Meet Elisha Donkin – The Adventurer Behind Beyond Wild Places

Writer, photographer, blogger, and full-time explorer—Elisha Donkin is always on the move, whether it’s out of a backpack or from the comfort of her van. With a deep passion for adventure, she has built a life around exploring and sharing her experiences, inspiring others to embrace the great outdoors. Through her blog, Beyond Wild Places, and social media, Elisha documents her hiking and travel experiences, proving that the world is best seen on foot.

Growing up in a travel-loving family, Elisha was introduced to the outdoors at a young age, but it wasn’t until her early 20s that hiking became an obsession. Her most memorable trek? Her first thru-hike—the Heysen Trail in 2022. And while she loves solo adventures, her dream destinations—Kyrgyzstan and Chile—are calling for her next big journey.

One of Elisha’s most breathtaking moments? Watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, a moment she wasn’t sure she’d make it to—but did. Her go-to trail food? Campers Pantry Cauliflower and Pea Dahl, of course. And after a long adventure, nothing beats a big, fresh salad… followed by an electrolyte drink (and maybe a glass of wine!).

No adventure is complete without her camera—even if it’s heavy and annoying to carry at times, the memories captured are always worth it. Lately, she’s been favoring trail runners over boots, adjusting her gear based on the trail ahead. And when it comes to unique travel moments, meeting a group of paragliders on Mt. Bogong led to an impromptu tandem flight off Mystic Mountain—proving that the best adventures are often unplanned.

When Elisha isn’t hiking or camping, she’s on the road, chasing the next adventure and sharing her experiences to inspire others. Follow along as she explores Beyond Wild Places:

🌏 Website: beyondwildplaces.com
📸 Instagram: @elishadonkin
📘 Facebook: Elisha Donkin
▶️ YouTube: @elishadonkin