Karla Pound
Expedition Leader
Karla’s passion for wildlife and outback Australia has taken her on some pretty wild adventures throughout her career. After studying zoology Karla worked as a zoo keeper for 5 years at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW central coast. At the zoo Karla specialised in exotic reptiles as well as arachnids, milking funnel web spiders for the lifesaving antivenin program. Karla then began to travel outback Australia and fell in love with the lifestyle and transitioned into tour guiding.
In 2012 Karla joined the team at Uluru Camel Tours taking guests through the sand dunes overlooking Kata-Tjuta and Uluru educating them on the native flora, fauna, Indigenous culture, and all things camel. She then moved to the Kimberley working as a Ranger at El Questro Wilderness Park which was her introduction to luxury guiding. Karla then relocated south to Kangaroo Island guiding for Southern Ocean Lodge. During her time in South Australia, she became a wildlife presenter working at Raptor Domain providing educational free flight presentations with orphaned or injured birds of prey including eagles, kites, falcons and owls.
Karla’s adventures continued moving to the tropical Whitsundays where she obtained her Coxwain skipper ticket, learning to drive boats on the Great Barrier Reef as well as running jet ski tours on Hayman Island. It was then a move back to the Northern Territory to drive airboats, working on a buffalo station for the luxury lodge Bamurru Plains, which to this day is Karla’s favourite spot in Australia. Karla then ran crocodile jumping tours on the Adelaide River, worked as a naturalist guide at the Berkeley River Lodge in the Kimberley and then onto running tours on Christmas Island for the red crab migration. Karla’s love of crocodiles brought her back to the Territory working for Matt Wright the “Outback Wrangler” out at Sweets lagoon, her days filled with airboats, helicopters, seaplanes, floodplain cruises and of course lots of crocs! It was here that her interest in helicopters was piqued which she then moved to the sunshine coast to study aviation, graduating as a commercial helicopter pilot and landing her first role as pilot taking guests on scenic flights over the Bungle Bungle in the Kimberley.
Karla has also volunteered in Borneo rehabilitating orphaned orangutans, in Thailand with rescued elephants, at Monkey Mia with dolphins and sea turtle rescue in Airlie Beach.
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labour and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” ― James A. Michener
I love this quote, it describes my life perfectly. I am so grateful to have such a passion for life, for adventure, for wildlife. And to be able to build a career around my passion, sharing my love of the natural world with people from all walks of life through Coral Expeditions.
Check out some of Karla’s videos
Happy International Women’s Day!
We are proud to celebrate the exceptional women within our company who make us as successful as we are. Whose dedication and passion have not only helped shape our company into what it is today but continue to grow their own personal success. Whether in the bridge, on the decks, in the galley, from the expedition team or in the office - we would like to wish you all a happy International Women`s Day 😊
Here are just some of the inspiring and motivational women of Coral Expeditions:
@melaniefaithfull, @karla_inthewild, Emily Fosbery, Dawn Singleton, Katherine Flanagan, Christina Schwartz, @cavycavanagh_wildlife, @neetagrace, Amber Howard, Naomi Theil
Happy International Women’s Day!
We are proud to celebrate the exceptional women within our company who make us as successful as we are. Whose dedication and passion have not only helped shape our company into what it is today but continue to grow their own personal success. Whether in the bridge, on the decks, in the galley, from the expedition team or in the office - we would like to wish you all a happy International Women`s Day 😊
Here are just some of the inspiring and motivational women of Coral Expeditions:
@melaniefaithfull, @karla_inthewild, Emily Fosbery, Dawn Singleton, Katherine Flanagan, Christina Schwartz, @cavycavanagh_wildlife, @neetagrace, Amber Howard, Naomi Theil
We pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time. Aboard our expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, join us as we embark on an adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. We explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay. Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist, and our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising.
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🎥 Expedition Leader Karla Pound
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
We pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time. Aboard our expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, join us as we embark on an adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. We explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay. Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist, and our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising.
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🎥 Expedition Leader Karla Pound
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
Sunset beach drinks 🥂
What a way to end the day!!
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Sunset beach drinks 🥂
What a way to end the day!!
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #cruise #expeditionleader #indigenous #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland #thetip
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #cruise #expeditionleader #indigenous #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland #thetip
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite.
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #thetip #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite.
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #thetip #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Thursday Island is traditionally the land of the Kaurareg Aboriginal people, located 30 kilometres form the northern tip of Cape York, Queensland.
Torres Strait Creole is the dominant language spoken by the Islanders, although English is also spoken.
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures merge in this region with their traditions being passed down from generation to generation. With open arms they invited us to come and learn about their sea-faring history, connection to the stars and land and their traditional hunting practices.
