Green Travel Leaders of AustraliaEcotourism Australia Turns 202011 GECKO Awards Winners Announced!EcoBytes Monthly eNewsletter2011 Gala Auction of Amazing Experiences!About Us
20 years of Ecotourism in Australia
2011 Gala Auction of Amazing Experiences!

Ecotourism Australia's Annual Gala Auction has become an eagerly anticipated event.

Every year, AMAZING certified tourism experiences are donated for auction. This year we are spoilt with some of Australia's most fantastic environmentally sustainable experiences. 

18 HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES from 25 certified tourism operators will be auctioned at the Global Eco Gala Dinner on Wednesday 8 November.  Tickets to the dinner are available at
www.globaleco.com.au


EXPERIENCE 1
Dive Trip to the S.S. Yongala Wreck Valued at $249
Ecotourism Certified
Yongala Dive, Ayr, QLD  
www.yongaladive.com.au
1 Day Diving with two dives ( full gear ) Reef and Mooring Tax. Snacks and refreshments on board and an Aussie BBQ lunch.
Dive the S.S. YONGALA Wreck,  one of the world’s top dive sites. This famous wreck is located in the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just 12 nautical miles away from our base at Alva Beach.





EXPERIENCE 2
Five nights in unique paradise Valued at $640
Nature Tourism Certified
Broadwater Haven, Deepwater (South of Agnes Waters), QLD www.broadwaterhaven.com.au
Five nights for two guests in award winning, four star accommodation on a pristine part of Queensland’s coastline. Broadwater Haven, a dual winner in recent regional tourism awards operates almost solely on renewable energy and offers a unique holiday destination for visitors who love fishing, bush or beach walking or simply relaxing with a good book.







EXPERIENCE 3
Camel riding in Alice Springs Valued at $50
Ecotourism Certified
Pyndan Camel Tracks, Alice Springs, NT
www.cameltracks.com
Come camel riding with Pyndan Camel Tracks, the only Alice Springs camel tour company. Journey up close to the majestic MacDonnell Ranges with our gentle camels.   Join Pyndan Camel Tracks for an unforgettable experience in Alice Springs that will be the highlight of your trip.






EXPERIENCE 4
1 day Beach and Forest Eco Adventure for 2 Valued at $190
Ecotourism Certified
Pembrton Discovery Tours, Pemberton, WA
www.pembertondiscoverytours.com.au
Amazing knowledgeable guides tour through old growth Karri Forest enables you to adventure into otherwise unknown wilderness territory. Experience the diversity regions photogenic landscapes unique flora & fauna. spectacular Wildflowers in season, pristine Yeagarup Dunes, restless ocean D'Entrecasteaux and Warren National Parks.





EXPERIENCE 5

Wild, wet and wonderful, swimming with wild dolphins and seals Valued at $250
Ecotourism Certified
Polperro Dolphin Swims, Blairgowrie, VIC
www.polperro.com.au
Polperro is Port Phillip Bay's original dolphin swim operation, which is why this award-winning family business is so dedicated to giving passengers the best possible experience while ensuring these magnificent, wild creatures are able to roam free. This memorable ecotourism adventure also features close encounters with other fascinating marine life, including seals. Polperro conducts tours under licence to Parks Victoria. The marine experience of a lifetime!! 




EXPERIENCE 6
Full-day Rainforest Adventure Tour for 10 people Valued at $1,250
Ecotourism Certified
Mountain Bike Tours, Byron Bay, NSW 
www.mountainbiketours.com.au
Rainforest Adventure Tour - Immerse yourself in the beauty of Byron Bay's Rainforests. Ride through a range of fire trails and backcountry single tracks, exhilarating downhills and log jumps. This adventure takes place amid lush, subtropical rainforests, complemented by ancient volcanic terrain in the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park in the hinterland of Byron Bay.  




EXPERIENCE 7

Accommodation voucher NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park Valued at $450
Climate Action Certified
NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park, Arrawarra, (Nth Coffs Harbour), NSW www.darlingtonbeach.com.au
Spanning over 110 acres of coastal forest, located beachfront and full of native wildlife is NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park only 25 mins north of Coffs Harbour in NSW. Take the family and experience Darlington Beach with a $450 voucher to be used in any accommodation type. Valid in low season and for 12 months.







EXPERIENCE 8

SYDNEY URBAN ECO ADVENTURES Valued at $572

Sydney Moonwalk: Sunset to Sunrise in the Royal National Park Valued at $498
Ecotourism Certified
Understand Down Under, Sydney 
www.udu.com.au
For memories that are out of this world! After a candlelit dinner, as the sun sets and the full moon rises over Wattamolla lagoon, join in on adventure of a lifetime. Get your glow sticks on and get back to nature, where you will learn all of the Royal National Parks natural wonders, and become a first class night photographer.  





