Queensland bird watching holiday in Australia
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
This holiday has a strong focus on conservation and the accommodation and activity providers we have included are accredited by EcoTourism Australia and Planet Safe Partnerships as follows:
The Wilderness Retreat
- Advanced EcoTourism Accreditation*
- Carbon Credit Program in place for guests (reforestation program)
- Member of Planet Safe Partnerships
The Safari Lodge
- Advanced EcoTourism Accreditation*
- Member of Planet Safe Partnership
The Safari Lodge and the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve are run by a not-for-profit environmental organisation, the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland. All income realised from sustainable tourism is reinvested into managing the wetlands as well as valuable wetlands and savanna research work, education and conservation programmes, such as the critical Gouldian Finch re-introduction programme. All activities within the Reserve are managed by Tourism Naturally. By visiting, you are ensuring that this important work is continued and a sanctuary for Australian wildlife is preserved.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Advanced EcoTourism Accreditation*
- Planet Safe Partnership Member
- 2009 & 2008 Winner Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Queensland Tourism Awards
- Green Globe
- Awarded ISO 14001
Crocodile Explorer
- Advanced EcoTourism Accreditation
- Planet Safe Partnership Member
- Climate Action Leader
- Zero Carbon Footprint
Cruises Operator
The Cruises operator we use is a financial and active corporate member of the Ecotourism Association of Australia and ensures minimal environmental impact, priding itself on its commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism and the development of passionately satisfied guests all of the time. Through the employment of qualified marine biologists, we endeavour to provide our clientele education through enjoyment, while at the same time contributing actively to conserving the environment.
EcoTourism Australia:
The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand which assists travellers to choose and experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction, cruise or accommodation that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
*Advanced Ecotourism: Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Community
The accommodation included in this itinerary is privately owned, operated and hosted by Australians. The exception is the Safari Lodge which is run by the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland in conjunction with Tourism Naturally.
The Wilderness Retreat supports local businesses and groups in all manner of ways such as donations to the local theatre group, kindergarten, sporting groups and buying locally for all personal and business needs as well as participating where possible. The owners of the property acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land, the Mullunburra, clan of the Ydinji nation. The elders are welcome to the property at all times and have given ‘Welcome to Country’ speeches with dances for special occasions. The Mullunburra culture is featured in a book in each treehouse to ensure guests have the opportunity to learn about the indigenous history of the region.
Tourism is Tropical North Queensland's most important industry. The support and growth of the tourism industry is vital to the prosperity of every business in TNQ. Tourism directly employs over 20,000 people in Tropical North Queensland and is indirectly responsible for thousands more jobs in areas such as service and supply, real estate, building and retailing. Tourism is worth $2.7 billion per annum to the region's economy and accounts for 47% of the region's export based economy.
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