History of Tarkine Trails Eco Tours

The initial inspirations for the business were sparked by a group of conservationists named the ‘Tarkine Tigers’ ….from these beginnings our first eco tour business Tiger Trails emerged.

Tiger Trails began operating in the in the summer of 2002 offering walking trips and eco tours throughout the state. From the onset, our intention was to focus on the Tarkine area, something that had never been done by another commercial operator. At that time, large areas of the Tarkine rain forest were directly threatened by clear felling and we felt moved to make a positive statement about the Tarkine that bypassed the controversy and polarisation surrounding Tasmania’s logging practices.

We were inspired to prove its economic value as an eco tourism destination, knowing that to do so would powerfully assist its transition to full protection status. And it worked, our Tarkine eco tours were by far the most popular walks we offered. Our participants felt drawn to its extraordinary rainforests and powerful coastline, knowing the remoteness and isolation they would experience on these walks was a rarity. In 2005 we changed our business name to Tarkine Trails, to reflect our new focus on the Tarkine, having fallen in love with its wildness and beauty.

Read about the owners here

The Tarkine Trails Vision of Our Eco Tours

That Earth’s wildness, beauty and diversity is cherished and protected as sacred, as an immeasurably valuable contribution to the entire web of life.

The guiding principle of our eco walking tours operation is best described as integral. In its basic definition, integral is described by the Integral Institute as being comprehensive, inclusive, balanced, not leaving anything out. This term serves as a yardstick to measure the ecological, social and financial implications that our business operations have on individuals, society and the environment. We recognize the importance of considering our business from a broad perspective, knowing that a healthy system is dependent on the health of the parts that make up the whole. To hold ourselves accountable to this integral principal, we’ve applied the following guidelines and policies to our eco tours business.

Ecological

At an ecological level we;

• Have embraced a policy of “Maximum Respect Bush walking” which embraces and develops upon the philosophy of minimal impact walking.

• This idea encourages us to recognize that we are a part of the natural environment and as such damage to “it” is ultimately damage to us.

• Offer organic food (where possible) with minimal and reusable packaging.

• Run the business on a carbon neutral basis, investing in tree planting schemes to capture the carbon that is created by our vehicle and air travel.

• Use 100%, post consumer waste recycled paper for all our office paper needs

• Read more about Tarkine Trails carbon offset here

Social

At a Social level through our eco tours we;

• Recognize the importance of connecting people with places and providing high quality, landmark experiences that leave people rejuvenated and inspired.

• Actively support the many community groups that are campaigning for the protection of Tasmania’s magnificent natural and cultural heritage.

• Have a policy of fair and equitable employment.

• Purchase as much gear as possible from ethically based manufacturers like the Canadian based Mountain Equipment Cooperative (MEC).

• Aim to provide a rich and stimulating environment for our staff to inhabit.

Financial

At a financial level we;

• Are committed to providing more in use value than we take in dollar value.

• Aim to achieve financial wealth to fulfill our desire for further growth in ethical business models.

• Have donated over $50,000 to environmental organisations that campaign for the protection of old growth/native forests.

• Provide fundraising trips that serve as vehicles for groups and organisations to raise money. On these walks, we require group bookings that allow us to donate a percentage of our takings to the group or organisation. Read more about walking tour fundraisers here

Tarkine Trails Vision of Our Eco Tours

The environmental policy of all our eco tours fall out of our love and respect for the natural world and that we look beyond what is simply “good for us” when making decisions that impact the environment. That we give voice to environmental injustice when we see it and work creatively toward win-win solutions that protect the environment for the benefit of people today and future generations. Specific outcomes of this environmental policy for our eco tours include:

• A policy of “Maximum Respect Bush walking ” which embraces and develops upon the philosophy of minimal impact walking. This idea encourages us to recognise that we are a part of the natural environment and as such damage to “it” is damage ultimately to us.

• Offering organic food (where possible) with minimal and reusable packaging.

• Operating the business on a carbon neutral basis, investing in renewable energy schemes to capture the carbon that is created by our vehicle and air travel.

• Use 100%, post consumer waste recycled paper for all our office paper needs.

Our Walking Tour Equipment

We source all of our equipment from the highest quality sources. The quality of our equipment ensures that you enjoy a safe, warm and comfortable experience. We take care to ensure that we purchase from companies who practice fair trade and employment.

