Respecting Australian nature, first
Your wellbeing and that of mankind in a sacred natural world depends primarily on how you think and how nature works. Accordingly, here is the commitment we made to 30 years of successful and fulfilling tours throughout Australia.
A partnering commitment with nature
Our Travel Ethic, first penned in 2003, was one of the first self-governing contributions to responsible eco-tourism in Australia.
The Travel Ethic determined the ethos and conduct of each and every journey into the outback. Through our commitment, we:
- support local providers of essential supply and guiding services, favouring locally owned and managed businesses. Through this we stimulate the local economy, maximise efficiencies and minimise the impact of long and carbon-intensive supply chains.
- are forever alert to engage climate friendly businesses and green purchasing initiatives.
- undertake to exercise minimal impact or invasion on the natural environment and communities we visit, including local and indigenous cultures.
- seek to measure, respond and offset our carbon footprint and operate efficiently with modest infrastructure. We enjoy 100% green power energy efficiency, working by the “reduce, reuse and offset” principles. We favour environmentally responsible choices both in the office and while on the journey.
- donate to not for profit organisations. This furthers their work in land care and all species living and depending on it.
- engage Nature Bound staff and guides who assume the environmental conscience of each journey. They are custodians of our principles and practices respecting nature’s way.
- comply with the requirements of those entrusted with the management of National Parks and World Heritage wilderness areas we visit.
In undertaking an outback journey
- Remember to research your holiday carefully, preferably on-line. Seek accurate information and an understanding of your needs. Because smaller groups tend to have less environmental impact you can be more immersive in the experiences unfolding. Consider flying less and adventure overland to experience more with less emissions.
- Have a read of our Travel Ethic which has under-pinned our ethos and discipline since 2003. This serves to protect the environments explored and enhances the collective fulfilment of all participants.
- When departing on your holiday be sure to turn off any energy wasting services in your home.
- It’s best to pack light and take only what you need. Utilise re-usable bags and avoid the disposing of plastic.
- Consider the green-pathway leading to the choice of eco-friendly hotels and other travel services. Remember to offset your flight emissions by choosing a participating airline.
- While in the outback be water wise, consider recycling your towels. Where possible, take your own natural biodegradable toiletries.
- Don’t forget to close off air-conditioning and lighting when you’re not occupying accommodations.
- Be sure to take and use refillable water bottles. Remember a 1 litre bottle of water purchased requires 3 litres of water to create.
Think Local
- Take an interest in everything local as you will be a guest of each community, some as few as 4 people in remote areas. People full of life and character. Empower the “local” through a mutual exchange of interest.
- Consider supporting local artisans and enterprises if purchasing a memento of your visit. You can assist by avoiding products which serve to diminish or threaten the habitats and species you set out to enjoy.
- Extend respect to our First Nation’s Peoples , their culture, wisdom and place. It is important to seek advice if you are unsure of how to respond.
- Be open minded and share in local group discussion – as this can be self educating.
- Above all, take the opportunity to slow down for a while, immerse and connect “one with nature”.
- “Evolutionary history suggests we thrive in the presence of nature and suffer in its absence”
We welcome your feedback, to share and advocate for best practices in sustainable travel.
