Dane Hallinan
From Farm Boy to Ecotourism Entrepreneur
Growing up on a farm in Tangambalanga, Victoria, Dane Hallinan always dreamed of an adventurous career. After discovering a course in adventure ecotourism at Charles Sturt University, he found his true calling. Since 2010, Dane has turned his passion into a thriving career, running an outdoor adventure business that recently earned "Ecotourism Australia" certification. Grateful for the foundation provided by Charles Sturt, Dane continues to educate and preserve natural spaces while living his dream job.
“I’m one of the lucky ones who actually made their dream job a reality. I honestly couldn’t have drawn up a better plan for myself than how things have worked out.”
Since 2010, Dane has turned his passion into a thriving, exciting and adventurous career!
Growing up on a farm in Tangambalanga at the foothills of Mt Murramarrangbong in Victoria, Dane spent a lot of his time outside exploring his surroundings. And like many other local young boys of the time, he wanted to be an AFL player!
“By chance I read about a Charles Sturt University course in adventure ecotourism and thought it sounded like it suited me nicely! Turns out it was a very fortuitous turning point in my life Dane recalls.
Dane credits Charles Sturt for giving him a strong foundation to be able to run an outdoor adventure business, his "dream job". His business has recently become “ecotourism Australia” certified, something Daneis extremely proud of. He sees it as neat circle - from studying adventure ecotourism in 2012 - to providing amazing ecotourism experiences on the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales.
“I have always been very adventurous and curious about the world. Chasing an exciting job where I could have some fun and explore on the job became the goal.
“If I’m spending half of my waking life doing it, I wanted to be sure I was having fun, learning and hopefully bettering the world in some way. I’m very grateful for how things have fallen into place for me, and I try to educate and preserve our natural spaces in thanks."
“It wasn’t easy and there were plenty of opportunities to jump ship, but I’m proud I stuck to my course and my career choice.
“Thank you Charles Sturt for providing an amazing environment to study and grow as a person and outdoor leader.