Adding to its already significant list of awards and accreditations, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has proudly announced its recognition of being honoured as an Ecotourism Australia Certificated operator.
By demonstrating best practice, accreditation means that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is recognised as having exemplary operations in terms of ecological sustainability, natural area management and provision of authentic cultural experiences.
Owner, Greg McKinnon, said it was one of the resort’s proudest achievements, with environmental protection and sustainability being one of the most important priorities for his team of nearly 50 staff.
“As an operator based within the Great Barrier Reef region, we understand the importance of preserving and protecting the area’s ecosystems and natural resources, and to inform our guests of potential impacts and how they can make a difference. With a sustainable ethos and our location at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, we passionately blend good times and good ethics to offer the perfect escape for all ages,” said Mr McKinnon.
The resort’s environmental aims and objectives are based on the all-important philosophy of reduce, reuse, recycle, and many activities are implemented throughout the resort which align with these environmental values.
The resort’s dedication to reducing emissions is accomplished by initiatives such as the use of electric buggies, recycling programs, solar bin lifters, a range of battery powered machinery for grounds, motion sensors for lighting and a solar roof mounted system on the conference centre and maintenance shed roofs to generate power.
Set on 26 acres, the resort’s gardens add that extra special something to the holiday experience with thousands of plants used to create an enchanting tropical wonderland. The resort has an on-site nursery that propagates nearly every plant used throughout the park with numerous flowering tropical trees and shrubs to attract native butterflies and birdlife. The use of plant species such as bromeliads, succulents and native palms, require minimal irrigation and neem trees have been planted as a native deterrent for sandflies.
Local residents include wallabies, bandicoots, ducks and green tree frogs and the resort is committed to educating guests on how to not interfere with wildlife. Dogs or other pets are not permitted within the resort to ensure the resort’s native animals and bird life is not affected.
Along with the resort’s many environmental initiatives, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort also works with Whitsunday Training to deliver its Reef Discovery Program and offers Ocean Rafting’s Reef Seeker program, which provide educational and fun modules for school groups, in both classroom and practical environments, allowing students to develop a greater appreciation of how important it is to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
As the only 4.5 star Eco-accredited resort holiday park in Airlie Beach, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort provides a true eco experience by offering a wide variety of eco-friendly activities and accommodation options. Cabins range from simple studio style rooms, through to 3-bedroom Poolview Condos, whilst enormous outdoor balconies allow space to soak up the balmy outdoors and garden surrounds. Caravan sites are adored for the serenity and privacy of the individually landscaped gardens surrounding each site. The resort is heaven on earth for kids of all ages with a waterslide park and over 15 onsite activities.
In acknowledgement of Ecotourism Australia’s commitment and encouragement, Mr McKinnon added, “We must sincerely thank Ecotourism Australia for their support and for all the hard work they undertake to promote and protect the natural beauty of Australia. We are proud to be a part of their program as every business and every person can really make a difference in the overall protection and sustainability of the environment on a global level.”