Michael Veenstra

Director & Skipper

Michael started off as a shipwright in 1992 slipping boats at Captain Sturt Marina. He then has gone on to become a 3rd generation river captain.

Michael runs both The Big Duck Boat Tours and Spirit of the Coroong. Which both offer Eco-tourism based tours.

He is a qualified Coxswain and has completed his Master 5 (inland), MED 2 and Recreational Pilot Licence.

Surprising Fact: When he’s not at work he’s out flying, sailing or cometively shooting.

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Deep Creek National Park.

Kirk Mustart

Skipper

I’ve been lucky enough to spend most of my working career on the southern ocean in the fishing industry. Charter fishing, Scale fishing, Crabbing and Cray fishing to just name a few. I’m Loaded with local fishing knowledge and information. 

Avid lover of our beautiful state, ocean and wildlife. 

In my spare time you will find me out catching some of our amazing local seafood from the beach or boat and camping on a secluded beach. 

Favourit Spot on the Fleurieu: The Pages!

Jesse Wall

Skipper

Born and raised in Goolwa, South Australia. With almost 20 years of experience in the industry and a Certification III in Marine Mechanics, I'm proud to be a part of this coastal community. In addition to my work as a Marine Mechanic, I have recently become a skipper for The Big Duck Boat Tours.

Beyond the workshop and the sea, you can find me in the waves surfing, off fishing, and camping in the great outdoors. I'm not just passionate about the marine environment; I also have a strong love for football, which I share by coaching a local team in my free time.

 

Tia Harding

Ecology Co-ordinator

Growing up in Adelaide, only across the road from the beach Tia has always had a love for the ocean. Tia completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour at Flinders University. During her undergrad Tia was lucky enough to travel to Palau and the Maldives to study tropical marine ecosystems. Tia loves working out on the ocean, the amount of wildlife she gets to see daily is unreal. Each day brings new sightings, experiences and having the opportunity to interact with visitors to the region adds another layer of fulfilment to Tia’s work. Tia believes meeting people from all walks of life who share a passion for nature and adventure is incredibly rewarding.

Surprising Fact: English isn’t my first language, dance is…

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Horseshoe Bay, or Second Valley! Some of the best swimming on the coast.

 

Meropi Hirsch

Reservations & Crew

Meropi started working in the reservations team in 2022, since then her passion for the tourism sector has grown. Meropi has a strong customer service and hospitality background, but what she loves most about her role, is getting to work in an ever-changing industry and growing her wildlife and environmental knowledge of our Fleurieu Peninsula.

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Petrel Cove, Beautiful all year round! 

Luke Mitchell

Skipper

Luke has been sailing the world for 10 years and brings with him a wealth of knowledge as a Skipper. What Luke loves most about his role as Skipper is being able to give his passengers the local insight into this amazing area, through story telling and experience. Luke has worked away from home recently, so being able to love what he does and be home with his family is always a great day in the office. An interesting fact Luke likes to share, Dolphins have the ability to sleep with half their brain shut down, apparently Luke can also do this, mostly while in conversation with his wife!

Surprising Fact: Sailed and Kite boarded with Sir Richard Branson.

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Would have to say the Bluff to Waitpinga Cliffs!

 

Jessica Heyer

Crew

I have a double diploma in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and have recently completed a Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology. I have spent many years as an outdoor educator to school kids, facilitating camping expeditions. I love working in a space where I can show people the incredible environment that is right on our doorstep. Allowing people to make connections with the land is so important for protecting those places. 

In my spare time, you'll find me gardening, travelling and doing all things outdoors. I am so lucky to call the Coorong and the Fleurieu coast my 'office' and I can't wait to share it with you.

Joel Hirsch

Manager & Skipper

I have always been in love with nature & the outdoors. I completed an Eco-Tourism Degree, through Flinders Uni & have worked extensively in the Tourism industry my entire working career. I’m a Scuba Diver, a Skipper, tour Guide, responsible for marketing  and sport a nice big sea-captains beard…

There are not too many places in the great land on Oz that I haven’t been, from hiking, diving, climbing, off and on road, I’ve done several laps around our great continent, but simply love our little place of the world here on the South Coast of SA.

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: The Coorong National Park!

 

Yasmin Hilton

Crew

Starting out swabbing decks and furling sails on old wooden ships for Sydney Harbor Tall Ships. Yasmin has experience in the Whitsundays and The Murray River, as a deckhand on board the Murray Princess. Yasmin is drawn to the Eco-Tourism value in our brands and likes to keep active, her favourite part of the job is meeting new people each day, getting to work in some of Australia’s most beautiful places and learning all about the environment we work in. 

Surprising Fact: Before working on boats, Yasmin was a professional Flamenco dancer, Olé!

Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu:  Has to be Deep Creek National Park, just down the road from Wirrina Cove, hiking the trails by day, spotting kangaroos at night, and taking in the stunning views of the wild Fleurieu coastline.