Sustainability at our Hostels: Embracing Sustainable Adventure
Welcome to Nomads Hostels, where sustainability is at the core of everything we do! From our shared rooms and communal kitchens to our lively co-living spaces, we create an eco-conscious environment that makes sustainable living accessible to budget-conscious travelers. Our mission is simple: “To create unique experiences that travelers and staff will cherish for life,” while leaving a positive imprint on our communities and minimising our environmental footprint.
Our Sustainability Commitment
At each of our properties, we measure and monitor our energy footprint, ensuring accountability for our environmental impact. We continuously identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to reduce our ecological footprint, such as updating all lighting to LED and using water-efficient plumbing options.
Recycling stations are available at all our properties, and we actively support local glass rebates. We proudly participate in ground-breaking sustainability programs like Strive 4 Sustainability and HostelWorld’s Stairway to Sustainability, showcasing our commitment to progress and transparency.
We engage guests in sustainable practices during their stay, encouraging the use of reusable drink bottles, minimising single-use items, and participating in recycling initiatives and beach clean-ups. Our goal is to eliminate single-use plastics across all properties, with several locations already installing cold water filtration systems to reduce plastic bottle use.
At Nomads Hostels, we prioritise sustainability and guest experience by utilising GOKI locks and tablets across all our properties. These innovative solutions not only enhance security and convenience for our guests but also significantly reduce our environmental footprint. By eliminating plastic keycards, throwaway batteries, and paper registration forms, we promote sustainable practices that benefit both the planet and future generations. Choosing GOKI is not only good for the environment but also aligns with our commitment to providing eco-friendly hospitality solutions.
Property-Specific Initiatives:
NOMADS SYDNEY
Straw-free bar to reduce marine pollution
Recycling stations for proper waste management
Fully LED lighting for energy efficiency
Encourages stair use over lifts to save energy
Home2Streets project: Weekly volunteer opportunity to help the homeless
Cold water filtration systems to reduce plastic bottle use
Communal living spaces to reduce energy consumption and foster community
Organic waste recycling and composting program
NOMADS MAGNETIC ISLAND
Solar grid powering the property during daytime hours
Top results in Plastic Free Townsville audit for waste reduction
Active protection of local wildlife, including turtle hatching sites
Partnership with Magnetic Island Koala Clinic
Fundraising for Magnetic Island Community Care
Staff involvement in local firefighting efforts
Island Burger Project supporting local charities
Cold water filtration systems.
NOMADS AIRLIE BEACH
Top results in Plastic Free Townsville audit for waste reduction
Cold water filtration systems
Promotion of public transport and vegetarian/vegan options
Straw-free bar and recycling stations
Dedicated recycling volunteer program
Monthly “Clean Streets and Creeks Clean-Up” initiative with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc and promotion of “Count and Sort” initiative to guests.
ARTS FACTORY, BYRON BAY
Participant in Strive 4 Sustainability and HostelWorld’s Stairway to Sustainability
Integration of cultural sustainability with local Indigenous communities
Participation in Sustainable Coastline clean-ups
Support for local animal protection services
Straw-free bar and recycling stations
NOMADS NOOSA
Located in a native tropical area with wildlife guidance signage
Support for local environmental initiatives
Straw-free bar and recycling stations
“Pick for a Pint” initiative encouraging litter collection on K’gari tours
NOMADS ST KILDA
Straw-free bar
Recycling stations
Encouragement of stair use over lifts
NOMADS QUEENSTOWN
Recycling stations for proper waste management
Fully LED lighting for energy efficiency
Encourages stair use over lifts to save energy
Weekly well-being activities including free hiking trips.
