Our Commitment

Environmental Responsibility:

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible resource management, waste minimisation, and continuous improvement across all operations. Our approach includes conserving water and energy, reducing waste generation, and implementing efficient technologies such as low‑flow showerheads and energy‑saving systems. We maintain comprehensive guest and back‑of‑house recycling programs and actively work to prevent mould and maintain healthy air quality in our tropical climate.

Guest Education:
We strive to educate and engage our guests in our sustainability journey by promoting responsible behaviours, sharing information about our initiatives, and encouraging participation in programs such as linen reuse and recycling. Together, we foster a shared sense of environmental responsibility.

Continuous Improvement:
We continuously monitor, measure, and review our sustainability performance to identify opportunities for improvement. By adopting new technologies, refining operational practices, and learning from industry best practice, we strengthen our long‑term environmental outcomes.

What can you do?

When exploring our regions, we encourage guests to choose souvenirs that support local culture and protect our environment. Your purchasing choices make a meaningful difference.

Please avoid buying souvenirs that:

Are made from wildlife products, including shells, coral, feathers, or animal parts
Contribute to plastic waste or unnecessary packaging
Are mass‑produced overseas and do not support local communities
Come from sources that may harm marine or coastal ecosystems
These items can damage fragile habitats, contribute to pollution, and negatively impact local wildlife populations.

Instead, consider choosing:

Locally made arts, crafts, and products
Items created by local artists or Indigenous businesses
Sustainable materials such as recycled, upcycled, or biodegradable goods
Experiences rather than objects — such as cultural tours or eco‑friendly activities

By choosing thoughtful, locally sourced souvenirs, you help protect the natural beauty of our regions.

Download the Eye on the Reef free app

As stewards of the Great Barrier Reef, your contribution is invaluable. We invite you to install the latest version of the Eye on the Reef app , where you can log your sightings and stay informed about your designated zone. Your proactive involvement plays a pivotal role in reef health assessments and monitoring initiatives.

Whitsundays

In Airlie Beach Whitsundays we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and sea on which we operate, the Ngaro People, and pays deep respect to their Elders past and present.

Hotel Specific Initiatives:

at Water’s Edge Resort

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays

The Sebel Whitsundays

Traditional Owners: The Whitsundays is located on the traditional lands of the Ngaro people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection to land, sea and culture, and recognise the significance of the Whitsunday region’s cultural heritage.

The Whitsundays is home to a diverse and sensitive ecosystems: The Whitsundays is home to a rich network of diverse and sensitive ecosystems, from coastal landscapes and tropical rainforests to wetlands, mangroves and the world‑renowned Great Barrier Reef. These environments shape the character of our region and are central to our commitment to responsible tourism and long‑term environmental protection.

The Great Barrier Reef
Just offshore lies one of the world’s most extraordinary and fragile ecosystems: the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its health is vital to marine biodiversity, cultural heritage and the future of the Whitsundays. We actively support reef conservation and encourage guests to enjoy this remarkable natural wonder responsibly.

Marine & Wildlife Habitats
Our region provides critical habitat for sea turtles, dugongs, humpback whales, reef fish species and a wide variety of native birds. Protecting these ecosystems is essential to maintaining the natural balance and beauty that make the Whitsundays so special.

Coastal & Terrestrial Environments
The surrounding landscapes, including mangroves, wetlands, tropical forest pockets and coastal dunes, play an important role in supporting biodiversity, stabilising shorelines and filtering water that flows into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Climate & Natural Hazards
As a tropical coastal region, the Whitsundays can experience cyclones, flooding, storm surge, king tides, heavy rainfall and, during extended dry periods, bushfire risk. We maintain robust emergency procedures and preventative maintenance schedules to ensure guest safety and minimise environmental impact during severe weather events.

We acknowledge the Worimi People as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Port Stephens, the Ngaro People as the Traditional Owners of the land and sea in The Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, and the Wulgurukaba People as the Traditional Owners of Magnetic Island. We honour the cultural heritage of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their deep and ongoing connection to land, waters and community, and we thank them for their continued care of Country.