Adventure Awaits: Balancing Family Life and the Great Outdoors

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‘In this interview, a passionate explorer Ben Dawson shares his journey from Sydney's beaches to the mountains of Canada and beyond. After a decade in the Royal Australian Navy, he settled in Newcastle, where he balances family responsibilities with his love for adventure. He emphasizes the importance of micro-adventures and the joy of sharing outdoor experiences with his children. By incorporating photography and storytelling, he inspires others to embrace nature and encourages busy parents to find moments of exploration, no matter how small.’

Background

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I was born and raised on Sydney’s Northern Beaches before moving to the southern Gold Coast as a teenager. Growing up, my life revolved around the ocean, with some of my earliest memories of weekends spent at the beach, learning to surf, exploring the rockpools at Dee Why Point, or snorkelling when the waves were flat. Relocating to Tweed Heads for high school opened up a whole new coastal playground. I spent every spare moment (and some when I should have been at school) surfing the points of the southern Gold Coast, spearfishing in the Tweed River mouth, and generally living outdoors.

I was never the strongest student. I found it hard to sit still and stay engaged in a classroom, something that I still struggle with today. With my dreams of becoming a professional surfer fading, I made the decision to join the Royal Australian Navy. That led to a ten-year career at sea, sparking a lifelong passion for travel and exploration.

I thrived on the adventure and the sense of being part of a high-performing team, but I also realised that the rigid structure and lack of creativity didn’t always align with who I am. Still, the Navy gave me incredible opportunities, lasting friendships, and memories I’ll always treasure. I am now proud of my service and that chapter in my life.

After leaving the Navy, I craved freedom and new experiences, which led me to Canada where I worked with the Vancouver Winter Olympics. That chapter introduced me to the mountains, an environment completely different from the ocean, but equally thrilling. Living in Canada sparked a love for the mountains, hiking and exploring nature. From there, I spent nine months travelling through South America with no fixed agenda. For the first time in my life, I had complete freedom. No rules, no deadlines, just exploration and connection with people from all walks of life. It was a transformative experience and installed in me a sense of being a bit of a rambling man.

Eventually, I returned to Australia and settled in Newcastle, a place I had always been drawn to for its natural beauty, laid-back feel, and vibrant wildlife. It turned out to be the best decision of my life, not just because of the location, but because I met my wife, a proud Novocastrian. We’ve built a life together here, raising two adventurous kids. Our kids are active and energetic, and Newcastle is an amazing place to raise a family.

How do you manage to balance your outdoor adventures with your responsibilities as a busy dad?

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The honest answer is… I don’t always balance it perfectly. I’m constantly seeking that ideal mix between family life, work, and my love for exploring. But over time, I’ve realised and accepted that perfect balance doesn’t really exist. What I’ve learned instead is to stop putting pressure on myself and to let life guide what’s most important in any given moment.

For example, I’ve reached a point where I’m okay with missing a perfect south swell if it means being on the sideline for my kid’s soccer final. I’ve had my fair share of incredible surfs, but there’s only one Under-8s final, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And the same goes for adventure, because it happens less often now, I find I appreciate it so much more. These days, I get just as much of a buzz from an overnight car camping trip or a short hike as I used to from longer expeditions. I don’t take any of it for granted.

I’ve fallen in love with the concept of micro-adventures. Time is a luxury I just don’t always have, so planning a pre-dawn hike to a favourite sunrise spot or sneaking away for a quick overnight trip feels like a real win. I see it as a challenge, how much adventure can I pack into the time I do have? That challenge keeps the spark alive.

One thing I really believe in is the idea that, as parents, we set the tone for our kids who are the next generation of explorers and adventurers. If they see us carving out time to chase what lights us up, hopefully they’ll grow up feeling empowered to do the same. So, instead of looking for reasons to say no, I try to find reasons to say yes. Get out there, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors however I can.

What role do your kids play in your outdoor explorations, and what are some of their favourite activities or trips with you?

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My kids love the outdoors. They’re super social, love their sport, and are both wildly competitive. They’re usually up for any kind of adventure, so long as it doesn’t clash with a game of soccer or basketball!

