With the help of Go West tour guide Joel (aka @McVenturer), who is a passionate environmentalist and avid adventurer, we have put together a guide to being eco-friendly at Phillip Island.
Being an eco-certified company, we feel a strong responsibility to act as environmentally friendly as possible. We are passionate about preserving and protecting the incredible destinations we visit every day on our tours.
Follow this guide to being eco-friendly at Phillip Island and help us in our mission:
Do not feed wild animals
Phillip Island is a wildlife haven for many birds, including penguins or course, wallabies, bandicoots, echidnas and more. And these animals need to stay that way – wild! While it might seem fun to feed wild animals, it can be dangerous for them and it teaches them bad habits. Many human foods are not able to be digested by native Australian animals. Therefore, you may actually make them sick by feeding them. It is also important that wild animals don’t learn to be dependent on humans for food – they should be able to fend for themselves.
Keep to the path in wildlife habitats
In wildlife habitats, which includes many areas of Phillip Island, it is important to stay on the designated paths. This means you are leaving animals’ homes and feeding areas untouched, and ensuring they have the resources they need to survive. At the Nobbies Boardwalk and Penguin Parade you will have access to the penguin colony via boardwalks. These have been specifically built to protect the natural environment in which these penguins live.
Visit reputable wildlife sanctuaries
Seeing Australian animals is high on many peoples’ list when they visit our country – there’s nothing more Aussie than a kangaroo or koala right? But it’s important to research the wildlife sanctuaries before you visit. Make sure they have the highest standard of care for their animals. For instance, on our Phillip Island tour we visit Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. THis park actively promotes conservation of and education about, our native Australian animals. You can visit the sanctuary to see the animals and know that your entry ticket goes straight back into the fantastic conservation work they do.
Plastic free Phillip Island and San Remo
A group of locals from Phillip Island and the neighbouring town of San Remo (just across the bridge), are creating a plastic free community. They are doing this by inspiring positive change through community events, sharing stories, engaging schools, businesses and more. Join in their initiative and commit to keeping the island plastic-free by not bringing single use plastic with you on your visit. Bring a reusable drink bottle – there are plenty of places to refill it. Bring a reusable coffee cup for a great local brew. And choose dining options that offer reusable or recyclable plate and cutlery options – like the Penguin Parade!
Join us to explore this natural wonderland on our Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour!
Other useful information to help you plan your visit to the Great Ocean Road:
To see more from Joel, follow @McVenturer on Instagram
