Category Archives: News

Once Again, GSTC Member Wins WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award 2019: St. Kitts’ Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) WTTC has announced the 2019 leaders in sustainable tourism at the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony. The Awards, which were presented at a special ceremony during the 19th WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain, […]

The post Once Again, GSTC Member Wins WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award 2019: St. Kitts’ Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) appeared first on Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

GSTC Member St. Kitts’ Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) Wins WTTC 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in the Destination Stewardship category Once Again, GSTC Member Wins WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award 2019: St. Kitts’ Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) WTTC has announced the 2019 leaders in sustainable tourism at the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow […]

The post GSTC Member St. Kitts’ Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) Wins WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award 2019 appeared first on Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Established in 2018, Eco River Rides has wasted no time in seeking to cement their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We are excited to welcome Eco River Rides to the Ecotourism Australia community and congratulate them on achieving Ecotourism Certification for their 3 hr Guided & Self-Guided Maroochy River and Wetlands Sanctuary Canoe Tour!

Situated on the Sunshine Coast in SE Qld, Eco River Rides provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to explore the Maroochy River and Wetlands Sanctuary at their own pace. Complete with an exploration boardwalk as well as an education & information centre, Eco River Rides focuses on allowing visitors to experience culture, history, and stunning natural environment of the Maroochy River and Wetlands Sanctuary and aim to foster sustainable attitudes and behaviour change among all their guests.

The crown jewel of Eco River Rides is their unique mode of transport. Guided and self-guided tours are conducted in solar-powered electric canoes that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings with no noise or interference from a loud motor. Equipped with water tight storage, these 20-foot-long capable crafts easily fit four people, can be operated with ease and keep personal items safe during tours.

Once again, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Eco River Rides and congratulate them on their achievement.

For more information about Eco River Rides, check out their listing on our Green Travel Guide.

All photos obtained from Eco River Rides’ website and Facebook page.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Yuraygir Walking Experiences and congratulate them on achieving Advanced Ecotourism certification on four of their tours!

Operating on the Northern New South Wales coast, Yuraygir Walking Experiences brings together their extensive local knowledge, passion and collective experience to provide visitors with the opportunity to walk, explore and learn about the 65 kilometres of undisturbed coastline that run the length of the Yuraygir National Park.

On their longest tour, the four-day King Tide Guided Tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the Yurangir coast, cross rivers and learn about the native wildlife and coastal conditions before ending the day with a hot shower and meal with new friends. On this tour, visitors can expect to experience the best of the coastal Yurangir region without having to worry about organising river crossings, accommodation or food as the tour includes all necessary logistic requirements and comforts including hot showers and amenities. Guests can enjoy the tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide who understands all relevant local conditions and can give unrivalled insight into the area, its history and its natural and cultural values. Now certified with Advanced ECO tourism certification you can experience the best of the Yuraygir National Park knowing that your in capable and sustainable hands.

If visitors don’t have time for a complete four-day trip, then other options are available, including a guided two-day highlights tour in either the Central or Northern Yuraygir region. These walks are a great way to experience some of the best features and highlights of the area with a knowledgeable guide with breakfast, lunch and dinners included, accommodation in Minnie Water or Wooli is self-arranged.

If guests are after a more adventurous experience, the Weekend Walk and Paddle tour is a great way to immerse themselves in nature with this combination walking and paddling tour. Balancing Adventure and relaxation the Weekend Walk and Paddle is a fully guided tour taking visitors on a two day and two night trip through the Yuraygir National Park. 

Yuraygir Walking Experiences cooperate with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service and with local Indigenous communities to ensure the benefits of tourism in the region are maximised and the negative impacts minimised.  The business also draws upon and utilises local expertise, produce and talent to offer a unique local ecotourism product offering high quality, personalised interpretive experiences of the natural and cultural values of Yuraygir National Park.

Ecotourism Australia would like to once again congratulate Yuraygir Walking Experiences on their development of sustainable ecotourism products and in achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification for their above mentioned tours.

For more information about Yuraygir Walking Experiences, visit our Green Travel Guide.

[All photos retrieved from Yuraygir Walking Experiences’ website or Facebook page]

Congratulations to Gilberton Outback Retreat on achieving Nature Tourism certification on their accommodation and tours. 

A day’s drive from Cairns, the Gilberton Outback Retreat is a step into the historic past of the Australian outback, hosting luxurious eco accommodation built onto a scenic mountainside with panoramic views of the Gilbert River and surrounding outback landscape.

