qualia
People & Purpose
The best way to truly understand why the Great Barrier Reef needs protecting is to experience it first-hand. qualia offers guests exclusive and unforgettable experiences designed to inspire curiosity and an understanding of how precious the Reef really is. View case study
“The best way to truly understand why the Great Barrier Reef needs protection is to experience it first-hand. qualia guests have numerous opportunities to explore the island, nearby beaches and some of the 3,000 coral reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef.”
Elena Borisyuk – qualia General Manager
Protecting the island’s natural environment and the reef itself is fundamental to the island’s operations and sustainability as a leading tourism destination.
A number of marine operators in the area operate a program known as Eye on the Reef. This is a citizen science program that incorporates surveys and monitoring by everyday people including Hamilton Island and qualia guests. Daily information gathered through this program informs the conservation efforts of GBRMPA (the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority).
qualia offers a variety of snorkelling, glass bottom boat and scuba diving trips, where guests can learn from expert guides about the area’s extraordinary biodiversity and the challenges it faces environmentally.
The island’s recently upgraded walking trails – leading to some newly-built lookouts as part of the Icons Trail – are designed to encourage visitors to explore some of the natural bushland that makes up 75% of the island – but stay on track to protect the environment.
“We are committed to achieving the highest standards of environmental sustainability across the island’s operations, and we are continually working to reduce our environmental footprint.”
Elena Borisyuk – qualia General Manager
Residential green waste is collected and mulched on the island, with resulting mulch used on the extensive gardens across the island.
This helps to reduce waste and aids in water conservation by providing gardens with a protective layer of compost.
There are also island-wide erosion and sediment control measures in place such as rocky reed bed swale drains, silt traps, and promotion of natural vegetation around water courses to minimise runoff and to stop organic matter draining into local marine habitats.
The island’s recently upgraded sewerage facility treats approximately one million litres per day, producing ‘A’ class treated effluent. Approximately 95% of the treated effluent is reused throughout the island’s extensive tropical gardens and lawns, rather than being discharged into the waterways.
By continuing to engage all areas of the business and island community and maintain a focus on recycling, qualia has seen significant gains in their resource recovery rate with a 17% overall year-on-year reduction in general waste .
QUALIA CONSERVATION EXPERIENCES
OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK
The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.