Cold water filtration systems to reduce plastic bottle use
Communal living spaces to reduce energy consumption and foster community
Organic waste recycling
NOMADS AO NANG
Weekly beach clean-ups at Ao Nang Beach
Developing scholarship and school sponsorship program for underprivileged youth in Northern Thailand
At Nomads Backpacker Hostels, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond words – it’s a tangible reality woven into every aspect of our operations. From innovative initiatives to embracing cutting-edge technology, we are constantly seeking ways to minimise our environmental impact while fostering a sense of community and creating unforgettable experiences.
Join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can leave behind light physical footprints and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover the Island Burger Project at Nomads Magnetic Island
Welcome to Nomads Magnetic Island, a vibrant hub for young travellers nestled on the picturesque Magnetic Island. Our hostel combines adventure, community, and sustainability, offering an unparalleled experience in responsible tourism.
Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism
In today’s world, responsible tourism is crucial. As tourism grows, it’s essential to minimize our impact on the environment and local communities. The Island Burger Project exemplifies this commitment by combining culinary creativity with community support, positively impacting both the environment and our local community.
About the Island Burger Project
Launched in 2020, the Island Burger Project partners with local non-profit organizations to create unique, community-inspired burgers. Each month, a selected charity designs a signature burger featured on our menu. For every burger sold, we donate five dollars to the charity. This initiative supports local causes and enhances our guests’ experience by offering a taste of the island’s community spirit.
Our Impact
Since its inception, the Island Burger Project has raised an impressive $300,000 for various local non-profit organizations, including:
- Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
- Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade (HSBRFB)
- Arcadia Surf Club
- Magnetic Island State Emergency Service
- Magnetic Island Brownies
- Magnetic Island Network for Turtles
- Magnetic Island State School
- Wildlife Rescue Queensland
- Our World Heritage Island
- Movember – Men’s physical and mental health
- Brighter Lives Townsville – Medical Centre
- Thankful4Farmers
- Local family support for a child with leukemia
Among these, the Magnetic Island Turtle Hospital stands out. We proudly supported their efforts in rehabilitating injured turtles, recently releasing two back into the wild from our property’s beaches. Additionally, we’ve extended our support to local heroes such as the Magnetic Island Koala Clinic, safeguarding the largest wild koala population in Northern Australia. Recognizing the crucial role of the local fire brigade, we’ve assisted in vegetation management plans, contributing to wildfire prevention and environmental conservation. Currently, we are fundraising to purchase a generator for Magnetic Island Community Care.
Beats N Eats
In conjunction with the Island Burger Project, we host a monthly event called Beats N Eats. This event brings together local food vendors and bands, showcasing their talents and creating a vibrant community day out. It’s not just for travelers but for local families and residents, fostering a stronger community bond. Beats N Eats highlights the burger of the month, raising additional funds for the featured charity and promoting local music and cuisine.
Promoting Sustainability
The Island Burger Project promotes sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local farmers and producers. This commitment to local sourcing ensures the freshest ingredients for our burgers and minimizes the environmental impact associated with transportation.
Educational Impact
In addition to financial support and community engagement, the Island Burger Project educates our guests about the importance of responsible tourism. Through this initiative, travelers learn about local issues and how they can contribute to positive change, making their stay on Magnetic Island more meaningful and impactful.
Join us at Nomads Magnetic Island and experience the Island Burger Project, where culinary innovation meets community support and environmental sustainability. Be part of a movement that makes a positive impact on the world, one delicious burger at a time.
Explore K’gari with Us: A Commitment to Sustainable Adventure
Welcome to K’gari Tours, where we blend outstanding travel experiences with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Discover K’gari
Join us on three unique adventures—K’gari Safari, Island Expeditions, and K’gari Swag Adventures. Our three-day, two-night tours take you through the stunning landscapes of K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, K’gari is the largest sand island in the world, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and lush rainforests.
Thrilling 4WD Tours
Experience the exhilaration of our tag-along 4WD tours, where you can drive through diverse landscapes, navigate sandy tracks, and explore remote trails. Guided by our expert team, you’ll learn about the island’s cultural heritage, local wildlife, and ecological significance. Our guides ensure your safety and enrich your journey with their extensive knowledge of K’gari’s ecology and history.
