Whilst travelling through southern Western Australia tourists often miss some of the great eco-tourism activities or run out of time to take them in.

A group of ecotourism operators constantly receiving positive feedback about each other have banded together marketing their strengths with a great new brochure " Meet the Characters, Ecotourism Hot Spots,"  enabling tourists to plan their trip and maximise the wonderful experiences available.

The 'characters' concept is pertinent as all the tour leaders are very individual and highly entertaining with varying eco-tourism focus.All have their specific skills with very little info overlapping making them all very educationary and fun experiences."

ALLAN & LORRAINE TINKER   Eneabba

Twenty one years ago Allan & Lorraine Tinker left Victoria. They bought Western Flora Caravan Park, 160 acres in the heart of the North Eneabba Sand Plains, one of the richest heath lands in the world.

Their most famous visitors were Sir David Attenborough and the BBC filming "The Private Life of Plants."

Allan’s love of natural flora bloomed and he soon became a well known
amateur  botanist, humbled to have three plants and one insect named
after him.

His guided wild flower walks at 4.30pm  are free to Caravan Park guests.
Being an ardent conservationist, Allan brings the life of plants and their
pollinators alive, shares conservation ideals, and enriches tourists 
understanding of our wonderful natural environment.

Stay with Allan & Lorraine, their birds, kangaroos, wildflowers and enjoy 
Lorraine’s home cooked meals. 

Click on to this web address to learn more about Allan and Lorraine Tinker
http://members.westnet.com.au/westernflora.tinker/

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MIKE NEWTON   Cervates

Mike Newton operates Turquoise Coast Enviro Tours from Cervantes north of Perth, near the famous Pinnacles Desert.
 
His interest in the fascinating geology of the area began in the 1970’s when
he became involved in exploring and studying caves throughout Western
Australia.  His love for caving grew into a desire to protect WA’s unique
natural heritage and its wildlife. To this end he sought employment as a
National Park Ranger.
 
In 1999, with nearly 20 years experience as Ranger Mike started Turquoise
Coast Enviro Tours which are conducted with minimal environmental impact.
 
He is an astute bushman able to impart in-depth, accurate information in
a light-hearted and enjoyable way. He is also a very keen photographer and
this has often been of great help to many of his clients. 

Click on to this web address to learn more about Mike Newton 
http://www.thepinnacles.com.au

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DON & JOY WILLIAMS   Badgingarra

Don and  Joy Williams of Hi Vallee at Badgingarra near Mount Lesueur and
Eneabba have been running wildflower tours on their very rich and diverse
private national park for over 20 years.
 
They have a Greening Australia award for saving this valuable heritage and
recently won the W.A Wildflower Society award for their efforts in promoting wild flowers in the Lesueur area and Western Australia.
 
“Hi –Vallee” with some of the most diverse and varied plant species in the world has been described by Dr Stephen Hopper Director of Kew Gardens, as the most valuable native bushland in private ownership.
 
You will leave “Hi-Vallee” with your head and your camera full of some the most spectacular wildflowers in the world, your tummy full of farm food and life time memories of kwongan heaven.

To contact Don and Joy Williams email them at hivallee@westnet.com.au

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SYLVIA MILLS   Perth

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KEVIN COLLINS   Mount Barker

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GARY MUIR   Walpole

Gary Muir is the renowned guide for WOW Wilderness EcoCruises based in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness Area.   His team tours nearly everyday into the Walpole-Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.
 
Gary’s family has had eight generations of history in the area giving him an
unique insight into the cultural and natural values of one of the oldest National Parks in WA.  He worked for over a decade in environmental management specialising in communication, fire management, invasive species and recreation planning.  Gary was a major contributor into the planning of the Tree Top Walk.
 
Winning both National and state guiding awards, Gary provides an unexpected experience that enhances people’s awareness of Walpole, the belly button of the world – North Pole, South Pole. It’s the one in the middle.

Click on to this web address to learn more about Gary Muir
http://www.wowwilderness.com.au/WOW/Home.html

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JONATHAN JONES   Albany

The Kalgan Queen Scenic Cruises depart Emu Point Boat Pens in the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour to explore 36 kilometres of the ancient Kalgan River.

Bringing you closer to nature Jonathan Jones humorous, comprehensive commentary, teaches you more about Albany’s history and wildlife in 4 hours than some learn in a lifetime.

With glass bottom viewing, you’ll see a ship wreck and other mysteries of the deep, view stunning  wildflowers in season, observe great birdlife ( including an Osprey nest), visit ancient Noongar rock fish traps (optional) and hear aboriginal dreamtime stories, one based on an event which took place more than 8000 years ago!

Enjoy Wine Tasting, Tea and coffee and Captain Kalgan's famous hot damper or perhaps Cruise Wine Wagon Dine, with Jonathan’s Clydesdales!

Click on to this web address to learn more about Jonathan Jones http://www.albanyaustralia.com

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AYLEEN & TONY SANDS   Stirling Ranges 

In 1996 Ayleen & Tony Sands took an adventurous tree change from Perth to a tourist park in the mallee country opposite Stirling Range National Park. Their passionate love affair to maintain biodiversity began when guests showed them, they'd bought 35 acres of terrestrial orchid beds, 5 star habitat for at least 9 species of wildlife, plus over 90 species of birds!

…And their guided tours were born. If well camouflaged orchids, stunning wildflowers, and birds in full breeding plumage captivate and excite you, this experience is highly recommended.

In 2001 Stirling Range Retreat and the Wildflower Tours were accredited with the National Ecotourism Accreditation Program. Then, in 2009 the Retreat was a finalist in the Western Australian Tourism Awards - Qantas Award for Excellence in Stainable Tourism. 

Click on to this web address to learn more about Ayleen and Tony Sands
http://www.stirlingrange.com.au

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VICKY BILNEY   Ongerup

German-born biologist Vicky Bilney was appointed administrator of Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre at Ongerup late in 2009 The self-declared bird-nut is an active volunteer for several conservation and nature organisations. 

At Yongergnow, Vicky’s main focus is the centre’s conservation programme. She sees the Malleefowl in Yongergnow’s huge natural bush aviary as ambassadors for their species and for the mallee bush itself.

Vicky's contagious enthusiasm, vast knowledge and ability to explain science in everyday language have opened many peoples’ eyes about the hidden treasures that live in the bush and why conserving their habitat is so hugely important.  

Click on to this web address to learn more about Yongergnow and Vicky Bilney

http://www.yongergnow.com.au

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MACKENZIES ISLAND CRUISES   Esperance

On Mackenzies Island Cruises MV Seabreeze IV our experienced skipper will ensure you have a safe, unique and  unforgettable eco-experience.

This character will engage you with the history of the beautiful Recherche
Archipelago and, whilst cruising throughout the islands the crew with eagle eye vision will help you spot fascinating wildlife including seals, sea-eagles, cape barren geese and dolphins.

On arriving at Woody Island an incredible A-class Nature Reserve, the managers are keen explorers who'll take you on a guided bushwalk visiting the secret spots to view the island's fascinating inhabitants.

No matter which characters you meet you'll be enthralled! Half and full day tours plus overnight stays at Woody Island Ecostays are available Sept 20th –May 8th. 

Click on to this web address to learn more about  Mackenzies Island Cruises http://www.woodyisland.com.au/