CARBON NEUTRAL & ECOTOURISM
OUR ENVIRONMENT & HOW WE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO HELP
At Pemberton Discovery Tours we understand that the future of tourism depends on healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and responsible business practices.
Since receiving Advanced Ecotourism Certification in 2008, we have continued to improve the way we operate, educate visitors and support conservation within Western Australia's Southern Forests region.
We are fortunate to live and work amongst some of the world's tallest forests, pristine rivers, coastal heathlands, wetlands and beaches. These landscapes are not only our workplace – they are part of what makes this region special and worth protecting.
Our approach to sustainability focuses on:
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Protecting the natural environment.
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Supporting local businesses, producers and community organisations.
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Educating visitors about conservation and responsible travel.
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Reducing waste, emissions and resource consumption.
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Supporting community conservation initiatives and citizen science.
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Continually improving our environmental, social and economic sustainability performance.
We Promise
You will have a safe & memorable tour with us
Learning something new
Discovering something new
Meeting & making new friends along the way.
Graeme & Toni Dearle
Supporting Future Environmental Leaders
For the past few years we have enjoyed working with local young people through initiatives such as the Pemberton YES Cadets. By involving young people in conservation activities, environmental education and community projects, we hope to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.
HOW WE MAKE SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS
Before purchasing goods or services we ask:
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Can we grow it, make it or repair it ourselves?
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Can it be sourced locally?
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Does the supplier share our sustainability values?
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Is there a certified sustainable option available?
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Can transport impacts be reduced through local collection or shared transport?
This approach helps us support local businesses, reduce unnecessary transport and strengthen our regional economy.
We source most of our food and refreshments locally from Pemberton and Manjimup. We support local growers, wineries, cafés, tradespeople, vehicle service providers and tourism operators wherever practical.
We also encourage suppliers to reduce waste and adopt environmentally responsible practices, including compostable packaging, reusable containers and recycling initiatives.
Habitat Restoration & Tree Planting
Pemberton Discovery Tours is proud to support community conservation initiatives that help restore and protect local ecosystems. This includes participation in community planting days and environmental restoration projects throughout the region, including activities coordinated with the Shire of Manjimup and local community groups at Windy Harbour and other locations.
These projects help improve biodiversity, restore habitat and strengthen community connections with the natural environment.
Supporting Our Community
Pemberton Discovery Tours believes strong communities create stronger visitor experiences. We regularly support local organisations, environmental initiatives, community events and fundraising activities through sponsorship, donations and the provision of tour experiences. This includes support for conservation activities, youth programmes, arts and cultural initiatives, and community events throughout the Southern Forests region.
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION
We use the Leave No Trace principles and maintain our vehicles to a high standard to help minimise our impact on the environment while ensuring you have peace of mind during your adventure.
For many years we have worked with a range of organisations and volunteers to support annual beach clean-up activities along our coastline. Over the years this has included liaison and support from organisations such as Keep Australia Beautiful, Tangaroa Blue, Parks and Wildlife (now DBCA, previously DPaW and DEC), Trackcare WA, the Shire of Manjimup, Pemberton Youth Emergency Service Cadets, Pemberton Youth Zone and many passionate local volunteers.
What started as a small community effort has continued to grow, with families, visitors and local residents joining together to remove rubbish, monitor marine debris and help care for this remarkable coastline.
The clean-up is about far more than collecting rubbish. It is an opportunity to educate participants about marine pollution, encourage stewardship of our natural environment and contribute valuable information to broader environmental monitoring programmes.
We are proud to support conservation initiatives that help protect the places we love while inspiring others to make a positive difference.
Water Stewardship
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170,000 litre rainwater tank
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Water-wise gardening
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Wastewater reuse
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Responsible vehicle washing
Working With Local Experts
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Peter Donecker (fungi expert and author)
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Melissa Zappelli (nature photographer & Wildwings Images)
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Wendy Eiby (Environmental Scientist and advocate for the Southern Forests & Valleys)
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Kieran Dearle (Cinematographer & creative)
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Future artists and creatives
How you can make a difference!
Climate Change impact
Pemberton Discovery Tours currently has two tours with Advanced Eco Accreditation certified by Ecotourism Australia.
What this means is that the tours are run under certain rules and regulations.
