With a background in tourism and entrepreneurship, our Founder, Stu Wesierski, is incredibly passionate about travel, having visited more than 70 countries. While he has lived and worked in many countries, he now moves between Australia and Europe for family and work commitments.
Stu believes that local, authentic interactions help to open a person’s mind, break down cultural barriers and educate in the most awesome way, which is why he is so passionate and excited by Via Travel and the boutique group tours we provide. Watch this video with Stu as he passionately explains Via Travel—his energy is contagious, and once you watch, you’ll understand why our tours are so special!
Let’s hear more from Stu and his experiences over the last few years:
Can you share what you officially do at Via Travel?
I am the Founder, but we are a small local team, so we all wear many hats in the business and work closely together. When we started 7 years ago, I took the first guests on our 14-day Sydney to Cairns tour.
We all had such a great time; we were like a small group of friends on a road trip, and the feedback on our touring style and the local experiences was so amazing that it reconfirmed that we had created something very special
What’s your best memory of a Via Travel tour or group that you can remember?
The emotion and joy when guests get to have real conversations with the local First Nations crew on every one of our trips. I have seen some serious conversations and openness that have brought tears to all of our eyes. It reconfirms why we do what we do, the real local encounters.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in any of the tours?
Going out with a local fisherman in Kalbarri to catch lobsters and keeping the catch to cook later that night with a great Aussie white wine or beer to go with it. One day, we had dolphins and sharks circling the boat, and it was so wild! The captain and crew are so friendly and welcoming, it’s a huge local highlight.
I also love following in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and his film crew, searching in the oldest ancient rainforest in the world and finding wild cassowaries.
And if you could go on any of the Via Travel tours right now as a traveller, which one would it be?
Oh, that’s hard. Our 10-day Brisbane to Daintree boutique small group adventure makes me so happy because I get to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef in 2 amazing locations, the Whitsundays islands, and an amazing full-day boat trip from Cairns too!
But I would also have to pick the West Coast Encompassed Perth to Karijini National Park tour because Ningaloo Reef is so special to swim with the giant, friendly and safe whale sharks. It’s the experience of a lifetime!
Let’s end with a fun fact about yourself!
I love Australia so much, and my country makes me happy, but my wife and kids are Spanish. We have four children who love a good mix of Aussie and Spanish food, culture, and sports. Vegemite, olives, anchovies, and sardines are always on the menu. On Sundays, we either have a roast or great Valencia paella (seafood or traditionally with snails!).
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Get in touch with us: hello@viatravel.com.au