The Johnny H Story
If this is your first visit to us — welcome! My name is Scott Hirst and I am the founder of Pure Traveller and driving force behind Johnny H Adventures.
The concept for Johnny H Adventures was inspired by my grandfather’s brother, John Hirst (pictured).
Born in 1942, John had Down Syndrome. He enjoyed meeting new people and visiting new places, and enthusiastically recounted his adventures to all he met.
John lived during an era when independent travel was not considered suitable for the disabled. In a nod to John’s love of adventure — and with my grandmother’s blessing — we named our program after Johnny.
My father Bruce Hirst — Johnny H Owner and Tour Manager — shares his memories of Johnny HERE.
The Johnny H Program
Johnny H Adventures is offered by Pure Traveller — a family-owned and operated business, based primarily in Australia and supporting a global team in the US and New Zealand. Our team members have been travelling for more than 40 years and have more than 30 years’ experience working with people with disabilities.
The program offers a wide variety of social activities, day excursions, and short trips across Australian regions and cities, as well as international tours taking in New Zealand, Asia, Dubai, Europe, Hawaii and the USA.
Pure Traveller operates these specific services under the Johnny H banner. Families and carers are encouraged to check your eligibility for funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our friendly and knowledgeable team can also answer any questions you may have by calling 1300053001.
Unlike other disability travel agents, Pure Traveller’s Johnny H Adventures is dedicated to mild to moderately disabled travellers. As such, our tours are designed to closely resemble the experiences of mainstream travellers, with support that is specific to the needs of our participants.
Travel with Johnny H is not respite — it’s a first-class ticket to adventure, confidence, and connection.
Social inclusion and connection
Social skills and friendship
Money skills
Time management skills
Self-management skills
Enrichment and engagement
Openness to new environments and experiences
Management of one’s own belongings
Courtesy and respect for others
Tolerance and coping with conflict
Pure Traveller is a fully accredited Travel Agency and Tour Company which meets all legislative requirements at both state, federal and international levels. ABN: 27 158 560 206. We also support the NDIS and can assist with any queries you may have with regards to Plan Management.
The Johnny H Team
SCOTT HIRST
Pure Traveller Managing Director
10 years in travel industry
40+ years of travelling experience.
Loves travelling with his family, watching motor racing or fixing things around the house.
Learn more about Scott HERE.
BRUCE HIRST
Pure Traveller owner / Johnny H Tour Manager
Retired Nurse / Nurse Manager with 40 + years nursing and travelling experience.
When’s not travelling the world, Bruce is an active member of Probus and Toastmasters.
Learn more about Bruce HERE.
LYN HIRST
Johnny H Tour Manager
Retired Head Teacher, 40+ years teaching and travelling experience.
When Lyn’s not globetrotting, she enjoys embroidery and fundraising for the Country Women’s Association.
Learn more about Lyn HERE.
ASH BRAMMER
Community Area Manager – Sydney
I have 20+ years’ experience in the disability sector, supporting participants, parents and carers.
I understand the challenges and how rewarding it is when you’re supported by the right services.
I love photography and travel — the Italian city of Ostuni is a highlight!
LOUISE RICHARDS
Community Area Manager – Gold Coast
25 years working in community services.
Qualified youth worker and certified fitness instructor.
Travelled over 30 countries, including the Antarctic.
Hobbies include surfing, travel and fitness training.
HELEN STEVENS
Johnny H Tour Manager
Teacher, Special Needs, 40 years + teaching and travelling experience.
Besides travel and teaching, Helen also loves handicraft, including fine needle work and leatherwork.
Learn more about Helen HERE.
HAYLEY GORELY
Reservations Manager
Travel spans 30+ countries.
Highlight! For our 10-year wedding anniversary, my husband Ben and I took out kids to Banff, Canada where we met 16 years prior.
Loves being with family, friends, and camping adventures.
MAI SUDO
Destination Specialist (Japan)
Born in Tokyo, Mai has called Australia home for 10 years.
Tropical islands are her favourite destination, namely Bali and Cebu Island.
Loves spending time with her girls, surfing whenever she can and enjoying great food and wine. Cheers!
JANELLE ESTREICH
Marketing and Communications Manager
Travel journalism has allowed Janelle to visit 30+ countries.
Highlights include swimming with piranha in the Amazon jungle.
Loves being at the beach and finding new adventures with her three girls.
Susanne Hanns
Support Angel – Sydney
A lifetime of customer service including the aged care and mental health sectors.
Has visited six European countries, three Pacific Islands and Tasmania.
Highlights include the old villages of Germany, snorkelling Isle of Pines and climbing Cradle Mountain in Tassie.
Loves being outdoors with her family, reading and photography.
Liz Hanko
Support Angel – Sydney
Student Learning Support Officer, specialising in Special Needs. Certificate IV Education Support. Over 30 years’ experience in pharmacy.
Loves being with family and friends, meeting new people and new adventures — life is way too short to say no!
Fave travel designation is Italy and Islands in the South Pacific.
I find a real joy in being able to help people to become the best that they can be.
Linda Burns
Support Angel – Sydney
Aged care as Nursing Assistant for 13 years and 9 years as an Early Childhood Educator, including children with disabilities.
Certificate 4 Aged Care, Diploma in Early Childhood Education, First Aid including Asthma and Anaphylaxis.
Loves spending time with family, gardening and attending Speedway races.