Launched in 2017 Journey Walks is a small, independent collective of Historians, Storytellers and Guides who bring Australia’s fascinating heritage and true crime history to life through tours and events. As a vibrant local team of professional hosts we are proud to offer truly engaging experiences that are carefully crafted through extensive research and our passion for the past.

Over the years Journey Walks has gained extensive experience curating tours and events for public, private, corporate and educational groups. We are closely partnered with a great range of historic venues, and regularly host unique history, food and wine experiences with a variety of restaurants, bars, hotels and venues. We also collaborate with Sydney Living Museums, the National Trust, Sydney University, the City of Sydney Council, Tourism Australia, Destination NSW, YCK Laneways and other cultural institutions.

No matter the occasion, our primary occupation is the forging of real connections between contemporary audiences and historic stories.

We can’t wait for you to join us as we explore the fascinating tales, trails and tastes that are woven throughout the wonderful City of Sydney.

OUR TEAM

MAX BURNS-MCRUVIE

Sydney Historian and Director of Journey Walks

I have always been passionate about history and storytelling. Following this passion academically, I gained 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 Masters’ 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 15 years I have also been lucky enough to share this passion in a very practical way — by creating and conducting history and crime tours in fascinating locations such as Sydney, Barcelona and Amsterdam. Over this time, I have focussed on unearthing urban underworlds, animating true crime stories and bringing colourful characters from the past back to life.

Outside of tours, I also host regular events and experiences that animate Sydney’s criminal heritage and explore stories of vice, murder and mystery. I present these stories, with matching food and drink tastings, at unique venues such as historic pubs, cocktail bars, museum spaces and even a heritage listed police station-turned-restaurant.

I truly believe that an engaging history tour or presentation is the best way to bring the past to life and connect our contemporary lives with the fascinating stories that came before us.

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

BEC NOWELL

Historian Guide

After studying History and Performance, I discovered I could put them together and make a career as a storyteller and tour guide.

8 years later I have lead groups in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Uluru and the Outback- but now finally settling into the stories of my ancestors, convicts! I love sharing Australia’s ancient and colonial roots with visitors to our shores. Meeting new people and telling stories is a passion and a privilege.

When I’m not with Journey Walks, you’ll find me at Cockatoo Island, Government House Sydney, or travelling Australia with international guests as a Tour Director.

Pete McRuvie

Historian Guide

Hi, I’m Pete. Born and bred in Sydney, and although I’m now living in the Blue Mountains with my wife, I make frequent visits to this beautiful city both to work and visit family. I studied history for 4 years at Sydney University, including one year devoted to the setting up of the initial Penal Colony in this country. Before joining the ABC as a current-affairs reporter I was a history teacher in a large high school for some years. In the second phase of my life I have mainly been concerned with the design and construction of mudbrick dwellings, as well as being a graphic artist. However, all my adult life I have studied history, and in more recent years more concentrated on Australian history.

I look forward to sharing my wide knowledge and experience in history and storytelling with you on a Journey Walk through Sydney’s fascinating past.

LUCY COOPER

Historian Guide

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’ve lived in Sydney all my life and ever since I was a child, I have loved exploring and learning everything I could about history. That passion led me to complete my undergraduate degree in History and Socio-Legal Studies, followed by my Master’s in Museum and Heritage Studies at Sydney University.

Through my studies I discovered my love for all things Sydney- its people, buildings, stories and hidden secrets and the rest, as they say, is history! I hope together we can delve into the beauty and darkness that Sydney holds within its sandstone buildings and hodgepodge streets.

I’m looking forward exploring the sin city that is Sydney and opening up as many minds and hearts as possible to the hidden wonders just waiting to be discovered.

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

Hi I’m Danica, you can call me Dee! I’m a born and raised Sydney local, and with my Bachelor’s in History, Diploma of Travel and Tourism, Master’s in Museum and Heritage studies, and four years experience as a Sydney tour guide, I’m a certified history nerd!

I love Australian history for its focus on the everyday people; the convicts and labourers, rather than kings and politicians. I find that history is largely experienced by the everyday people, and learning about their lives gives a much deeper insight into what it was like back then.

When I’m not touring I work in heritage digitisation, scanning and preserving our written history for generations to come!

I’m also a dual citizen of Malta, kif int!

MAX BARNETT

Historian Guide

The magic of history is how each individual story is part of a bigger narrative. I am a homegrown Sydneysider and my passion for the stories of the past grew from exploring Sydney’s streets. I have a Bachelor of History and Law from Macquarie and Sydney University, a Masters in History from Macquarie University and I am about to commence my PhD in World History at Macquarie University.

My goal is to connect a love for history with a passion for sharing knowledge. I have worked for 10 years as a teacher in various formats and believe that history should not be confined to classrooms of bored teenagers or in dusty academic tones. There are stories too important and too interesting to be hidden away and guiding gives a fantastic opportunity to share these stories with people from all walks of life.

I can’t wait to meet you and share the stories in my storyteller’s treasure chest.

ANA LEAL

Event Management Expert

With over 13 years of hands-on experience in event management across Germany, Switzerland, and Australia, I am a highly organised problem-solver and operations expert.

I specialise in crafting unique events and unforgettable guest experiences that leave a lasting memory on every attendee, regardless of the event size or style.

As Journey Walks continues to partner with a wide range of clients including hotels, local businesses, tour operators as well as corporate and educational groups, my diverse experience across all these industries ensures our tours and events are managed with professionalism and efficiency.

When I’m not organising tours and events, you’ll find me assisting Journey Walks with marketing, website design and customer support. I love the behind-the-scenes process that goes into running a small business, especially one that allows me to explore the city and liaise with a fantastic range of people and places.

Journey Walks is a 5 star rated business. Find out what our guests have to say about their recent experiences with us by visiting us on Trip Advisor or Google reviews

ABOUT US – OUR VISION & TEAM

OUR TEAM