Toowoomba businessman and former Phat Burgers co-owner Richard May-Steers opens Top End Tours

Toowoomba knows him as one half of a popular burger joint, but now the qualified tour guide has started an exciting new adventure.

Richard May-Steers is restarting his Top End Tours Australia business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A Toowoomba chef has gone from flipping burgers to offering private tours in some of Australia’s most remote and cherished locations.

Richard May-Steers has been touring the Australian outback since the early 2000s and now the qualified tour guide has started his own venture Top End Tours.

Designed for small groups, the adventure tour takes guests on a 10-seat 4WD bus to some of the most remote parts of Australia and without the stress inexperienced travellers may face.

Richard May-Steers is restarting his Top End Tours Australia business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr May-Steer’s passion for travel was passed down from his parents who used to take him on trips across the country when he was a child.

“I just really love the idea of getting off the beaten track, being out in the bush and cooking bush tucker on a fire,” he said.

“Showing people the special little places like the Kimberley, that are ours in Australia to explore, is what this is all about.”

Current options include 14-day Kimberley, 10-day Toowoomba to Kununurra and 22-day West to East tours among others.

Mr May-Steers said he also hoped to bring a piece of tourism back to the Darling Downs with plans to offer trips from Blackbutt to Withcott and up to the Bunya Mountains.

Richard May-Steers is restarting his Top End Tours Australia business. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The former co-owner of popular CBD eatery Phat Burgers has been searching for a new location with his business partner Al Wynn since the business closed late last year.

While they continue to operate their catering venture, the pair said the rebirth of Phat Burgers was still in the works.

“Phat Burgers is not dead,” Mr May-Steers said.

“Stay tuned because we are in the process of acquiring a commercial kitchen and hope to have that finalised very soon.”

Limited seats are still available to book on the Top End Tour bus for trips next month.

For more information visit topendtoursaustralia.com.au