Monique Farmer // Founder of Women Want Adventure
Monique Farmer // Founder of Women Want Adventure
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the COLEDALE community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
My little family recently moved to Austinmer. We’ve always loved the outdoors, the bush, the ocean, and a strong sense of community and we wanted to live outside of Sydney while still being close enough to commute for work for my partner. The coastline has always felt familiar to me. I grew up at Woronora River and later studied at the University of Wollongong, spending years living locally, surfing along the South Coast and enjoying time outdoors. Now, with a young family of my own, it feels special to be back in this area. I wanted my daughter to grow up with that same connection to nature and sense of freedom that shaped my own childhood.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I started Women Want Adventure over 12 years ago. I’m a trained teacher in Outdoor Education and Physical Health Education, and I wanted to create something that made getting outdoors more accessible for women. I grew up immersed in nature, but I realised not everyone had those opportunities and as life gets busier, women are often the first to put themselves last.
Women Want Adventure now runs guided experiences ranging from day hikes and kayaking trips through to multi-day and international adventures. Over the years, I’ve taken women hiking in the Budawangs in Morton National Park, sea kayaking around Hinchinbrook Island, swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, trekking in Nepal, and even travelling to Antarctica. At its heart, the work is about creating supportive, well-run experiences that help women feel capable, connected, and confident outdoors.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
Balance is very much a work in progress!! With a young baby, things can feel full quickly, so I’ve become much more intentional about how I use my time and energy.
One small thing that helps is a quiet reminder I give myself when work feels overwhelming: “Monique, do your job” … It helps me cut through overthinking and focus on what actually needs doing. I work in focused blocks where I can, and I’ve set clearer parameters around when I do and don’t use my devices for work communication which has been genuinely game-changing.
Coming into WorkLife also helps create separation from home and puts me in a more focused
headspace. And when it’s time to be with family, I make a conscious effort to be present and step away from work.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
Women Want Adventure was in full swing when the bushfires swept through the South Coast and many national parks we operated in. That was followed closely by COVID, and then significant flooding. Suddenly, trips couldn’t run – parks were closed, roads were inaccessible, and safety risks were high. It was a challenging period, but also an important one. The community we’ve built was incredibly supportive, and it forced me to reflect on what kind of work is truly sustainable and meaningful. I gained clarity around which trips are worth running, how to build more flexibility into the business, and the value of being honest about how hard things can be. I don’t think we need to have everything figured out all the time- showing up as real and human has become an important part of how I lead and guide.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Unsurprisingly, many of my hobbies mirror my work. I love hiking, packrafting, canoeing and camping, while also spending as many moments in or on the ocean. My partner Elijah and I love remote, multi-day trips, and we’ve already taken our daughter on overnight hikes and canoe trips. These family adventures tend to be more challenging and remote than the trips I run for clients, which keeps them feeling special and grounding for us.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
I recently revisited On the Road by Jack Kerouac. It’s a reminder to notice the small moments, stay curious, and keep perspective — especially during busy or transitional seasons.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
Creating physical and mental separation helps. Working in a different space, like coming into WorkLife, makes a big difference. Clear time boundaries also matter. Having defined periods for work and switching off helps me stay present and avoid constant multitasking. Honestly, sometimes there are many moments of working on the kitchen bench while cooking dinner and multi-tasking. It’s doable when it has to be done, but I try to create the space when I can.
Design and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
One of the best decisions we’ve made in our home is building a gym. Sounds a little funny with how much we love the outdoors, however our family values health and movement so much. We invested in a commercial treadmill, which allows me to run early in the morning before the baby wakes and it’s become a simple but important ritual that clears my head and sets the tone for the day. Sometimes all I get is 5 minutes but it kicks me into a work headspace and a better “mum headspace” for the day.
I also love growing vegetables and am looking forward to spending more time gardening. It feels grounding and fits naturally with how we like to live.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
The people, first and foremost. Everyone is incredibly welcoming. The space itself feels fresh and thoughtfully designed, with artwork and details that make it calm and inspiring without feeling corporate. I’m still new here so I’m looking forward to meeting more lovely people here.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
I’d take them on the bush tracks behind Austinmer for a walk, or down to Bendalong for a surf. Both capture what I love most about the area — wild spaces, fresh air, and a slower pace.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
Two screens are a big help if you can manage them. I also break work into small, clear tasks and focus on completing one thing at a time. Movement is key for me. Getting outside every day, even briefly, helps reset my thinking and return to tasks with fresh perspective.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I originally came to WorkLife for focus and efficiency. Having a space outside the home where I could get some proper work done. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d value the sense of community. The people are welcoming, supportive, and generous with their time, which has made working remotely feel far less isolating.
I also love being so close to Earth Walker for good coffee and food, and having the option to step out for a quick walk or ocean dip. It’s a really easy place to work well and feel human. I’m looking forward to the months ahead and getting to know everyone a little more.
Check out the incredible trips that Monique has created here on her website
