The legacy of Paddy Pallin — Australia's pioneering outdoorsman and conservationist.
Paddy Pallin (1905–1991) was one of Australia's most beloved outdoor pioneers. Born in England, he emigrated to Australia as a young man and fell deeply in love with the Australian bush. His passion for the outdoors led him to establish Australia's most famous outdoor equipment store in 1930 — a business that has been equipping adventurers, bushwalkers and climbers ever since.
Paddy was not just a businessman. He was a passionate advocate for the Australian wilderness, a prolific writer, and a founding member of several conservation organisations. He believed that those who love and use the natural world bear a special responsibility to protect it for future generations.
The Paddy Pallin Foundation was established to carry forward Paddy's conservation legacy. Drawing on the community of outdoor enthusiasts, environmentalists and nature lovers that Paddy Pallin Pty Ltd had served for decades, the Foundation channels support into campaigns and research that protect Australia's most threatened ecosystems and species.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has supported campaigns across Australia — from protecting the Tarkine wilderness to funding bat research, from fighting invasive weeds to advocating for national parks.
The Foundation's history mirrors Australia's evolving conservation landscape. From early campaigns to create protected areas, to modern evidence-based approaches to ecosystem restoration, we have adapted our focus to meet the most pressing challenges facing Australian biodiversity.
Today we are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient, and governed by a dedicated management committee of passionate conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.