OFFSET YOUR HOLIDAY HERE (by planting trees with Carbon Neutral)
Further information on the eco accreditation and what it means for your tour is availale on their website - https://www.ecotourism.org.au/our-certification-programs/eco-certification/
Further information on the carbon audit undertaken on our business (and how you can do one yourself) is available on the www.carbonneutral.com.au Carbon Neutral website
You may also like to look at:
Great Barrier Reef Environmental Impact Audit at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/zoning-permits-and-plans/environmental-assessment-management/environmental-impact-assessment-process.
Other websites include:
The Government www.climatechange.gov.au
The review by Ross Garnaut commissioned by the Federal Government of Australia located at www.garnautreview.org.au.
It is a job to keep up with policies in these matters - so please let us know if you find us lacking in any way - we are continually evolving!
CARBON NEUTRAL - and making a difference.
In 2006, Pemberton Discovery Tours became a financial member of Carbon Neutral Pty Ltd - a division of Men of the Trees.
In September 2007 we had an opportunity to purchase a property to continue their great work - this has been a challenge! In 2024 we made the decision to sell the property and advertised for someone to continue on with our plantings. It was a condition of sale that we be able to monitor the progress of the past 18 years of plantings.
On the 25th July 2024, the property was sold to Andrew, Elisse, Brodie and Hamish - a wonderful family who are so excited to be able to care for this magnificent piece of land.
The 247 acres (100Ha) of salt lake near Dumbleyung WA was planted with salt tolerant species. It is a property which is seen as not commercially viable as a rehabilitation project as the chances of survival are seen as poor.
So far we have planted around 40,000 trees and bushes - this includes: (please ignore spelling)
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Melaluca Viminea
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Melaluca Hammosh
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Melaluca Uncinea
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Eucalyptus Sargentii
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Eucalyptus Vergrandis
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Eucalyptus Myreadeaia
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As well as thousands of Old Man Saltbush
It has been extremely rewarding and encouraging to watch them grow!
Again in 2023 we have reached out to Carbon Neutral and have offset our business through their tools. We have chosen the money to be distributed to the Conservation Project which is close to us and close to our hearts. Read More
We use the Leave No Trace principles and have well maintained vehicles ensuring that you have peace of mind during your adventure.
Over the years have worked with different organisations to create an annual Keep Australia Beautiful Beach Clean up event. Liaising with Tangaroa Blue, Parks & Wildlife and Keep Australia Beautiful Council with assistance from the Shire of Manjimup and previously with the TrackcareWA team - now the Pemberton YES Cadets are leading the way.
Each year the beach clean up event has been growing, with 30 plus people joining us this year once again.
To register for the next to be held on the weekend of the 31st October 2026 event click here.
Measuring and Reducing Our Emissions
Pemberton Discovery Tours has completed a Tourism Emissions Reduction assessment for the 12 months ending March 2026.
Pemberton Discovery Tours completed a Tourism Emissions Reduction assessment for the 12 months ending March 2026. Our assessed operational emissions footprint was 20.8 tonnes of CO₂-e, with business fuel, electricity and business travel identified as the main sources.
What We Are Already Doing
Our current emissions reduction actions include:
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planning efficient tour routes to reduce unnecessary vehicle use;
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maintaining vehicles to support fuel efficiency and safe operation;
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using local suppliers and producers wherever practical;
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reducing packaging and encouraging reusable, recyclable and compostable alternatives;
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using digital bookings, confirmations, maps and records to reduce printing;
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composting food and paper waste;
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reusing suitable food waste through our chickens and garden systems;
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using rainwater and reusing suitable water on lawns and gardens;
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using solar power at campground facilities to charge deep-cycle batteries and provide off-grid power;
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choosing lower-emission hire vehicles where practical when travelling;
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investigating more energy-efficient passenger and 4WD vehicles for future replacement;
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working with suppliers to encourage lower transport emissions, reduced packaging and environmentally responsible products and services;
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developing a lower-carbon regional itinerary to help visitors reduce unnecessary driving and support local businesses.
Our Next Steps
We will continue to:
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review fuel and electricity use annually;
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improve our supplier standards;
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investigate solar and battery systems for our office and workshop;
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consider lower-emission vehicle options as suitable technology becomes available;
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reduce waste and unnecessary resource use;
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improve visitor information about responsible and lower-impact travel;
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review our emissions reduction plan each year.
Our emissions assessment covers the operations of Pemberton Discovery Tours. It does not include or offset each guest’s full holiday or journey to and from the region.
Visitors who wish to calculate or offset their own flights, vehicle travel or wider holiday emissions can use independent carbon calculation and offset services and are welcome to use the link in the photo below.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Next review: June 2027
EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Sustainability is not limited to our tours. It influences many of our day-to-day business decisions and operational practices.
