Hello, my name is Maxwell Burns-McRuvie founder of Journey Walks with Jocelyn Gulliver.

Launched in 2016, Journey Walks is a small, independent collective of historian-guides who bring Australia’s fascinating history and culture to life through tours and events. As a young vibrant team of professional storytellers we are proud to represent the future of heritage tourism. We strive to offer truly engaging experiences that are carefully crafted through extensive research and our passion for the past.

After operating for four years in Sydney we have recently opened a new branch of Journey Walks that explores Byron Bay and its historic Hinterland.

IN SYDNEY we specialise in convict, crime and architectural history with a focus on the historic underworld stories of areas such as The Rocks, Surry Hills and Kings Cross.

IN THE BYRON SHIRE our new tours focus on exploring the local tastes and tales of the region’s charming coastal townships and historic hinterland villages.

As always, our primary occupation in both locations is to connect our guests with the unique local heritage that is woven into historic places, people and periods of time in an engaging and imaginative way.

Find out what our guests have to say about their recent tours with us by visiting: Journey Walks Trip Advisor

ABOUT US: OUR TEAM & EXPERIENCE

MAXWELL BURNS-MCRUVIE — HISTORIAN-GUIDE, DIRECTOR OF JOURNEY WALKS:

I have always been passionate about history and how to communicate it. I’ve followed this passion academically gaining a Bachelor of Communications majoring in English and History from the University of NSW and a Master of Museum and Heritage Studies from Sydney University. My MA Thesis explores the origins of Sydney’s tourism industry in the 19th century and the development of the city’s international identity as a travel destination.

Over the last 12+ years I have also been lucky enough to share this passion in a very practical way — by creating and conducting historical walking tours in fascinating locations such as Sydney, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Byron Bay. Over this time, I have focussed on reinterpreting the Age of Exploration, gaining a deeper understanding on the development of the Australasian Colonies and bringing to life the Victorian-era across the British Empire.

I am also an avid researcher and collector of crime history, especially in urban settings, and I present these stories in the form of presentations and heritage events such as ‘History through Whisky’ and ‘Sin & the City’ in collaboration with some of Sydney’s best historic venues and associations.

I am currently based between Sydney and Byron Bay where I have launched a new branch of Journey Walks that explores the hidden history of the region’s coastal and hinterland townships. Find out more by visiting this page: BYRON GUIDE

I truly believe that a quality walking tour is the best way to connect with the past and present of any location — they are a unique storytelling medium that have the ability to blend education and entertainment seamlessly while remaining eco-friendly, social and fun.

On behalf of my brilliant team of guides at Journey Walks, I welcome you onboard for an unforgettable experience!

APRIL MCNEE — HISTORIAN-GUIDE: 

I am a ‘born and bred’ Sydney-sider whose passion for living history began at a young age. I completed an undergraduate degree in History and Medieval Studies at the University of Sydney as well as my Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies.

After finishing my post-graduate studies I moved to the UK in order to work with historical dress collections, and began working part-time as a tour-guide in London.

I discovered the joy in sharing history with people and bringing a city to life for them – Revealing how the smallest, most mundane things we take for granted – like a cup of tea – are the product of hundreds of years of history, trade, social and political forces.
Coming home to Sydney two years ago, I knew tour-guiding was too fun to stop – and have enjoyed rediscovering a love for Australian History and leading tours with Journey Walks.
When I am not tour guiding, I run a gallery for the NSW Embroiderers’ Guild and am currently working as a Research Assistant at Sydney University. 

DANICA MICALLEF — HISTORIAN-GUIDE: 

MAX BARNETT — HISTORIAN-GUIDE: 

JOCELYN GULLIVER — OPERATIONS – ACCOUNTS , DIRECTOR OF JOURNEY WALKS: