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Explore Eco-Friendly Escapes: Our Sustainable Tourism Picks

This month we are celebrating sustainability and featuring a few of our partners that we feel display exemplary measures to reduce their footprint on our precious environment. Discover how these suppliers are shaping the future of travel with eco-conscious practices and community engagement, allowing us to explore the many wonders of Australia responsibly.

NEW SOUTH WALES
Capella Lodge
Location: Lord Howe Island

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Capella Lodge located on the stunning Lord Howe Island, is part of the Baillie Lodges collection and a Luxury Lodges of Australia property. Lord Howe Island’s visitors are capped at 400 to protect the fragile ecosystem. Capella lodge is committed to sustainability with various initiatives and environmental management policies aligned with the island’s World Heritage status to further preserve the island’s integrity. The boutique accommodation engages in ongoing reforestation efforts, planting endemic species to prevent erosion and sustain biodiversity. Energy conservation measures are paramount, with architectural designs optimising natural weather patterns, 40 solar panels contributing to renewable energy goals, and energy-efficient systems throughout the property.

Waste management at Capella Lodge prioritises extensive recycling and eco-friendly practices, including composting and biodegradable cleaning products. Water conservation is achieved through rainwater harvesting 75% of the lodge’s water needs. These efforts underscore Baillie Lodges’ dedication to sustainable tourism, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering guests a luxurious and enriching experience that minimises their environmental footprint.

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QUEENSLAND
Sailaway Port Douglas – World’s First E Tender Glass Bottom Boat
Location: Port Douglas

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Advanced Eco accredited and Climate Action leader Sailaway Port Douglas, has introduced the world’s first E Tender Glass Bottom Boat, named “Off Grid – On Reef,” marking a significant leap in eco-tourism innovation. This 22-passenger vessel operates entirely on renewable energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines, showcasing Sailaway’s commitment to sustainability. Designed with Torqeedo technology, the boat offers quiet and non-intrusive tours for observing marine life, particularly turtles, while meeting rigorous AMSA safety standards.

Since 2013, Sailaway has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability by harnessing wind power for their luxury sailing catamarans and offsetting carbon emissions through local tree planting projects. With the introduction of their fully electric tender, Sailaway remains at the forefront of eco-tourism innovation, offering guests sustainable and immersive experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Murray River Trails 
Location:  Paringa, South Australia

Murray River trail

Our partners at Murray River Trails offer guided access to the remote parts of the Murray River featuring a multiday walking tour and a safari tour with kayaking. Both tours feature the region’s beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife and luxury houseboat accommodation.

Owner Tony Sharley is an Environmental Scientist and a river champion, and the concept of their Advanced Ecotourism Certified operation was born following a severe drought in the area. He wanted to help diversify the regional economy by giving back to the river through regenerative tourism.

In designing the touring routes several sustainability measures were implemented including a natural “on animal tracks” walking route instead of a constructed physical trail. Small group tours leave a small footprint, and the luxury houseboat ‘High River’ comfortably hosts up to 10 people. The boat operates on renewable energy from 52 solar panels eliminating the need for a noisy diesel generator. Superb locally grown food and wines are served aboard.

We especially love this experience because couples with varying fitness levels can both enjoy the Murray River.  Less active partners can spend the day cruising on the houseboat while more active partners explore the walking trail or safari route, returning to the houseboat for the evenings.

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QUEENSLAND
Lizard Island
Location:  Queensland

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Owner Tony Sharley is an Environmental Scientist and a river champion, and the concept of their Advanced Ecotourism Certified operation was born following a severe drought in the area. He wanted to help diversify the regional economy by giving back to the river through regenerative tourism.

In designing the touring routes several sustainability measures were implemented including a natural “on animal tracks” walking route instead of a constructed physical trail. Small group tours leave a small footprint, and the luxury houseboat ‘High River’ comfortably hosts up to 10 people. The boat operates on renewable energy from 52 solar panels eliminating the need for a noisy diesel generator. Superb locally grown food and wines are served aboard.

We especially love this experience because couples with varying fitness levels can both enjoy the Murray River.  Less active partners can spend the day cruising on the houseboat while more active partners explore the walking trail or safari route, returning to the houseboat for the evenings.

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Expand your Australian Bucket list!

Reach out to our team for more information on any of the features experiences.

info@alquemie.com.au

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH RESEARCHERS ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Great Barrier Reef is arguably the most impressive of the world’s seven natural wonders and certainly Australia’s most famous tourist attraction. Stretching along Australia’s eastern coastline and made up of over 3,000 individual reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef offers visitors a wealth of experiences in its tropical waters.