Eco-Friendly Travel
Seeing the island by 4WD is not just the best way but one of the only ways to experience its diverse landscapes and remote areas. While fuel use is a concern, we mitigate this by maintaining our vehicles for optimal efficiency and educating our guests on minimizing their carbon footprint. This method of travel also reduces the overall number of vehicles on the island, decreasing environmental wear and tear.
Sustainability at Our Core
K’gari Tours is proudly Eco-Certified by Ecotourism Australia, reflecting our dedication to sustainable practices. Our entire operation is designed to minimize environmental impact and promote conservation. Our campsites are fully sustainable, featuring solar-powered lighting, freshwater showers, and waste management systems that ensure all waste is removed from the island. We promote the use of recyclable drinks among our customers and provide clear signage to support eco-friendly practices. Our eco-showers use no detergents, further reducing our environmental footprint.
Recycling for a Cause
We collect bottles and cans from our customers, and the refunds from these recycled items are donated to the Australian Conservation Foundation. This initiative not only promotes recycling but also supports broader conservation efforts across Australia. Additionally, our “Pick for a Pint” campaign rewards travelers with a free beer for every bag of rubbish they collect during the tour, fostering environmental responsibility.
“Pick for a Pint” Campaign: Nomads Noosa & K’gari Tours
As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we invite you to participate in our “Pick for a Pint” campaign during the K’gari tour. This initiative rewards travelers with a free beer for every bag of rubbish they collect during the tour, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
About the Campaign:
- Purpose: The “Pick for a Pint” campaign aims to reduce litter on K’gari (Fraser Island) and protect its unique ecosystems. By picking up litter, you help prevent pollution of the island’s pristine beaches, waterways, and forests, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity of K’gari are preserved for future generations.
- Environmental Impact: Removing rubbish from the environment helps protect wildlife from harmful debris, improves water quality by reducing contaminants, and maintains the island’s natural habitats. Your efforts directly contribute to the health and sustainability of this beautiful location.
Join Us:
- Participants: We ask all guests on the K’gari tour to participate by collecting a bag of rubbish or picking up litter on the island.
- Reward: In exchange for your environmental efforts, you will receive a free pint of beer at KB’s Bar at Nomads Noosa when you return from the tour.
- Meeting Point: Join our tour guides who will provide bags and gloves for the clean-up and share tips on the best areas to focus on during the litter collection.
By taking part in the “Pick for a Pint” campaign, you not only enjoy a refreshing drink but also contribute to the conservation of one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. Your participation makes a significant difference in maintaining the beauty and health of K’gari.
Supporting the Local Community
Our sustainable practices extend beyond environmental preservation. We rent our campsites from the Butchulla people, the Traditional Custodians of K’gari. This ensures that our financial contributions stay within the community, supporting their cultural and economic well-being. For over 5,000 years, and perhaps as many as 50,000 years, the Butchulla people have lived in harmony with the land and sea of K’gari. They maintain a balance between spiritual, social, and family connections, and today continue to walk the cultural pathways of their ancestors. By involving the Butchulla people in our operations, we honor their traditions and support their ongoing cultural and economic well-being.
By engaging with the Butchulla community, we foster mutual respect and understanding, leaving travellers with a deeper appreciation for the land and its stewards. Continuous dialogue and feedback ensure our tours remain respectful, sustainable, and enriching for all. Our commitment to supporting the Butchulla people’s cultural and economic well-being is integral to our operations, honoring traditions and fostering community development.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
We are proud of the positive feedback from our customers, who appreciate the combination of adventure, education, and sustainability. Our tours are designed to offer not only unforgettable experiences but also a deeper understanding of the importance of community.
K’gari Tours is dedicated to leading by example in the tourism industry, demonstrating that it is possible to offer exceptional travel experiences while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and community support. Join us in protecting and celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of K’gari.