TNQ Writer
From choosing recognised Eco Certified experiences to supporting local businesses and participate in regenerative programs, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to explore Tropical North Queensland while caring for the places and communities you visit.
In case you missed it, travel is changing, with more travellers looking for ways to make thoughtful choices about the places they visit and the experiences they enjoy.
And rightly so, our natural environments need protecting so they can be shared with tomorrow’s generation.
Considering Tropical North Queensland is home to not one but two World Heritage-listed sites, making thoughtful travel choices has never been more important.
The good news for travellers, making more considered choices on holiday need not cost you your creature comforts.
Explore the tropics with purpose with these eight simple ideas.
1. Stay with the tropics in mind
Visit the stunning Mackay Cay with Eco certified operator Ocean Safari
Visit the stunning Mackay Cay with Eco certified operator Ocean Safari
Crystalbrook Flynn combines contemporary style with a range of environmental initiatives
Crystalbrook Flynn combines contemporary style with a range of environmental initiatives
City Terraces
City Terraces
When you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay, it can be tricky to know which ones are taking thoughtful steps to care for their surroundings. That’s where recognised certification can help.
Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck assess tourism businesses against defined criteria, giving travellers a way to discover accommodation with recognised environmental practices. You can browse TTNQ’s collection of accredited operators here.
From Eco Certified Tourism and Climate Action Certification to Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certification, operators undergo an assessment process to achieve the relevant certification.
City Terraces, for example, holds accreditation from Ecotourism Australia and ecoBiz, with initiatives across its operations that focus on energy, water and resource use. Crystalbrook Collection and Accor also have programmes that include environmental initiatives across their hotels.
And the best part? You don’t have to trade comfort for considered choices. From rooftop gardens and rainwater reuse to thoughtful approaches to energy and waste, there are plenty of ways to settle into the tropics while enjoying the places that make Tropical North Queensland so special.
2. Tour with guides who live and breathe the natural environment
As well as being warriors for the reef, Master Reef Guides are also the reef's greatest story tellers
There are regular tour guides and then there’s a whole other level – the Master Reef Guides, Wet Tropics Guides and Savannah Guides – who each have to undergo certified training to wear their titles.
Their training helps them interpret and share knowledge about the environments they guide through. You’ll find Savannah Guides touring the tropical Savannah aka Gulf country, Wet Tropics Guides in the rainforest, and Master Reef Guides championing the Great Barrier Reef.
To discover more about the Master Reef Guide program and why you should discover the Great Barrier Reef with one of them, swim over to this corner of the internet.
3. Always respect the environment you’re visiting
Take only photographs, leave only footprints
Just as you would respect a friend’s house when you visit, the home of two living treasures – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest – deserves your utmost respect when you drop in on these remarkable environments.
Embrace the ethos of leaving only footprints and taking only photographs as you explore both World Heritage-listed wonders by keeping on the path and following signs. Ensure you take all your own litter with you and go one step further by taking every trace of rubbish you see during your visit; ensuring we can enjoy this natural environment for generations to come.
4. Paw the line when travelling with pets
Many beaches in Tropical North Queensland are dog friendly
While Tropical North Queensland might seem like a paw-some place to take a break with your furry friend, be mindful that not all natural attractions are dog-friendly.
Across Queensland, domestic pets are not allowed in National Parks. However, Tropical North Queensland is home to numerous pet sitters or kennels that can watch Fido whilst you explore the World Heritage Rainforest.
Alternatively, opt for camping spots and holiday parks that are still in rainforest locations, but border on National Park areas, so that you can still experience the rainforest.
5. Reduce your consumption of single-use plastic
Help our friends under the sea by reducing your single-use plastic consumption
Small changes can help reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use while travelling – none more so than reducing the use of single-use plastics from your lifestyle, whether at home or on holidays.
Take banning plastic straws for instance. Australians use about 10 million each day, which is how they became the focus of the Straw No More campaign launched by 10-year-old Cairns local, Molly Steer in 2018, which has since been embraced by tourism operators across the region.
No matter where you are in the world, you can make an impact by supporting businesses who are actively supporting environmental initiatives, by using reusable cups, bringing your own water bottle and shopping bags and being more conscious of your consumption habits.
6. Shop local and support small business
Browse the quirky Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets for locally made gifts
Rather than stock up on souvenirs imported from faraway lands, shop local for loved ones at one of Tropical North Queensland’s markets.
You’ll find everything from artisan handmade goods to tropical produce only found here to gift loved ones a taste of the tropics.
Alternatively, support local businesses by investing in experiences in the region, rather than things to take away from this natural wonderland.
7. Hire a bike rather than car to get around
Explore the seaside suburb of Palm Cove by bike
Put pedal to the metal around Tropical North Queensland by swapping four wheels for two as your transport method of choice.
No need to BYO bike, you can hire one from the likes of Biked Palm Cove or opt for a hotel which has bike hire for guests like those in the Crystalbrook Collection – Riley, Flynn and Bailey.
8. Make your journey count
If flying is part of the journey to the tropics, consider offsetting your flight through a reputable programme, and make thoughtful choices along the way to reduce your travel emissions.
If driving, consider efficient routes to get here to maximise fuel efficiency.
Alternatively, if driving an electric car, consider taking the Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive, which connects Mena Creek in the south with the Daintree Rainforest in the north across 500km of Wet Tropics scenery.
Whichever choices you make, you’ll have more ways to explore Tropical North Queensland while showing care for the natural places, communities and cultures that make the region special.
