Congratulations to Rottnest Island Authority!
Congratulations to Rottnest Island Authority for achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification for their accommodation, camping, and tours!
Rottnest Island is situated just off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, and is the host of Ecotourism Australia's 2015 Global Eco Conference. It was named Western Australia’s top major tourist attraction at the 2014 WA Tourism Awards. The A-Class reserve is home to the Quokka, an adorable, small marsupial, as well as an array of marine life and breath taking scenery. The island is also rich with heritage, including Aboriginal, European, colonial, maritime, military, recreational and social history.
A selection of accommodation options are available on the island, ranging from budget; bungalows, cabins, dormitories, chalets and the hostel, to premium rates; ocean views, heritage and chalet options. Rottnest Island also offer camping facilities for those wishing to experience the authentic nature experience. The campground consists of 43 non-powered sand covered sites, newly constructed ablution blocks (with wheelchair access) and a camp kitchen with barbecue facilities.
Getting around the island is simple with the jump on/jump off Explorer Bus service, complete with informative commentary of the heritage significance of the island and local attractions, including favourite beaches, bays and things to see, or discover the island up closer and get active at the same time with the bike hire, available from Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper. Another way to get around and take in the scenery is to follow the Wadjemup Walking Trail, a network of almost 50kms of trails, where you’ll definitely meet some of the local Quokkas along the way! The Wadjemup Walking Trail is also a major recreation and conservation initiative that connects you with the beautiful natural features, abundance of wildlife and rich cultural history that the Island has to offer. There are five main sections of the trail, with three sections currently open to the public.
Rottnest Island has a strong commitement to maintaining a sustainable power, gas and water supply and minimising environmental impacts including greenhouse gas emissions. Their renewable energy technologies are ever improving, and the Island's own wind turbine produces around 30% of the Island's power needs. Along with their desalination plant, the Island's reliance on rainfall dependant water supplies has greatly reduced. Together, these facilities save approximately 430 000 litres of diesel per year and reduce greenhouse gases by around 1100 tons per year. Rottnest Island has also implemented a commendable Waste Management Strategy, and strong policies for recycling and reuse, and The Rottnest Island Environmental Team also manage the Rottnest Island Nursery, whose purpose is to propagate plants with island provenance to be used in the reforestation program.They also hosts Green Army projects through Conservation WA. Read more about the Island's efforts in sustainability here.
To find out more about Rottnest Island Authority, please visit their website.