Tasmania trekking holiday, the Tarkine Track

This Australian-based operator is a member of Ecotourism Australia, an organisation whose mission is to nurture, consolidate and promote ecotourism. Ecotourism Australia is committed to helping travel operations become more environmentally sustainable, and it contributes financially to conservation solutions and projects that involve and benefit local communities. This operator is also a member of Aboriginal Tourism Australia (ATA), the primary national organisation for Indigenous tourism within Australia. ATA provides leadership and a focus for the development of Aboriginal tourism, consistent with Aboriginal economic, cultural and environmental values.

This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator based in Tasmania with strict environmental policies fuelled by the passionate beliefs of its founding members. They are three Tasmanians who have fought and campaigned vigorously over the years for the preservation of the Tasmanian wilderness, in particular the Tarkine Rainforest. They have put all their environmental understanding into operational practices and cultural representation. Tour guides do a wonderful job teaching visitors about the beauty and complexity of the Australian bush and explain why it is important that it should be preserved. The local authorities work closely with the tourism industry to provide a wealth of interesting information for tour operators about World Heritage areas and in return tour operators help monitor and manage the sites they visit. Equally important is setting a benchmark for tour leader training and conservation practices, to ensure that standards are continuously maintained.

‘Tarkine Rainforest Track’ takes trekkers on extended walks through one of the most beautiful rainforest areas in Australia. It enables them to experience this epic adventure with the help of people who are passionate and proud of this amazing part of the world in which they live. By travelling through such pristine wilderness areas, travellers are made aware of the importance to preserve these places so that they can be appreciated by future generations. To support tourism programs in northern Australia, this operator is endeavouring to train local staff on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides guides and assistants with important life skills. By employing guides born and bred in the region, this operator is also supporting the local economy. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities.