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!
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!
Eva O’Callaghan
Ecology Co-Ordinator & 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
Alicia Wollaston
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Django Westmoreland
Crew
Django is already making a significant impact in environmental conservation. Django works diligently behind the scenes to monitor bird populations, regenerate habitats and advocate for the protection of our region’s ecosystems. His deep love for birdwatching, paired with a talent for photography, has led him to document nearly every bird species on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
He’s been was awarded the Leif Justham Young Achiever Award, recognising his leadership within the South Australian Youth Environment Council. He has an ongoing passion to protect the birds and ecosystems of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth; is still at highschool & is our youngest and most passionate Guide….
Jack Stolarski
Crew
If you’ve been onboard with us before, chances are you’ve already spotted Jack — mainly because he’s about as tall as a lamp-post and usually the first to greet guests with a smile.
A passionate outdoorsman through and through, Jack spends most of his spare time fishing, hunting and exploring the wild corners of South Australia. He has a particular interest in traditional hide tanning and taxidermy, combining a deep respect for wildlife with hands-on bushcraft skills and knowledge.
Whether he’s helping guests onboard, sharing stories about local wildlife or lending a hand around the vessel, Jack brings a relaxed attitude, great sense of humour and genuine enthusiasm to every tour.
Growing up with a love for the ocean and the outdoors, he’s right at home working along the rugged coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu:
The wild and rugged coastline around Deep Creek Conservation Park — especially anywhere you can wet a line or watch the sun go down over the cliffs.
Dan Irvine
Skipper
A familiar face around Encounter Bay and the Fleurieu coast, Dan’s connection to The Big Duck goes right back to the beginning — originally owning and operating the business alongside his wife Katie before selling the operation in 2015.
Now, after coming full circle, Dan has returned to The Big Duck team as one of our highly experienced skippers, bringing with him decades of local knowledge, seamanship and stories from the sea.
Having spent much of his life on or around the water, Dan knows the coastline, reefs and conditions of Encounter Bay like the back of his hand. Whether it’s navigating the Southern Ocean, spotting wildlife offshore or sharing local history with guests onboard, his calm nature and experience shine through on every tour.
Outside of work, Dan is a passionate sailor and bodyboarder who still spends as much time as possible chasing waves and enjoying the coastline he’s called home for many years.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu:
Watching the swell roll into Waitpinga Beach on a big winter day — preferably with a bodyboard close by.
Oscar Hirsch
Drone Pilot & Crew
Oscar combines a passion for technology, adventure and the outdoors into just about everything he does. At only 16 years old, he has already become the creative force behind many of the epic FPV drone videos featured across The Big Duck’s social media channels.
From weaving through rugged cliffs and racing alongside the coastline, to capturing unique aerial perspectives of dolphins, seals and vessels underway, Oscar’s drone work showcases the Fleurieu Peninsula in a way few people ever get to see.
When he’s not flying drones, Oscar spends much of his time experimenting with 3D printing, building new projects and learning anything hands-on or technical. He also occasionally joins the crew onboard, helping out on tours and soaking up as much knowledge about boating and wildlife as possible.
Growing up around the coast and marine tourism industry, Oscar has developed a real passion for the local area and the incredible wildlife and landscapes of South Australia’s south coast.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu:
The rugged cliffs and wild Southern Ocean coastline around Newland Head Conservation Park — especially viewed from an FPV drone flying just above the waves.
