There is worldwide awareness about the benefits of responsible tourism, eco-friendly travel and reducing the carbon footprint on the environment. Be conscientious, act responsibly to minimise impact on the environment, interact with local communities, culture, traditions and go a step further by planting a tree or contributing to a local environmental program. Responsible travel is low impact on fragile, pristine and usually protected areas.
These philosophies are encompassed at the Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
Tourism today is the backbone of Fraser Island’s economy.
Opened in 1992, the resort has set benchmarks, proving to be a leader in ecotourism trends, the resort has also won numerous international, national, state and regional tourism and design awards for development and eco-tourism.
What’s amazing is the accommodation at the Kingfisher Bay Resort has been designed to minimise the effects on the surrounding environment, to conserve energy and to reduce waste. The 152-room hotel, more than 100 self-contained residential villas, eight wilderness lodges, a day visitor facility, shopping and staff villages feature Queensland-style buildings with open verandas and curved, natural coloured tin roofs that blend into the surrounding environment and lessen the need for air conditioning as afternoon sea breezes cool the air. The hotel rooms are linked by timber walkways that meander through the bush. Bright, modern and well-appointed, they all enjoy bush or lake views from private decks.
While the buildings are built up high so as not to damage the sand dunes, they are no more than two levels and below the natural tree-line which decrease the resort’s visual impact.
In an effort to eliminate packaging waste, the bathrooms feature soaps, shampoos and conditioners in refillable dispensers.
An on-site worm farm turns waste into compost for the gardens. How thorough is that?
Roads and buildings are built around the major trees on the 65-hectare site, as far as possible.
Water and energy conservation measures are at the forefront.
The property encourages appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage value of the area through education and interpretation activities. You can choose from a number of dining options.
The resort is designed to give people an enjoyable nature-based tourism experience on Fraser Island while creating minimal impact on the environment. The grounds provide the basis of ranger guided walks. Landscaping mirrors native vegetation and protects the island’s gene pool. Self-guiding walking trails with interpretive signage and field guides help guests explore.
Kingfisher Bay provides a world class base from which to explore Fraser Island. The resort overlooks the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait and provides a base for boating, fishing and swimming.
Fraser Island stretches for 123 kilometres and features beautiful fresh water lakes, lush rainforests, spectacular cliffs of coloured sands, rare ferns, sandblows, endless beaches, shipwrecks, wildflowers and abundant wildlife. A popular tourist area is Lake McKenzie.
Interpretive expert rangers take guests to explore the island’s significant natural and geological features and interesting Aboriginal and European histories. They provide information and an environmental ethic on guided walks, 4WD tours and marine cruises.
Go on, be adventurous.
Rama Gaind was a guest of Kingfisher Bay Resort
Details Box
Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island
Email: [email protected]
kingfisherbay.com
Toll free in Australia: 1800 072 555 1800 072 555
