With domestic tourism booming during summer holidays, it’s vital we all follow simple steps to conserve Australia’s environment for years to come.
According to Tourism Research Australia, in the past 12 months New South Wales saw 37 million domestic visitors to the state.
Furthermore, Destination NSW shows that New England North West had 3.7 million domestic visitors in the year ending June 2024, with many coming to see the region’s impressive gorges, waterfalls, stunning landscapes and open plains.
As more Australians keep their holidays local and explore everything this beautiful country has to offer, it’s crucial to protect the environment and leave as little impact as possible.
TAFE NSW Head Teacher for Horticulture, Sue Wood, has some easy tips to help ensure domestic tourism has minimal impact on the land.
“It’s fantastic that more Australians are exploring their own backyard during the holiday period. Australia is full of incredible landscapes and we’re lucky to have that on our doorstep,” said Sue.
“However, it’s imperative that we are showing respect to the environments we are visiting and do everything in our power to reduce the negative consequences of tourism. Thankfully, there are lots of little things we can do.”
“It’s important to not to remove flora or fauna from where you find it. This could move bacteria from one unique ecosystem to another, disturbing the natural ecological makeup.”
“You also never know if that’s disturbing an animal’s habitat. For example, if you pick up and move around rock formations, this could actually be damaging the disguised home of a small animal.”
“Furthermore, always be sure to observe animals from a distance. Avoid touching birds’ nests or any other natural habits you come across. We wouldn’t like it either if someone went messing around with our home!”
“If you are camping or picnicking in a natural area, be sure to leave it exactly as you found it. Take all rubbish and belongings with you and stick to marked paths, to avoid trampling any flora or fauna.”
“New England North West is surrounded with stunning nature and scenery. We want to ensure that this will be enjoyed by generations to come. It’s easy to share these simple tips with your friends and family, teaching everyone, including young children, to respect and conserve our land.”
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