Follow Up: Australia’s First Carbon-Neutral Resort
Green Vacations in Australia
By: Phoenix Arrien
Australia is getting ‘green’…gradually. The sunny north-eastern state of Queensland has recently boasted about Australia’s first 100 percent solar powered and carbon neutral tourism operator.
Hidden Valley Cabins and Tours on the Paluma range - one and a half hours northwest of Townsville - now leads this country in a crucial environmental initiative. Ian and Bonnie McLennan use alternative natural power sources as well as purchasing carbon credits and using to offset any green house gases which are released.
It is a stand-alone operation drawing no support from a power grid. The McLennan’s have introduced a range of carbon-friendly initiatives including replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs and minimising waste by compacting food and paper products for use in the garden.
Other green initiatives include educating guests and the public on the importance of protecting wildlife; building low impact walking tracks; recycling all aluminium cans, papers and cardboards; planting native trees and vegetation; and building with local timber.
The original Hidden Valley Cabins were established in 1982 to cater for timber cutters, tin miners and graziers in the area. Ian and Bonnie McLennan bought the resort 21 years ago, demolishing the existing buildings and rebuilding the entire resort.
The frame work and roof trusses are made from selectively logged local hard wood and the outside cladding on the buildings is railway sleeper off cuts which were commissioned to be burnt if not purchased by the McLennan’s.
The McLennan’s also undertook substantial revegetation to replace any native trees or plants lost in construction. A swag of awards has found its way to their wall and mantelpiece: Best Hosted Accommodation, Best New Tourism Development 2007 and a finalist in the 2007 Queensland Tourism Awards for best Hosted Accommodation.
Situated near Running River on the western slope of the Paluma range, it is home to varying species of birds, butterflies, wallabies, lace monitors, platypus and nocturnal animals.
If it’s time to experience a sustainable vacation in the tropics of Australia, check out www.hiddenvalleycabins.com.au
Tags: Carbon Friendly Tourism, Eco Friendly Tourism, Tourism in Australia, travel in Australia
