Lonely Planet recognises Australia with Community Restoration award

In a year unlike any other, tourist guide Lonely Planet has reimagined its annual Best in Travel list, and is championing the people and places that have demonstrated a genuine commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

Announced on 17 November 2020, Lonely Planet has awarded Australia with the Community Restoration award, after Australia suffered one of the worst bushfire seasons (2019-20) in history, with around 27 million acres of bush, forest and parkland burned, and 3 billion animals estimated to have either been killed or injured.

Despite the damage, restoration plans over the past year are helping the worst affected areas to recover, and the Australian Government is investing $200 million to save native species like the koala, the Kangaroo Island dunnart, and the Wollemia pine tree. Donations from overseas will fund new wildlife breeding programs and facilities.

Queensland tourism operators have also played a hands-on role in the restoration, such as the Sunshine Coast’s Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital which took in animals across the county to provide specialist care.

“There is no doubt that this has been the most challenging year our industry has faced, having to first deal with the impacts of last summer’s bushfires followed directly by a shutdown of travel due to COVID-19,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison.

“But in response to these challenges, we really have seen the best examples of the Australian spirit shining through particularly as people across the country rallied behind those communities both directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires, with so many extending offers of support”.

Although the damage was catastrophic, Australia is resilient, and over 97% of natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest remain unscathed. For internationals who hope to extend their working visa, paid and volunteer work in certain affected area will count towards the work required to apply for a second or third year.

Queensland is full of eco-experiences and preserving what makes us so famous is important to us. Learn more about eco-tourism experiences here.