Vogue Australia : Francesca Wallace 17 Aug 2020
Queensland really does have it all. From the outback west to the brilliant blue reef of the east, it's one of the most popular states for tourists — with good reason.
And with so many outdoor activities to do and stunning environments to explore, it only makes sense that Queensland is leading the way in Australia for eco tourism. Ensure your next trip to the sunshine state is as environmentally friendly as possible with the below activities; from saving sea turtles to learning about the history of the land on which you're holidaying.
Experience local Aboriginal culture
“It’s really important to understand and know our history so we can make better informed decisions and not let history repeat itself,” Juan Walker, founder of Walkabout Cultural Adventures, tells VL. A Kuku Yalanji man from the Daintree Mossman area, Walker knows the importance of educating visitors on the rich Aboriginal history of Queensland. Take an intimate tour of the Daintree Rainforest and share in the stories that have shaped the history of the land while on your trip. Activities include learning to throw a traditional fishing spear and having a taste of seasonal bush tucker — including beach almonds, a snack Walker admits goes unnoticed by most beachgoers.
“As an Elder once said, for most people when they come to the rainforest they see a complex wall of green. But to Kuku Yalanji, it’s a medicine chest, a toolbox, a hardware store, a supermarket, a church, it’s everything all in one,” he notes. “Lifestyle is all about balance. Balancing culture, spirit, friendship, country, survival, utilising country and practicing country.”
Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Stay at an eco-friendly lodge
There are plenty of eco-focused resorts and retreats throughout Queensland, but do your research before picking your perfect spot. Among our favourites include Lady Elliot Island, the first island on the Great Barrier Reef to ban plastic water bottles on its premises, as well as become carbon-neutral thanks to the use of water procured from its own desalination plant.
Another included Pumpkin Island Eco Retreat, which sits in the Great Keppel collection and is powered entirely by the sun and wind. Elysian Eco Retreat in the Whitsundays is the first entirely solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.
Help the reef
The Great Barrier Reef stretches for more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coastline — and it’s a wonder worth seeing at least once. And every activity you do on the reef with an accredited tourism operator will see the reef preserved, thanks to the built-in Environmental Management Charge for every ticket. Something of a ‘reef tax’, the charge helps monitor and restore the heritage site.
Our pick? Off the coast of Far North Queensland, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel combines ancient stories of the world-renowned coral reef with eco-certified diving and snorkelling safaris, which bring you face-to-fin with some of Australia’s most amazing marine life.
“I hope that guests coming to visit the Great Barrier Reef understand how complex and beautiful this ecosystem is,” Samantha Gray, marine biologist and tour guide for Quicksilver Group says of a trip to the Reef. “We are all aware that the reef is facing different pressures and her future is in the hands of us all. By visiting the reef, you will be left in awe and that will make you want to help protect her and ensure that she is there to enjoy for us all long into the future.”
Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Travel by foot
If you want to minimise your carbon footprint, walking might be the best mode of transport while in Queensland. Within Queensland there are countless walking tracks to choose from; scattered amongst the state’s 450 National Parks you’ll find 10 stand-outs, dubbed the Great Walks.
Choose a track on Fraser Island for offbeat adventure and for a hint of luxury, try the new Spicers Scenic Rim Trail through the Gondwana Rainforest and camp overnight in chic safari tents.
Give the sea turtles a chance
There’s plenty to be done on the Great Barrier Reef around sea turtle conservation. Heron Island is ground zero, and guests to the island can be educated by participating in Reef and Ecology guided walks.
Mos Repos in Bundaberg is another turtle hotspot, with an education centre dedicated to turtle protection and education. A must visit for animal lovers.
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, QLD. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Taste the the state’s best produce
Stretching from the hinterland to the coast, the Sunshine Coast food bowl is famous for fresh, seasonal produce. Head to Noosa for a taste of the best — don’t miss the local farmers markets or Food and Wine Festival in May and August. Other favourites include an independent brewpub Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny, the vegan favourite Lola Pantry in Kuluin and Wasabi, which grows its own produce at Honeysuckle Hill.