Dean’s Why

Dean Choma has always been passionate about bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories. His mission? To be the reason others smile, laugh, and connect through shared experiences. Driven by a simple yet powerful idea—to deliver fun in a unique and memorable way—Dean envisioned doing it through buses. While he wasn’t sure exactly how at first, he knew one thing for certain: he wanted to be remembered for making people happy and delivering moments they’d never forget.

Dean’s Story – Where the Fun Began

In 1989, Dean Choma kicked off what would become a legendary journey in bringing people together for unforgettable experiences. It all started with Dean’s Pub and Club Tours, and the very first event was called The Outback Party—inspired by a painting designed by his mum.

Dean didn’t own a bus back then, so he hired one, stuck his mum’s hand-painted sign on the side, and hit the road. Armed with a big vision and a stack of homemade business cards and flyers, Dean was on a mission to deliver fun in a way no one else was doing.

The Outback Party concept began as a camping tour across the countryside—complete with hired tents, a bus, and an adventurous spirit. It wasn’t long before Dean started tailoring his tours around major events and festivals, turning his passion into a movement.

From Country B&S Balls to the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival, Dean’s tours became a must-do experience. For a decade straight, he also ran trips to the East Coast Blues Festival, giving countless people memories that still make them smile today.

A Wild Ride Across the Globe – 1993

In 1993, Dean took his adventurous spirit overseas, heading to America on a bold new mission—selling Aboriginal artifacts like kangaroo balls and opals to party-loving crowds. His charm, storytelling, and authentic Aussie flair made waves across the U.S., and Dean quickly built lasting relationships with people who later traveled to Australia to join his unforgettable Outback tours.

During this journey, something deeply meaningful happened. In the heart of a desert, inside a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, a Native American elder named Chief Many Fingers honored Dean with a powerful name: “Distant Messenger from a Far Southern Land.” It was a moment that deeply resonated with Dean and affirmed his role as a connector of people, cultures, and experiences—no matter where in the world he was.

1994 – A Crossroads in the Outback

By 1994, The Outback Party had gained serious momentum, especially among the backpacker crowd. It was during this time that Dean was approached by a vibrant and charismatic character named John Anderson, who was looking for the right person to take over his established outback tours business.

Intrigued, Dean took the reins and ran Ando’s Outback Tours for the next 12 months. The tours were immersive—12 days and nights across the rugged Australian bush, with a two-day break in Sydney. It was an epic adventure, and Dean saw firsthand the deep affection the outback community had for John—his name, his face, and the legacy he had built.

Despite the success, Dean knew in his heart that he couldn’t replicate the unique magic John brought to the brand. Rather than take over someone else’s vision, Dean chose to stay true to his own path, turning down the offer to buy the business. He returned his full focus to building his own tours—centered around fun, connection, and staying closer to Sydney, where his roots and energy felt most aligned.

1996 – Gearing Up for Greatness

In 1996, everything changed. When Sydney was announced as the host city for the upcoming Olympics, Dean saw the opportunity of a lifetime—and he got serious.

Knowing that the global spotlight would soon shine on Australia, Dean began strengthening the structure of his tour business. He introduced a Tour Guide Training Program, designed to raise the standard of service and ensure every Pubtrek experience was not only fun but also professional and unforgettable.

Dean also became a master of storytelling through imagery. He began taking hundreds of photos on his tours, capturing the joy, landscapes, and energy of each adventure. These photos became a key part of his presence at weekend day markets, where he’d set up a stall, meet potential guests face-to-face, and show them exactly what a Pubtrek tour looked and felt like.

It was a time of growth, refinement, and preparation—and Dean was ready to show the world what Aussie fun really looked like.

1998 – The Rise of the City Club Hopper

By 1998, demand for Dean’s tours was exploding. The City Club Hopper was born out of pure necessity—people were pressing Dean to take the party into the heart of Sydney. Although navigating buses through the city streets wasn’t ideal, Dean listened to the market and made it happen.

While Happy Daze owned the daytime scene, the hens and bucks party market was heating up fast at night. Dean split his operations between day and night, with buses rolling out for scenic daytime tours and then returning to the depot to be scrubbed down and prepped for high-energy night tours.

With double shifts, a growing team of staff and tour guides, and 10 buses operating across the city, things got hectic. But for Dean, this wasn’t work—it was a lifestyle. He thrived on the buzz, the movement, the chaos, and the joy of watching people have the time of their lives.

