The start of 2021 might not have been as positive as we all expected. However, the Australian state of Victoria keeps working non-stop behind the scenes to be able to welcome British visitors as soon as the world gets back on its feet.
Here are four new ways to visit the state in a green and sustainable way.
‘Wildlife Wonders’ ecotourism experience that gives back
Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road is welcoming Wildlife Wonders on 12 February, a new eco-tourism activity for visitors to experience the unique wildlife of the region in a totally new way. Guided by a conservationist guide, who will interpret the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush, visitors will have the chance to encounter unique wildlife living freely in a protected bushland environment overlooking the Southern Ocean. The one-hour guided tour will follow a gentle meandering path which will be wheelchair friendly and suitable for children and older adults. It is the first of its kind experience with Australia’s iconic koalas and kangaroos featuring alongside more elusive species such as potoroos and bandicoots. Wildlife Wonders has been developed by the Conservation Ecology Centre and each visit will be supporting the centre’s ecological research and environmental conservation projects.
Eco adventure company, Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM!), launches
Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM!) is a brand new fun-loving eco adventure company offering a wide variety of adventures on Melbourne’s doorstep. WAM! offers a mixture of sunrise, all day and/or sunset adventure tours for small groups – these include stand up paddle boarding, biking and bushwalking, wildlife spotting and indulgence at sustainably conscious cafés, wineries and hot springs. All these activities are carried out in the middle of nature and less than an hour from Melbourne. WAM! also runs as a social enterprise and donates to inspirational Australian charities and not-for-profit organisations that support the protection and conservation of the local lands, waters, and seas. They also run with sustainability at the forefront by using sub-zero waste in all experiences, actively leaving destinations in better and cleaner conditions than before.
Australia’s first zero-carbon street food kitchen
Recently opened within the vicinity of Melbourne’s most famous meeting point, Federation Square, is Atiyah, which means “gift of love”. This new Lebanese themed kitchen is Australia’s first 100% renewable-run street food zero-carbon kitchen. It runs on 100% renewables with an on-site rainwater filtration system, solar panels, a Tesla battery, a generator powered by waste cooking oil and food waste being transformed into nutrient-rich soil for local community gardens. In terms of the food offerings, guests can expect to see a range of traditional dips and manakish (handmade flatbreads) as well as gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. Guests will also be able to view numbers showing the carbon emissions being saved with each dish and drink.
Overnight glamping experience at award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs
Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria’s first natural hot springs and day spa centre, has launched 10 premium glamping tents for guests to extend their visit at this award winning wellness destination. Designed especially for two, the new glamping accommodation is nestled in the scenic surrounds of the hot springs and inspired by the natural environment, featuring private decks, en-suite bathrooms, king beds, and thermally heated concrete floors. With the launch of onsite accommodation, Peninsula Hot Springs has also launched romantic ‘moonlit bathing’, where guests will be able bathe overnight under the stars between 11pm and 5am – included in the new overnight stay at the luxurious tents. Peninsula Hot Springs is located on the Mornington Peninsula, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
For information on visiting Melbourne and the Australian state of Victoria please go to: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk.
