In Memory of Craig Fardell (1967-2025)
Tributes and messages for Craig Fardell, a long-term Wild contributor and incredible photographer who sadly passed away in June 2025.
(This tribute alongside his final photo essay originally featured in Wild #198, Summer 2025)
Craig Fardell, who contributed so many images to Wild over the years, found beauty everywhere, not just in grand landscapes but particularly in details and in natural rhythms and in geometries. Sadly, he passed away in June this year, but you can find one last photo essay showing a selection of his works in Wild #198. The following are the messages and tributes sent to Craig in the month before his death.
We want you to know that you are very special to all of us and we feel so privileged to have had your calming influence in our lives. Zoe is off to camp this week and knows she will be just fine doing the abseiling because you taught her so many years ago (she remembers). Brian will never forget that eventful Australia Day, relocating drunk campers to Barrington Reserve with your good cop routine, keeping everything calm and amicable (he still channels your advice whenever there is potential conflict). I think of you every time I cook a steak, remembering how you taught me to wait for the juices to rise to know it was cooked. We have so many good memories, sharing laughs and adventures with you guys, knowing that you had our backs when we were juggling a new family with business. We have always admired the life that you and Chrissy chose, following your passions and leaving a trail of kindness wherever you went.
Naomi Kilby, Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre
“Just wanted to say those days rafting with you were some of the best days of my life. It was made all the more special by meeting you and hanging with you. You taught me so much just by being you. I’ll treasure this ‘til it’s my time.”
Rob Hales
“I, like all of our shared friends, have always held you in high regard, mate. Your adventurous nature has been well balanced by your humble, cruisy and calm demeanour. One of those blokes that you only hear good things about. You have lived life well Caz. Your memory will be held fondly.”
Tony Broderick
“You have been a massive influence on me. I will be forever grateful for your kind words and guidance. I learnt an incredible amount from you, and continue to be inspired by how you chose to live and the adventures you have had along the way. Your love of the bush and appetite for adventure have always stood out even amongst my most adventurous and fun friends. I have nothing but fond memories of the time we spent in the bush together. I have nothing but deep gratitude for the care and counsel you have selflessly given to me over the years. I hope you know that I love you Caz, and that I think of you often. I am terribly sad that we are where we are, and hope you can make peace with this wonderful, crazy part of life that awaits us all one day. If there is an afterlife, I will look for your footsteps in a green valley somewhere, no doubt scoping out the next super cool mission.”
Toby Waters
“You’re an incredible human being, and without a doubt, the most respected person on the Nymbo.”
Former guide Mel Nesbitt
“Hey Caz, you legend—I often think of you regularly whenever I am in the bush exploring. Not surprisingly, your deep connected energy with Mother Earth and your stoke to see the best of her whenever you can is inspiring, and such a truthful and beautiful way to live. Full respect to you and keep the stoke going. PS, the last time I saw you, and you didn’t see me, was at Bonville on the old highway, you and Chrissy riding your fully packed bikes on Day 1 of your new adventure life. I saw your huge grin and glow from hundreds of metres away! Way to go, mate.”
Clayton Colmer
“Caz, I just want you to know that you have been one of the most influential people in my life. From you, I learnt raft guiding and leadership skills that I used throughout my life, including running the rafting company in Canada. Your simple-living, calm, unflappable approach to things is something I have tried to emulate and will continue to strive for.”
Brian Cork
“Caz, there are a few things I want you to know. Probably without even realising it, you’ve had such a positive impact on me. There are so many of my formative outdoor experiences where you were at the centre. Starting as a young whipper snapper from Dorrigo into the rafting business, I was so lucky to have you as someone to learn from and be shaped by. You’ve always been the solid riverman, calm under pressure with a genuine interest and knowledge of the river, nature, and the outdoors in general. You are the person you’d want to follow into Devils at 2m ( or have behind you if the shit hit the fan!). All the fun times we’ve had on the river, hanging out with the guides and all the shenanigans that came along with that – it was an awesome era of rafting that I’m so happy was a part of and got to share with you.
One trip that stands out for me among others was a 2-day trip with you at high water. The first day must have had other punters on a day trip, but the second day on the bottom section was a 1.5m. It was the smoothest trip and we ran everything, including left through liftover – I think it’s the only time I’ve ever done that and it’s always my yardstick to this day.
Then there’s all the other stuff like paddling out to Split Solitary, heading down to Welcome Reef for some of Dickies trips, walking into the chute, canyoning the local runs. So much fun in our backyard. I’ve always looked up to you, Cas, and admired your love of the outdoors, your sense of adventure, your photos, your skills as an outdoorsman, your personality, and sense of humour. The places you and Chrissy have been together and explored, captured, and written about are next level. I remember saying to you that Point Lookout is one of my favourite places in the world—the only thing it lacked was a waterfall … Of course, click into gear the Caz database of outdoor features and bang, “Yeah, if you just go down there, take the first left, go to you hit a creek, park there, walk down a bit, you’ll find a waterfall.” And of course we did.
Be certain, every time I look along the cliffs on that escarpment, I’ll wonder if Caz is tucked up on some little ledge somewhere for an overnighter.”
Pete Menzies
“I’m no wordsmith, and I push my feelings towards my feet rather than out of my mouth. I rode my fat bike past Split Solitary Island today. It was moody and raining. It reminded me of the times Caz and I paddled out to go snorkelling. Then it reminded me of paddling with Caz down Pine Creek several times. Then that reminded me of what a wonderful guide he was. Not in the rafting sense … I was thinking what a wonderful guide he was to me personally, right when I needed good older men around me. Colour me forever grateful. I can’t send enough love through these words, you’ll just have to trust me that it’s a lot.”
Chris Pulkkinen
“I have many fine memories of paddling, playing and partying in Coffs Harbour with my friend Caz. He even tried to get me to play soccer with him, but not being as fit as he made me almost pass out running around. A nicer, calmer person you could not find.”
Brett Timbs
“I bloody love ya. It was so great catching up with you and sharing a laugh at Christmas. I want to say thanks for being so amazing with me when I was a young, scared whipper snapper standing above a raging Elkhorn Passage or Boiling Devils 1 and 2, taking time to keep me calm and talk me through the lines!! I have been blown away by your stories of adventure and love that I have been able to share a couple with you. Bangalore was so fun … until it wasn’t!! Bloody slip and banged up leg!! I love that I get to look at your beautiful photos every day on my calendar and know that you are very loved.”
Sal Goode
