Today, we celebrate World Sustainable Transport Day, an opportunity to reflect on how we can all make transport safer, more efficient, more inclusive and greener.
Established by the UN General Assembly in May 2023, this day reminds us of the important role sustainable transport plays in supporting economic resilience, improving the social welfare of people and preserving our natural world.
What is Sustainable Transport?
Sustainable transport is more than just moving people from place to place. Sustainable transport connects people, communities and businesses, while protecting natural environments, promoting social inclusion and strengthening economic resilience.
According to Expedia Group’s Sustainable Travel Study, three in five consumers opt for more environmentally friendly transportation while travelling. When it comes to sustainable travel, consumers are most interested in options with low environmental impact and expect that travel operators, including transportation providers, demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
In honour of World Sustainable Transport Day, here are five of our certified transport operators who are leading the way in green, inclusive, and community-centric travel:
- SeaLink North Queensland – ECO Certified, ECO Certified on the nature level, Respecting Our Culture Certified, Green Travel Leader
Image: SeaLink Magnetic Island ferry
SeaLink North Queensland is an award-winning transport service, providing the quickest link between Townsville and Magnetic Island.
Some of their sustainability initiatives include implementing energy-efficient lighting across terminals and vessels, which is turned off when not in use, and introducing digital e-tickets and a commuter app to reduce the use of paper tickets.
To provide more sustainable marine transport solutions, Sealink is working with governments and clients around Australia to design and build low and green-emission vessels, including hydrogen and electric-powered options.
Find SeaLink North Queensland on the Green Travel Guide here.
2. Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters – ECO Certified on the nature level, Green Travel Leader, Hall of Fame
Image: Tropic Wings’ electric tour bus
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters is the longest-established coach operator in Tropical North Queensland, providing quality eco-friendly tours in Kuranda and Cape Tribulation.
Tropic Wings proudly operates Australia’s first 100% electric bus and the first fleet of electric coaches used for day tours. Through their Towards Sustainable Transport in Tourism project, they have installed 11 advanced charging stations and developed off-grid operational capabilities in the event of outages, setting new benchmarks for sustainable transport in tourism.
Find Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters on the Green Travel Guide here.
3. Down Under Tours – Advanced ECO Certified, Hall of Fame, Green Travel Leader
Image: Down Under Tours’ fleet of coaches
Family-owned and operating in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Down Under Tours is dedicated to delivering memorable tour experiences that cater to everyone.
Their tours are designed to include individuals who are visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with limited mobility, cognitive disabilities or who are neurodiverse.
Their accessible fleet includes dedicated wheelchair-accessible coaches with features like side-loading hydraulic lifts, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable experience for all.
Find Down Under Tours on the Green Travel Guide here.
4. HeliSpirit – ECO Certified, Hall of Fame, Green Travel Leader
Image: Scenic helicopter flight over Lake Argyle and the surrounding ranges in Western Australia
HeliSpirit offers a variety of unforgettable helicopter adventures across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
They have partnered with Eve Air Mobility to introduce up to 50 zero-emission electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with flights starting as early as 2026. This innovative fleet will provide quick, efficient and emission-free air travel, with the added benefit of reducing noise by up to 90% compared to equivalent helicopter types.
HeliSpirit is committed to significantly reducing its carbon footprint by operating zero-emission electric aircraft, offering unrivalled sustainable tourism experiences across Western Australia.
Find HeliSpirit on the Green Travel Guide here.
5. Beyond Byron E bikes – ECO Certified, Green Travel Leader
Image: e-bike tour in the Unicorn Falls, National Park and Rail Trail In New South Wales
Beyond Byron E Bikes offers guided e-bike tours of the Hinterland and National Parks surrounding Byron Bay in NSW.
Their mission is to reduce carbon emissions from transport by promoting the use of e-bikes as an alternative form of transport while encouraging guests to foster a deeper connection to nature.
Committed to leaving no trace behind, they have partnered with ReForestNow.org to plant local rainforest trees for every tour, offsetting their carbon footprint and contributing to rainforest restoration.
Find Beyond Byron E Bikes on the Green Travel Guide here.
To find out more about World Sustainable Transport Day, check out their website here: https://www.worldsustainabletransportday.org/