Do you prefer the seaside, the mountains or the outback for your weekend getaway?
We have four amazing tourism companies to present to you this month: two of them at to soak in the sea breeze, one to test your mountain climbing and another to discover the wonders of the outback. So, no matter which one you prefer (or possibly love equally), we have got you covered!
And the best part, they have all been recently certified with Ecotourism Australia, so you know that they are following globally recognised sustainability standards. As these beautiful natural areas need to be protected, tourism operators with sustainability at their heart are the essential pick for your next mountain, outback or sea adventure.
Let’s dive right in and get to know our two newly certified seaside businesses:
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – Sustainable Tourism Certified
Yidinji Country/Cairns, Queensland
Centrally located in Cairns this beautiful 4.5-star resort-style accommodation might be just the perfect choice for your next leisure or business trip. It is also a great pick if you are travelling with your whole family as the resort provides fun-filled weekends for kids. For your relaxation, a sandy lagoon-style pool and the only swim-up bar in Cairns are waiting. Cairns’ attractions as well as restaurants and cafes are only a stone’s throw away for those who want to venture out. The resort is also a great gateway to dive the Great Barrier Reef!
As a certified accommodation, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort has a sustainable management system and works continuously towards a more sustainable stay for you. As well as addressing environmental concerns, such as waste reduction and elimination of single-use plastic, they support local development, participate in community life, and help to protect local heritage.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Liquid Desire – Ecotourism Certified
Yirrganydji Country/Port Douglas, Queensland
Liquid Desire provides you with an exclusive private boat experience on their 55-foot charter sailing catamaran. Embarking from Port Douglas in small, private groups, you will be able to take in breathtaking views while sailing through tropical waters, secluded islands and precious marine ecosystems. A range of itineraries are available, ranging from Sunset Sails to 5-Day Itinerary Charters.
The crew of Liquid Desire takes great pride in the yacht’s commitment to sustainability, as it relies primarily on solar and wind power so that its carbon footprint significantly decreases. They also follow different emission reduction practices while sailing and reduce energy consumption onboard, without taking away from the luxury and comfort of your experience!
The outback is calling, and we are heading inland to Uluru for our next newly certified operator:
Ayers Rock Resort – Advanced Ecotourism and Respecting Our Culture Certified
Yulara, Northern Territory
Just 20 km from the famous Uluru/Ayers Rock you will find the Ayers Rock Resort. The complex offers different hotels, restaurants, and cafes. From there, many tours at Uluru and around Ayers Rock Resort (101 to be exact) are offered daily, ranging from cultural experiences to dining events to active adventures.
The unique setting of the resort means that cultural practices and Indigenous languages are very present. A core value of Ayers Rock Resort is responsible tourism, which strongly shows in the respectful relationship with the Anangu and their land. The resort makes a positive impact by consistently engaging with local communities and stakeholders as well as supporting Indigenous employment and local-owned businesses, which boosts the region’s economy. As a guest at Ayers Rock Resort, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy experiences that respect the heritage and the environment of this beautiful place. Don’t miss out on the iconic Winjiri Wiru drone light show sharing the ancestral Mala story.
Ayers Rock Resort
And now, we trek up into the mountains and through the valleys to our final recently certified operator:
Blue Mountains Adventure Company – Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action and Respecting Our Culture Certified
Ngurra Country/Katoomba, New South Wales
The world heritage area of the Blue Mountains bursts with endless natural beauty which you can discover while rock climbing, walking or abseiling. Let yourself be guided by the Blue Mountains Adventure Company to make the most of your trip. Explore hidden canyons, sandstone cliffs or one of the many Blue Mountain walks.
The Blue Mountains Adventure Company is dedicated to operating sustainably with environmental, social and ethical considerations as key to their decision-making. As advocates for active travel, they promote physical and mental health benefits to create a transformative experience.
On their tours, the Blue Mountains Adventure Company follows the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, which is created by an international organisation that has set the global standard for outdoor ethics. It means in practice that travellers should only take photos and leave nothing but footprints behind. The guides with their groups are also respectful of the animals by only observing them from a distance without disturbing them. Furthermore, they engage with their local community by working in partnership with First Nation people to promote education of cultural heritage and help with mobilising fundraising for important humanitarian, environmental and educational causes.
Blue Mountains Adventure Company