Ecotourism

Eco Tourism Provider

We are a Genuine Ecotourism Operator, and a Green Travel Leader as verified by Ecotourism Australia.

Ecotourism Australia is a not for profit, membership-based organisation inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Internationally recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Ecotourism Australia designs and delivers certification programs for tourism products and destinations, assuring travellers that these are backed by a strong commitment to sustainability and quality.

Golden Nugget Discovery Tours gained Ecotourism Certification in August 2007.

Since then, we have gained Green Travel Leader in 2017, for demonstrating commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

SUSTAINABILITY = SUSTAINBLE TOURISM
The Ways of Our Sustainable Tourism practices are.

Offset our Carbon Footprint by partnering with 15 Trees to plant Australian native trees and shrubs.
Source local business to help run our business.
Use local cafes / restaurants for our morning teas and lunches.
Work with businesses that have the same commitments to sustainability.
Keep our vehicles up to date with servicing.
Eco driving methods as to not waste fuel and excess wear on our vehicle.
Re do our Eco Certification in December 2024.
Using Solar Panels for our electricity use.
Use recycled eco sourced paper in the office and double-sided printing.
Recycle our printer cartridges and re use.
Use V/Line passenger trains to move our guests In and Out of Melbourne, so as not create more traffic and reduce our Carbon Footprint (See below)

Minimum Impact is the way We Do Things

Recycle our waste,
Reduce and prevent pollution,
Use minimal disturbance like not feeding birds and animals, keeping to walking tracks to protect our flora and fauna,
Pick up rubbish in the National Parks during tours,
Smaller group sizes.

Conservation

We help protect the Environment and help other Organisations to do the same. We are supporters of 15 Trees, they plant native trees, shrubs and grasses to Offset Our Carbon Emissions/Footprint.

We support the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in protecting flora and fauna in their large feral fenced off reserves, and We are one of the original supports of the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species Ltd . We contribute to their Conservation programs to protect our native wildlife and habitats.

Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation – Ecotourism Australia

Melbourne Guests Joining our Tours – Train Travel.

For non-core transport to quickly get you in and out of Melbourne to join Our Tours we use fast and efficient V/Line trains. Using the train is a great option and it is more eco-friendly than an extra car on the road.
The trains are comfortable, have toilet facilities, and are air-conditioned with panoramic windows to view the countryside, so sit back and relax and enjoy the passing scenery.

The tour fits around train arrival and departure times so your guide will be there to meet you at Ballarat, Geelong or Bendigo Railway Stations when you arrive.

You will need to buy a MYKI Card (Victorian Travel Card) to travel with V/Line on the single day tours, and you are able to access any discounts V/Line offer – Victorian residents Only.

For customers that are on the Extended Tours, the guide will provide you with a MYKI Card at Southern Cross Railway Station for use on the trains during the tour, at the end the of the tour the MYKI Card is handed back to the guide

The train departs from Southern Cross Station (Melbourne), we inform you of which train to catch for the tour and the departure time from Melbourne.

Using fast trains reduces our Carbon Footprint and Climate Change impact.