A return flight from the UK to Australia will release up to 6 tonnes of CO₂ (around 1/3 of an average Australian’s annual emissions). (Jo Lauder, 2018. ABC, https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/carbon-offsets-flying/10243220). 

If, like us, you wanted to visit Australia to see beautiful pristine environments such as the Great Barrier Reef, you might have thought about the environmental impact of backpacking around Australia. With the undeniable effects of climate change becoming more prevalent, it’s hard to know whether visiting some of these renowned locations is ethical when considering your own carbon footprint. 

Thankfully, we’ve done some research for you! Here’s some top tips for ensuring eco-conscious travel round Australia and in Hervey Bay: 

1. Carbon Offset Your Flight

This one’s easy! Most airlines now offer an additional fee to offset the CO₂ produced by your flight, the cost of which is spent on other projects such as reforestation to help absorb all that extra carbon dioxide. This usually costs around $50-70 per flight, which is really only the cost of your pre-flight airport beers!

2. Book an Eco-friendly or Carbon Neutral Hotel

It’s no secret that we all love taking an extra-long shower or blasting the A/C all night when we’re staying in a hotel, but the carbon emissions from a night in a hotel room can be up to 3x those of a residential apartment (nabers.gov.au)! Thankfully, more eco-friendly hotels, hostels and campsites are popping up all over Australia. At the Woolshed, we produce our own energy during the day using solar panels, with minimal carbon emissions from our electricity as long as the sun is shining. 

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There’s lots of ways to make sure you are conscious of your waste production when travelling. We always recommend carrying a reusable water bottle (tap water in Australia is drinkable unless specified otherwise) and a light tote bag to reduce plastic waste. Check local recycling guidelines where you are going, minimize food waste by giving leftover items to others, and buy clothes from local op shops or second hand markets. To help with this tip, the Woolshed has clear signs showing what can be recycled, and we compost food waste to recycle those nutrients back into our communal herb garden!

4. Leave Only Footprints

The Butchulla people, traditional custodians of Hervey Bay and K’gari, follow their key principle ‘Wherever you go, leave only footprints’. This ethos is an excellent way to live when backpacking, and you can do this by ensuring you take your rubbish with you to recycle later, maintaining Australia’s pristine wilderness. You can also make sure your cosmetics are environmentally degradable and safe for the oceans, and make sure not to take any natural souvenirs (no matter how pretty that shell is!). 

5. Have Fun!

Hervey Bay is situated beside the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park, with direct access to K’gari and Lady Elliot islands. The area offers a wealth of eco-tours, designed with the eco-conscious traveler in mind. Lady Elliot Eco Resort allows you to snorkel and dive the Southern Great Barrier Reef, whilst the Great Sandy Strait is a Humpback whale highway from the months of July-November. Our local resorts and tour companies are designed with conservation in mind, with some of their profits put straight back into eco-initiatives and whale research in the area. Enjoy one of our local tours confident in the knowledge that you are contributing to the conservation and maintenance of the diverse marine environment on your doorstep!