While more and more of us jump on a plane and travel half way across the world in search of the ultimate holiday, many Australians are discovering the joy of immersive holiday experiences in our own back yard. It's partly the desire to tread as lightly as possible, but increasingly, we are coming to realise the wonder of our own land and sea, and the people whose lives are entwined within our own special destinations. Whether you are a back packer or a socially-conscious, big spending eco traveller, Australia offers the same incredible vistas with travel opportunities to natural environments that sustain, nurture and promote local lands, people and heritage.
The diversity of Australia gives us world-class travel experiences that can’t be found anywhere else and means that the variety of opportunities is endless. You just have to know where to look. If you are organising your own travel, Green Getaways Australia has heaps of amazing destinations, for pretty much any travel style. (If you have no time to get away this year, you can spend a lazy hour or two immersing yourself in all the beautiful images of what you are missing out on.)Eco Tourism Australia is also a great reference for the integrity of venues, walks, experiences and general tourism. They support and accredits the tourism industry with a generous range of programs to recognise pretty much any level of tourism operator you can imagine - from respecting indigenous culture right through to big conservation and climate initiatives. Their membership has risen from 18 operators to over 500 in the past 20 years and reflects the growth of both the industry and it's support. “OUR INDUSTRY HAS COME A LONG WAY, AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT THE ECO TOURISM OPERATORS HAVE ON THEIR COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT, THE WAY THEY EDUCATE TRAVELLERS AND THE INGENUITY THEY CONTINUE TO SHOW IN MAKING OUR INDUSTRY BETTER.”
We have so many signature attractions and many more that are well kept secrets - any one of them answering your personal needs. Tasmania's mountain hikes; barefoot walks on the world’s whitest sand in Western Australia; standing in awe in the planet’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree; and dive the oceans’ longest coral reef at our own Natural Wonder, the Great Barrier Reef.
We could choose to fish anywhere from cold-mountain streams to deep-ocean tropical waters; join guided walks along remote and pristine beaches; follow indigenous rangers deep into ‘country’; and get whisper-close to exotic wildlife. Koalas, echidnas, bilbies, kangaroos on land. Whales, sharks, dolphins, seals in the ocean. You can glamp in the bush or beach, camp on private land, climb into a treehouse or stay in a tiny house or luxury cottage deep in the rainforests. There are coastal cliffs and scenic drive to colonial bush pubs in outback towns. And there are now many eco 5-star hotels in major cities.
The diversity of indigenous Australia is something many of us don't understand and the chance to learn and immerse in indigenous experience tours and stays is increasing. In a culture that dates back more than 60,000 years, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will tell of The Dreamtime - intimate yarns, dances, artworks and songs that open our souls to different ways of being. And it’s these kinds of experiences that create the deep connections you will remember – and talk about – for years to come.
Sofie Formica, one of Australia's most respected travel presenters says that experiencing Australia isn’t just for a small sector of eco-diehards. Her involvement with television travel shows – as well as hosting industry and public events has made her one of the most-recognised and trusted advocates in the Australian tourism sector."THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO LOCAL TRAVEL THAN MERELY SACRIFICING AIR TRAVEL. IT’S ABOUT SQUEEZING THE MOST OUT YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, GETTING TO KNOW THE WORLD AROUND YOU. AND IT’S ABOUT CONNECTING EMOTIONALLY AND GOING HOME WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL IN YOUR HEART."
Images: Permanent Camping, Mudgee
I'd love to know more about about the couple who ditched their professional careers to run an eco-lodge where guests roll up their sleeves and learn firsthand about sustainability please :-) Thursday, 14 November 2019