An experience on the Great Barrier Reef is by far one of the most requested highlights of any Alquemie itinerary and we love to send our clients out to see this magical marine beauty. Stays at luxurious resorts like Lizard Island, qualia on Hamilton Island and newly re-opened InterContinental Hayman Island give guests an opportunity to truly appreciate life on the reef.

In 2018 Alquemie became a founding member of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, an organisation using the collaborative power of the masses to reduce human caused environmental impacts around the globe (such as single use plastics) as well as supporting scientific research on the Great Barrier Reef. Through our contacts, the team at Alquemie can create bespoke experiences for guests that are interested in the work that is being done on the reef.

The types of experiences might include:

  • Fast tracking reef regeneration with baby corals / reseeding & restoring coral
  • Witnessing annual coral spawning (timed with lunar cycles and water temperatures – usually around October or November full moons)
  • Tracking marine mammals
  • Diving with marine researchers
  • Spending time on research / scientific vessels

Note that any of the above would require a donation to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef in addition to the costs of the experience.

If a behind-the-scenes Great Barrier Reef conservation experience appeals then please contact Alquemie to discuss what opportunities are available.

 

Unique and exclusive Luxury Holidays Australia

At Alquemie the unique holidays we craft are unparalleled. Our expert team are specialists in designing itineraries for high-net-worth individuals travelling to Australia who demand discretion, precision planning and an authentic and unique experience. We create one-of-a-kind luxury holidays Australia that leave lasting memories through exclusive experiences.

To us, the true luxury is sometimes in the exclusivity of being one of only a few to experience something. For example, Arkaba, a Wild Bush Luxury property in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia is a private wildlife conservancy roughly five times the size of Sydney harbour. This is shared by only ten guests in supreme comfort, with fabulous food and wine, and one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. It is this exclusivity that creates the true luxury.

Luxury Holidays Australia at Arkaba
Arkaba is one of Australia’s most exclusive properties

In the Top End of Australia lies Bamurru Plains, another Wild Bush Luxury property where again exclusivity is the true luxury although great food and wine are a given. Guests stay in safari-style bungalows with mesh walls on three sides and expansive views out overlooking flood plains where the wildlife roam free. Activities such as airboat safaris or game drives show off the spectacular wilderness in this exotic part of Australia.

At Bamurru Plains guests can airboat over the Mary River Flood Plains
At Bamurru Plains guests can airboat over the Mary River Flood Plains

On the Great Barrier Reef you’ll find that luxury comes in many styles. On Lizard Island you can take your own private dinghy to one of 23 white sand beaches that you are likely to have all to yourself.

SUP board on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
SUP board on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

For those who prefer the luxury that an urban escape can bring, we call upon our network of guides and experts to show you a side of our cities you wouldn’t find yourself.

Whether it’s our cities, the outback or the coast, there is no end to what Alquemie’s specialists can conjure up. Download our Holiday Planning Guide for more inspiration  then allow us to reveal the magic of Australia through a carefully constructed itinerary that will enchant, educate and surprise.

Hero image: El Questro Homestead in the Kimberley

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is back!

We are very excited to have Lizard Island, one of our favourite tropical islands on the Great Barrier Reef is back after a full refurbishment. We absolutely love this resort as it boasts some of the most impressive coastal scenery, located right on the reef, and paired with quintessentially laid back Australian luxury – a truly magical destination!

Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island is located off the coast of North Queensland, accessible by charter or scheduled flights from Cairns. The resort has been closed for some time while it has undergone a full refurbishment – including all suites and public areas. We have had our first few clients stay and the feedback is as wonderful as ever. The chic new rooms are fitting with the surrounding environment, and the common areas retain their relaxed atmosphere.

Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

As lovely as the rooms are, the focus is most definitely on the reef. Lizard is quite unique in that the island has an impressive reef in a protected lagoon just around from the resort. Guests have access to reserve a motorised dinghie for the day where they can roam as they please. Swim amongst turtles, giant clams, and abundant marine life before picking a secluded private beach to settle down with a gourmet picnic lunch. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef
Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef

For guests that are interested in diving there are various outer reef sites within easy reach of the resort, and arguably some of the best in North Queensland. Those wanting to stay put needn’t worry – the spa, fabulous food and wine selection, and stunning accommodation will ensure guests can relax in style! Welcome back Lizard – we are excited…

A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie