Right across Australia, eco-tourism experiences are gaining unprecedented popularity. More and more travellers are seeking out eco-friendy holidays and being inspired to make a difference. Below are some suggestions for a fabulous and eco-friendly holiday in Australia…
Stunning Wilson island on the Great Barrier Reef
Gourmet Traveller awards Queensland’s Wilson Island best eco-tourism experience
A stunning dot in the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island is raising its reputation as an eco experience not to be missed, having taken out the highly coveted accolade of Best Eco-Tourism Experience at the annual Gourmet Traveller Awards.
A pin-up for sustainable holidays, guests at the deluxe tented camp, which cater for a maximum of 12, share the remote coral cay with turtles and birds, and an ocean teeming with exotic sea life. To ensure the island’s natives are not impacted by tourism activity, for one month a year (late January to the end of February) Wilson Island is closed to humans so wedge-tailed shearwater mutton bird chicks can hatch in peace.
Once the mutton birds have hatched and taken to the sky, the islands human visitors return to the living conditions which are suitably eco-chic: solar-powered showers, designer tents and nature in all its glory.
Luxurious Wolgan Valley Resort helps even the greenest guest breathe easily!
Construction of the hotly anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort by Emirates Group in the heart of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is 85 per cent complete and as expected, has bespoke design and cultural eco initiatives to catch the sophisticated traveller’s attention.
The popular ecological theories of localisation are being employed at Wolgan Valley, with 25,000 native trees and plants being planted around the resort. They are also committed to a 100-mile radius food and beverage philosophy with regional, seasonal and where possible, organic produce. The bordering districts of Mudgee and Orange have a bountiful supply of delicious products such fruits, nuts, cheeses, olive oils, honeys and wines from passionate local producers.
In addition, the Resort is working with the local community of artists, potterers, craftsmen, furniture makers, blacksmiths and glass artists to add to the resorts aesthetics and provide stimulus to the local economy.
The wildlife haven of Wolgan Valley
Working with the University of Western Sydney on a biodiversity research study, Wolgan Valley is set to be one of the shining lights of the eco-tourism industry. The two year program has involved extensive site investigations, habitat assessment and vegetation surveys, ongoing monitoring of water quality and studies on wildlife species and the effects of creating feral-free environments through the use of feral-exclusion fencing.
Escape, rest and revitalise at the Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Retreat
Located in southern Tasmania, Harmony Hill is set on 42 acres atop a picturesque mountain in idyllic Margate, just 25 minutes drive from Hobart. Expected to open in late August, the $1.2 million Retreat offers a holistic health experience and will feature five spa treatment rooms and two double spa accommodation cottages.
Using solar energy, rain water collection and its own wetland to purify grey water and recycle it, the Retreat ensures there is minimal waste output. To complete the eco experience, the Retreat focuses on alternative therapies that offer a holistic health experience. In particular, all natural therapy techniques and treatments utilise 100% Australian Certified Organic Harmony Harvest products that are made on site by retreats owners.
The unspoilt landscape of Margate, Tasmania
Holiday to protect the Cobourg Peninsula in the NT
The Cobourg Peninsula – a world away from the busy city streets of metropolitan Australia – is located at the tip of the Northern Territory, forming part of the spectacular Arnhem Land wilderness area.
The area is well known for its strong Aboriginal culture, towering escarpments, wild coastline, savannah woodlands, wetlands and wildlife. Surrounding the local cultural and natural beauty is the crystal clear waters of the Peninsula that swarm with marine life, which while being distanced from bustling Australian cities, face their own unique issues.
The wilderness of the Coburg Peninsula
For holiday makers looking to give something back to the environment, the Naturewise Cobourg Peninsula experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in essential coastline and habitat regeneration projects. Working with conservation volunteers to assist the local coast care community, traveller’s can get hands on and participate in debris surveys and erosion control at various beach locations around the Peninsula.
Staying in authentic Aboriginal owned and operated accommodation at Wilgi Outstation, this five day conservation holiday is one not to be missed!
Eco view of giants of the deep
A day aboard the Perry family’s whale watching charter the Quick Cat II is an eco friendly, family affair. The Perry family, pioneers of the Hervey Bay whale watching industry, have partnered with Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort to develop a range of eco-accredited half day tours from Fraser Island to Platypus Bay – an area well know as a favourite of migratory whales.
Quick Cat II is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing guests to listen to the live underwater sounds of the male humpback composers and an underwater viewing camera, which beams images onto screens around the boat from August to October while the whales are in the area.
Whale watching is a fascinating experience for the whole family
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