Meet Lloyd and Robyn Burgess
Owners and Lead Skipper/Office Manager.
Our Story
In 1990 Robyn and Lloyd Burgess threw out their gumboots in country New South Wales for fresh sea air in Hervey Bay. Holidaying with their family in Hervey Bay to escape the challenges of farming life in drought-stricken Australia, inspired them to offer a unique marine experience to the world.
Their passion quickly turned into a reality after they purchased a 12.5-metre boat, the 'Tasman Venture', and established a whale-watching tour operation in Hervey Bay. Lloyd was in his element on the sea as lead Skipper, while Robyn embraced her role managing all office administration, bookings, and business operations.
Tasman Venture initially offered full-day whale watching tours between August and October, carrying a maximum of 42 passengers per day, while supplementing their income with fishing charters in the “off season”. However, today we offer both whale-watching and K’gari day tours, as well as private experiences.
Tasman Venture is still very much a family business to this day, with Robyn and Lloyd's daughter being an integral part of running the company and our passion for the ocean still being at the forefront of everything we do.
Quick Stats
When did you start Tasman Venture?
We started the business in 1990.
Where are you from:
Originally from Bunaloo, New South Wales, but we’ve called Hervey Bay home for over 30 years now.
Passions/Hobbies:
Outside of being out on the water, motor bikes and cars - Robyn loves having all the different cars that seem to end up in our garage! We also love to travel.
Fun fact:
Lloyd used to be a professional motocross racer!