As Pubtrek dove deeper into Sydney’s nightlife, Dean forged relationships with iconic venues like Bourbon & Beefsteak, showgirl clubs, and nightclubs across the city. Every location offered something different, and Dean curated custom packages to suit every kind of celebration—from wild party nights to themed events.

It wasn’t just a tour anymore—it was an experience, a movement, a moment people would remember forever.

1999–2001 – Recognition & Awards

In 1999, as Dean was deep in the fast-paced world of tours, parties, and pub adventures, something unexpected happened. A lawyer named Jarod Lover tapped him on the shoulder with a suggestion that would change everything: “You should enter the business awards.”

At first, Dean wasn’t sure—it wasn’t exactly his scene. But with Jarod’s encouragement and help preparing the submission, Dean stepped into the spotlight.

That year, Dean took home the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year, a massive achievement that acknowledged not just his creativity, but also his resilience, work ethic, and vision.

Then in 2001, the recognition continued—Dean’s company won Best Tourism Business of the Year, solidifying Pubtrek’s place as a leader in the Australian tourism and entertainment space.

For Dean, the awards weren’t just trophies—they were a nod to the passion, chaos, hard work, and love he poured into creating unforgettable experiences for thousands of people across the country.

New Year’s Eve 1999 – Party Like It’s Y2K

As the world held its breath on the final night of 1999, fearing the chaos of the Y2K bug and the potential collapse of technology, Dean did what he does best—he threw a party.

He gathered his entire crew—bus drivers, tour guides, office staff, and friends—for an epic celebration at the Pubtrek bus yard. With music blasting, laughter in the air, and no shortage of good vibes, they welcomed the new millennium with pure joy and Aussie energy.

As midnight struck and the lights stayed on, the computers kept humming, and the buses didn’t turn into pumpkins, a cheer erupted through the yard. They’d made it through the night—together, still alive, and still ready to party.

It was more than just a New Year’s Eve party. It was a moment of unity, gratitude, and a wild celebration of life, marking the end of a massive decade—and the beginning of a new one.

2002–2004 – From Party Tours to Global Vision

In 2002, Dean’s years of groundwork caught the attention of the Department of Regional Development, who approached him with an opportunity—a government grant for tourism marketing.

With guidance and encouragement, Dean submitted a proposal and began working with Peter Layne, a seasoned marketer. Together, they dove deep into research, identifying what the international tourism market was craving from Sydney. Through this process, one thing became clear: they needed a cohesive brand identity—and the word “TREK” was going to be the heartbeat of it all.

That’s when they discovered Austrek Tours, a once-successful company that had recently gone bankrupt. Dean saw opportunity where others saw loss—and he bought the brand. He redesigned the logo and launched a fresh new version of the company with a corporate look and global appeal.
And so, Austrek Tours was reborn—this time, as a serious player in the international tourism scene.
Dean aligned the brand with emerging travel trends that emphasized authentic cultural experiences, especially those connected to Aboriginal and First Nations culture. From that vision came a new suite of offerings:

• Winetrek – showcasing local vineyards and gourmet experiences
• Abtrek – focused on Aboriginal cultural tours
• Kidstrek – fun, safe adventures for younger travelers and families

While the vision was bold, Dean quickly discovered that working with First Nations communities came with deep cultural protocols. Many groups were only willing to work with him if their tribe was the exclusive cultural voice on the tour. Out of respect, and unwilling to compromise cultural integrity, Dean pulled back and began to reshape his offering again—with his usual adaptability and respect.

This chapter wasn’t just about business growth. It was about listening, learning, and creating something meaningful and sustainable for future travelers.

2006–2007 – A New Venture: Fast Lane Karting

By 2006, Dean’s focus had expanded. The hens and bucks party market had exploded, and while he was still running tours and events, he wanted to create something more stable—a permanent home for his party-goers.

That’s when he discovered Fastlane Karting, an exciting venue for thrill-seekers. Dean saw the potential in combining adrenaline-fueled fun with his existing event services, so he bought the business and transformed it into a perfect destination for hens, bucks, and corporate events.

Under Dean’s ownership, Fastlane Karting became a go-to venue where guests could race go-karts, enjoy the fun atmosphere, and celebrate milestones in an exciting, active environment. It was the perfect complement to his existing tour businesses, giving his clients a one-stop shop for party fun.

2008–2009 – Expansion, Competition & Coming Home

By 2008, the Pubtrek fleet was thriving. Dean added more buses, each one with its own character and flair, catering to a growing demand for unforgettable tours, parties, and events.