Manly Snorkel Walk and Talk Tour for 2 Valued at $74
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Eco Treasures Mona Vale http://ecotreasures.com.au
Meet your local snorkel guide at the world famous Shelly Beach only minutes from one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, Manly. Your guide will give you a great idea of what native marine life to keep your eye out for as well as talk to you about native wildlife, Australian environment, heritage and culture of Sydney. See Australia’s diverse marine wildlife in their natural environment in the sea grass meadows and rocky reefs of protected Cabbage Tree Bay at Aquatic Reserve. Easy introduction lessons available




EXPERIENCE 9
Family Dolphin Watch Voucher: 2 Adults and 2 Children Valued at $65.50
Ecotourism Certified
Moonshadow Cruises, Nelson Bay, NSW  
www.moonshadow.com.au
This spectacular cruise in the sheltered waters of Port Stephens harbour, offers a 99% success rate in dolphin sightings. Get acquainted with our resident bottlenose dolphins while cruising around the renowned Tomaree headlands. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea or why not indulge in an optional buffet lunch. Be entertained by the Captain’s informative commentary and sit back and relax on the largest & sturdiest vessel in the bay. 
 



EXPERIENCE 10
Discover Eaglereach from Mountaintop to Rainforest Valued at $1,000
Ecotourism Certified
Eaglereach Wilderness Resort, Hunter Region, NSW
www.eaglereach.com.au
Eaglereach is a natural mountaintop adventureland featuring an amazing variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat choose from 1 to 6 bedroom family and spa lodges and resort rooms. All non motorised equipment hire free from Kayak to mountain bike DVD library.





EXPERIENCE 11

Swim with the Great Whites Valued at $295
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Adventure Bay Charters, Port Lincoln, SA 
www.adventurebaycharters.com.au
Experience the chance to see the legendary Great White Shark in its natural habitat. Take a day on the water to visit Shark Bay at the Neptune Islands in South Australia, home of the worlds largest predatory fish! On the way see the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Thorny Passage and expect sightings of dolphins and local Sea Birds.   






EXPERIENCE 12

EXPLORE ECO BROOME For 2 Total Prize Valued at $900

2 nights Eco Beach Broome Valued at $540
Ecotourism Certified
Eco Beach Broome, Broome, WA
www.ecobeach.com.au
One of the world’s most remarkable destinations, Eco Beach is a unique, luxury eco retreat set in a pristine and untouched landscape a little over an hour’s drive south of Broome. Designed in such a way that there is absolute minimal impact on its breathtaking natural surrounds and featuring stunning villas, luxury tents, infinity pool, bar and restaurant and the beautiful beach, the bush, the creek and the amazing colours of the Kimberley.


Willie Creek Pearl Farm Experience Valued at $360
Ecotourism Certified
Willie Creek Pearls, Broome, WA www.williecreekpearls.com.au
Discover how the rare and beautiful ‘Australian South Sea Pearl’ is produced at the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Broome. The 4 hour couch tour provides visitors with a unique insight into the modern cultured pearling process. Learn how technicians seed a live oyster to produce a pearl and cruise the creek’s azure waters to view oyster panels suspended in their natural environment.  






EXPERIENCE 13
All Inclusive Outback Experience at Jabiru Safari Lodge Valued at $916
Advanced Ecotourism Certified and member of Eco Lodges of Australia
Jabiru Safari Lodge At Mareeba Wetlands, Far North Queensland
www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au
Jabiru Safari Lodge is located within the 2000ha Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, 1 ¼ hours from Cairns. African style tented safari cabins, and the reserve of open woodland and freshwater wetlands provides a unique outback environment with walking trails, canoeing, eco-cruises, wildlife safaris and privately guided nature experiences.






 
EXPERIENCE 14
Bruny Island Full Day Tour Valued at $360
Ecotourism Certified
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Bruny Island, TAS www.pennicottjourneys.com.au
Spend a day with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys on Bruny Island including guided return bus tour from Hobart, a three hour coastal wilderness cruise, morning tea and lunch. You will travel along Bruny Island’s rugged coast beneath high sea cliffs, enter deep sea caves and join in the search for wildlife such as seals, dolphins and sea birds.





