Nestled in the rugged bushland of Northern Queensland, Mt Mulligan Lodge is an all-inclusive luxury accommodation set on a 28,000-hectare site rich with gold and coal rush history and 37,000 years of Indigenous heritage.

Mt Mulligan Lodge is serious about their responsibility to protect, restore, and preserve the environment, working every day to make positive change and leave things better than when they found them.

Some of their sustainability initiatives include installing rainwater collection tanks for irrigation, investing in composting and recycling facilities and utilising solar energy to power the lodge and provide hot water for guests. Additionally, Mt Mulligan Lodge prioritises sourcing local, organic, free-range, fair trade, biodynamic and sustainably farmed produce and products from local suppliers where possible.

Ecotourism Australia asked the General Managers of Mt Mulligan Lodge, James and Phoebe Egan a few questions about their Certification and sustainability initiatives.

Image: James and Phoebe Egan, General Managers of Mt Mt Mulligan Lodge

What was your main reason for pursuing certification?

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Mt Mulligan Lodge, having been part of our story and guiding principles since our inception.

One of the main reasons we decided to pursue certification with Ecotourism Australia was because it is well-regarded, recognised and trusted across the tourism and hospitality industry.

The certification empowers us to confidently share our sustainability story, practices, and ethos with our guests, employees, and local community.

Image: Mt Mulligan Lodge, Mount Mulligan, QLD. Credit: James Vodicka

Were there any recommendations that improved your business?

As a luxury lodge, our guests are always our top priority. The regular audits have provided expert guidance on areas for improvement, helping us stay aligned with our sustainability goals. The audits also kept our team accountable for upholding and improving our sustainability practices for the long term.

Key insights from the audits include:

• Enhancements in waste management, resource, and energy efficiency
• A framework to optimize our daily operations
• Procurement recommendations to help us source more ethical products

Image: Interior of Mt Mulligan Lodge. Credit: Jason Lerace

How has certification impacted your business so far?

Increasingly, travellers are seeking eco-certified experiences in the luxury travel market. Our advanced certification provides us with a distinctive advantage against our competitors in the luxury lodge sector.

Our eco-conscious guests have also expressed their support and praise for our sustainability practices and accreditation during their stay with us. We hope to make our guests feel proud of their choice to stay with us and encourage them to return and share their positive feedback with their family and friends.

Additionally, the access to resources and networking opportunities with like-minded businesses within the Ecotourism Australia community has also been incredibly valuable. This collaboration allows us to share our initiatives and learn best practices from others, helping to drive positive change across the sustainable tourism industry.

Image: Panoramic view of Mt Mulligan Lodge. Credit: James Vodicka

To discover more about Mt Mulligan Lodge, you can find them on the Green Travel Guide.

As travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with nature that minimise their environmental impact, Australia by Nature actively supports sustainable tourism practices designed to leave the environment better off.

Australia by Nature creates experiences that deepen travellers’ connection to the natural world. The company prioritises environmental preservation and supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to sustainability in every aspect of its operations.

By completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification program with Ecotourism Australia, Australia by Nature is setting the benchmark for sustainable tourism.

Caroline Rutherford, founder of Australia by Nature, shares her journey through the program, “We have been following Ecotourism Australia for some time now, with the plan to undergo ECO Certification. When Destination NSW announced their partnership with Ecotourism Australia on the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, we jumped at the chance to take part and learn more about the process.”

The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification program offers businesses a better understanding of their sustainability practices while laying a strong foundation for achieving global standard Certification.

Caroline adds, “We operate all our immersive tours in nature.  This comes with the responsibility of ensuring we leave a minimal impact on the places we explore.”

“The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard was a fantastic way to dig deep into our business to ensure we are doing our absolute best to fix any gaps.  It was a great introduction to the certification process which we are hoping to go through in the near future.”

One of Australia by Nature’s standout sustainable initiatives is its emphasis on education as a pillar of its operations. This includes continually adapting sustainability efforts to keep up with new insights, changing tour offerings and educating both their staff and guests on important sustainable practices.

Caroline highlights, “Education is at the heart of everything we do. With my background in teaching Sustainable Tourism at the tertiary level and volunteering work with Sea Shepherd, I hope to inspire and educate each explorer, empowering them to bring sustainable travel practices into their everyday lives.

 

“Every small step makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change.”

Australia by Nature actively promotes the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard within the industry and to its guests.

Caroline continues, “The Scorecard has provided invaluable insights on what we need to do to enhance our sustainability efforts. We are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism across our website and social media and will continue to champion this cause.

 

“Feedback from our guests consistently highlights that our storytelling about nature and sustainability adds an enriching layer to their tour experience.”

With its unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism, Australia by Nature is a shining example of how to craft unforgettable experiences that foster a deep connection to nature while driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

Learn more about Australia by Nature here.

Australia by Nature completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 19 August 2024. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

• Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
• Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
• Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
• Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
• Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.

Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is more than just a zoo. For the past 100 years, Taronga has transformed into a conservation and education hub to help secure a shared future for wildlife and people.

Operating Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, education and environmental sustainability, working across NSW, Australia and the globe.

In 2024, Taronga Conservation Society celebrated 20 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia and achieved Hall of Fame status – a testament to their continuous commitment to sustainability.

Ecotourism Australia asked Taronga Conservation Society some questions about their Certification and sustainability initiatives. Here are their responses:

How has achieving Certification impacted Taronga Conservation Society’s daily operations and overall strategic planning so far?

Achieving certification perfectly aligns with Taronga’s vision to create a shared future for wildlife and people and has provided them with a robust framework to continuously improve their operations and strategic planning.

In today’s world, claiming to be sustainable is no longer enough – businesses must demonstrate their commitment through action. For Taronga Conservation Society, the certification serves as a trusted benchmark to show that they are not just talking about sustainability, but actively embedding it into various aspects of the organisation.

What are some of Taronga Conservation Society’s initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism?

Taronga Conservation Society recently opened its Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC), providing guests with the opportunity to encounter over 42 remarkable species of amphibians and reptiles from across Australia and around the globe. Designed with education and engagement as the key focus, ARC introduces five interactive characters known as the Climate Heroes, who guide guests through a climate-focused journey, highlighting how individual actions can make a significant impact on our environment and climate change.

To improve accessibility within Taronga Zoo, an electric train will be introduced soon to help guests navigate the zoo’s steepest areas. This initiative aligns with Taronga’s broader plan of transitioning to a fully electric fleet in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to be a diverse and inclusive site that is able to offer an amazing experience to all of its guests.

At the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, a new range of eco-friendly dry amenities has been introduced to reduce their footprint. This includes the use of bioplastic (made from cornstarch) for items such as shower caps and sanitary bags and partnering with Supply Nation Certified operators like Binjang Tea which specialises in Indigenous Australian native teas, crafted with native ingredients and First Nations wisdom.

How do you envision the role of Taronga Conservation Society in sustainable tourism evolving in the coming years?

As environmental awareness grows, Taronga Conservation Society will continue to lead by example. It will continue to expand its efforts to educate visitors about sustainability, transforming each visit into an opportunity to inspire positive change. By offering more immersive experiences that foster meaningful connections between people and wildlife, Taronga aims to help visitors better understand their impact on the environment.

Recognising the need for zoos to continually evolve, Taronga embraces its role as a global leader in conservation and education. Their advocacy for wildlife extends beyond the zoo grounds, reaching communities across Australia and around the globe, solidifying Taronga’s status as a key player in global conservation.

Check out Taronga’s Strategic Plan 2021–2025 here.

To discover more about Taronga Conservation Society Australia, you can find them on the Green Travel Guide.