Tucked away within the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and outlined by glowing, white sandy beaches, WAHI is located on one of the most stunning islands in the Whitsundays. With a stunning array of native flora and fauna both in and out of the water, the island is as naturally vibrant as the bustling tourist culture that spans from coast to coast.
One dip underwater and you’ll notice the vast, colourful ecosystem of fringing coral reefs and their diverse marine residents. If you’re lucky, you might brush past a majestic green turtle or even catch a glimpse of a family of humpback whales as they breach and play on the horizon.
Swap your swimmers for a pair of comfortable walking shoes and you’ll discover the island’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective. Head out on one of the many walking trails and you’ll find towering eucalypts, sandy coves, show-stopping views, and many of the locals —wallabies, goannas, sea eagles, sulphur-crested cockatoos and kookaburras—going about their day.
The beauty that surrounds us here at WAHI reminds us that we are part of an expansive and precious ecosystem. It’s why we’re so passionate about doing our part to protect our local environment.
Image Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland @queensland
The Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project
As the largest living structure on the planet (so big that it's visible from space) and home to an array of almost 9000 different species of marine life—it’s easy to see why the Great Barrier Reef is an integral part of our ecosystem.
We understand that protecting the reef is not just important, but critical to the future of our local environment. As a result, WAHI is proud to be committed to the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project (WHHP) which strives to protect the natural wonders of the Whitsundays—such as the reef—from the ever-growing threat of climate change.
The goal of the WHHP is to create a framework that allows visitors to enjoy all that the area has to offer, while also ensuring that the local environment is protected and preserved for generations to come. Funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, the project will work alongside tourism industry operators to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
Image Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland @queensland
What We’re Doing
Sustainability is at the forefront of WAHI’s values. By partnering with the Whitsunday Regional Council to work with them on the WHHP, we’re able to commit to environmental solutions and initiatives alongside other green businesses within the region. This includes the likes of measuring and monitoring our carbon footprint as well as collaborating with the program to identify and break down barriers to decarbonisation.
Our involvement with WHHP will grow around the other eco-friendly initiatives that we have already implemented here at WAHI. The island also has numerous sustainability initiatives in place across its operations to reduce energy, water and waste. This includes an impressive recycling program that diverts 400 tonnes of cardboard from landfills each year. Plus, for many years now the island has been a car-free zone, with the main form of transportation being electric golf buggies.
Image Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland @queensland
At WAHI, we are working to ensure that the sparkle of our beautiful backyard is looked after for future generations to come. Our commitment to the WHHP is merely another piece of the sustainable puzzle that WAHI is piecing together year after year.
If you would like to read more about the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project, you can find out more information here.
