Caring for Australia

We’re all proud of Australia and want to keep it just the way it is, so that visitors both from Australia and overseas can continue to enjoy our natural environment.

We encourage visitors to have respect for land, water, cultural and historic sites as well as their host communities

o      Observe and respect signs and information boards;

o      Acquaint yourself with local customs and etiquette and respect them;

o      Keep pets under control and take a bag to remove droppings from beaches and paths;

o      Do not take or buy corals, shells or other natural souvenirs – leave the natural habitat intact and encourage children to do the same;

o      Do not make fires on the beach, or in any other area not specifically designated for that use. When making a fire use only kindling that has fallen off the branch;

o      Catch and release of fish whilst on holidays - only take what you can eat;

o      Remain on pathways and/or marked trails and avoid disturbing local flora and fauna and their habitats. Respect off-limits areas;

o      Visit sensitive areas in small groups (10 or less) to minimise disturbance;

o      Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed or touch them;

o      Put your tea leaves in the garden - great for compost too;

o      Take a bag with you whilst you walk on the beach and pick up rubbish - good exercise but also great for the environment;

o      Buy food and other products which are produced locally. Avoid exotic foods or products that may be locally endangered;

o      Avoid buying products which are excessively packaged or are sold in non-returnable containers;

o      Use recycling bins when out and about and when at holiday accommodation;

o      Use the composting facilities when provided by accommodation operators;

o      Take your rubbish with you if there is no rubbish bin or if it is overflowing;

o      Monitor the use of water for showering and cleaning (using economy settings on washing machines and dishwashers where available);

o      Use bio-degradable soaps and shampoos and ensure sunscreens, lotions and insect repellants are environmentally friendly;

o      Say 'no' to plastic bags and use calico or re-usable shopping bags for your purchases;

o      Turn off lights, appliances and air-conditioners when not in use;

o      Use natural ventilation (through doors and windows) as an alternative to air conditioning;

o      Reuse bed linen and bath towels rather than having them changed on a daily basis;

o      Ensure that only permitted materials are flushed down drains where properties are on septic systems;

o      Use public transport where available (e.g. plane, bus or train) to access holiday locations and local activities (e.g. airport shuttles, winery bus tours, etc.), take your bike on holidays and enjoy the scenery, or get out and about and walk.

We encourage you to find out more about Eco Tourism in Australia, to stay at smaller, local establishments and to consider the eco certification of accommodation and tours when making your holiday choices.

Major certification schemes in Australia include:

 AAA Tourism Green STARS http://www.aaatourism.com.au/

Ecotourism Association http://www.ecotourism.org.au/ 
Gumnut Awards for holiday, tourist and residential parks at http://www.gumnutawards.com.au.