In the warmer months, we spend a lot of time exploring Port Stephens. Both of them are learning to surf, so finding a calm, tucked-away spot to catch some waves is always a win. Rockpool exploring is a regular favourite too, searching for fish and crabs never seems to get old. And we love visiting some of our go-to waterfall spots for a picnic lunch.

What’s been really cool is how much they’ve changed the way I see the outdoors. They don’t need a big, epic mission to be excited. They’ll be just as pumped sliding down sand dunes all morning or building a fort in the front yard with the neighbours. They’ve reminded me that adventure doesn’t have to mean going far or spending big, it’s about being present, being curious, and making the most of what’s around you.

These upcoming school holidays, we’re taking a family road trip around Tasmania. We’re doing an anti-clockwise loop and aiming to squeeze in as much exploring as we can. It’s our first proper long distance road trip as a family and we’ll be away for about 14 days. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot along the way, i.e. what works, what doesn’t, and probably a few lessons the hard way. Stay tuned for that one…. there’ll no doubt be some epic fails alongside the laughs and memories.

How did you get started with surfing, and what keeps that passion alive after more than 30 years?

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Surfing has always been a constant in my life, it’s the one thing I’ve always known. I’ve been surfing since around the same time I learned to walk. Coming from a humble background without much money, the beach was our playground, and we spent most of our time there as a family.

My relationship with surfing has been a complex love affair. As a kid and a teenager, I dreamed of nothing more than becoming a professional surfer. I was completely consumed by it. Every spare moment I had was spent in the water, getting better and striving to be the best. I was a full-blown surf rat, entering every local contest I could and chasing the dream. But the reality was, my ambitions were bigger than my abilities.

Over the years, as life evolved, so did my relationship with surfing. I no longer crave being the best surfer in the lineup—in fact, these days I’d much rather be the only surfer in the lineup. Now at this stage of my life, surfing is my reset button. It’s how I find balance when life feels out of sync. I’m happiest when I can find a quiet stretch of beach with average waves and just enjoy time in the water with one or two mates.

Nowadays, more and more, when the surf is pumping, you’ll find me behind the lens instead of on a board. I love capturing images of the younger generation doing their thing. There's something fulfilling about capturing a great surf photo and telling someone else’s story through my image.

Surfing will always have a place in my life. Even if I only manage a handful of sessions a year, I know I’ll always come back to it, because it’s part of who I am. It’s in my blood, and it still has my heart.

Can you share some of your favourite micro-adventures? What makes them special for you and your family?

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Since having kids, micro-adventures have been a revelation. I’ve developed a real appreciation for the value of getting outside and doing the things I love, without needing a huge time investment. Micro-adventures have become the key that’s unlocked that freedom for me.

Before kids, I used to think a hike wasn’t worth doing unless it was a gruelling 8-hour mission. These days, I love nothing more than getting up before sunrise, strapping on a head torch, and hitting a local trail for a couple of hours, then being home mid-morning to be present with the family. It’s been a real eye-opener, quite literally. I’ve learned so much more about my local trails just by exploring them solo in the dark, they feel like completely different places before the world wakes up.

We’re incredibly lucky to live where we do, with such a diverse range of landscapes and activities right on our doorstep. It makes it easy to squeeze in an adventure without needing to carve out a whole day.

For me, micro-adventures have reignited that spark. They’ve reminded me that adventure doesn’t need to be epic to be meaningful. I think my wife would agree, I’m a much happier person when I’ve had that time to reset. Whether it’s a morning hike or a dawn patrol surf, I come back more grounded, more present, and better equipped to show up as a husband and dad.

Sure, it’s not the same as conquering a multi-day trek or an overseas expedition, but the joy is still there. And when those big adventures do come around, I appreciate them so much more. Micro-adventures have kept that spirit alive in a sustainable way and that’s been a game-changer.

What inspired you to hike the Manaslu Circuit for your 40th birthday, and what were some of the highlights of that journey?