Carbon neutral, solar powered and managing waste responsibly, with dedicated recycling policies, the retreat is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without losing the comforts of home or compromising on your own dedication to sustainability.

Initiatives to minimize impacts and educate visitors on local sustainability efforts and policy have led to the planned construction of the accommodation. Sourcing sustainable and recycled materials where possible, the construction of the Gilberton Outback Retreat’s accommodation was developed with low impact construction principals.

Featuring an unobstructed view of the Gilbert River and the stunning outback stars untouched by light pollution, this is the perfect place to experience breathtaking views of the Australian outback at all times of the year from the comfort of a luxury eco lodge. 

The retreat also encourages visitation during the wet season when the Gilbert river reaches its peak flow for a truly unique experience. Sourcing food and produce from local producers and a sustainable garden on site, the retreat is able to provide fresh Australian produce to its visitors.

Through the development of culturally relevant guided tours in protected areas, the Gilberton Outback Retreat aims to minimize impacts and educate visitors while showcasing the spirit of the outback through genuine and unique experiences.

The Gilberton Outback Retreat’s Guided tours utilize the natural beauty of the outback and the careful use of protected lands to provide direct natural encounters with many of the native animals unique to Australia. With a commitment to the cultures that share the Gilberton area, the Gilberton Outback Retreat is involved in continued initiatives to employ traditional custodians of the land and those with an affinity for country to best allow visitors a genuine understanding of the indigenous significance of the land and sacred sites.

Visitors are also invited to explore the family history of the Martel family who developed the cattle station and still run the operations to this day.

Alongside the development of the cattle station, the land was also a part of the Australian gold rush and features tours based around the exploration of significant gold rush areas and the history of Chinese workers who ventured out to the area in search of riches.  This offers visitors a chance to help rediscover the cultural history of Gilberton in the search for lost Chinese cemeteries using historical mapping and guided tours.

We are exited to welcome Gilberton Outback Retreat to Ecotourism Australia and congratulate them on achieving Nature Tourism Certification.

For more information about Gilberton Outback Retreat visit their website or Facebook page or check out our Green Travel Guide for more ECO Certified travel inspiration.

 [Photos from Gilberton Outback Retreat website and Facebook page]

If you’ve ever tried catching a Barramundi, you’ll know that it can be a bit of a challenge. Our newest Ecotourism Certified operator, Hook-A-Barra, makes it easy for aspiring anglers by offering sustainable catch and release Barramundi fishing from its pond, employing the help of expert staff to ensure young (and young-at-heart) visitors have the best possible fishing experience.

With no experience necessary and all equipment provided, Hook-a-Barra offers a great day out for visitors to Far North Queensland. Visitors can practice their lure and land techniques on farmed fish stock, and although caught fish can be purchased, visitors can rest assured knowing that they haven’t depleted Australia’s wild Barramundi stocks.

By allowing their Barramundi to grow naturally, under free-range conditions in large earthen ponds which replicate their natural habitat, Hook-A-Barra provides assurance that their Barramundi are of extremely high quality. Hook-A-Barra’s fish farm component of the business, Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Fish Farms, have won multiple awards for the quality of their Barramundi over the past 13 years and the goal of the farm is to alleviate pressure on native marine species and ecosystems through land-based sustainable fishing techniques.

Hook-A-Barra works hard to demonstrate and educate people about sustainable environmental business practices through running their business in such a way that it contributes positively to the natural environment, healthy lifestyles and sustainable farming practices within Australia. The business contributes to conservation, takes all efforts to minimise their environmental footprint, provides education on sustainable consumerism and agricultural practices and is actively involved in the local community, including through the #shoplocaldouglas campaign and by employing local tradespeople to minimise their carbon footprint.

Hook-A-Barra has also been established as an all abilities facility, with wheelchair access ramps, bathrooms and disabled access to fishing areas. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Daintree Rainforest, the grounds have ample space for BYO picnics and bird watching for those not wanting to cast a line, and a canteen selling hot and cold drinks and snacks, meaning no one need miss out on a fun day out.

For more information about Hook-A-Barra and its Ecotourism Certified Fishing Adventures, visit their website or Facebook page or check out our Green Travel Guide for more ECO Certified travel inspiration.

[Photos: Hook-A-Barra Facebook page]