Our Story
Our MissioN
WOW Wilderness was founded on the belief that meaningful nature experiences lead to deeper care and lasting change.
Our mission is to connect people to Walpole’s wild places through powerful storytelling, small-group eco experiences, and genuine care for Country.
Extraordinary Experiences
Every WOW experience blends humour, heritage, and heart. Whether cruising the inlets or wandering under giant tingle trees, we offer immersive adventures designed to make you feel, think, and fall in love with the wild.
Our Core Values
These values guide everything we do — from how we run our tours to how we care for Country.
Conservation First
Education Through Story
Leave No Trace
Community Connection
Our Journey
WOW began over 30 years ago, with local legend Gary Muir at the helm of a comfortable, fully enclosed vessel built for all-weather cruising — and a vision to bring people closer to the wild places he calls home.
Gary’s legendary cruises were packed with humour, science, and stories — equal parts tour and theatre, rooted in deep local knowledge.
Today, WOW is proudly family-run, with Gary’s neice Emma leading the next generation of eco-guides. With every cruise, hike, and conservation effort, WOW continues to share the wild — and protect it.
Meet Your Guides
Gary Muir
Founder, Guide, National Treasure
Emma Bennett
Lead Guide, Operations
Our Roots – A Timeline of WOW
From humble beginnings to national recognition, WOW’s story is grounded in love for the land and a passion for sharing it.
1910
The First Inlet Cruise
Pierre Bellanger of Nornalup Park Homestead began first cruise on the Inlets & Frankland River.
Explore The World
Whether you’re cruising, hiking, learning, or giving back
— you’re part of the WOW story.
Learn more about our tours and projects: