Supporting local gems

Supporting local economies though your travel choices

Editorial Team · 14 May 2024

As eco-conscious travellers, our choices can significantly impact the environments and communities we visit. By opting for accommodations and experiences that prioritise sustainability, we not only enjoy unique and enriching travel experiences but also contribute to preserving local cultures and ecosystems. Here's how you can make thoughtful choices that support local gems while exploring the world.

1. Select eco-certified accommodations

Daintree Eco Lodge, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland. Image credit: Daintree Eco Lodge

Staying green

When booking your stay, look for eco-certified hotels and lodges that have been recognised for their sustainable practices. These certifications ensure that the accommodations adhere to stringent environmental standards. For instance, properties like the Daintree Eco Lodge in Queensland offer an immersive rainforest experience, utilising natural resources responsibly and supporting local Aboriginal cultural experiences.

• How to choose: Check for certifications from organisations like Ecotourism Australia or the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which validate a property's commitment to sustainability.
• Where to stay: Consider places like the Habitat Byron Bay, which provides eco-friendly bungalows and actively participates in local conservation efforts.

2. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants

The Agrarian Kitchen, New Norfolk, Tasmania. Image credit: The Agrarian Kitchen

Savour the local flavour

Eating locally isn't just about enjoying fresh flavours; it's about reducing your carbon footprint and supporting local farmers and producers. Many Australian regions boast restaurants that source their ingredients from local suppliers, promoting sustainable agriculture.

• How to dine: Look for restaurants that highlight their sourcing practices, like Harvest Newrybar in New South Wales, which not only sources locally but also has its own garden from which it picks ingredients daily.
• Where to dine: Try the Agrarian Kitchen in Tasmania, an eatery that uses produce from its own farm and local suppliers to craft delicious, eco-conscious meals.

3. Choose responsible tour operators

Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours, Orara East State Forest, New South Wales. Image credit: Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours

Travel with purpose

When exploring natural sites or participating in cultural tours, opt for local operators who implement sustainable practices and offer respectful, authentic insights into the local heritage. These operators ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the community.

• How to choose: Select tours that are accredited by local bodies for their sustainability practices and that advocate for cultural sensitivity and environmental preservation.
• Where to tour: Go with operators like Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours in New South Wales, which offer paddle tours led by local Indigenous guides, sharing knowledge about traditional land management that respects and preserves the environment.

4. Support local artisans and crafts

Fremantle Markets, Fremantle, Western Australia. Image credit: Fremantle Markets

Bring home meaningful souvenirs

Instead of typical tourist trinkets, invest in handicrafts made by local artisans. This not only supports the local economy but also helps preserve traditional crafts and practices.

• How to shop: Visit local markets and cooperatives where artisans sell their goods directly.
• Where to shop: The Fremantle Markets in Western Australia are a great place to find local arts and crafts that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

5. Engage in conservation activities

Wildlife Wonders, Conservation Ecology Centre, Cape Otway, Victoria. Image credit: Conservation Ecology Centre

Leave a place better than you found it

Participate in conservation efforts during your travels. Many eco-tourism experiences include opportunities to contribute directly to environmental conservation, such as tree-planting initiatives or wildlife protection programs.

• How to engage: Look for accommodations or tours that offer guests the chance to get involved in ongoing conservation projects.
• Where to engage: Join conservation activities at the Conservation Ecology Centre in Victoria, where you can help with wildlife monitoring and vegetation management to aid in forest restoration.

Choosing eco-conscious accommodations and experiences allows you to enjoy a richer connection with the places you visit and ensures that your travels support sustainable development. By making thoughtful choices, you can help preserve the unique character and beauty of destinations, ensuring they remain vibrant and vital for future visitors. Embrace these practices, and become a part of the movement towards a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.