Our fun and knowledgeable team of Rangers are amazing ambassadors of K'gari (Fraser Island). You’ll spot these friendly faces around the resort, running a series of guided walks, tours and nature-based activities and our renowned Junior Eco Ranger Program, often pointing out various wildlife species and sharing fun facts along the way. Did you know - they even met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their official royal visit!?...
Let’s get to know the team...
Ranger Tess joined Kingfisher Bay Resort's Eco Rangers in September 2017. After almost 4 years on the team, she has recently stepped up into the role of Head Ranger.
A born and raised Hervey Bay local, Tess began visiting Fraser Island (K’gari) as a one-year-old and has been in love with it ever since. Returning to the island to holiday and explore as much as possible throughout her life, it was always her dream to work as a ranger on K’gari– that dream is now her reality.
In 2014 she completed a Bachelor of Arts with Central Queensland University, studying Geography, History and Australian Indigenous Culture. Her degree and experience, together with her local knowledge and love for the island have made her into a great leader for the team.
Tess has welcomed journalists, TV presenters and Royalty to K’gari, you may have even seen her smiling face on TV or social media. Her passion and enthusiasm for the island, its history and the environment are inspiring, and she delights in sharing her knowledge with everyone who visits.
In her free time Tess dabbles in photography, drawing, hiking and bird watching.
Tess' favourite Kingfisher Bay Resort activity - The Ranger-guided Night Walk
Ranger Cassie has been a member of Kingfisher Bay's Eco Ranger team since May 2019.
Growing up in Hervey Bay, Cassie has always had a connection with the ocean and a passion for wildlife, sparking her interest in marine ecology and conservation. This inspired her to complete a Bachelor of Animal Ecology with honours in Marine Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2018.
Cassie’s curiosity and fascination of marine ecosystems has led her to work on multiple research projects involving sea turtles, sharks & rays, fish, birds of prey and coastal mammals, even having her work on habitat restoration and estuarine fishes published in a scientific journal.
This part of the world is home for Cassie, visiting many times throughout her childhood and for her studies, she loves to showcase this incredibly special and unique place to our guests while helping them to develop their understanding and appreciation for the island and its surrounding marine ecosystems.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, snorkelling, wildlife photography & watercolour painting.
Cassie’s favourite Kingfisher Bay Resort activity - Sea Explorer's Eco Marine Cruises
Ranger Tasmin joined the Ranger team in February 2021.
Tasmin has dreamed of working in Environmental Education her whole life. Inspired by David Attenborough, and her time as a Junior Reporter on Totally Wild and Scope, she graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) with a Bachelor of Animal Ecology in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 2020. Her main area of study was in the Evolutionary Biomechanics of Climbing Lizards.
In her studies she has visited K'gari several times, along with many other wild locations; even the Galapagos Islands! She is excited to learn everything she can about the history and ecology of K'gari, so that she can pass this on to our diverse range of guests. Tasmin was also present at the launch of the K'gari Discovery Centre (pictured), which was a joint initiative of Sealink Fraser Island and USC.
In her free time she enjoys swimming/snorkelling at the beach, reading, running, and hiking.
Tasmin's favourite Kingfisher Bay Resort activity - Ranger-guided Canoe Paddle
Nieve's love for wildlife began when she was a young girl and grew stronger during her studies. In 2019 she completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Marine and Wildlife Biology at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Since then, she has expanded her knowledge through volunteer roles with the Queensland Turtle Conservation Project and Science Under Sail's dolphin and seagrass research programs. She is passionate about the environment and has always envisioned herself in a role that allows her love of the environment, wildlife and interacting with people to be intertwined.
Nieve’s enthusiastic attitude, infectious smile, and desire to learn more about K’gari makes her another valuable member of the team.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on the beach, exploring and photographing the island, snorkelling, and diving.
Nieve's favourite Kingfisher Bay Resort activity - Ranger-guided Canoe Paddle
Ranger Sarah also joined the Ranger team in May 2021.
She has been passionate about wildlife and the environment her whole life, growing up watching David Attenborough documentaries and loving science throughout school. This pushed her to complete a bachelor's degree in Animal Ecology from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
During her studies she completed fieldwork on a variety of Islands along the Queensland coast- from Stradbroke and Heron to Fitzroy and even K’gari. She also volunteered with the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where her love for marine life grew. Her experiences have led her to have a great appreciation for island ecology, conservation, and tourism.
Sarah is a passionate ranger with a keen interest in sharing her knowledge of K’gari and its wildlife to visitors, and to spread awareness of environmental issues and how people can help.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and swimming in the ocean.
Sarah's favourite Kingfisher Bay Resort activity - Ranger-guided Segway Tour
Ranger ‘Jay’ as he is affectionately known, started work at Kingfisher Bay Resort in December 2007.
Initially working in the Food & Beverage department, he started training with the Ranger’s department in 2008 and has been a valued member of the team ever since. Working on and off with the resort over the years, Jay now works at one of the local High Schools and joins the ranger’s team throughout school holidays.
A direct descendant of the Butchulla People of K'gari, Jay is an expert in bush tucker and bush medicine survival. Some of this knowledge he learnt from the elders within his family, but most was through his own personal research, where he gained an appreciation for culturalism and science.
He has a certificate in TV Pro Global and extensive acting training, which he wishes to combine in the hope to one day have is own TV show, based on the culture and science of plants. Jay is full of passion, always wears a big, broad smile and ensures everyone is enjoying themselves while on his ancestral homeland.
Jay loves cultural research, hiking, 4WDing, board games, star gazing, movies and night walks.
Ranger Jermaine's favourite Fraser experience - The Bush Tucker Talk and Taste
We believe in: "Ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".
... read more
Stretching over 123 kilometres along the southern coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world.
...read more
We use cookies on this website so we can provide you with a better browsing experience and show you more relevant content and promotions. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more details, please check our Privacy Policy.
UPDATE: As travel restrictions start to ease and island holidays are in demand, this piece of paradise is filling up fast! Please note we have very limited availability for the remainder of 2021, however early January 2022 onwards is the perfect time to explore K’gari! Find out about our accommodation options + deals here…
