Viewing entries posted in June 2019
AN IMMERSIVE ISLAND EXPERIENCE
Yura! David Thelander of Straddie Kingfisher Tours tells us this is one of his favourite Indigenous words. It means welcome, and it originates from the local community of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island). Welcome is exactly how Dave (commonly known as Barefoot Dave by the locals) aims for all of his guests to feel when they step foot onto the beautiful, culturally rich and nature abundant island of Minjerribah. Straddie Kingfisher Tours is an Indigenous-owned company that has set out to not only showcase the copious amounts of wildlife residing on the island but also to provide a uniquely authentic Indigenous immersive experience.
SHOULD WE FEEL GUILTY ABOUT FLYING?
Whilst it may be the newest phase of a global trend toward more ethical consumerism, the flight shaming movement poses an interesting challenge to Australia’s ecotourism industry.
WELCOME TO THE INNAMINCKA HOTEL
Resting on the border of South Australia and Queensland, you will find a surprising outback oasis.
AN HONOURABLE MISSION
Passion is contagious and the team at Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours’ passion is second to none. This team oozes positivity, a love for what they do, but most of all a deep pride in their roots. Wajaana Yaam is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated. This not only provides direct employment for local community members but also creates an authentic experience for the guests who participate in their stand-up paddle board tours and walks.
BEST ECO EXPERIENCES FOR A RAINY DAY
They say those who think only sunshine brings happiness have never danced in the rain… or checked Ecotourism Australia’s Green Travel Guide! We’ve compiled our top picks the best rainy-day ECO experiences. Whether you’re going stir crazy with the kids or just looking to optimise on the quaint, peaceful weather, check these out!
THE USE OF SILENCE TO HELP PRESERVE A CULTURE
When we think about learning a language, it would go a little something like; memorising, playing with the words and phrases in your mouth and then attempting to reproduce the sounds and noises in a similar fashion. The crew at 1770 LARC! Tours, however, have a different approach when it comes to educating their guests about the local Indigenous culture and languages. The team believe an important way for guests to grasp the area’s heritage and cultural significance lies in silence.
THE HUMBLE JOURNEY
You don’t just book The Frames for somewhere to lay your head, you book for the experience. Upon the peaceful banks of the Murray River in South Australia, you will find The Frames; a completely unique luxury accommodation experience. Often described as the perfect escape, The Frames offers beautiful architecture accompanied by an array of experiences; from flavour safaris to distillery visits, gondola cruises, massages and walking tours. The Frames has recently been recognised for their exceptional service within the industry and entered the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for Self-Contained Accommodation. This is an incredible achievement for a business with such humble roots.
INDIGENOUS TOURISM: BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages, and to celebrate, we’re delving into the world of Indigenous tourism and how this can support the preservation of cultures and languages. Whether or not you’ve already read our introductory piece on this topic, we thought we’d set the scene by sharing some best practice examples of successful Indigenous tourism projects from around the world. We’ll then be sharing some of our favourite Indigenous ecotourism stories from our own backyard through the Ecotourism: Celebrating Language and Culture series. For more information on any of the below projects, check out their websites.
A-Z OF EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT HOUSEHOLD SWAPS
Have you ever wanted to make a difference but not known where to start? You’re not alone. Thankfully, making a change through your everyday consumption, to reduce your impact and help the environment, is easier than you think. To give you some inspiration, we’ve created this quick A-Z reference guide on simple swaps that you can easily make in your everyday life. We’d love to hear if you’ve tried any!
A LOVE FOR COUNTRY
It’s hard to remember what you were doing 15 years ago. You may have been travelling the world, starting on a new career path, or perhaps planning for retirement. What we do know, however, is that 15 years ago, the team at Kimberley Quest were achieving certification, and they have been a valued member of the Ecotourism Australia family ever since!