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)

Based in Canada, MEC are a not for profit organisation. Most of our tents have been purchased from MEC and we are very pleased with the quality of their gear and the ethics behind their business. For more details on MEC, follow this link to their website www.mec.ca

Manufacturing is an industry sector that’s infamous for treating workers poorly. Yet we believe that quality products are made using sustainable practices. These include care for the planet’s people and its ecology. Ethical sourcing is the way we reconcile these ideas. It is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability

Sourcing and Global Issues

MEC gear is made in Canada and in 16 other countries worldwide. Regardless of location, MEC selects factories that aspire to fair labour practices.

Factory Conditions

MEC strives to address the root causes of infractions that affect workers. The Annual Sourcing Report details the results of MEC’s factory audits and the corrective action taken.

What We’re Doing

Through their Ethical Sourcing Program, MEC monitors factories, reports their findings, and works with factories to improve conditions.

One Planet

One planet is one of the only outdoor equipment manufacturers who still make all their products in Australia.

Who is One Planet and what do we make?

One Planet has a heritage in manufacturing outdoor equipment that is second to none. The company has continually evolved throughout its twenty eight year history. When Aiking and One Planet joined forces in 1997 they brought together the pinnacle of backpack and sleeping bag design.

The small, but dedicated, staff at the One Planet factory produce world class products for the travel and outdoor adventure market. One Planet’s reputation for innovation and quality has also attracted numerous industrial clients including The Australian Armed Forces, Australia Post and The Australian Antarctic Division.

What do we care about and why?

We believe that well made, robust, long lasting products equate to less consumption of raw materials, production energy and transport fuels. Quality cost less in the long run, not just for the purchaser, but also for the Earth.

In an industry where local manufacturing is almost extinct and importing from Asia is the norm, One Planet is still proudly manufacturing in Australia. Our factory is a member of the Greenhouse Challenge Plus and contributes zero CO2 emissions by offsetting using Greenfleet, Green Power and other initiatives.

For the owners of One Planet, the business is very much a hands-on operation. By focusing on manufacturing efficiency and having fewer levels in the production process, One Planet is able to compete on price with imported products, beat them on quality, and continue to manufacture in Australia.

www.oneplanet.com.au

Mont Adventure Equipment

Mont Adventure Equipment was conceived in Canberra in 1981 when we made our first down jackets and sleeping bags. Twenty-five years down the track we are a dedicated team of adventurers who incorporate our bushwalking, skiing, climbing, cycling and travel experiences into developing and testing Mont products that allow you the freedom to enjoy life’s great adventures.

Mont has been awarded multiple Australian design marks and patents, and our gear continues to set new standards. We now enjoy a reputation for innovative design and dependability achieved through an ongoing commitment to function, quality and performance.

Mont is proud to be an Australian company and the products we produce reflect our company’s philosophy and heritage. Mont – trusted in the wild for over 25 years.

Mont manufactures equipment both here and overseas

www.mont.com.au

Our Meals

Great tasting, high quality food is an essential part of a memorable walking experience. Once you are out there, there’s no going back, so it’s important that the food tastes great, is good for you and provides all of your energy requirements for the duration of the walk. Over many years of walking, we have honed our meals to a precise art and they are very scrumptious.

We spare no expense with food ensuring that you have the tastiest and healthiest options available. All three tours provide you with the opportunity to experience a variety of Tasmanian cheeses, wines and seafood. On arrival at camp your guides will create tasty meals ranging from Indian Curries to Asian Stir Fry followed up with cleverly prepared desserts.

We take great care in sourcing all the ingredients from the highest quality suppliers (local where possible) and attempt to buy organically grown ingredients wherever possible. We believe organically grown food tastes better, is better for you and the planet. Please let us know if you have any particular wants / needs / desires in regards to food, such as allergies to particular foods, coeliac disease, vegan or diabetic dietary requirements. We are happy to assist in any way we can.

During the course of a walking day, tasty snacks are an essential companion. We provide the following items on all of our trips.

• Museli bars. Tasmanian made by the famous Bunji with the goodness of oats, honey and tahini, mmm. simply very tasty.

• A selection of high quality chocolate

• Packets of Natural lollies

• Our delicious trail mix made up of organic nuts, fruit and yummy things.