At Drop Bear’s K’gari Adventures, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s the heart and soul of what we do. From supporting locals and purchasing planet-friendly products to harnessing the power of the sun and reducing waste, our Green Climate Action Plan is the cornerstone of how we operate.
That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled to announce our ecoBiz Star Partnership renewal for energy and waste! To be eligible to become a Star Partner, a business must show a 10% reduction in at least one of the following three categories: energy, water, or waste across a 12-month period—and we’ve done just that!
This achievement is a testament to our tireless dedication to protecting K’gari (Fraser Island) while delivering unforgettable eco friendly tours and adventures.
What Makes This Partnership Special?
The ecoBiz sustainability program was created in partnership with the Queensland government to help businesses audit their resource use, manage carbon emissions, and save on costs while reducing waste, water and energy consumption.
Since joining the ecoBiz program in 2018, we’ve embraced every opportunity to innovate and improve our environmental practices. Through coaching sessions and assessments, we’ve proudly implemented best-practice initiatives that showcase how tourism can be sustainable, impactful, and responsible.
Here’s how we’re blazing the trail in eco-tourism:
Energy: Harnessing Nature’s Power
Our eco friendly tours have been carefully crafted in a way that conserves energy while respecting K’gari’s pristine environment:
Solar Power Revolution
Our commitment to sustainability begins with harnessing the power of the sun. Nearly all of our operations are powered by a state-of-the-art solar power system that allows us to generate clean, renewable energy to power our facilities and equipment. The result? Our generator is required for just 12 hours a year!
Fuel Conservation
Driving on beaches and across challenging terrains can be fuel-intensive, but we’ve made it our mission to minimise fuel usage on our eco friendly tours—without compromising on the experience. We train guides and guests to manage fuel consumption through efficient driving routes aligned with tides, reducing wear and tear on vehicles to make sure they stay in excellent shape for years to come.
Cool by Design
When you’re exploring the natural beauty of K’gari, there’s no better way to stay cool than by embracing the sea breeze. Instead of relying on energy-intensive air conditioning in our vehicles, we’ve designed them to take full advantage of the island’s natural cooling systems, saving fuel and extending vehicle life.
Waste: Turning Trash into Treasure
Our dedication to keeping K’gari clean goes beyond simply reducing waste; it’s about creating a sustainable, circular system that gives back to the land and the community.
We’re proud of our innovative waste management solutions, including:
Recycling Heroes
With programs like TerraCycle and Containers for Change, we’ve established island-wide recycling that takes plastics and other waste off the island. Together, these programs help keep K’gari pristine while supporting a global effort to reduce landfill waste.
Zero Co Partnership
We’re on a mission to eliminate single-use plastics. We proudly support Zero Co, minimising single-use plastics by using their durable, refillable products that align with our zero-waste philosophy.
Composting Pioneers
All organic waste is composted and repurposed for a permaculture garden, closing the loop on food waste.This system not only reduces methane emissions from food waste but also provides nutrient-rich compost to support local flora, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits this beautiful island.
Beach Cleanups with Impact
Caring for K’gari is a community effort, and we’re proud to lead by example through our beach cleanup initiatives.From volunteer tours to our ambitious Keep K’gari Clean Fundraiser in March 2025, we actively involve our community and guests in caring for the island.
Innovation for Guests
We’re making eco-conscious travel easier than ever with our emissions calendar for low-tide tours. This unique scheduling system allows guests to choose eco-friendly tours that align with low tides, saving fuel.
It’s a win-win for eco-minded adventurers and the planet, offering an affordable and environmentally friendly way to explore K’gari while contributing to its preservation for future generations.
Cultural Respect and Collaboration
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions or minimising waste—it’s about embracing the deeper responsibility to honour the history, culture, and people of the land we are privileged to explore. At the heart of our commitment to K’gari is our partnership with the Butchulla people, the Traditional Custodians of the island.
Through K’gari Cultural Tours, we’re privileged to host eco-friendly tours that blend education, respect, and adventure. Our guests have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Butchulla people, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of their connection to the land.
Our tours are a great opportunity to connect with the spirit of the island and its people, leaving visitors with a profound sense of respect and responsibility for this extraordinary place.
Looking Ahead
As an ecoBiz Star Partner, we’re committed to maintaining and building on our achievements. With our next assessment in November 2025, we’ll continue to push boundaries in sustainable tourism. This partnership underscores the incredible potential for businesses like ours to lead the way in eco friendly tours while making a tangible difference.
We’re immensely proud of this recognition and are grateful to our incredible team, passionate guests, and ecoBiz for supporting our vision. Together, we’re proving that adventure and sustainability really can go hand-in-hand.
Want to see these initiatives in action? Join us on K’gari and experience the magic of sustainable tourism firsthand.