28/05/2024
Today, we commemorate the day the world lost the adventurous spirit, strength and beauty of Sue Fear, the first Australian-born female to summit Mt Everest.
May 28 marks the 18th anniversary of her tragic passing during her descent from the summit of Mt Manaslu in Nepal. And while she lays in the abode of the gods on the mountain in her beloved Himalaya, there is not a day that she is not far from our hearts and thoughts.
Sue made a huge contribution to Australian mountaineering and paved the way for females in the sport, climbing five 8,000+ metre peaks.
She was an important member of the World Expeditions family for nearly two decades, leading treks around the world, including the Larapinta Trail. We called her ‘Fearless’ for the stoic and relentless passion she had to escape into the wilds to trek, ski and in later years, climb the big mountains.
In her honour, one of our eco campsites on the Larapinta trail, Camp Fearless, is aptly named after her.
We often hear from past travellers who regale their memories of Sue Fear from the trips she led in awe of her ardent interest in helping others to achieve their outdoor pursuits.
Sue was an incredibly accomplished mountaineer, an outstanding guide, a generous individual, an inspiration to young females and a dear friend to us at the World Expeditions family.
Rest in peace, Fearless, we miss you dearly.
Remembering Sue Fear, the first Australian-born female to summit Mt Everest, 1963-2006.