A Proud Moment for our Team and Ecotourism
We’re thrilled to share that Park Trek Walking Holidays Australia has been awarded Bronze in the Ecotourism category at the Victorian Tourism Industry Awards 2025.
It’s a recognition that celebrates our long-term commitment to sustainable travel, through guided walking holidays, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles across Victoria and wider Australia.
This accolade places Park Trek alongside outstanding operators leading the way in responsible tourism, and it reflects the care, planning and values that underpin every walk we guide—from the Great Ocean Walk and Daylesford & Goldfields to other iconic Tasmanian and mainland adventures.
What “Ecotourism Bronze Winner” really means for your Experience
Awards matter, but how they translate to your time on trail matters more. The VTIC awards recognise excellence, innovation and industry leadership across Victoria. In the Ecotourism category, judges look for genuine pathways to minimise environmental impact, build community benefit, and elevate visitor education.
Park Trek’s Bronze signals an independently assessed standard of practice that you can trust when choosing your next Victorian walking holiday. Our entire team are proud of the work they do and the role they play in advocating for and educating around our precious environment.
We’re proud to be Ecotourism Australia certified (Advanced ECO) since 2011 and Quality Tourism / Sustainability accredited, further assuring you that our trips are designed and delivered with environmental and cultural respect at the core.
Leave no Trace Leadership: Small Choices, Big Impact
Our approach to sustainable ecotourism is practical and proven. Before every walk, we brief guests on the Leave No Trace principles—from planning and traveling on durable surfaces to disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife. These principles, developed and maintained by Leave No Trace and adapted in Australia, inform how we move, rest and learn on Country.
On the ground this looks like:
- Small groups (max 10 in all cases other than private and tailored groups) to reduce track wear and noise, ensuring richer wildlife encounters and a calmer, more connected experience.
- Established trails and camps/lodgings, avoiding site alteration and erosion on sensitive soils and vegetation.
- All-inclusive and efficient logistics that reduce resource duplication—transfers, locally hosted meals, and quality lodgings—all planned to support regional communities and reduce environmental footprint.
Guided walking holidays done right: Expertise, safety, and respect
We believe the best Australian walking holidays balance adventure with care. Our guides are wilderness first-aid trained, and our itineraries are curated to highlight nature, culture and wellness, while keeping packs light (day-pack only) so you can immerse yourself—safely and joyfully—in the landscapes we traverse.
You will notice the difference in how we:
- Prepare – Pre-walk briefings cover local conditions, Traditional Owner acknowledgements, and safety.
- Connect – We integrate storytelling about geology, flora, fauna, and regional heritage, elevating each trail from scenery to meaning. Our reconciliation action plan is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
- Support and respect local – We prioritise and respect the role of local providers and producers, ensuring your travel spend circulates in the communities we walk through.
Why our ecotourism credentials matter when you book
It’s easier than ever to add green labels to travel—but harder to embed them in daily practice. Our Advanced ECO certification and award recognition are audited markers that we meet stringent environmental and cultural standards, not just marketing claims. Ecotourism Australia’s programs are aligned with globally recognised best-practice standards, helping travellers distinguish between intent and impact.
For you, that means peace of mind: when you choose Park Trek for Victorian walking holidays or broader Australian walking holidays, you’re opting for a winner that has been independently recognised for excellence and responsibility.
Celebrating the 2025 VTIC awards – and the partners who inspire us
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council awards are the state’s pinnacle of tourism excellence—bringing together 900+ industry professionals and 99 finalists across 29 categories to celebrate innovation and visitor experience. In 2025, Wild Adventures Melbourne took Gold in Ecotourism; Park Trek proudly took Bronze. We stand aside quality operators championing responsible, regenerative experiences across the state.
Your next step: Choose a walk that aligns with your values
Ready to experience the best guided walking holidays with a company you can trust? Well choose from any of our beautiful walks – from the sea to the Alps, and in between, we have a walk for you. Examples include:
- Great Ocean Walk – 4-Days – Dramatic sea cliffs, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife – curated for immersion and minimal impact, and generally staying at beautiful Cape Otway Light Station.
- Daylesford-Goldfields Walking & Wellness – 4-Days – Slow travel through mineral springs country and heritage landscapes – walking, reflection, and regional hospitality.
- The Three Capes Track & Tasman Peninsula – 4-Days – Towering dolerite cliffs, story-rich trails, and restorative coastal lodgings.
- The Snowy Mountains & Mt Kosciuszko – 4-Days – Walk Australia’s rooftop including ascending Australia’s highest peak Mt Kosciuszko.
- Flinders Ranges – 5-Days – Wander through ancient landscapes, learn about Adnyamathanha culture, and enjoy beautiful morning and evening light, topped off with brilliant starlit skies.
Each of our walks is designed to maximise trail time, minimise environmental impact, and leave you with a deeper connection to place. For a full selection of all our walks see our main walking tour page. Book with Park Trek and know your holiday supports the sustainable travel you want to see in the world.
Our promise: Walk softly, celebrate Country, protect what we love
Sustainable ecotourism isn’t a line item—it’s our philosophy. We’ll keep training guides, refining group sizes, improving supply chains, and advocating for Leave No Trace principles wherever we walk. Because protecting Australia’s natural heritage is not just good policy—it’s who we are.
When you’re ready to book your next Australian walking holiday, choose a winner that puts the planet first and your experience at the centre. We can’t wait to welcome you on trail.
Ready to Walk?
If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, join us on any of our walks for an experience immersed in nature that will leave you with unforgettable memories, new connections, and feeling rejuvenated.
Happy Walking,
Charles & The Park Trek Team
Park Trek acknowledges and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we wander as a walking company. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waterways across our continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We are proud to live on the planet’s oldest continent with the oldest continuous living culture. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.