Their connection to land, passion for their culture and smiles are infectious!
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #thursdayisland #torresstrait #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland
Thursday Island is traditionally the land of the Kaurareg Aboriginal people, located 30 kilometres form the northern tip of Cape York, Queensland.
Torres Strait Creole is the dominant language spoken by the Islanders, although English is also spoken.
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures merge in this region with their traditions being passed down from generation to generation. With open arms they invited us to come and learn about their sea-faring history, connection to the stars and land and their traditional hunting practices.
Their connection to land, passion for their culture and smiles are infectious!
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #thursdayisland #torresstrait #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland
On our expeditions to the Kimberley region, we have the extraordinary opportunity to behold the natural phenomenon of the world’s largest inshore reef, Montgomery Reef. In a one-of-a-kind marine spectacle, the ocean recedes with a tidal flow anywhere from 4 to 10 metres to reveal a thriving flat top reef.
See birds hunting for the newly exposed lagoon for marine life in the rock pools and be entertained by green sea turtles exploring the shallow reef. Our expedition team will share their knowledge of the reef and wildlife. Native birds sighted here include Caspian Tern, Pied Cormorant and the uncommon White-winged Black Tern.
The Indigenous name for Montgomery Reef is Yowjab and the channel is named Wilyjaru by the Dambimangari people.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #reef #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #justanotherdayinwa #kimberleyaustralia #life_in_wa #kimberleycoast #thekimberleyaustralia
#westernaustraliauncovered #adventure #adventuretourism #explore
On our expeditions to the Kimberley region, we have the extraordinary opportunity to behold the natural phenomenon of the world’s largest inshore reef, Montgomery Reef. In a one-of-a-kind marine spectacle, the ocean recedes with a tidal flow anywhere from 4 to 10 metres to reveal a thriving flat top reef.
See birds hunting for the newly exposed lagoon for marine life in the rock pools and be entertained by green sea turtles exploring the shallow reef. Our expedition team will share their knowledge of the reef and wildlife. Native birds sighted here include Caspian Tern, Pied Cormorant and the uncommon White-winged Black Tern.
The Indigenous name for Montgomery Reef is Yowjab and the channel is named Wilyjaru by the Dambimangari people.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #reef #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #justanotherdayinwa #kimberleyaustralia #life_in_wa #kimberleycoast #thekimberleyaustralia
#westernaustraliauncovered #adventure #adventuretourism #explore
At Talbot Bay, witness Horizontal Falls, the falls unlike any other, where water rushes horizontally through two narrow gorges carved through the McLarty Range. This natural phenomenon is caused by strong tidal currents, creating a waterfall effect.
You’ll see enormous sandstone ridges showcasing geological colours and textures carved out by nature’s forces reflected in the pristine flowing waters. Ride a zodiac through the falls and feel the forceful water swirling around you. Soak in the picturesque scenery, knowing the rock structure is one of the most iconic and photographed views of the Kimberley region. Be on the lookout for wildlife including short-eared rock wallabies and sea eagles.
The Indigenous name for Horizontal Falls Marine Park is Lalang-garram, home to the Dambimangari people. The name Lalang-garram evokes the saltwater as a spiritual place of great natural abundance. The Indigenous name for Horizontal Falls is Garaangaddim. Even Sir David Attenborough referred to this place as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #horizontalwaterfalls #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #justanotherdayinwa #kimberleyaustralia #life_in_wa #kimberleycoast #thekimberleyaustralia
#westernaustraliauncovered #adventure #adventuretourism #explore
At Talbot Bay, witness Horizontal Falls, the falls unlike any other, where water rushes horizontally through two narrow gorges carved through the McLarty Range. This natural phenomenon is caused by strong tidal currents, creating a waterfall effect.
You’ll see enormous sandstone ridges showcasing geological colours and textures carved out by nature’s forces reflected in the pristine flowing waters. Ride a zodiac through the falls and feel the forceful water swirling around you. Soak in the picturesque scenery, knowing the rock structure is one of the most iconic and photographed views of the Kimberley region. Be on the lookout for wildlife including short-eared rock wallabies and sea eagles.
The Indigenous name for Horizontal Falls Marine Park is Lalang-garram, home to the Dambimangari people. The name Lalang-garram evokes the saltwater as a spiritual place of great natural abundance. The Indigenous name for Horizontal Falls is Garaangaddim. Even Sir David Attenborough referred to this place as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #horizontalwaterfalls #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #justanotherdayinwa #kimberleyaustralia #life_in_wa #kimberleycoast #thekimberleyaustralia
#westernaustraliauncovered #adventure #adventuretourism #explore