CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARCH ECO CERTIFIED OPERATORS
It takes dedication and passion to pave the way for a sustainable future. By beginning their ECO Certification journey, tourism operators can ensure they are putting in place effective and ethical sustainability practices for the longevity of their operation and the conservation of the natural environment. Here are the tourism operators who completed their criteria and achieved certification in March 2022!
Waitawhile Daintree (Kuku-Yalanji Country/Cow Bay, QLD)
Photo credit: Waitawhile Daintree
Joining the Ecotourism Australia family is Waitawhile Daintree who recently achieved Ecotourism certification for their eco-retreat accommodation. Situated in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, Waitawhile Daintree invites guests to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest at their pet-friendly, environmentally responsible property. The retreat's magnesium mineral pool helps to relieve stress and anxiety, detoxify the body, reduce aches and pains and encourage sleep, and is popular amongst guests.
Waitawhile Daintree is committed to an eco-philosophy and is dedicated to protecting and nurturing the surrounding ecosystem. Each self-contained room has energy efficient roof fans and large windows and doors to maximise ventilation and airflow for year-round comfort as well as water-saving showerheads. The business became fully solar-powered in 2021 and all light fittings and appliances are energy efficient. In an effort to tackle climate change, Waitawhile Daintree monitors its carbon emissions and has undertaken a native replanting initiative to ensure each guest’s stay is carbon neutral.
Discover more about Waitawhile Daintree here.
Overland Oz (Larrakia Country/Ludmilla, NT)
Photo credit: Overland Oz
Newly Ecotourism and ROC certified, Overland Oz provides educational safaris of the Australian Outback. Overland Oz provides outdoor education, including hiking and kayaking, camping experiences and tours connecting visitors to the local Indigenous places, people and stories. With a dominant focus on school groups, they offer a variety of opportunities such as learning traditional art styles or participation in community service projects in partnership with Traditional Land Owners and Elders within Kakadu National Park.
Sustainable tourism is at the heart of Overland Oz’s operations and they are committed to upholding pro-environmental behaviours, for example, correct disposal of waste, not straying from bushland tracks, watching wildlife from a distance and discouraging the use of products, creams and aerosols for their harmful chemicals where possible. Through their community service projects, Overland Oz and their guests have planted over 200 trees of 52 species, implemented strategic irrigation of the plants, and taught local community members to maintain the gardens.
Follow their Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with their journey.
Navigate Expeditions (Various, NSW)
Image: Navigate Expeditions
Navigate Expeditions have achieved ECO certified Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Business certification for their collection of immersive environmental tours. Their tours are run on the NSW South Coast and include activities such as hiking in the Mimosa Rocks, Bournda and Ben Boyd National Parks or kayaking the Bega, Bermagui, Merimbula and Pambula rivers. Their multi or single day all-inclusive tours cater to small groups and can be customised to include gourmet food, wellness, art, photography, birdwatching, and accessible activities.
Navigate Expeditions is conscious of their impact on the climate and monitor their emissions monthly and assess these annually to reduce and offset their impact. Eco-friendly practices such as using electric vehicles, setting aside land on the Sapphire Coast for conservation, utilising local products and human resources, and planting trees for each multi-day tour guest are central to their philosophy. They also ensure they work with suppliers that share their ethos and have carbon offsetting programs. Visitor education is a major priority for Navigate Expeditions, and staff attend conferences and training to keep informed of environmental legislation, technology and information as well as passing their knowledge of climate change on to their guests.
Discover their range of tours and sustainability initiatives.
Congratulations to our members who have grown their suite of certifications!
- Fitzroy Island Adventures (Gimuy/Cairns, QLD) – Advanced Ecotourism certified and Climate Action Business certified
- Reef Magic Cruises (Gimuy/Cairns, QLD) – Respecting Our Culture certified
- Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge (Purnululu National Park, WA)
Cover photo: Reef Magic Tours