Exploring Killen Falls in the Byron Hinterland 2021
About your guide in Byron Bay & its Historic Hinterland
Max Burns-McRuvie
After a lifetime of visiting and exploring the Byron Bay area, I have been lucky enough to call this place home since early 2020. I live in Coorabell, a picturesque patch of the bright green Hinterland between Byron Bay, Bangalow and Mullumbimby. In order to launch a new branch of Journey Walks in this fascinating region I have spent much of the last year busily researching and exploring the local heritage, environment, culture, folklore, architecture and history of Byron Bay and its neighbouring coastal and country villages.
My Background:
I have always been passionate about history and how to communicate it. I’ve followed this passion academically: gaining a Bachelor of Communications and History at the University of NSW in 2010 and a Master of Museum and Heritage Studies at Sydney University in 2020. My recent 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 a great range of tours in bustling locations such as Sydney, Barcelona, Amsterdam and now Byron Bay. Over this time, I have always endeavoured to bring local histories and forgotten characters back to life through animated storytelling and the construction of historical narratives.
While I enjoy the nerdy side of research and tour development, I am mostly driven by the opportunity to host quality tour experiences and explorations for my guests. I try to seek out the best local attractions and craft tours that veer off the beaten track to uncover hidden sights and scenery in the natural and built environment.
The Byron Bay area is truly unique. I am continually blown away by the beautiful lushness of its nature; from its majestic forests and waterfalls to its spectacular ocean views — it is a slice of paradise that everyone should take the opportunity to explore.
One of its other great qualities is the abundance of excellent eateries, cafes and old fashioned pubs that pepper the coastline and the countryside. Local food, drink and produce has always been an important part of the history and culture of this fascinating region and I have done my best to incorporate many of these great hospitality venues into my heritage tours.