Our keynote speakers bring three powerful and distinctly Australian perspectives to the World Trails Conference 2026. Kicking off the program, a respected Western Australian Indigenous leader will share insights that set the tone for the conference—sparking conversation, inspiring reflection, and guiding discussions across connection, culture, and conservation. Complementing this, an extreme explorer will take us on a journey of resilience, discovery, and the power of collaboration and teamwork. And to close the event, an adventurous filmmaker will remind us the integral role that trails play in the joy and wonder of being outdoors.
Together, their stories and experiences will challenge, inspire, and frame the conversations that shape the future of trails.
James Castrission
Crossing the Ice is a highly inspiring and stimulating talk, packed with practical insights on the power of collaboration and teamwork and the mindset needed for succeeding when navigating highly volatile environments.
In 100 years of polar exploration, no one had ever walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without any support. Many had tried. None had succeeded—not until Cas and his partner made history by completing the longest unsupported polar journey. They defied the odds, turning an audacious goal into reality through grit and teamwork.
Embark on an extraordinary journey with James Castrission. As a record-breaking explorer and former Deloitte management consultant, he understands what it takes to succeed in both worlds—offering unique insights and proven strategies. Cas seamlessly blends adventure with motivation, delivering a truly unforgettable presentation.
Jayden Boundry
Jayden is a proud Wadjak, Balardong, Yued, Wilman Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji man with strong family connections across the South West of Western Australia. A natural storyteller, traditional dancer and accomplished didgeridoo player, he has performed both nationally and internationally, including collaborations with orchestras and major public events.
Jayden is a qualified Noongar language teacher and published author of Noongar Boodja Waangkan and Boodja Barna, with a strong focus on sharing language and culture. Through his organisation Mirliny and his business Ngalak Nidja (“We are here”), Jayden delivers Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, cultural workshops, language and storytelling sessions, and tailored cultural consultancy, all guided by Elders and grounded in the sharing of Noongar knowledge and cultural practice.
His work also extends into the creative industries as a voiceover artist, narrator and emerging actor, most recently starring in his debut role in the 2026 Stan Original Film Whale Shark Jack.
Beau Miles
Dr Beau Miles is an Australian adventurer, filmmaker, author, who has a PhD in Adventure Education and is known for his offbeat candour, authentic insight and willingness to do ordinary things in a less than ordinary way. Fuelled by curiosity, Beau dives into big adventures and tiny backyard experiments with the same energy. His book, “The Backyard Adventurer”, captures that spirit – offering a quirky, thoughtful look at life, the world and the adventures waiting just outside your door.
Beau is best known for his adventures, which he films and posts to his YouTube channel. These challenges have included walking 90 kilometres to Monash University from his home in Jindivick, exclusively eating beans for 40 days, and running a marathon at a pace of roughly one mile every hour over a 24-hour period, and planting a tree every minute for 24 hours straight, creating a small forest of 1,400 trees and shrubs on a patch of paddock in West Gippsland.
Beau recently released “Bad River: Running the oldest river on Earth” a film documenting his 100km journey on the Finke River in Central Australia.
