Bio
Meet Simon
Simon Thornalley is the founder and Managing Director of Saltwater Eco Tours, a leading Indigenous tourism company based in Mooloolaba on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country. Saltwater was launched in 2019, the company offers unique cultural and educational experiences aboard a beautifully restored, 1908 heritage-listed sailing vessel, a Joshua Slocum Spray replica- personally brought back to life and certified for commercial use by Simon.
Born and raised on Kabi Kabi Country, Simon is a proud descendant of the Kaurareg and Tjungundji peoples of North Queensland and the Torres Strait. Growing up on a timber missionary boat from Thursday Island, his life has always been deeply connected to sea country, a connection that continues to guide his journey.
Simon is a passionate advocate for sustainability, Indigenous culture, and environmental stewardship. His life and work reflect a deep respect for Country and a commitment to protecting the diverse marine and coastal ecosystems of the Sunshine Coast. In 2015, he volunteered with Sea Shepherd as part of their international crew in Japan for the Taiji Dolphin Campaign; a direct-action initiative aimed at exposing and stopping the annual dolphin hunts in Taiji. Working alongside activists from around the world, Simon helped document and raise awareness of these controversial practices, contributing to global efforts for marine conservation and animal rights.
He has also sailed and worked in Antarctica, collaborating with scientists and wildlife photographers to observe and document the pristine marine environment of the Southern Ocean. These experiences have deepened his understanding of the fragility of our planet’s ecosystems and further fuelled his dedication to ocean conservation.
Simon has always built his lifestyle around the ocean - drawing strength, knowledge, and purpose from saltwater living. Through Saltwater Eco Tours, he is not only preserving cultural stories and traditional knowledge but also creating space for Indigenous voices in tourism. He remains committed to leading by example, expanding opportunities for community, and forging a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.
