Tourism Noosa is an official partner supporting Plastic Free Noosa – a whole-of-community project to reduce Noosa’s plastic footprint. As from the 1st of July, Noosa is being used as a trial destination to switch from single-use plastics to better alternatives

Plastic Free Noosa is working within the food, markets and events sectors, to reduce six key items that are commonly found in the litter stream – plastic water bottles, straws, coffee/cups & lids, takeaway containers, food ware (cutlery, cups, plates) and plastic bags. All of these items have readily available reusable or compostable alternatives, and the project works with businesses to show them what the alternatives are and how they can get them. It also encourages individuals to take up a plastic-free lifestyle. The campaign will expand to incorporate other sectors throughout the year, such as schools, retailers, hotels, grocers, tour operators etc.

The project shows what can be achieved when a community works together to reduce its reliance on single-use plastic, with Noosa now leading the way for other communities to follow. This year, Plastic Free Noosa has set an aspirational goal to reduce the use of identified single-use plastic packaging in Noosa by 50% by November 2018.

Tourism Noosa supports the move for another step towards Noosa being the ultimate sustainable, clean and green destination for visitors.

https://www.plasticfreenoosa.org/

Eco friendly Noosa businesses
Below are some product updates on new Noosa tourism businesses that offer sustainable experiences;

Habitat Noosa
Launching in July, Habitat Noosa is uniquely located in the Cooloola National Park (25mins drive from Noosa) on 65 acres of land, surrounded by bushland, lake frontage and kangaroos! Everything has been thought of from glamping and cabin style accommodation to a micro-brewery, outdoor cinema screen and restaurant.

Join an eco-certified tour, cruising along the pristine Noosa Everglades on an Everglades Ecosafari, departing straight from your accommodation door. Including morning tea and a BBQ lunch, the tour takes you through ancient mirrored waterways and sub-tropical rainforest.

https://www.habitatnoosa.com.au/

Cooloola Great Walk!
Tropical Treks have launched a five-day guided trekking adventure, the Cooloola Great Walk, departing from Noosa and arriving at Rainbow Beach. On this stunning 88 kilometre, fully-guided self-sufficient hike, you will pass through 500,000-year-old Cooloola Sandmass, two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and encounter some of Australia’s most rare and endanged fauna and flora. Overnights will be in walkers’ camps offering tranquil settings with toilets and fresh-water. Meals are provided and can be enjoyed while watching the sunset over western volcanic peaks, while the Milky Way and Southern Cross constellations provide nightly spectacles and campers will wake up to the birdsong chorus as the sun rises from the Pacific Ocean. www.tropicaltreks.com.au

https://www.tropicaltreks.com.au/tours/cooloola-great-walk/?L=0

Lady Elliot Island
Already providing one of the world’s most genuine and inspiring eco-tourism experiences, Lady Elliot Island has added spacious glamping tents to their accommodation offering.

Immerse yourself in the exclusive glamping tents set amongst natural flora, whilst enjoying views of the spectacular lagoon. During season, migratory birds nest in surrounding vegetation and green loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs only meters from your doorstep.

The Glamping Tents accommodate up to two adults and are ideal for couples with a private bathroom and secluded balcony. Each tent is fan cooled with a mini fridge and tea & coffee making facilities.

Each tent has been designed for minimal impact on the Island while enriching the overall guest experience of the environment and seasonal wildlife. In keeping with the natural, eco-friendly practices there are no telephones, television, radios or Wi-Fi available in the rooms. Limited Wi-fi available in the restaurant.

https://www.ladyelliot.com.au/

Noosa Food & Wine
16-19 May 2019
Dates have been announced for the Noosa Food & Wine Festival 2019 as the 16-19 May! The 2018 event was a huge success with Noosa welcoming celebrity chefs, warm sunny days and an amazing food & wine showcase in beautiful settings. In 2018, Noosa Food & Wine worked with Plastic Free Noosa to reduce plastic waste throughout the Festival. Glassware was made from polycarbonate and all foodware was biodegradable. Waste Warrior volunteers were on hand to ensure all waste was deposited in the correct way, with bins supplied to festival goers for compost, recycling and general waste.
https://www.instagram.com/noosafoodandwine/