Ecotourism

Our Responsible Travel Policy

We offer environmentally sustainable, luxurious and authentic experiences which benefit both our guests and the local community and environment.

Our Code of Ethics

• All our operations encompass our core values of integrity and responsibility. We operate in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manner.

• Our vision is to increase understanding and conservation of Australian ecosystems through wildlife rehabilitation and ecological research, while inspiring and involving people through ecotourism.

• We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to encourage sustainable land use and to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help our local economy while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

• We believe that an authentic travel experience can be a life changing event - our goal is to offer experiences which create a positive impact on the land and a lasting impression for those who travel with us by interpreting the natural environment to create awareness and identifying opportunities for self-discovery.

With the continual monitoring of our operations, we aim to operate beyond best practice guidelines, endeavouring to set a world-wide industry benchmark for responsible tourism operation.

Environmental Responsibilities

We abide by the environmental laws, regulations and guidelines of Australia and of the natural areas in which we operate (Parks Victoria, Dept Sustainability and Environment).  We ensure that our operations are sustainable and that our negative impact on the natural environment is minimised. Wherever and whenever possible, we make sure that our environmental effect is positive.

We ensure that all aspects of visitors' experience are in harmony with the cultural and natural environment.

In the Bush:

• We research all our suggested itineraries and experiences thoroughly to ensure that visitation is appropriate and sustainable.
• All activities enjoyed by guests are authentic and representative of the local environment, the indigenous wildlife and the local community.
• We practice only low-impact activities (eg bushwalking, observation and interpretation) on all tours.
• We teach our guests to enjoy the bush safely and respectfully (eg. outlining acceptable wildlife watching behaviours, teaching our guests not to pick flora), both via pre-arrival information, on site and by example in order to minimize impact.
• We help enrich our clients' experience by providing cultural and environmental interpretation delivered by expert guides.
• We only use existing tracks that have approval for public use by the local community.
• We ensure that guests are properly prepared for their environment and travels to minimize the possibility of use of short-cuts or emergency evacuation.
• We practice “Leave no Trace” Principles.
• We do not use over-used tracks.
• We do not use tracks that have been damaged.
• We work with management organizations such as Parks Victoria to report on the state of tracks and ensure their sustainability.
• We only host small groups (a maximum of 10). This ensures our guests' experiences will be unique and personal with the best opportunities for low impact wildlife observation.
• We regularly monitor our impact on sites and ecosystems. We advise relevant authorities of noticeable changes and, where necessary, alter our program accordingly.
• We aim to instill in our clients an understanding and appreciation of the culture and environment in which they travel by encouraging considerate, culturally and environmentally conscious habits.
• We enhance our natural, historic, cultural and aesthetic resources as a legacy for present and future generations, through supporting the establishment and management of parks, wilderness reserves and protected areas.
• We actively support environmental protection such as wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration and ecological research, both through financial support and direct participatory involvement.

At the Ecolodge:

• The Ecolodge is built entirely from sustainable materials, we operate entirely on solar power, with all water collected from rainfall and stored in tanks.
• We employ local staff and provide them with appropriate training to ensure an understanding and compliance with our Responsible Travel Policy including water and electricity conservation and waste management and “Leave no Trace” principles. Guiding staff are trained in natural history interpretation.
• We work only with suppliers that operate with sustainability principles.
• We grow food on site (in the Ecolodge's organic Kitchen Garden) or purchase it from local growers to decrease food miles.
• We use natural cleaning products.
• All meals (including picnic lunches) are served on reusable crockery or packed in reusable containers. Drinking water is collected from rain water (tanks tested regularly) and served in reusable vessels. All waste is sorted and recycled wherever possible; we choose products which are not over packaged. Food waste is composted or fed to chooks.
• We reuse and recycle containers, all cardboard and paper products and ink cartridges.
• Most promotional material is disseminated electronically and all collateral is printed on recycled paper.
• A comprehensive website offers all information about the experience online to minimize paper use and printing.
• Our vehicles are managed to minimum impact guidelines regarding fuel and maintenance schedules.
• We ensure operations are designed and conducted in a manner that will conserve resources, minimize or eliminate environmental damage and, where possible, enhance environmental situations.
• We are continually evaluating new information, technologies and services, thus providing our employees and ourselves with opportunities for development, environmental education and protection, and improved customer service.
• We act with a spirit of cooperation within the industry and related sectors to foster greater public awareness of the economic, social, cultural and environmental significance of tourism.
• We ensure direct economic benefits from our tourism operation to our local community, thereby providing an economic impetus to environmental conservation.  

Social responsibilities

• We operate in an honest and transparent manner and engage our local community in all aspects of our operation.
• We purchase supplies locally from suppliers who also support the local community.
• We suggest places where our guests will be able to purchase locally produced goods and crafts.
• Health, happiness and personal well-being are encouraged for all employees and guides during working hours and in their personal lives.
• We ensure that the privacy of our guests, potential guests and guides is maintained and follows the directives of the Privacy Act of Australia.
• We support local festivals and events and encourage our guests to participate.
• We employ local staff and provide them with appropriate training to ensure an understanding and compliance with our Responsible Travel Policy and “Leave no Trace” principles, and food management & safety. Guiding staff are trained in remote wilderness first aid.
• We support our local schools through hosting field days and work placement.
• We facilitate networking and community planning (eg Fireguard group, Wildlife Carers Network)
• We maintain a professional, positive and respectful attitude in all communications and dealings with guests, with our local community and with our suppliers.

Economic Responsibilities

• We support the local economy through choosing locally owned and operated suppliers for food, transport, tours etc. 
• All our permanent staff are local residents.
• We present at local community events and forums
• We represent our local community on various councils, particularly in relation to sustainable land management and community engagement.

We ensure that all of our operations abide by this Policy and that all new experiences are developed in accordance with it. The development of a responsible tourism policy is an ongoing process. There is always room for improvement; we regularly monitor our operations to ensure that these standards are maintained and we constantly strive to improve and set new standards in responsible business practices.