Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk – Lamington to Springbrook National Park

Maybe we’re a little biased but we’d like to think that the new Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is Australia’s new Milford or Routeburn Track. Sorry kiwis but you’ll have to come over and see for yourselves. Covering the northern flanks of the ancient Wollumbin caldera, this 54km walk can be done in 3-5 days, depending on how hard you want to push yourself. We’re offering monthly departures of a 5 day trip led by our local guides and staying in mountain lodges at O’Reillys, Binna Burra and Springbrook. After a day exploring the rainforest and waterfalls, come back to hot showers, soft beds and three course dinners – bliss! Your main luggage is transferred so you can walk with just a day pack. Look up our next departure

Japanese Journey – arriving in Kyoto

We arrived Kyoto today. It was 27C degrees and it was like summer weather.

Everyone enjoyed the view of Mt. Fuji on the way and we had a great time in Kiyomizu Temple and Pottery place.

I really think that it is going to be a great trip as I have prayed Buddha for safe trip at Kiyomizu Temple.

Cherry blossoms have almost gone, however weeping cherry are still blooming. Hopefully we will enjoy them at Heian Shrine tomorrow.

Cheers

Hiroko Kobayashi

Responsible and Sustainable Travel

interNATIONAL PARKtours is committed to the principles of responsible travel and, with your help, has demonstrated this commitment for over 30 years.

As times and attitudes change, we want to increase the importance of responsible tourism in IPT’s culture. Not only does it make us more accountable, it further supports you as travellers, the local communities you visit and the environment.

Here are some of our plans for improvement:

In the IPT office:

• Office ecosystem: We have reviewed all aspects of our office environment including waste (composting toilet & grey water tank), water  (2 large tanks supply all office water) and energy (Greenpower), plus office and tour equipment. Environmentally responsible choices in printing, communication & local transport are a priority.

• Accreditation: In late 2008, we achieved Advanced accreditation with Ecotourism Australia. It will help us lift the standards at home and on tour.

• Donations: Because travel is a privilege, we make regular donations to community, charity and environmental groups.

• Local community: All of IPT’s office staff are involved in local community groups including Landcare, Beechmont School P&C, Rural Fire Brigade and the Beechmont Business and Enterprise Network.

On tours:

• Supporting local communities: As much as possible, we use locally owned hotels, restaurants, transport and tour operators. We engage guides and interpreters who know their local area and connect with ordinary citizens, cultural and environmental groups.
• Tour design: We are gradually refining the style of our tours to a “slower” more sustainable pace. The transport we use, the hotels we stay at, the food we eat on a tour, all contribute to the impact of our tours.
• Encouraging local change: Working with business partners worldwide, including local guides and operators, we strive to source as much as possible from the local economy, maximising efficiency and minimising waste.

As a traveller:

• Research: We encourage you to research destinations and we aim to provide you with sufficient, accurate information to understand local communities and environment.

• Feedback: We appreciate your feedback and your ideas. We have set up this site where you can share tour experiences and discuss ideas for best practice in responsible and sustainable travel.

• Save trees: Make a small step by going online to request itineraries and e-news updates. Go to our web site at www.parktours.com.au, click ‘Join our mailing list’ and leave email distribution as the default.

“Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions. Be gentle with the earth. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” …from the Dalai Lama’s Instructions for Life.

UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism