With decades of experience hiking some of Australia's most remote and pristine wilderness, Caro Ryan of Lotsafreshair is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of the trail. 

Outdoors advocate, search and rescue volunteer, Caro is one of Australia’s most respected voices in wilderness hiking and safety. Living on Gundungurra Country in the NSW Blue Mountains, she serves as Deputy Unit Commander of the region’s Bush Search and Rescue unit, a highly skilled SES specialist team of 60 volunteers trained for remote operations. 

With decades of hands-on experience in the outdoors, Caro combines deep bush knowledge with a passion for helping others stay safe, inspired by the real-world consequences of unprepared hikers getting into trouble in the wild.

Caro teaches wilderness navigation, promotes responsible hiking practices, and shares stories that reconnect people to nature in meaningful ways. She authored the book How to Navigate – the art of traditional map & compass navigation in an Australian context, and hosts Rescued – an Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers. Caro is also a regular guest on ABC radio and contributes to respected publications including Wild, Great Walks, Australian Traveller and BBC Travel, cementing her role as a trusted authority in the outdoor adventure space.

A latecomer to bushwalking, Caro discovered her love for trekking in 1994 during a leadership program in NSW’s Budawangs National Park, and hasn’t looked back since.

What sparked your love of the outdoors?

“I wasn’t raised in a camping family, but I was drawn to stories of adventure as a kid – Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Faraway Tree. When I finally discovered bushwalking as an adult, it felt like a world I had always longed for.”

Her most unforgettable experience?

A two-week expedition in Kakadu still stands out. “It was all about the rhythm of nature – walking, swimming, resting on warm rocks, sleeping under the stars. I came back so calm I felt like a different person.”

Why Australia keeps calling her back

Despite trekking overseas in places like Canada, Japan, Peru and New Zealand, Caro says nothing compares to walking on Australian soil. “There’s a deep connection to this land that’s hard to put into words. I often think about the Traditional Owners who lived so closely with this landscape. Walking here reminds me who I am and where I come from.”

Her favourite spots?

She’s made the Blue Mountains home for good reason, but also holds a special place in her heart for Tasmania’s wild ranges, the Victorian High Country, and the alpine tracks north of Mt Kosciuszko.

How she handles tough moments on trail

“Having a mental toolkit is just as important as physical training,” she says. “Yes, you’ll be wet, sore and tired – but those moments pass. The views, the camaraderie and the sense of achievement? Those stay with you forever.”

Her advice for building trail resilience

“Find your sustainable pace – the rhythm you can maintain up a big hill without needing constant breaks. It might feel slow, but it’s powerful. You’ll enjoy the walk more and still have the energy to appreciate the journey.”

Packing wisdom from years of experience

• Positive mindset – keep it light and encouraging, especially when the going gets tough
• Trusty boots – well-worn, supportive and reliable
• Thermals – always, regardless of the season

What’s on her radar next?

Caro’s got her eye on some of Australia’s lesser-trodden paths in Western Australia and Queensland’s national parks. “I’m always excited by the chance to explore new landscapes - especially ones that challenge me and surprise me.”