Meet our guide of the month, the wonderful Abbey Freer

Meet our guide of the month, the wonderful Abbey Freer, one of our fantastic guides or as we like to call them our CEO – Chief Entertainment Officers!

Abbey is soooo great at her job that we’ve had guests come on multiple trips just so they can be guided by her again!

Abbey, what’s your earliest bushwalking memory?
One of my earliest and most unforgettable bushwalking experiences that truly ignited my love for the outdoors was a hike I did to a volcano in Lombok, Indonesia. It was raw, authentic, and tested my resilience like never before. The climb pushed my limits, but reaching the summit brought a sense of elation I’ll never forget. Standing at the top, breathing in the thin air, I was overwhelmed by awe and inspiration. That moment unlocked a deep and lasting love for adventure and the outdoors, showing me the transformative power of nature and challenge.

What got you into the walking tour business?
I’ve always been drawn to experiential journeys. For me, vast landscapes create room not just physically but internally—a space where we can reflect, explore, and grow. With my background in organized sport and exercise science, I’ve come to value how being in nature fosters a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Guiding walking tours felt like a natural extension of this passion, combining my love for movement, discovery, and meaningful connections with people.

How long have you been working for Life’s an Adventure, and what’s your favourite part of the job?
I’ve been working with Life’s an Adventure for the past three years, guiding tours from South Australia to Tasmania, up to Kakadu, and even across Europe for the last three summers. My absolute favorite part of the job is witnessing the transformation in people. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and busyness dominate, hiking tours offer a chance to disconnect from all of that. I love seeing people rediscover simplicity and build real connections—both with nature and with fellow hikers. Many leave with lifelong friends, and watching that sense of community grow is something I treasure.

Life’s An Adventure has expanded into Japan. Tell us about some of the tours.
Life’s an Adventure has recently expanded into Japan, offering a variety of exclusive guided walking tours that showcase the country’s hidden gems. Our 8 distinct “Wow-mazing” walking tours allow travellers to explore regions less frequented by tourists, providing a mix of nature, culture, and adventure.

Some standout options include the Kunisaki Spiritual Trail, an 8-day journey through awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient temples, and the Mt Fuji and Izu Peninsula tour, offering breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic mountain from various perspectives. For a taste of ancient Japan, the Nakasendo Way, also known as the Samurai Way, spans from Tokyo to Kyoto, while the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route immerses you in the sacred pilgrimage paths of the Kii Peninsula.

These walks are more than just scenic; they are curated with unique experiences, such as traditional tea ceremonies and sake tastings. With Pack-Free, flexible walking options and private vehicle transfers, you can explore in comfort without the hassle of catching trains. Each hotel is handpicked to ensure an extremely special and comfortable stay throughout your adventure.

What’s a bushwalk (here or overseas) you’re yet to do but will one day do?
I’ve got my heart set on trekking around the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. There’s something about the dramatic peaks and the sheer scale of the Alps that draws me in—just imagining the crisp mountain air and the feeling of being dwarfed by nature excites me.

I’m also eyeing the Tour of Monte Rosa for its challenging Alpine trekking, which would really push my limits in the best possible way.
Of course, Japan holds a special place on my list, especially now that Life’s an Adventure has launched tours there. I can’t wait to dive deeper into its unique landscapes, from ancient forests to towering mountains—it feels like a blend of serenity and adventure.

And then, there’s Central America. I’ve had this itch to explore the volcanic trails of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and I’m thrilled to guide tours here in 2025. I imagine the lush rainforests and active volcanoes will offer a completely different kind of challenge and beauty. These are the experiences that fuel my wanderlust, and I can’t wait to make them a reality.

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