G’day everyone, my names Matt and I’m a conservationist, hobbyist photographer and sport enthusiast. I’ve been lucky to visit so many places with my career and love soaking in locals’ knowledge and experiences. I’m drawn to natural landscapes and appreciate human made structures, ancient and modern. Always looking forward to meeting more people.

In August 2019, I resigned from my amazing job as a matchmaker for animals (https://amp.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/animal-matchmaker-responsible-for-pairing-up-cute-red-panda-couples/news-story/640c06cf267cdd5e473f7864ede3e42e) and took the big leap to travel the world with my partner. Both my career and thirst for travel has taken me to amazing places all over world (in 2019 I’ve already been to Egypt, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Greece, Macedonia and parts of Australia), but it was time to pack one backpack (7kg) to travel the world.

You’ll notice my profile photos are at all unusual angles (aside from the odd shameless selfie haha), that’s a because I’m usually the one behind the camera taking the photos. I really love trying to capture the overall vibe of a country, it’s people, nature and architecture. I downsized from a full frame DSLR to a mirrorless camera and haven’t regretted the switch (so much lighter for travel!)

Currently on a mission to follow the coast of Europe (Balkans, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal) and meet locals along the way. Look forward to meeting potential hosts!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To soak in locals knowledge and share my joy for travel with more people. The Couchsurfing community appears to be likeminded individuals who like travelling and want to help one another, which is amazing. I hope I can share a few stories or two (over a few beers or two) in exchange for a home and hosts.

Interests

• wildlife
• photography
• sports
• people
• conservation

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: From Beatles to Ray Charles, Queen to Queens of the Stoneage, Bowie to Flume. Love it all, and can’t go past local Aussie music (Triple J is my go too)

Movies: Star Wars and LOTR fan, Matrix series, Fight Club and anything Tarantino, yet appreciate the smaller indie films. Anything with a decent storyline!

Books: Definitely read more journal articles than books in my career, but the books I’ve enjoyed: Zoo Ethics, Subtle art of not giving a F***, The No Asshole Rule, Barefoot Investor, The Hobbit.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As a poor uni student, I managed to convince a local bank to sponsor me to travel to Africa to work at an animal orphanage to assist human-animal conflict and animal husbandry techniques. Despite getting knocked backed by companies and large banks, the success from this adventure taught me that it doesn’t hurt to ask, the worst case scenario is that they say no.

Teach, Learn, Share

Conservation, Photography and Sport are my hobbies - happy to provides insights into any of these areas and likewise learn from others on anything! Love being a sponge and soaking in locals knowledge. Even if I can’t do something, I’ll give it a crack!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A big smile and passion for life. I’d love to share a drink with my host and listen to one another’s stories. I’m happy to be as much or little involved in with the host and respect your home.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Croatia, Egypt, England, Fiji, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, Scotland, Slovenia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia