We pride ourselves on maintaining a small, personal approach, where every team member contributes to delivering an exceptional tour experience. Our team is made up of highly skilled, knowledgeable and attentive professionals who are passionate about providing outstanding service. Their deep respect for the local culture and environment, paired with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence, underpins our ongoing success.
Owner
Hugh Gange
Director, operations, sales, marketing and part time fishing guide.
Hugh grew up in country Victoria with a passion for the outdoors, fishing, Aboriginal culture and exploring remote places. After completing a degree in Ecotourism in Melbourne, he relocated to the Northern Territory at the age of 20. There, he spent many years guiding throughout the Top End before taking over Venture North Safaris with his brother, Aaron.
Over the years, Hugh has undertaken a wide range of roles within the business, including tour guide, fishing guide, host of Cobourg Coastal Camp, as well as overseeing operations. Today, he leads the overall operations of Venture North and Cobourg Fishing Safaris, managing logistics and planning.
Our staff
David McMahon (Tour Guide)
Dave is Venture North’s longest serving guide (15 years) and still absolutely LOVES his job, evident by his unmistakable enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge. A qualified chef in his early life, he spends most of his time on the road during the dry-season, guiding holidaymakers throughout the Top End and Kimberley. His extensive knowledge of Northern Australia’s biodiversity and Aboriginal culture sees him at the top of his field. In 2017 at the NT Tourism Awards Dave received the Tourism Employee of the Year Award. Outside of guiding, Dave is usually out bush exploring and creating content to share his passion for the outdoors.
Annie Knox (Tour Guide)
Annie is a highly experienced tour guide with an in-depth knowledge of the NT's national parks and Indigenous culture, developed through her extensive work across the Top End and Tiwi Islands. Before joining Venture North, she worked with a number of tour companies throughout the region, building a strong foundation of local knowledge and guiding expertise. She is passionate about delivering meaningful, small-group touring experiences, bringing warmth, enthusiasm and an infectious sense of joy to every journey. Based in Darwin, Annie fully embraces the Northern Territory lifestyle and has a genuine love for the region she calls home.
Nick Polotnianka (Tour Guide)
Raised in the Northern Territory, Nick spent his early years on Groote Eylandt in East Arnhem Land and sailing the world with his family, a lifestyle that sparked a natural passion for the outdoors and ocean. An avid and partly obsessed fisherman, Nick went on to study Marine Science at the University of Tasmania, while also working as a guide in the renowned Freycinet National Park. After returning to the Northern Territory to thaw out (!), Nick has become one of Venture North’s most valued and long-standing team members. Today, he shares his deep love and understanding of the Top End with guests as both a tour guide and a fishing guide.
Racheal Duncan (Admin Manager)
Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, Racheal spent 25years immersed in the unique lifestyle of the Northern Territory, where she developed a deep appreciation for its pristine wilderness and rich cultural heritage. Now based in Tumbulgum, on the banks of the Tweed River, Rach works behind the scenes, managing bookings, permits, guest correspondence, and enquiries from her home. With a strong attention to detail and a genuine commitment to guest experience, Rach ensures every journey is seamless from the initial booking stage through to departure.
Travis Bird (Camp Manager)
‘Trav’ is Cobourg Coastal Camp Manager and Head Skipper, based at the camp full-time during the dry season where he keeps things running smoothly. A true Territory bloke, he’s known for his laid-back style, the occasional “yeh nah,” and his love of taking guests out on the water for an amazing day out. With years of experience across the Top End, Kimberley and Tasmania, he’s a highly capable guide both on land and sea. When he’s not working, you’ll find him out exploring with his family, usually with a rod near by.
Jason Ward (Operations Manager)
Jason first joined Venture North as our Kiwi camp chef, quickly making his mark before moving into a town-based role as Operations Manager. He now prepares both Venture North tours and Cobourg Fishing Safaris for departure, overseeing logistics, equipment, maintenance and all behind-the-scenes operations, ensuring everything is ready for each journey. Outside of work, Jason enjoys the NT outdoor lifestyle, great food and a good yarn—especially when it involves rugby as a proud All Blacks supporter.
Alex Jennings (Part-time Tour Guide)
Alex is a very tall, friendly, country lad who is extremely passionate about the outdoors and ecology. When he’s not guiding he spends much of his spare time bushwalking, kayaking, fishing, dipping sheep and more recently looking after his two children! Alex completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Parks Recreation and Heritage, specialising in Indigenous studies, ecology and eco-tourism. In the offseason he works as a Park Ranger in Victoria.
Stephen Abala (Part-time Tour Guide)
Stephen is a proud descendant of the Iwaidja people of the Cobourg Peninsula. He grew up on a small outstation on the Cobourg Peninsula as well as spending a lot of time in Darwin where he went to school. Stephen has a diverse work history which includes 15 years experience as a helicopter rescue crewman. He has unmeasurable local Indigenous knowledge and is very passionate about sharing this with his guests. He is also a mad keen fishermen who has even created his very own lure!