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Nepal has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of the Himalayas and the physical and mental challenge that comes with trekking there. When I turned 40 last year, the usual idea of a big birthday bash just didn’t excite me. I remember chatting with my wife and saying, half-jokingly, “Maybe I should just run off and go trekking in Nepal for my 40th.” Without hesitation, my amazing and supportive wife said, “Well, why don’t you?”

That was all the motivation I needed.

I dove into research, looking for a trek that was challenging, culturally rich, and less crowded than the big name trails like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. That’s when I came across the Manaslu Circuit. The more I read about it, the more I knew it was exactly what I was looking for, remote, raw, and authentic. A few mates caught wind of what I was planning and before long, they’d invited themselves along, which made the experience even more special.

The journey was, hands down, one of the best experiences of my life. Manaslu delivered everything I dreamed of and more. From thunderous waterfalls to nerve-wracking suspension bridges, remote villages, towering peaks, and even a few dodgy landslides thrown in for good measure. We had days in the high 30s, days of snow dumps, and pretty much every other weather condition Nepal could throw at us.

Even though I consider myself a fairly experienced hiker, with plenty of trekking in South America and a summer in the backcountry of British Columbia. Nepal absolutely humbled me.

Crossing Larkya Pass was one of the hardest days of my life. We’d had days of unseasonable snow leading up to it, and what should have been a 6–8 hour crossing turned into a brutal 16-hour day. At one point, we spent five hours trudging through waist-deep snow, moving at less than 100 metres an hour. But as tough as it was, we were the lucky ones as we’d made the call to delay our crossing by a day.

A group that went ahead as planned ended up stranded on the pass for 48 hours with no tents, no food, and a very harrowing experience. As it turns out, some of those trekkers live in Newcastle, and catching up with them over a beer really reinforced how close we came to a very different story.

Manaslu was everything I’d hoped for and so much more. It challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why I love adventure in the first place. That trek reignited something in me and left me hungry to keep exploring and pushing my limits. It was, without question, one of the greatest experiences of my life

How do you incorporate photography into your outdoor experiences, and what do you hope to convey through your images?

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I’ve always loved photos and media in general. I grew up in the surf magazine era, with glossy shots of waves and surfers taped across my bedroom walls. I loved how those images would unlock my imagination and transport me right into the moment. I pictured myself in those photos a million times.

Back then, I never imagined I’d ever be the one behind the camera. I always thought you needed expensive gear or professional training to be “a photographer.” But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to invest in a humble camera, and now I’m that guy on every adventure who stops every five minutes to take a photo or record a video.

Social media, despite all of its flaws, has actually been a fun thing for me. I know I’m not a world-class photographer, and honestly, I’m still learning every time I pick up my camera. But having a platform to share my images and stories has pushed me to grow, to explore more, and to get better.

I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. Whether it was performing in school drama productions, spinning yarns around the campfire, or later MCing events and public speaking in my professional life, I’ve always loved connecting with people and especially through stories. Photography has just become another way to do that, another way to capture a feeling, a moment, or a memory, and share it in a way that I enjoy and hopefully that may speak to others.

These days, whenever I’m out exploring, my camera is usually always with me. I’m drawn to the challenge of capturing a scene that says more than just “I was here”, I want to convey the mood, the action, the wildness, or the challenge of capturing a moment special.

More recently, this creative pull has even started to reshape my professional life. I’m currently in the process of transitioning into work that allows me to tap into that creative side more often. It’s not financially motivated at all, it’s about creating more freedom, chasing a better balance for my family, and making space for adventure while being able to be more creative and tell more stories.

Why do you think it’s important to share your adventures through platforms like We Are Explorers? What impact do you hope to have on others?

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To be 100% truthful, I’m not sure it is actually important for me to share my adventures…but I sure as hell love doing it. Why? Because every time I come back from an adventure, I feel fired up, inspired, and buzzing with energy. Sharing that stoke with others just feels natural.

To be honest, most of my friends and family are probably well and truly over hearing me ramble on about what I’ve been up to, so having the opportunity to share my stories through awesome independent platforms like We Are Explorers is such a cool experience. It blows my mind a bit to think that someone out there might be reading my words, looking at my photos, and hopefully feeling a bit of that same excitement.

