Imagine descending into a 2.2-billion-year-old canyon, abseiling past waterfalls, and finishing your day with delicious vegan food in the wild. This is vegan canyoning in Australia, Spacechameleon-style.
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we chat with Sven Borg, founder of Spacechameleon Adventure Co, about adventure travel in Western Australia, safety, and what it’s really like to explore Karijini National Park.
From Desk Job to Canyon Guide: Sven’s Mid-Life Pivot
Sven didn’t grow up climbing cliffs or canyoning. In fact, he started later in life.
At age 35, he took a course in outdoor education in the Blue Mountains. That one decision changed everything. He worked his way through the industry, gaining experience and qualifications, before starting his own company in 2014.
The turning point? A safety incident he witnessed while working for another operator. That moment pushed him to create a business built on strong safety standards and responsibility.
Today, Sven is the CEO, Lead Guide, and Instructor at Spacechameleon Adventure Co, leading a team passionate about people, nature, and doing things the right way.
What is Canyoning? Navigating WA’s Ancient Waterways
Canyoning is all about moving through landscapes shaped by water over millions (or billions!) of years.
In Western Australia, this means:
- Walking through deep gorges
- Abseiling down rock walls
- Sliding through natural water channels
- Floating through narrow canyon pools
Karijini is famous for its gorges, which are also called canyons. While the names differ, the experience is the same: exploring stunning, water-carved landscapes.
What makes Sven’s tours special?
They include restricted access canyons that most visitors will never see. Spacechameleon is the only operator allowed in these areas.
Safety First: Why Training & Standards Matter in Adventure
Adventure can feel scary—but when done properly, it’s very safe.
Sven is a nationally recognized training provider with years of experience. His qualifications include:
- Diploma in Outdoor Recreation
- Certifications in canyoning, climbing, and rescue
- Remote area first aid
- Lifeguard and safety training
He believes that good training and proper equipment remove most of the risk.
As Sven explains, once you are safely attached to a rope system, canyoning can actually be safer than many everyday activities like driving or cycling.
Karijini National Park: 2.2 Billion Years in the Making
Karijini National Park is one of Australia’s most incredible natural places.
Located about 1,400 km north of Perth, it sits in the Pilbara region. While the area is known for mining, Karijini is a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Some rocks are 2.2 billion years old
- Deep red gorges and clear pools
- Waterfalls, cliffs, and dramatic landscapes
A typical multi-day tour includes:
- 6 days of activity
- A mix of easier and more challenging canyons
- Small groups (usually max 10 people)
It’s remote, wild, and unforgettable.
The Vegan Challenge: Gourmet Meals in the Remote Outback
Providing vegan food in remote areas isn’t always easy—but Sven makes it work.
While not every trip can be 100% vegan due to external accommodation providers, there are always vegan options available. And when possible, Sven goes even further.
Scratch-Made Cheese & Bread: Elevating Camp Cuisine
Sven’s team believes vegan food should be exciting, not boring.
They create:
- Vegan cheeses from scratch
- Fresh breads and crackers
- Delicious snacks and treats
This shows travelers that vegan food can be rich, creative, and satisfying—even in the middle of the outback.
Navigating Third-Party Accommodation Menus
Some meals are provided by partners like Eco Retreat, which limits full control over menus.
However:
- Vegan options are available
- Requests can often improve offerings
- The experience is still very vegan-friendly
It’s about balancing reality with intention—and still delivering a great experience.
Who Comes Canyoning? Demographics & Surprising Trends
Sven shared something surprising about his guests.
Most travelers are:
- Women
- Aged 45 to 60
- From Australia
Why?
Sven believes women are often more open to trying new experiences and booking trips.
It’s a reminder that adventure travel is for everyone—and you’re never too old to try something new.
Dreams Beyond WA: Tasmania & the Future of Spacechameleon
Looking ahead, Sven hopes to expand beyond Western Australia.
His goals include:
- Running trips in Tasmania
- Possibly expanding internationally
But growth comes with challenges:
- Maintaining safety standards
- Trusting partners
- Managing insurance and licensing
For Sven, quality always comes first.
Meet Sven Borg
Sven Borg is the CEO, Lead Guide, and Instructor at Spacechameleon Adventure Co.
He has extensive experience in:
- Canyoning
- Abseiling
- Climbing
- Bushwalking and canoeing
He holds a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation and multiple safety certifications, including remote area first aid and lifeguard training.
Sven is also passionate about protecting the environment and aims to minimize impact by “leaving only footprints and taking only memories.”
Ready for Vegan Canyoning in Australia?
If this episode inspired you, you can learn more or book your adventure here:
👉 https://www.spacechameleonadventureco.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacechameleon/
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacechameleon
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spacechameleonadventureco9220
Closing Thought
Sven’s story shows that adventure isn’t just about facing fears—it’s about building a life that lets you explore and share the world in a meaningful way.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- What canyoning is and why it’s such a fun adventure activity
- Why Karijini National Park is one of Australia’s most special hidden gems
- How Sven turned a mid-life career change into an exciting outdoor business
- Why safety, training, and proper equipment are so important in adventure travel
- What it’s like to enjoy vegan-friendly food in a remote place like the outback
- Who typically joins these trips—and why more women are leading the way in adventure travel
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