Laura Waters

Laura is a freelance travel writer, author of travel memoir “Bewildered”, and long-distance hiker. After working eight years in the corporate world she took time out to hike 3,000km solo down the length of New Zealand. Those five months turned out to be life-changing, healing her of anxiety and giving her clarity about her future path, as well as the courage and self-belief to pursue it.

Laura is passionate about getting more people connected with, and caring for, nature. She advocates for less stress and consumerism in our lives and more simplicity, kindness and authenticity. In 2009 she trained with Al Gore to be a Climate Presenter, educating people on the science of, and solutions to, climate change. Aside from New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail, she has also hiked 1,000km on the Bibbulmum Track in Western Australia and countless other trails around the world. She’s travelled to nearly 50 countries and is also a keen scuba diver.

Laura’s book Bewildered has received strong praise for its many insights and inspirational nature.

Testimonials

“A sell-out crowd were in turn engaged, amused and inspired by Laura’s descriptions, insights and breathtaking photographs of a personal journey.  Our staff highly recommend Laura as speaker.” – Bendigo Library

“One of the best evenings we’ve had for a long time – made us think.” 50 Days Adventure Women Speaker Series.

“Our group is a particularly discerning one, but by the conclusion of Laura’s presentation we realised we’d just received a most interesting tale, exquisitely delivered.” – Waverley Bushwalking Club

Presentation Topics

Laura’s personal tale of transformation provides a powerful and inspiring example of what can be achieved when you just try.  Her story touches on:

  • The healing power of nature
  • How positive self-talk can help you overcome fears and achieve your goals
  • Dropping the judgement and being kind to yourself
  • Learning to trust your gut
  • Finding clarity and following your own path

More about Laura Waters

Laura is a travel writer, engaging speaker and author of travel memoir “Bewildered – Leaving everything behind for 3,000km in the wilds of New Zealand”. She’s a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

When not out and about on adventures, she writes for various publications including Geographical UK, Australian Traveller, Jetstar mag, Virgin mag, RAC, Outdoor, Wild, Great Walks and many more. She is also a regular interviewee on ABC Radio Monday Night Travel Show.

As a former executive assistant to a CEO for eight years, Laura is an effective communicator, highly organised and disciplined, and has the drive to get the job done.

Laura’s passion and enthusiasm in relaying her story and the lessons she learned is always well received.