EXPERIENCE 15
Seal and Dolphin Swim Valued at $245
Ecotourism Certified
Sea All Dolphin Swims, Queenscliff, VIC www.dolphinswims.com.au
How many places in the world can you swim with wild dolphins AND seals? Not many, but Queenscliff is one of them. People travel from all over the world to experience what we have on our very doorstep.
The popular and award winning Sea All Dolphin Swims is a family owned business which offers seal & dolphin swims, reef snorkels and marine animal viewing all in the one amazing trip! Operating out of Queenscliff, Victoria, we aim to show you the very best parts of beautiful Port Phillip Bay.



EXPERIENCE 16
Golden Triangle Tour Valued at $338
Ecotourism Certified
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours Victoria and Central Goldfields VIC www.goldennuggettours.com.au
Come and discover where Australia’s largest Gold rush shaped the nation, the goldfields of Victoria. Visit Maryborough which has splendid heritage buildings centre'd on the Civic Centre, as well as the famous Railway Station. Travel through the box-iron bark forest with its wildflowers, birds and superb display golden wattle in season. Visit Dunolly where more large gold nuggets than anywhere else in Australia, including the largest in the world have been found.




EXPERIENCE 17

3 nights at Lillydale Farmstay Valued at $1,365
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Lillydale Farmstay, Scenic Rim, QLD  www.lillydale.com.au
3 nights in a self contained accommodation for up to 8 people in 2 bedroom EcoCabin. Enjoy amazing views of World Heritage listed Mt Barney National Park from your EcoCabin.
 Lillydale Farmstay offers fun, farm holidays for families where you can collect eggs, milk a cow, feed baby animals and go horse riding near Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The short 90 minute drive will see you close to Mount Barney National Park and the surrounding towns of Rathdowney, Beaudesert and Boonah.

 


EXPERIENCE 18

Daintree and Cape Tribulation ECO Adventure For 2 Total Prize valued at $1200

2 nights Daintree Rainforest Getaway Valued at $640
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Stonewood Retreat  www.daintreerainforestretreat.com.au
Stonewood Retreat is a luxury sanctuary set on 2.5 acres of Australian Tropical Rainforest within the Daintree National Park.
Your Holiday Home is 5 min from Thornton’s Beach and secluded beaches.  Cape Tribulation is 20 min north. Scuba diving, crocodile spotting, yoga and day spa are a few things you can experience in the area.




Kayak tour into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Valued at $168
Ecotourism Certified
Paddletrek Kayak Adventures www.capetribpaddletrek.com.au
Explore Cape Tribulation’s beaches, reefs, mangroves and marine wildlife. Let us take you on an kayak tour into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, from where you have spectacular views of the ancient Daintree Rainforest. With no experience necessary, you have the choice between our Morning Adventure Trek and our Sunset Paddle. Come on an adventure.




Exotic Fruit Tasting Valued at $50
Ecotourism Certified
Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm www.capetrib.com.au
The Exotic Fruit Tasting is an adventure in taste – you get to sample rare tropical fruit with names like ‘chocolate pudding’ and ‘crème caramel’, learn how to eat the fruit and how to prepare them. After the tasting there is a guided farm walk to explore the orchard.



 

Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour Valued at $180
Ecotourism Certified
Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours www.junglesurfing.com.au
Jungle Surfing is a unique and exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the world-renowned Daintree Rainforest. Rainforest has more strata than any other terrestrial ecosystem, and can only be truly appreciated by getting up into the canopy. With its low-impact system of platforms and cables, Jungle Surfing offers unparalleled access to the heart of the Daintree from the bustling forest floor to the giants that tower above the canopy.



Wildlife Habitat Entry Valued at $64
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Wildlife Habitat www.wildlifehabitat.com.au
The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is an immersion exhibit - an open and interactive environment for guests and animals to mingle in a spacious natural setting. Visitors wander along elevated boardwalks as birds fly and roam freely. Experience wildlife from the surrounding Rainforest, Wetlands, and Grasslands environments, and learn with our guided tours and presentations. Enjoy Breakfast with the Birds or Lunch with the Lorikeets as birds wander freely amongst the tables.


Daintree Discovery Centre 2 x Family Passes (2 adults/3 children) Valued at $68 each
Advanced Ecotourism Certified
Daintree Discovery Centre www.daintree-rec.com.au
This multi-award winning eco tourism facility nestled in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, allows visitors to enjoy the rainforest at every level – from the forest floor to the upper-most reaches of the canopy. Explore the spectacular Aerial Walkway, 23m high Canopy Tower, rainforest walks, interpretive centre and café.

 


 


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Green Travel Leaders of AustraliaEcotourism Australia Turns 202011 GECKO Awards Winners Announced!EcoBytes Monthly eNewsletter2011 Gala Auction of Amazing Experiences!About Us