WITH adventure and nature in her blood, moving to Tamborine Mountain from Rathdowney a year ago was a dream come true for Tatiana Reuillier.
“We (Tatiana and her partner Tobin) spent years saving up to make it happen. I used to come up just for coffee to the Polish Place to enjoy the views and ever-changing weather,” she shared.
“I wake up to the sound of the whip bird and I’m slowly getting to know the community. It’s been an absolute pleasure.”
Fourteen years ago Tatiana moved to Australia from the South of France and after travelling extensively landed in Queensland where it instantly felt like home.
Tatiana runs Arcadia Women Adventure company specialising in nature events from hikes to canoeing and rafting as well as adventures further afield such as escorting women on treks through the European Alps.
“I love to see women creating connections on the trips,” she said.
Commencing on April 23 on Wednesday mornings Tatiana will be running community walks around the mountain as part of the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Healthy and Active Program, which will be open to everyone.
“It will allow people to get to know their neighbours and share stories,” she said.
“The natural world has an ability to nurture and balance you and regulate your nervous system. It brings peace and moves the body mindfully.”
Growing up in the French countryside, connected to nature, creating a business to bring people into nature was second nature to her.
“I learned to rely on nature in my life and it has got me through a lot and it’s free,” Tatiana said.
“I grew up with only my father and never had a mother figure. He wasn’t reckless, but he wasn’t as nurturing, so I was in nature a lot and it was my teacher.”
“If I’m not feeling well, I will go for a walk, and I can guarantee I will feel better.”
Travelling is also her passion.
“The trans alp expedition was mind blowing. We laughed and cried. We were sore every day but a good sore,” she revealed.
“It’s important to challenge ourselves and test our boundaries and it’s my life purpose to create awareness around this.”
She said adventuring has traditionally been a male dominated area where women have tended to be left out, but she likes to help women break into nature adventures.
“Some women initially don’t feel confident to get out or safe enough. I like to think I’m just opening a door to allow them to explore more. Some have had a family and dedicated themselves to that and their career and are ready to now look after themselves,” Tatiana said.
“They come for a community hike and end up on expeditions. I see an incredible transformation within the female community.”
Of course, being French, food is also close to Tatiana’s heart, and she said the quality of the food available on the mountain that is locally grown and the care for the land is similar to France.
“I love eating out and all the tables out on Main Street gives it a very European vibe,” she said.
Tatiana is looking forward to being involved with local groups like Landcare and during the upcoming Tamborine Mountain Edible Garden Trail she will run a cycling tour through Peddly Picnics taking people from each of the open gardens.
