We were green long before it was cool to be green.
For nearly two decades, Margaret River Discovery Co has been sharing the places I love while looking after the things that make them special.
We’re proud to be an Australian Quality Tourism Accredited Business with Sustainable Tourism accreditation and a Traveller Rating of “10 — Exceptional”. But the real work happens out on tour, in the everyday decisions about where we go, what we buy and how we look after this remarkable region.
Keep it small. Keep it local. Tread lightly.
That’s been my approach since starting the business in 2008. Just six guests, travelling together, with time to slow down and properly connect with Margaret River.
The river, forests, coastline and wildlife are the reason people come here. They’re also part of my home. I want guests to leave with a greater appreciation of this place, its Wadandi culture and the people who care for it—and a few cracking memories along the way.
Tourism should give something back to the place it depends on. That means supporting local growers and businesses, respecting cultural heritage, reducing waste and keeping our impact as small as we can.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Local food and local suppliers. Sourcing fresh produce and other supplies locally wherever possible, supporting our community and keeping food miles down.
- Small groups and sensible travel. A maximum of six guests, a central meeting point and a carefully planned itinerary that limits unnecessary driving.
- Respect for the places we visit. Using approved 4WD trails, maintaining tracks and managing erosion to protect sensitive environments.
- Hands-on conservation. Removing invasive weeds, including blackberry and arum lily, and caring for native vegetation, wildlife habitat and natural water flows.
- Care for Country. Respecting Wadandi cultural heritage and continuing to learn how to share this place thoughtfully.
- Less waste. Reducing resource use, following local recycling requirements and using recycled paper and natural products wherever practical.
- Thoughtful cleaning. Using rainwater for cleaning and biodegradable cleaning products.
- Looking after our river access. Using protective ground matting when storing canoes to minimise damage to the ground beneath them.
- Continual improvement. Reviewing emissions, purchasing, waste and resource use, and finding practical ways to do better.
I’m not going to pretend running a tour business has no environmental footprint. It does. My responsibility is to understand that footprint, reduce it and keep improving.
When you join a Discovery Tour, you’re supporting a small local business with nearly two decades of commitment to this community and its environment.
I reckon the best measure of success is giving people an unforgettable day while keeping Margaret River special for whoever comes next.
**** LATEST NEWS****
Emissions Reduction Commitment and Plan with Tourism Council WA
Our Commitment to a Cleaner Tomorrow: Emissions Reduction in Action
At Margaret River Discovery Co, we’ve always believed in treading lightly. This incredible part of the world—the towering karri forests, the winding rivers, the ancient coastline—deserves to be protected. That’s why, in addition to maintaining our Eco Certification, we’ve proudly partnered with Tourism Council WA to formalise our Emissions Reduction Commitment and Plan.
We’ve measured our current carbon footprint at 10.6 tonnes per year. That number gives us a baseline—but it’s what we do next that really counts.
This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about making practical, meaningful changes that reduce our impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Margaret River region. Some of the actions already underway include:
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Operating appliances during off-peak energy times to reduce grid demand.
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Using water-wise fittings and reusing water wherever possible to cut waste.
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Making a full switch to biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products.
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Sourcing fresh, local, and sustainable produce to reduce food miles.
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Minimising single-use plastics across the board.
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Composting all food waste and rigorously recycling to reduce landfill.
- Offsetting over 100+% of our emissions with a certified Native Forest Regeneration project in Queensland (CarbonHalo).
This is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuous improvement—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Thanks to our guests, community, and partners who support this mission. Every small action adds up, and together we’re helping shape a cleaner, more conscious way to experience this remarkable place.
Let’s keep discovering—sustainably.