Some of the actions we currently undertake include:
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Utilising the Rezdy booking system to streamline reservations, reduce paperwork and support a largely paperless booking process.
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Growing seasonal fruit and produce where practical for use on tours and within our business operations.
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Composting suitable food and paper waste generated through our tours and operations.
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Sourcing the majority of our food and refreshments locally from businesses in Pemberton and Manjimup.
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Supporting local businesses wherever possible, including food suppliers, vehicle servicing, trades and professional services. The majority of our expenditure occurs within approximately 30 kilometres of our operations.
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Working with suppliers to reduce waste and improve sustainability practices, including the use of compostable food wraps, reusable containers and recycling initiatives.
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Supporting Containers for Change recycling programmes, with funds raised from bottles and cans collected during tours, camping activities, and community clean-up events contributing to environmental initiatives.
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Utilising digital systems and artificial intelligence tools where appropriate to improve efficiency, reduce printing and minimise resource consumption.
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Regularly reviewing and updating our environmental action plans, risk assessments and sustainability performance.
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Continuing to improve our understanding of First Nations cultures and perspectives through engagement with Traditional Owners and initiatives such as the Jina programme.
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Carbon Positive Australia Containers for Change. (you can too - the Containers for Change Number is C10307955 - just use our details when you drop your containers off)
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We regularly review and update our action plan, risks and performance each year.
See Below for more information on our Ecotourism Accreditation.
Food, local provinance and fungi
We have enjoyed working with local land owners and growers including Lake Janis Farms to see how we can improve the quality of food we provide not only on our table, but in our homes. This included recently attending the Matthew Evans Workshop in Manjimup hosted by the Southern Forest Food Council.
Fire and Timber
It is such a topical subject at the moment. We have been researching the latest information so we can discuss on our tours. This includes travelling outside of our region to attend talks and discussions on the impact of fire, the warming up of our climate and the future of forests.
Biodiesel & Pemberton District High School
As a chemist, I wanted to still 'play' and we had the opportunity in 2002 with the local fish and chip shop to trial Biodiesel.
After testing and trialling we commenced making Biodiesel with the local Pemberton District High School as part of their year 9 science curriculumn.
This project has been running since 2002 at the school and many kids have really enjoyed this hands on bucket chemistry! And we enjoyed working with them and testing the fuel for them.
ECOTOURISM PROMISE
Pemberton Discovery Tours declare that:
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hold, and comply with, all the necessary licenses, permits and approvals required by the protected area manager/s or applicable governing bodies relevant to my operation;
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agree to all conditions as specified in the ECO/ROC/Climate Action Certification Program application
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commit to operate the certified products according to the standards of the ECO/ROC/Climate Action Certification Program
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commit to the Business Ethics practices required by Ecotourism Australia – view Business Ethics below.
Business Ethics
These ethics are fundamental to the operation of any business* certified through Ecotourism Australia’s programs.1 Any business found to breach this code may face revocation of their certification at the discretion of the Ecotourism Australia Board of Directors.
This Business:
•Operates within a framework of high ethical standards in its provision of ecotourism services and products, and in its relationships with the community in practice and via all communications (including all digital platforms and social media channels);
•Respects the social, cultural and natural values, heritage and diversity of Australia, and specifically within its region of operation;
•Acknowledges and respects Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations and recognises the primacy of their obligations, rights and responsibilities to Country, the diversity of their cultures and the deep connections they have with Australia’s lands and waters;
•Is committed to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management, low environmental footprint,and the provision of authentic, high quality ecotourism experiences;
•Complies with its legal and statutory obligations and requirements;
•Acknowledges its responsibility to treat all customers equally, to meet their reasonable expectations, and to ensure that its advertising and promotional activities accurately reflect the business operations and consumer experience on offer;
•Ensures that its customers are aware of all terms and conditions of the contract (including terms of payment and cancellation) and deals with complaints in a fair and timely manner;
•Is committed to non-discrimination, anti-bullying and equal opportunity employment;
•Ensures that the health and safety of its staff and customers is a key priority in all aspects of its operations;
•Supports its local community (people, businesses and services), and partners with other local/regional ECO certified operators to ensure that the customer has an authentic, high quality ecotourism experience during their stay in the region.
"I have always associated Pemby with trees and forests, not dunes and beaches... the huge white sand dunes were both a surprise to find and beautiful... "
Rich, WA