I’ve under no illusions, I am no elite adventurer, I’m not out there conquering epic peaks or leading life-or-death expeditions. I’m just a pretty average bloke who’s addicted to the outdoors, mad about exploring, and head-over-heels in love with his family.

I’m not trying to be a social media influencer, I’ve got no clue how the algorithms work, I just love storytelling, and I am in a place in my life where I can actually invest some time into doing it.

If by me taking some time to share my adventures helps inspire even one other parent, or anyone, really, to get out there, explore, and reconnect with nature, well that is really cool. That’s not something I ever imagined I’d get the chance to do, and I’m super grateful for the opportunity.

Can you tell us more about the reel series you’re creating to document your Manaslu journey? What can viewers expect to see?

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I captured some incredible still images while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, shots that I’m planning to print and frame for my own collection. A few people who’ve seen them pop up on Instagram have even asked if I’d consider selling prints, which is flattering… but I’m still undecided on that front.

Alongside the photos, I also gathered a heap of short video clips during the trek. Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a mission to teach myself video editing, definitely a humbling process, but a really fun and creative one.

The plan is to use this footage to release a series of short Instagram reels, kind of like a daily vlog, each one around 60 to 90 seconds, giving a glimpse into what a 40th birthday adventure in Nepal really looks like. It’s not a polished or professional production by any means, but more of a personal passion project. Something to document the journey, preserve the memories, and eventually share with my kids when they’re old enough to roll their eyes at many dal bhats we ate.

If anyone does stumble across them online, please be kind, I hope they capture a bit of the magic, chaos, and awe of being in that incredible place.

What advice would you give to other busy parents who want to incorporate more outdoor activities into their lives?

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My biggest piece of advice? Don’t overthink it. Getting outdoors doesn’t have to be some big, planned production. It can be as simple as chucking a snorkel and fins in the beach bag and watching it turn into 15 minutes of unexpected magic.

I used to feel guilty taking time for myself to get outside and explore, it felt selfish. But I’ve come to realise that looking after my own adventurous spirit actually makes me a better partner and parent. Sometimes taking that time for yourself is exactly what sparks the next family adventure.

As parents, it’s easy to lose touch with the parts of ourselves that used to chase wild ideas and spontaneous plans, but I don’t think we should. That spark is part of who we are. It’s probably part of what made our partners fall in love with us. It shouldn’t vanish just because we’ve had kids.

If anything, having kids is the perfect reason to get out there more often. We’ve got a responsibility to pass that love for adventure on. Our kids are the next generation of explorers, and they’re watching us, learning how to connect with nature, how to embrace challenge, how to play outside and get muddy and be curious.

We won’t always get it right, and of course there’ll be times when life takes over. But if you can, say yes to the little adventures when they come knocking. Sometimes, it’s those small moments like skimming rocks at the lake, hiking a short trail, watching the stars that become the ones our kids remember forever.

*Photo taken by* Britt Millen photography

If you had to recommend one outdoor location or adventure for families in Australia, what would it be and why?

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I’m a huge sucker for the North Coast of NSW. It’s honestly one of the most incredible parts of the country. You’ve got everything from the lush waterfalls of Dorrigo to the stunning beaches of the Coffs Coast, and so many hidden gems in between. It’s the kind of place that feels like it was made for families.

The climate is spot on for most of the year, and there’s an abundance of wildlife, national parks, rivers, and wide-open spaces that invite you to slow down and explore. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to mix a bit of comfort with a sense of adventure. There are amazing regional towns scattered along the way where you can grab a good coffee, restock supplies, and still feel like you’re off the beaten track.

For families just starting out with young kids, the local caravan parks are absolute gold with modern cabins, splash parks, playgrounds, and plenty of friendly faces. And if you’re keen to push the comfort zone a bit, there are some epic bush camping spots tucked away near beaches, rivers, and in the hinterland that let you really embrace the outdoors.

It’s a place that’s got something for every type of family, and the kind of trip that we love doing with our kids.