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.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Deep Creek National Park.
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, Jesse is proud to be a part of this coastal community. In addition to his work as a Marine Mechanic, he’s recently become a skipper for The Big Duck Boat Tours.
Beyond the workshop and the sea, you can find him in the waves surfing, fishing, and camping in the great outdoors. He’s not just passionate about the marine environment; but also has a strong love for football.
Surprising Fact: Jesse is the proud coach of the local womens ‘Goolwa Magpies’ Football team. “GO PIES”…
Alex Oswin
Skipper
Alex is our seasoned traveler, born and raised on the North West coast of Tasmania. Alex grew up on the water, either fishing or volunteering as a guide. This fostered his love of the marine environment, as Alex began working for commercial fishing boats before heading overseas to drive large ships all around the world.
Alex has spent the last 10 years tour guiding all over Australia, from the Outback to the Coast! Alex and his partner made their way to Victor Harbor where they now call home!
Bringing with him a wealth of skipper and guide experience!
Joel Hirsch
General Manager & Skipper
Having always been in love with nature & the outdoors. Joel completed an Eco-Tourism Degree, through Flinders Uni & has worked extensively in the Tourism industry his entire working career. A Scuba Diver, Skipper, Tour Guide, responsible for marketing and sports a nice big ‘sea-captains’ beard…
There are not too many places in the great land on Oz that Joel hasn’t been, from hiking, diving, climbing, off and on-road, he’s done several laps around our great continent, but he simply love’s our little place of the world here on the South Coast of SA.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: The Coorong National Park!
Kirk Mustart
Skipper
Kirk has been lucky enough to spend most of his working career on the southern ocean in the fishing industry. Charter fishing, Scale fishing, Crabbing and Cray-Fishing to just name a few. He’s loaded with local fishing knowledge and information.
Avid lover of our beautiful state, ocean and wildlife.
In his spare time you will find him 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 Islands!
Andrew Gray
Skipper
Andrew has lived in Victor Harbor for 25 years, and works as an Outdoor Education teacher. Andrew loves the outdoors so much he Skippers The Big Duck on his weekends off and during School Holidays. Andrew has walked, kayaked and snorkeled most of South Australia’s spectacular regions, but still thinks the Fleurieu is the best with something for everyone. Andrew loves being apart of the Big Duck team and enjoys being able to meet people and show off our region.
You’ll often see him at the helm of Kondoli for our Sea Wirrina tours and is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
Favourite Spot: Second Valley!
Alicia Wollaston
Ecology Co-ordinator & Crew
Alicia is finishing up studies at Flinders University in a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology & Palaeontology. Alicia has been fortunate enough to experience some incredible field trips - from turtle conservation in the Maldives to excavating fossils at Wellington caves (NSW). Alicia absolutely love’s working on ‘The Big Duck’, every day on the water brings new surprises. She enjoys having a chat to visitors from all corners of the world and believes talking to people about our environment is the first step to helping it.
Surprising fact: Alicia is a bit of a succulent and cacti addict- her collection record is 570 plants! Alicia now sells them in markets around the Fleurieu.
Sarah Mudge
Reservations, Administration & Crew
After working in medical based jobs for over 12 years, Sarah made the leap to Tourism at the end of 2024 and is loving it! Sarah enjoys bringing some happiness into someone’s day, and finds it refreshing to talk to people who are excited about their experience here on the Fleurieu.
Sarah is enjoying the chance to expand her knowledge on our slice of paradise, learning about our wildlife and hidden gems, then being able to share this with her young family. Sarah spends her free time outdoors with her kids, or cooking up a storm.
Surprising Fact: Sarah played water polo! and won 2 championships!
Kai McCallum
Crew
Kai brings an unstoppable energy to the team with his bright personality, strong work ethic, and passion for life on the water. Kai’s practical knowledge is matched by his ability to make guests feel welcome and at ease.
He’s working towards a long-term career in the maritime industry, and we’re lucky to have him learning the ropes with us.
In his spare time, you’ll find Kai racing catamarans at the Victor Harbor Yacht Club, umpiring district basketball, or heading out on his boat in search of flathead and squid.
Meropi Hirsch
Reservations & Crew
Meropi or Mez started working in the reservations team in 2022, since then her passion for the tourism sector has grown. Mez 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!
Kalahni Bissi
Crew
Kalahni is in her final year of Marine Biology at Flinders University and thrives along the wild southern coastline that The Big Duck calls home. With a passion for marine conservation and a keen interest in shark ecology, she’s especially fascinated by the diverse marine life that inhabits our local waters. Kalahni has a strong background in sailing and boating, and loves spending time out on the ocean — whether cruising past ancient sea cliffs or spotting seals and seabirds along the way. She’s always up for a chat and enjoys meeting guests from all over the world who share her love for the sea.
Favourite Spot of the Fleurieu: The Waitpinga Cliffs, the view from the water is out of this world!
Eva O’Callaghan
Reservations & Crew
Eva grew up by the sea and has always felt a deep connection to the coastline — making her right at home with The Big Duck. Currently studying a Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation at the University of Adelaide, she’s explored some of Australia’s most iconic marine environments through dive tours across the country. Eva loves sharing her passion for the ocean and coastal ecosystems with guests, and finds joy in learning more about the wildlife and history of the Fleurieu Peninsula. When she’s not on board, you’ll likely find her snorkeling or paddle boarding somewhere along our stunning southern coast.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Snorkeling Second Valley
Anika Wollaston
Crew
Anika is a passionate wildlife & marine enthusiast who is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) from Flinders University. With extensive experience workingvolunteering in wildlife projects, Anika brings a wealth of animal & Ocean knowledge and a deep respect for the natural world to every tour she supports.
Anika’s goal is to help people forge lasting connections with the creatures and ecosystems that make the Coorong and southern coastline so special.
When she’s not on the water or in the field, you’ll likely find her caring for her own pets or planning her next wildlife adventure.
Surprising fact: She can identify almost any South Australian native plant… and a fair few weeds too – try her!
Connie Griffiths
Crew
Connie has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Biology and Environmental Science degree.
Connie brings a strong environmental ethic and a practical skillset to our guiding team. Whether she’s out in the field collecting data or leading groups through coastal habitats, Connie thrives on creating opportunities for people to connect with the natural world.
She’s worked everywhere from Queensland strawberry farms to the organic café scene of Port Elliot, always with an eye for sustainability and community. Now, she channels her love for coastal ecology and conservation into guiding, where her calm energy and curiosity help bring the Coorong and Fleurieu Peninsula to life.
In her downtime, Connie loves surfing, camping and chasing new adventures outdoors.
Elise Lavers
Crew
Elise has a background in teaching & environmental education, with over a decade of experience leading outdoor programs across SA. She holds qualifications in outdoor recreation, bushwalking leadership, and coxswain operations, and has worked in a wide range of settings from marine wildlife tours to cultural retreats and kayaking expeditions.
Passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, Elise loves guiding guests through the Coorong and sharing her deep respect for Ngarrindjeri Country. She believes that through storytelling, sensory experience, and connection to place, we foster stronger custodianship of our landscapes.
Surprising fact: Elise believes the best kind of therapy is a campfire, a starlit sky, and someone to pass you the marshmallows.
