About Us
We’re Ben and Matt - the founders behind Wallaby Education. We’ve known each other for over a decade, having crossed paths in the education industry in China, where we also discovered our shared passion for travel. Since then we have shared numerous adventures around the world, but have always gravitated back to the stunning natural vistas of Australia and New Zealand.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we finally decided to join forces, thus Wallaby Education was born. International travel has changed, maybe forever. We believe our combined 25 years' worth of experience in the travel and education industries are vitally important in creating an experience that will be successful moving forward in these exciting, yet uncertain times.
As adventure-seeking travelers with an unwavering passion for seeking out and discovering new cultures, we wanted to create a unique educational experience for students that combined our passions and life experiences. Our mission is very simple; provide lifelong memories for school students around the globe. We achieve this through a range of high-energy, innovative educational programmes in Australia where we showcase not only our beautiful country but also some need-to-know life experiences and values.
Meet The Founders
Matt Harris
Having grown up in a remote part of New Zealand, I was always fascinated by the world outside, in particular Asia! Upon graduating from university, I was on the first plane to China. Since then, I’ve been working in the education sector throughout Asia for the past decade and have enjoyed every minute of sharing my experiences and knowledge with eager young learners. I enjoy sharing my culture and hobbies with students - from setting up tents for camping adventures to catching fish off the beach. I endeavour to make all programmes special for each and every participant. If someone would like to learn how to catch a fish, even better!
Ben Neynens
I've been delivering premium travel experiences for guests from around the world since 2008. I believe that helping my clients make the most of their trips is all about impeccable organisation, maximising enriching local experiences and ensuring there' a lot of fun to be had for everyone throughout - all while maintaining safety as a top priority. With Wallaby Education, Matt and I are really delighted to bring that ethos into educational tours, with trips that are specially designed to enhance the strength, character and independence of the future leaders and bright young minds of tomorrow.Inspiring Young Minds
Our aim is to spark a creative fire, to inspire young minds to reach for the sky! To do this, we highlight under-studied subjects such as entrepreneurship and innovation. All participants will leave having been inspired to chase their dreams. Remember, success in life is not for those who run the fastest, but for those who keep on running despite the obstacles in their way.
Enhancing Independence
Developing a wide range of practical skills is vital to forming the independence that puts future aspirations within reach. We believe the spirit of self-reliance our participants develop is an essential life skill and a major highlight for students that have plans to study abroad. Being independent and boasting a wide range of practical capabilities is vital. It doesn’t matter whether you’re studying in the UK, Australia or a distant campus in your home country - knowing how to prepare a delicious breakfast, do your own laundry and formulate your own life goals is an essential skill. Independence is just as important as mathematics!
Inclusivity and Respect
Our policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized has been a key part of our ethos since the beginning. We were practicing inclusivity before it was a trendy buzzword! We’re all humans. It doesn’t matter if you were born in Ghana, India or the US. Male or female. Tall or short. We’re one. We’re equal. We can make it together. Inclusivity is key.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
If there is one agenda we want to push, one area where we want to harp on, emphasise, highlight, underscore and absolutely accentuate (!) - it is the environment. Our personal views are evident in all our programmes and each and every participant will hear them. We only have one planet - a planet that needs us more than ever before. The best way to save something is to connect with it. Let’s get into the outdoors, learn and appreciate the best of mother nature!
Connect with Locals
Learning and educational milestones are achieved just as much outside the classroom, as they are inside! A well-rounded education includes out-of-the-classroom experiences, not only examinations. Our philosophy of out-of-the-classroom learning sees participants interacting with local Australians from all facets of life. Get ready to learn, chat and make friends with some fair-dinkum Aussie mates!
Enquire Now
We'd love to hear about how we can help your school organise a superb educational tour. Let us know your details below and we'll be in touch.