Travel with Care in Thailand Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat acknowledged that sustainable tourism looks beyond economic benefits: “Thailand, which witnessed 38 million tourist arrivals last year and tourism revenue approaching 20% of GDP, has provided us with a more challenging job.” The tasks, he said, are to ensure fair distribution of […]
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Operating from Porongurup in Western Australia, Down Under Discoveries is a family owned tour company that offers a range of immersive tours and experiences within the Perth and Albany region. Their tours include hiking activities, photography, wine tasting, camel riding, sand boarding, snorkeling, caving and much more.
Down Under Discoveries now boast four certified eco tours, from full day tours through one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world to nature immersion experiences that aim to create connection, awareness and an understanding of nature and self. Certified tours include:
Prior to achieving ECO certification with Ecotourism Australia, Down Under Discoveries had already developed a commendable commitment to sustainability. The company has formed extensive partnerships with local sustainable suppliers, community and conservation groups to develop their tourism products and promote a sustainable industry and community.
Additionally, Down Under Discoveries engages in several sustainable initiatives such as measuring their carbon footprint, citizen science projects, the development of sustainable travel guidelines and a partnership with GreenFleet that sees $2 from every tour purchased go into carbon offsets, showing their continued commitment to sustainability and improvement as an ecotourism operator.
We are very happy to welcome Down Under Discoveries to the Ecotourism Australia community and congratulate them again on achieving Ecotourism Certification!
For more information on Down Under Discoveries, please visit them online:
Easter holidays; that little break from the daily grind where we get to breathe a little, indulge in sweet treats and get some quality family time. This all sounds very relaxing until we’ve accidentally indulged a little too hard and wound up shorter changed than we’d hoped. Alas! We have the answer. There are plenty of free and exciting activities we’ve found in your neck of the woods that will keep the kids entertained over the break.
Photo: Mt Barney Lodge
Situated in the stunning World Heritage listed Mt Barney Nation Park lies Mt Barney Lodge. Day visitors are welcome and encouraged to take in the spectacular views while participating in family activities. Nature Play is a free program that encourages the kids to get outside and explore by completing missions in their Nature Play ‘Passport to An Amazing Childhood’. Swimming and bushwalks are also easily accessible in the area and enjoyed by all ages. Visit the Mt Barney Lodge Kids Activity brochure for more information.
For something a little closer to Brisbane yet still day trip worthy, the Daisy Hill Regional Park is a great option! Both adults and children are given the opportunity to delve into the world of Australia’s most iconic animal, the koala. Highly recommended is a picnic underneath the gumtree surrounding the centre and the chance to spot a koala in the wild.
Meet Uncle Mark Flanders these holidays, a Gumbaynggirr Elder and Aboriginal roving ranger. Free of charge you will discover how the Gumbaynggirr People found resources for food, medicine and shelter in the rainforest and you may even get to hear a Dreamtime story or two. Situated between the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and the Glade picnic area, why not make a day of it?
Discovery Centre, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Photo: Rob Cleary
Delve even deeper into Aboriginal history with a visit to the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. The learning space has won numerous awards with its detailed and captivating Dreamtime stories. You may also like to explore the island with a local Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. Signage along the short island walk also makes for the perfect opportunity to take the family on a self-guided tour.
The perfect picnic situation; under the trees in the tranquil and historic environment of Wattle Park. Catch a band recital at the open-air band stand one afternoon these holidays for something a little different.
Make your Easter grocery shop a little more exciting and fresher with a visit to the markets! With over 250 stalls showcasing South Australia’s best local produce, crafts, food and entertainment, the Portsea Market is great for the whole family. Situated in the heart of Quarantine Station’s historic buildings, these markets are worth the visit for scenic value alone.
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Each month Parks South Australia select a ‘Park of the Month’ and invite the public to join in on a range of family-friendly events and activities. This month it’s Deep Creek Conservation Park. Keep an eye out for events along the likes of art in the park, guided walks, hiking and yoga and much more!
For the nature fix you crave, the Koala Talks at Yanchep National Park are ideal. You and your family will learn all about this animal at the daily talks on the koala boardwalk. You will also discove what you can do to help their environment.
Walkers in Purnululu National Park Photo: Colin Ingram
Western Australia is home to almost 18 million hectares of forests and woodlands so why not get amongst them these holidays? To optimise the natural beauty and have and have a fun filled day out, check out the Parks WA website for tree and forest adventures.
For the relaxing nature fix you crave this break why not head just out of Darwin to Berry Springs? Berry Springs is one of Darwin’s most beautiful parks to cool off in with natural swimming holes and well-equipped picnic areas. If you’re looking to make a day of it, one of Ecotourism Australia’s certified companies, Ethical Adventures, run a free charter between the springs and the popular, family friendly, Territory Wildlife Park.
Berry Spring Nature Park waterfall. Photo: NT.GOV.AU
Free, fun and nature filled. In partnership with ‘A Healthy Parks Healthy People Program’ the kids will love working through the missions in their Nature Play passport missions.
Within the Tasmanian World Heritage Area, 45 minutes from Launceston or Devonport, lies a salmon farm, ginseng nursery and natural wetlands on the one property of 41 Degrees South. Take the family on a self-guided tour around the grounds that will lead you along the base of Montana Falls. For something for the adults, free tastings are available and there is a fully licensed café if you’d like to stop for lunch.