As Pubtrek’s success grew, so did the competition. A new player entered the scene—Sydney Party Bus, run by a bloke named Michael, who brought a whole new vibe to party transport. His buses had dance poles, karaoke machines, smoke effects, and even cigarette machines—offering a wild, charter-style experience. But his model was different from Dean’s. Where Michael focused on just getting people from A to B, Dean was all about creating an experience.

Instead of battling it out, Dean did what he does best—he bought the competition. The acquisition expanded his reach, diversified his offerings, and cemented his place as Sydney’s king of party tours.

Around this time, life also took a personal turn.

Dean found himself living the high life in Point Piper, next door to the likes of Nicole Kidman and Aussie John Symond. Life was good. But something inside him longed for the simplicity and roots of his early days.

He made a bold move—leaving the city behind, he bought 5 acres of land in rural Leppington, not far from where he grew up and where his parents still lived. He completed an Owner Builder Certificate and built his own home from the ground up—a personal project that brought him peace, purpose, and pride.

It was also during this time that Dean met Sonja, who would later become his wife (and eventually his ex-wife), marking the beginning of a new chapter in both life and love.

2011–2012 – Love, Legacy & a New Beginning

On a very symbolic evening—11pm on the 11th of November, 2011—Dean marked a major life moment. The final concrete slab had just been laid on his outdoor yard at the property he built with his own hands. To celebrate, he gathered 150 of his closest friends and family for what they thought was a housewarming.

But Dean had a surprise in store.

That night, under the stars and surrounded by the people he loved most, he announced his engagement to Sonja—a moment of joy, celebration, and heartfelt connection.

The following year, in 2012, their greatest adventure yet arrived: the birth of their daughter, Marni. Becoming a father brought a whole new dimension to Dean’s life. His energy, once entirely focused on building businesses and experiences for others, now had a deeper purpose—creating a legacy for his family.

2013–2015 – Racing Community & Midweek Legends

By 2013, Fast Lane Karting was more than just a venue—it was turning into a community hub for speed lovers of all ages.

Dean launched Wednesday Night Race Nights, giving everyday drivers the chance to unleash their inner racer midweek. What started as a fun initiative quickly gained momentum, with locals returning week after week. To this day, Steven and Brett—two loyal racers—still show up for what’s now known as Masters Night.

It all began with the KKK (Kids Karting Klub), an early racing program designed to get kids behind the wheel in a safe, exciting way. As interest grew, Dean evolved it into the Junior Race League by 2016, creating a pathway for young drivers to develop their skills and confidence into motor sports.

These racing nights weren’t just about competition—they became a place for connection, camaraderie, and building friendships that lasted well beyond the track.

2017 – Fastlane Goes National

In 2017, Fastlane Karting shifted gears and hit the national circuit with the launch of the Sydney Hirehart Roadtrip to Fastlane—a bold and exciting initiative that brought racers together from across the country.

The idea? Race Sydney’s best against top drivers from Victoria and Queensland in the National Hire Kart Challenge.

Dean turned Fastlane into the battleground for interstate pride, adrenaline-fueled competition, and a whole lot of fun. The road trip wasn’t just about racing—it was about community, rivalry, and showcasing the talent and passion of everyday drivers on a national stage.

It was a proud moment for Dean, putting Fastlane Karting on the map as not just a local favourite, but a serious player in Australia’s hire kart scene.

2019 – Building Brotherhood on the Track

In 2019, Dean launched a powerful new concept: the Men’s Business Trade Event—an exclusive karting experience designed specifically for the construction and trades industry.

This wasn’t your average race day. It was a high-energy, no-suits, hands-dirty kind of event where builders, sparkies, plumbers, and tradies could blow off steam, network, and bond over their shared passion for speed and competition.

Held at Fastlane Karting, the event brought together the toughest crews from across Sydney for a night of racing, rivalry, and real connection.

Dean saw it as more than just a race—it was about recognising the hardworking men behind Australia’s infrastructure, giving them a space to connect, celebrate their craft, and enjoy some well-earned fun.

2019 – Deano Docko is Born

In 2019, Dean took a bold new step—he turned the camera on himself and launched Deano Docko on YouTube.

What started as a simple idea—to document his journey, thoughts, and lessons from decades of wild adventures and business experiences—quickly evolved into a platform for authentic storytelling, inspiration, and connection.

Through Deano Docko, Dean shared behind-the-scenes moments, life reflections, and insights into what it means to live with passion, take risks, and keep chasing fun—no matter your age or stage of life.

It wasn’t about going viral. It was about being real, and giving people something to think about, laugh about, or learn from.