Eco Travel Tips in the Whitsundays

Lily Kerley

Updated Thu 14 Mar 2024

Eco Travel in the Whitsundays Environment Airlie Beach Eco Tours

How make a difference on your Whitsunday travels

Are you tired of feeling like just another tourist, trekking down the same old beaten path? Want to do your part for the planet while travelling? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

The Whitsundays is a natural wonderland, made up of precious, tropical ecosystems, in which mindful travelling has never been more important. In this special corner of the world, you can explore lush, colourful and complex tropical environments on land, in the sea and even in the sky! So, pack your bags, slow it down and make a difference on your next getaway with our guide to eco-travelling the Whitsundays.

Eco Itinerary

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world and is so much more than just a bucket list item to be ticked off. Below the surface of the Whitsunday waters lies incredible, vibrant ecosystems that aren’t found anywhere else. Made up of over 3000 individual reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing that can be seen from space! Home to an abundance of species, such as Green Turtles, Manta Rays, Dugongs, Whale Sharks and Giant Clams, the Great Barrier Reef really is a special and precious place. So, jump in, experience the organisms found in this underwater jungle first-hand and submerge yourself into the wonders of the ocean… you’ll be sure to resurface with a newfound appreciation for our precious reef!

Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef

Ngaro Cultural Site

One of the most important steps in environmental conservation all over the world is listening and learning from the history and practices of Indigenous populations. The Ngaro, Gia and Giru peoples are the traditional owners of these precious lands and waters and lived in harmony with their environment before the arrival of British invaders. Indeed, there really is so much to learn from the rich history of the First Nations peoples. Head to the Ngaro Cultural Site on Hook Island for a light trek which leads to ancient caves covered in ancient Indigenous paintings. Take your time here, treating these firsthand, sensitive pieces of history with respect, acknowledgement and deep thinking!

Ngaro Cultural Site Hook Island Nara Inlet Indigenous History of the Whitsundays

Eco Whitehaven Tour

Nestled along the shores of Whitsunday Island National Park lies Whitehaven Beach, which holds some of the whitest sand in the world… a true geological miracle! Incredible, ancient volcanic activity has resulted in a 7km stretch of 98% pure silica sands which make for a day full of natural wonder and tropical island vibes. Experience Whitsunday Island in a unique, environmentally-conscious way on our Eco Whitehaven Tour. Soak up a guided, eco-kayak tour through pristine waters, learn about your surrounding habitats with a citizens science program and take part in a beach rubbish collection activity to give back to the Whitsundays!

Whitehaven Beach Silica Sand Whitsunday Beach Eco Travel

Take a hike!

With an array of lush bushwalks scattered around the Whitsunday Islands and on the mainland, you can slow down and really immerse yourself in mother nature's belly. Listen to the native birds, spot an array of unique Australian fauna and flora and get some awesome views from above. Hiking is a zero-emission activity, and with a variety of light island walks, to more difficult hikes for experienced enthusiasts, there's something for everyone here in the Whitsundays. Check out our many fantastic Whitsunday Walks with a map to find the perfect day natural wonder for you! Or, if you want to go chasing waterfalls, explore our guide to the region's most stunning natural swimming holes and falls!

Cedar Creek Falls Whitsunday Mainland Waterfalls

Whale watching

Humpback whales undertake their annual, Antarctic migration in the winter months and pass through the Whitsundays between July and September. Here, they take a break to play, rest and teach their newborn whale calves. Needless to say, spotting a Humpback whale is a naturally incredible experience, as you witness the curiosity and marvel of these marine mammals! If you’re visiting our slice of the heaven during whale season, most of the charters that head out to the island will witness at least one Humpback, and maybe even a whale calf! Rest assured, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority implements rules regarding proximity and interactions with whales, so your experience with these majestic mammals isn’t disruptive or ecologically harmful!

Humpback Whales Whitsunday Islands Eco Tour

Sustainable Travel Tips

	Leave only footprints When visiting the Whitsunday Islands, the old saying goes “take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.” And, it’s never been more important. Tourism is inherently impactful to the environment, so the best thing you can do is to take all of your rubbish, even compostable organics, back to the mainland and dispose of them responsibly. The ecosystems on the islands are unique, with their very own native species, and we aim to keep these dreamy destinations pristine, untouched and flourishing. Many of the Whitsunday islands are considered national parks, and it is against the law to take any flora or fauna from these protected areas. However, picking up any plastics or rubbish you see is permitted, and even encouraged, as we work together to preserve and protect these special corners of the world!
	Learn something new! Do you want to leave your next Whitsunday holiday with more than just a camera-full of photos and a sunglasses tan? Luckily, the Whitsundays is home to an abundance of marine insights and interesting history, making it the perfect place to dig deeper and gain some local knowledge. One of the best ways to do this is on one of our day or overnight tours around the Whitsunday Islands. The crews that facilitate these experiences are predominantly all Airlie Beach locals with backgrounds in boating, diving and/ or marine biology, and are always friendly and up for a chat about our beautiful slice of paradise! Learn about the challenges facing the reef firsthand, such as declining biodiversity, coral bleaching and crown of thorns starfish. You will come away from your getaway with both a golden glow and a mind full of new knowledge about one of the most important ecosystems in Australia!
	Avoid plastic products It’s not news that plastics and subsequent micro-plastics are a danger to the Reef and Whitsundays. While the colossal amount of single-use plastics used in our day-to-day life can be overwhelming, many individual actions do make a difference. Whether it’s recycling your hard and soft plastics, opting for reusable containers or just choosing to dine in rather than taking away, individual and collective actions like these reduce the amount of plastic in circulation, in turn reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean! Check out our article on travelling plastic-free for more tips on how to pack for your Whitsunday adventure.
	Spend locally Supporting local economies has never been more important. Amidst the global pandemic, the Australian tourism and hospitality industries have lost billions, and the Whitsunday region has felt these whopping losses. As communities come together to try and stay afloat, eating out at a family-owned restaurant, or grabbing your daily coffee from that locally-sourced cafe around the corner has never been more recognised! Not only does spending locally reduce your food and product miles, it also affords you the quality, quirks and friendly service known to small businesses in the Whitsundays region! Check out 5 ways that you can support local businesses in the Whitsundays!