Ecotourism

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.

• 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 did 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 the Friends of the Canadian Corridor (Woorookurung Regional Park), we join their and help to 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.

This year we supported the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to reduce the devasting impact of feral predators, and we supported FAME in creating their Three Safer Havens project. 

We acknowledge the traditional peoples of the land in which our tours travel across in western Victoria.
If you are interested in local aboriginal art, we suggest you visit Perridak Arts which is an Aboriginal owned and operated business in the evolving art and tourist scene of Ballarat on the land of the Wathawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, and we also recommend Ross Creek Gallery, which is nestled in the serene bushland just a short 10-minute drive from Ballarat, on Wathawurrung Country. The contemporary gallery is seamlessly integrated next to Ruby Pilven’s mudbrick studio, creating a peaceful and inspiring environment.

Accessibility

We are committed to making Golden Nugget Discovery Tours accessible to as my any people as possible.

Dietary Considerations
Our meals are from local cafe’s and restaurants.
If you have any dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free, the cafe’s/restaurants will be able to cater for your needs.
Mobility – Wheelchairs / Walkers / Prams
Due to the unevenness of the ground, stairs, rock scrambling, Wheelchairs / Walkers / Prams are not suitable most of outdoor tours.
Our vehicles do not have Wheelchair / Walker / Pram access. Please contact us to confirm.
Elderly
You will need a medium level of fitness to go on our outdoor tours. Walkers are not suitable on our outdoor walking tours.
Visually Impaired
Due to the unevenness of the ground, stairs, rock scrambling, you may not be able to do our outdoor tours. Contact us to confirm.
Hearing Impaired
We will ask you to be at the front of the group, so you can hear the guide.
Sensory Sensitivities
Our tours should be available to you. Please contact us to confirm you needs.

If you have any specific needs, we recommend contacting us before booking to confirm suitability.