Lindsay Handrickan’s best life
Monarto Safari Park tour host Lindsay Handrickan is living out her dream job of guiding visitors through the park’s wide open African-inspired plains which are home to dazzles of zebras, pods of hippos and crashes of rhinos.
Best day of your life?
I was in the Swiss Alps with my husband, standing on green grass with snow-capped hills and the sun shining down. There were cows, goats, ducks and birds. It felt like the entire day was just built around nature, animals and slowing down. I didn’t have to be anywhere. No timeframe, no rush. Just stillness and time to breathe, reflect and take it all in. Now, every time I’m out in Wild Africa on safari, I get glimpses of that same sense of stillness and connection. Even though I’m working, there are moments when I look out across the plains or spot something unexpected, and it takes me right back to that day. I hope the guests leave with that same feeling.
What brings you joy?
When I am fully in the moment, whether I am out in nature, with animals, or just sharing time with someone I care about, that is when I feel most alive. Being around the people I love – my friends and family, who I admire and enjoy spending time with. Being around animals – watching them, playing with them and learning about their behaviour. It makes me feel present. I feel my happiest when I am in nature. It is the driver of everything. We are all part of it, and when I’m surrounded by it, I feel grounded. Seeing the way light hits a landscape when I am on safari, or the way colour shows up in nature.
Best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is not to sweat the small stuff and to practise patience. This has helped me more than anything else in life. My grandfather was the one who taught me that. He did not just say it, he showed it. Now, every time I feel myself losing patience, I think about him, take a breath and remind myself to keep going.
Most treasured photograph?
For a long time, I never thought I looked like my mum. But in this photo, I see her in me. I did not notice it until after she passed, about six years ago. She is young in the photo, and it makes me think about when I was the same age – everything I wanted to do and become. She always pushed me to be strong, to be exactly who I wanted to be, and never apologise for it. She valued education, but she also taught me to care deeply—for family, for the environment, and for animals. And most of all, she was the kindest person I have ever known. I carry what she gave me with pride.
Best meal you’ve ever eaten?
It is not really about the food but the experience and the people you share it with. My mind goes to being quarantined in Tasmania during the very first days of Covid. We were quarantined in a hotel, and for nearly 48 hours, no one realised we were not being fed. Eventually, we received a food hamper from the Salvation Army. We threw whatever ingredients we had together and made a meal. That was amazing.
So when I think of the best meal I have ever had, I’m brought back to these memories. Not because of what was on the plate, but because of the love and care behind it. The kindness, the surprise, and the feeling of being seen and looked after during a strange, isolated time.
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Best qualities of your favourite person?
It has to be my husband, Rick. Rick is a mindful listener. He always finds a way to work things out, and he never gives up. He is softspoken, kind, and genuine. He looks out for everyone in the family and has a big heart. He is also hilarious and keeps me entertained. And yes, he is handsome too. He has so much love for animals, and that matters to me. He is thoughtful, intelligent and always there when I need him.
Best 5 songs on your playlist?
Coming from Memphis, Tennessee, music has always played a huge role in my life.
1. Chris Stapleton’s When the Stars Come Out always pulls me into a quiet headspace. It feels like release.
2. Another Chris Stapleton song, What Are You Listening To reminds me of home, with its nod to the Memphis blues.
3. Ashley McBryde’s A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega makes me feel like I am on a road trip with nowhere to be.
4. Taj Mahal’s Fishing Blues has a rhythm that makes me smile every time because it reminds me of backpacking and camping in nature when I was younger.
5. Ghost by Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall . It feels like it was recorded around a campfire.
Best purchase?
Tickets to go cage diving in Port Lincoln with great white sharks. I had always wanted to do it, and my husband surprised me with the trip. We bought two tickets and made an adventure out of it. It turns out, the sharks particularly like AC/DC. Every time they played one of their songs, the sharks showed up. I’ll never forget it.
