Outdoors advocate, search and rescue leader, award-winning travel writer and navigation educator Caro Ryan has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for her significant contribution to bushwalking safety.
Caro leads a 60-person strong specialist Bush Search and Rescue team with the NSW SES in the Blue Mountains, bringing decades of field-tested experience to her role in assisting lost or injured bushwalkers. Her dedication to safety and education is also reflected in her book How to Navigate, which teaches the essential skills of map and compass navigation.
“Navigation is not just a tool – it’s an invitation to feel confident outdoors, connect with nature, and care deeply for wild places,” Caro says.
“Navigation is not just a tool – it’s an invitation to feel confident outdoors, connect with nature, and care deeply for wild places,”
Later this year, Caro will bring her acclaimed teaching style and deep bushcraft knowledge to a special departure of Tasmanian Expeditions’ Flinders Island Walking Adventure – In Comfort. The hosted trip integrates her Introduction to Navigation course into the six-day itinerary.
“Flinders Island is the perfect outdoor classroom,” Caro says. “We’ll walk an already incredible itinerary, and along the way I’ll help demystify map and compass navigation so people can step off the well-formed track with confidence and make wise decisions in the bush.”
Strictly limited to 11 guests, the trip blends spectacular wilderness walks with immersive learning, all supported by Tasmanian Expeditions’ Eco-Comfort Camp. Recently named the 13th Great Walk of Australia, the Flinders Island walk combines towering granite peaks, remote beaches, cultural sites and intimate encounters with wildlife.
From hands-on sessions to evening Q&As under the stars, Caro’s course gives travellers practical skills to explore further and safer – while enjoying all the comfort of a pack-free walk, expert guides and a private beachside camp.
With her recent national recognition, Caro’s influence on responsible bushwalking and backcountry safety continues to grow. This hosted walk offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Australia’s leading voices in outdoor education.
The Flinders Island walking holiday – Introduction to Navigation with Caro Ryan departure is available for one departure only. For details, visit Tasmanian Expeditions.