Brooke Hepburn: Once a pro cricketer, now an expert guide helping connect people to (beautiful) places.
Brooke Hepburn is a true Tasmanian at heart. Born and raised in Launceston, she always knew she would return to her island home, even after moving to Brisbane to study Health Science and Exercise Movement Science. A talented athlete, she spent a decade playing professional cricket for the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes before turning her passion for nature into a career as a guide with the Tasmanian Walking Company.
For Brooke, Tasmania offers some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the world - she calls it the Jackpot. "Every time we take guests out into nature, I get to see the spectacular landscapes through their eyes," she recently told the UK Times as part of a feature on expert Australian guides.
One of her favourite places is the Bay of Fires, a remote stretch of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters along Tasmania’s northeast coast. "It feels untouched and unknown. There’s not a huge human footprint, allowing people to disconnect from where they came from," she explains. She also cherishes the rich cultural history of the region, ensuring guests understand and respect the First Nations' deep connection to the land.
Beyond the coast, Brooke seeks out Tasmania’s rugged alpine environments, particularly Frenchman’s Cap, a challenging multi-day trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views over the Overland Track and southern mountain ranges. "You feel so small standing at the peak yet completely connected to nature."
As a guide with Tas Walking Co, Brooke shares her love for the wilderness while helping guests form a deeper connection to the landscape. She explains that guided walks not only make remote areas more accessible but also enrich the experience by sharing the history, unique vegetation, and striking rock formations along the way.
Beyond the trails, the experience extends to Tasmania’s renowned food and wine. With a strong focus on sustainability, Tas Walking Co proudly offers carbon-neutral walks while showcasing local produce. "We cook for guests every night, and the food tells the story of Tasmania via the ingredients we use. It allows guests to taste Tasmania as much as walk the trails," Brooke says.
One of the most surprising elements for visitors is the sheer seclusion of Tasmania’s landscapes. "The Bay of Fires beaches are incredible, and often, we are the only ones walking them," Brooke points out that while many destinations are filled with luxury resorts and crowds, Tasmania offers a rare chance to experience nature in its most untouched and authentic state.
She encourages visitors to slow down and fully embrace their surroundings. “Most of us live lives where we go from one thing to the next, always focused on being productive and having something on the go. Going into nature with the intention to slow down, put your device away, and be still, listen, feel, and interact with the environment...that is balming.”
One of Brooke’s favourite ways to deepen this connection is through silent walks, like the one offered to guests on the final day of the Three Capes Walk. "We ask them to engage all their senses. To stop, to smell, to look for birdlife, and to listen to the wind in the trees. After three days of taking in dramatic cliff scenery, this silence is a highlight. It’s the first time that guests can take in everything without the distraction of conversation. That memory will live on forever.”
For those eager to discover Tasmania’s natural beauty, Brooke recommends beginning with a guided walk. "A guide will take the worry out of a multi-day hike and give you the confidence to immerse yourself in the wilderness and in the experience.”
As well as guiding for Tas Walking Co, Brooke is a passionate mental health advocate. Listen to Brooke talk about her role with support organisation, Speak up Stay ChatTY here >>
Read the full UK Times article here >>
Last updated 18 September 2025.
