Ep134 Christina Carter, Gumnut Trails

Christina Carter is the author, illustrator, and founder of Gumnut Trails—a unique collection of Outdoor Adventure Guides that help families rediscover the joy of exploring nature together.

In this episode, we dive into how Christina’s own nature-rich childhood inspired her to create the “Lonely Planet of childhood adventures”—starting with four beautifully illustrated Guides across Melbourne.

Each Adventure Guide transforms an ‘ordinary’ walk into an immersive experience using storytelling, creative missions, and joyful illustrations. Designed to be interactive, screen-free, and deeply local, Gumnut Trails helps families connect with the natural spaces around them in fun, meaningful ways.

Every guide is built around the history, features, and hidden stories of each location. Months of on-the-ground exploring, researching, writing, and illustrating go into each one—making them more than just ready-made adventures, but true works of art.

What began as one parent’s mission to capture the magic of a childhood spent outdoors is now a growing movement.

So how did it all come together—and what’s next for Gumnut Trails? Let’s find out.

Website: www.gumnuttrails.com.au
Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gumnut_trails/

Short bio

Christina Carter is the author, illustrator, and founder of Gumnut Trails—a collection of hand-illustrated, story-led Outdoor Adventure Guides based in Melbourne. Inspired by her own nature-filled childhood, Christina set out to create the “Lonely Planet of childhood adventures.” Each guide transforms local walks into immersive experiences with creative missions, storytelling, and joyful artwork. In this episode, we explore how Gumnut Trails began, why it's resonating with families, and what’s next for this growing movement.