What Our Ecotourism Australia Certification Actually Means
Ecotourism Australia’s Ecotourism certification is independently audited, not self-declared. To hold it, we must demonstrate that we operate in a natural area that focuses on optimal resource use, leaves minimal impact on the environment, and offers interesting ways to learn about the environment.
What that looks like in practice:
- An external assessor reviews our operations and environmental outcomes. We can’t tick our own boxes.
- Certification requires a live Environment Management Plan with measurable targets. Good intentions aren’t enough.
How We Bring Our Values to Life
Minimising Our Environmental Footprint
Every tour route is designed to reduce vehicle movements, avoid sensitive habitat, and concentrate activity in already-disturbed areas wherever possible.
- Tour vehicles comply with Queensland Parks’ Low Impact Vehicle Policy – tyre pressures are checked before every beach transit
- We stay on designated tracks; no off-track driving
- Group sizes are capped to reduce environmental impact
- We maximise the capacity of our vehicles, meaning less cars on the island
- Updating the vehicle fleet to later model vehicles with better fuel and emissions efficiency
- Utilising 6 cyclinder models with EFI rather than V8 models
- Consolidating power generation at the campsite from 3 individual petrol models to one fuel efficient diesel model.
- Increased water storage capacity 10 fold to reduce generator use for pumping
- Introduced automatic shut down technology to prevent over filling of water tanks and water wastage
- Minimised generator run times for water pump use
- Use of solar lighting throughout the campsites
- Change to instantaneous gas hot water units for hot water supply
Protecting K’gari’s Water
K’gari holds some of the purest freshwater lakes on Earth. We treat them accordingly – and make sure every guest understands why they matter.
- No soaps or shampoos are to be used in our beach-style showers (Island Expeditions and K’gari Swag Adventures)
- Refillable water stations at all of our campsites
- Grey-water from operations is captured and disposed of at approved facilities, never on-island
Wildlife – on Their Terms
K’gari is home to purebred dingoes, dugongs, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species. Our protocols put their wellbeing above the photo opportunity.
- Strict dingo distance protocols – no food, no running – briefed before every tour
- We don’t guarantee any wildlife encounters on our tours
- Any unusual animal behaviour or signs of injury reported to QPWS
- Guides share current ecological data
Supporting Local
Choosing local suppliers isn’t a nice-to-have. It reduces our transport footprint, keeps economic benefit in the region, and builds the kind of supply chain we can actually stand behind.
- Food and beverage sourced from Fraser Coast producers wherever available
- Maintenance, printing, and equipment hire directed to Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay and Maryborough businesses first
- We actively refer guests to other locally owned operators, accommodation, and experiences
Our Team as Environmental Stewards
- Sustainability only works if it’s everyone’s responsibility, not just management’s.
- Staff are empowered – and expected – to raise environmental concerns
- New team members complete a cultural and environmental induction before their first tour
TOURING SUSTAINABILITY
- Guides are trained to only use prescribed tracks and use slower than regulated speeds on beaches.
- Guides are trained to educate the guests on walking on prescribed tracks and respect for flora and fauna on the island
WHAT OTHERS THINK OF OUR TOURS
Our Leave No Trace Commitments
We follow the seven Leave No Trace principles – and we make sure our guests understand them before setting foot on Country.
- Plan ahead and prepare – We brief every group on K’gari’s regulations, sensitivities, and conditions before departure
- Travel on durable surfaces – Designated tracks only; no shortcuts through vegetation
- Dispose of waste properly – Waste disposed of at designated transfer stations
- Leave what you find – Shells, seeds, sand, stones – they stay where they are
- Minimise campfire impacts – Open fires in unauthorised areas are prohibited; we communicate this clearly
- Respect wildlife – Observe from a distance; never feed, follow, or corner any animal
- Be considerate of others – Noise, pace, and group behaviour are managed to protect the experience for everyone, including the island itself
Practical things our staff do to maintain our sustainability goals
- We don’t allow soap or shampoo to be used in our outdoor showers – Guides are trained to communicate this to guests and manage it during the tour
- We want containers to be deposited into the correct recyclable bins – Guides are trained to communicate this to guests and manage it during the tour
- We want waste water from hand washing and toothbrushing to be captured in grey water tanks not the soil – Guides are trained to communicate the use of the hand & toothbrushing stations and manage it during the tour
- We want to minimise food waste and ensure any waste is disposed of responsibly – Food packs are portioned based on 15 years of experience and some food items are saved and reused if hygienically if safe to do so. Guides are trained to communicate this ambition to guests and manage it during the tour
While on tour
Please help us achieve our sustainability goals by following these simple steps while on tour with us:
- Bring only what you need with you – extra weight in the vehicles increases carbon emissions
- Dispose of rubbish accordingly and recycle everything you can. We donate our 10-cent container refunds to FIDO (K’gari (Fraser Island) Defenders Organisation)
- Keep your showers short to conserve water
- Please don’t use any soaps or shampoos in our outdoor showers, we don’t want those harmful chemicals in the soil
- Keep to designated vehicle and walking tracks at all times – reduce your impact on the natural environment
- Bring a refillable water bottle – we have drinking water available throughout the tour
- Pick up rubbish as you see it, so we can bring it home with us
The Importance of Conservation
K’gari is home to unique and interconnected ecosystems where the survival of our plants and animals are strongly linked together. The relationships between species are often vital – for example, native animals that feed on fruit also spread seeds, helping trees to regenerate and maintain the health of our natural environment. Protecting K’gari means understanding and preserving these delicate connections that have sustained this World Heritage wilderness for generations.
The key to ensuring the survival of many native animals is protecting their habitat, as wild animals need adequate areas of bushland or wetland to survive and thrive, including food, water, places to breed and shelter from weather and predators. As a tour operator on K’gari, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on these habitats and to educate our guests about the importance of treading lightly on the island’s fragile ecosystems.
Making Ethical Souvenir Choices on K’gari
When buying souvenirs on K’gari, ask key questions to ensure your money supports Indigenous artists ethically, protects wildlife, and preserves cultural heritage.
Indigenous Art & Cultural Products
Who created the artwork and where are they from?
How did the piece reach the gallery or shop?
How much was the artist paid and what are the royalties for reproductions?
Is the seller a member of the Indigenous Art Code?
Wildlife & Nature Products
What animal or material is this made from?
Is the species protected or threatened?
Can you verify it was legally and sustainably sourced?
Does the purchase support conservation?
Look for businesses certified by the Indigenous Art Code and those that actively support wildlife conservation. Your purchasing decisions help protect K’gari’s cultural heritage and precious ecosystems for future generations.
A Note on Country
K’gari is the homeland of the Butchulla people. It was cared for long before it became a World Heritage Area, and that care continues today. We operate here with deep respect for that custodianship. We are guests on this Country, and we conduct ourselves accordingly.
If you’d like to learn more about Butchulla culture and history, we encourage you to engage with community-led resources and experiences directly.
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