar and attending any live sport event that he possibly can. His positivity makes him the kind of guy that everybody loves to be around.

Dave – Craft Beer Artisan

Dave Phillips is Sydney’s most respected, knowledgeable and charismatic Craft Beer Artisans.

With the ever increasing passion for craft beer around the world, our guests love behind the scenes access to some of the country’s best brewery’s with Dave himself.

Whilst Sydney has brewery tours that anyone can hop on, Dave himself looks after Splendour guests taking them on a private VIP craft brewery journey like no other.

Peter – Good Feels Guy

Peter brings a unique level of expertise to his tours. With over 30+ years working in his field, he is equipped with knowledge about each and every little corner of Sydney, let’s say he knows the area like the back of his hand! His Greek heritage, love of sharing all his knowledge, passion for life and boundless enthusiasm and optimism, makes Peter a host to remember.
When he’s not exploring the Sydney’s beautiful coastline and beaches, Peter can be found spending the day at North Head, taking in the best views of the city, going for long walks, cycling, surfing, playing golf or his new-found favourite thing to do on a weekend – belting out some tunes with friends at a local Karaoke bar.

Peta – Sassy City Chick

Peta’s tours are passionate with a touch of sass.  She has that knack of bringing a fresh breath of life to each destination. Her inquisitive nature will have you experiencing places and tastes you did not yet know you needed to conquer. She has an electric personality that is down to earth, inclusive and really knows how to make a memorable experience for her guests.

When she is not walking the Camino, hiking the Blue mountains or trying out new little hidden bars and restaurants in her city, you will also find her boxing, doing yoga or catching up with her army of wonderful friends.

Michelle – Pocket Rocket

Sydney local Michelle Murphy has had a passion for travelling since before she can remember. Her parents planted the travel bug in her from an early age and Michelle has been fortunate to travel to many international destinations, from Montenegro to Alaska.

Michelle is our go-to host for specialty local tours – her passion, energy and love for Sydney makes for an unforgettable experience. For Michelle, a sense of humour and wonder for everything around her is what drives her – “I’m quite the energetic optimist and excited about pretty much everything.” A few of her absolute favourite Sydney destinations? Sydney Harbour, cruising on a sailing yacht, the South Coast for a round of golf, a sunset cocktail on a rooftop Sydney city bar or even Rushcutters Park to dog watch and sip locally brewed coffee she says.

Josephine – Personal Stylist

Josephine Eve is one of Sydney’s leading fashion stylists, with extensive training in personal styling, celebrity styling and wardrobe styling as well as an impressive portfolio of fashion editorials and photographic collaborations with leading Australian brands.

Josephine will introduce you to exclusive Australian labels and boutiques that suit your style, body shape, lifestyle and give a background on the boutique/designers story and history.

Dan – Man About Town

Daniel’s tours are equal parts delightful and informative. Equipped with a lively, humorous and cheeky attitude, Daniel knows how to turn a day out in Sydney into an experience you won’t forget.

Daniel has lived in Sydney his whole life – his favourite destinations are those off the beaten track – places of contemplation and reflection, which have wonderful stories to tell. Daniel owns The Town and Country Bar in Cremorne, specialising in over 70 craft beers – he knows a thing or two about the boutique beer and wine scene in Sydney!

When he’s not behind the bar at Town and Country or swimming at his favourite beach with his three year old daughter Adelaide, you will find Daniel surfing, painting, discovering hidden cuisine gems around town and most importantly, creating memories to cherish.

Benjamin – Urban Architect

Zoe – Trail Hunter

Zoe loves being active in the outdoors and exploring places of untouched beauty. She feels the most alive when she’s hunting for more trails and lookouts.

Zoe is also an ultra endurance athlete competing in numerous 100km trail runs and revels in the challenge that it entails.

Zoe loves to share her passion with others.

Ben – Travelling Mad Man

This is Ben – he’s a country boy at heart and a true gentleman thru and thru.

He’s an outdoors man having grown up in a sleepy Australian village nestled amongst sheep paddocks and apple orchards.

Surrounded by spectacular mountains, beaches or bushland is where this man likes to be.

He’s travelled more to than 50 countries – some of the highlights along the way being climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, paragliding in Turkey and sailing down the Nile in a felucca in Egypt.

Monika – City Culture Specialist

German by birth, Australian by choice, Monika is fun, charismatic, interesting and so intelligent.

Monika specialises in all things art, history, culture, beach and harbour.

Her passion is hosting discerning travellers who have an appreciation for the finer things in Australia.

Andy – Urban Bush Man

This is Andy – charming, charismatic, fun and oh so cute.

Andy has always loved the great outdoors. He enjoys spending time with people from all walks of life and from all over the world.

His love is for Sydney’s local secrets, and in particular the Royal National Park and South Coast. Spend some time with him and his passion will no doubt rub off on you.

Andy is our go-to host for anything outdoorsy. Our guests love him and are always pleasantly surprised by his captivating combination of knowledge and charm.

Steve – Australian Adventurer

Steven is an incredibly experienced and well-regarded tour leader.

His career in the travel industry spans more than 30 years, and he has personally led more than 300 tours in over fifty countries.

Steve loves travelling Australia and even after many years is still always thrilled to discover new experiences and sights.

He has a particular interest in colonial history and the convict era, and is able to relate a seemingly never-ending stream of anecdotes from the early European colonisation of Australia.

Julia – Bondi Local & Historian

Julia has lived in the heart of Bondi Beach for over 20 years and has worked as a tour guide since 2000. She graduated from Moscow University with a degree in Geology.

Her love for Australia and its people is deep and it’s abundantly apparent when she hosts international guests.

Not only is she charming and spunky, she is an absolute wealth of knowledge on Sydney and surrounds.

History, geology, arts, culture and beach life are topics she can talk endlessly on.

Emilya – Creative Curator

Emilya has an extensive background in the visual arts having completed a degree in Art History from SOAS & UCL in London. She’s worked for some of the top art galleries and institutions in the world, including Lisson Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, The British Museum and Eskenazi.

Mother of 2 and a total urban hipster at heart, Emilya delights every guest she hosts!

Michelle – Chef and Restaurateur

Aunty Marg – Aboriginal Elder

Born at sunset on the bend along the Macleay River and raised at Burnt Bridge in Dunghutti Country, “Muughi” (meaning Margret) is one special lady to get to know.

Now known as Aunty Marg, she was schooled from the age of 5 onwards in her traditional custodianship, the Baranbyatti Mirra Buuka or Dreamtime Southern Cross.

Spending time with Aunty Marg, one of Syndey’s most respected Aboriginal women, will give a great understanding of both the inherent living wisdom and practical relevancy of her Ancestor’s Dreamtime Blueprint in Aboriginal culture.

She’s also a lot of fun!

Carly – Founder and Beach Goddess