From Patagonia to Batemans Bay, RegionX brings adventure to the NSW South Coast

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Who would have thought a successful kayaking tour business on the south coast of NSW would have its origins in the backwaters of the Patagonian Andes in Chile. After years running high-end river expeditions for other companies, Josh and Kate Waterson were welcomed with the amazing news their little duo was going to grow by one. This caused a rethink of their plans and a move back to the Batemans Bay. From that RegionX was created. Today the business has grown to be one of the most successful tour operations on the NSW south coast. Josh, who holds a Ba Appl Sci, Tourism Management; took time out to answer some questions about RegionX and his thoughts on the current climate.

Glassy waters of Batemans Bay kayaking with RegionX

How did you come up with the name RegionX?

We spent quite a while in Chile working in adventure tourism. The provinces in Chile are numbered 1–12 in roman numerals from North to South. We guided experienced kayakers on the best and most challenging rivers in the tenth region of Chile, called “Region X”. The name stuck.

And how long have you been operating RegionX?

13 years.

Josh, how long have you been in the adventure tourism industry?

23 years.

Multi-day hiking tours with RegionX

What do you like most about your role at RegionX?

It keeps me active, thinking and working in a playground that has given me so much amazement over the years.

Which tour do you enjoy the most?

I love our longer experiences, such as our overnight walking or kayaking trips on the south coast NSW. They give our guide team and our guests the opportunity to relax, get to know each other and get to know more about the area they are immersed in. We have also been able to develop relationships with guests post-tour and encourage a welcoming environment for repeat visitation. I also love to get out on long trips by myself or with my family.

Do you have a funny or interesting story that’ happened on a tour?

When a journalist acted out his time with the Bonobo Chimps deep in Rwanda… we had him reenacting in our camp kitchen!

One day kayaking tours on the South Coast with RegionX

What keeps you fit, happy & healthy?

I have three active daughters so they keep me fit and active trying to outdo them! As I write this at 9 am, I have just come back from a walk before dawn up the coast with my wetsuit and board to surf some waves in Murramarang National Park.

What drove you to start or manage an adventure tour business?

Desire to share what I love.

When Australia is up and running again after the COVID-19 Pandemic, what do you think we will have learnt from this experience?

How fragile civilian movement is, and freedom of travel can be taken away from us.

Lastly, what’s the first thing you’ll do after the pandemic is over?

Defiantly celebrate with our first booked guests!

Kayaking at Depot Beach with RegionX

Thanks, Josh for allow sharing your story today.

If you want to follow RegionX check out their Instagram page… @region_x

To find out more about some of their current tours offered in Break Loose… Click here… RegionX

3 responses to “From Patagonia to Batemans Bay, RegionX brings adventure to the NSW South Coast”

  1. I am in the process of buying a sea kayak and would like to know whether you will be giving lessons in sea kayaking.

    Reply

  2. oops forgot to let you know that I am interested in sea kayak lessons in the Batemans Bay/Guerilla Bay area in the south coast

    Reply

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