WHERE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Kylie Bell is a Tasmanian author, photographer, designer and tourism entrepreneur, widely recognised for her innovation in sustainable tourism, creative design and entrepreneurship. Born and raised on a farm near Forth in Northern Tasmania, she developed a deep connection to the landscape from an early age — a connection that continues to shape her work in tourism, photography and writing. 

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In 2017, Kylie co-founded Wagonhaus, Australia’s third and Tasmania’s first tiny-house-on-wheels building company. The venture quickly captured media attention for its innovative, off-grid and design-led approach, positioning her at the forefront of the tiny house movement. Building on this success, she launched Compass Hut, Tasmania’s first council-approved tiny house accommodation. Compass Hut further cemented her reputation as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and design, earning statewide and national recognition. 

Kylie has been featured in more than 50 media publications, including Lonely Planet, Qantas Travel Insider, Tourism Australia, Architecture & Design, Delicious, Channel Ten, Make It Tasmania, and more. She was also spotlighted as a host on Glamping Hub’s global platform, showcasing Tasmania to international audiences. 

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Her leadership extends across the Tasmanian tourism industry. She founded the Mersey Valley Tourism Group, bringing together the Devonport, Latrobe and Sheffield municipalities to strengthen regional collaboration, and  served on the Devonport Chamber of Commerce board, where she chaired the tourism subcommittee. She was named the 2021 Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever, received an Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) scholarship for governance and industry leadership, and continues to be a leading voice for sustainable tourism practices and design. 

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Kylie’s foundations in design trace back to her degree in Architecture and Environmental Design, where she earned a place on the Dean’s Roll of Excellence. Alongside architecture, she has a lifelong background in the arts — particularly landscape painting and sculpture — and has always been passionate about blending creativity with environmental awareness. As a student ambassador to Japan during her studies, she explored themes of architecture and conservation and met with UNESCO representatives, an experience that later influenced her writing on Tasmania’s own World Heritage sites in her debut book. 

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Her debut book, 50 Incredible Destinations in Northern Tasmania, brings together her love of travel, photography, design and storytelling while celebrating the region she grew up in and continues to champion. It also marks the launch of her new creative brand, Lost Oar, expanding her work in Tasmanian storytelling and visual media.