COOLUM can lay claim to being one of the ‘greenest’ places to visit, and a new guide is hoping to help visitors reduce their environmental impact as they explore our region.
The ‘Tread Lightly’ guide is a joint collaboration between Coolum Business and Tourism and Coolum and North Shore Coast Care and highlights natural attractions such as beaches, wildlife and coastal landscapes.
With a focus on both enjoyment and preservation, it also offers simple tips on how visitors can help protect Coolum’s unique environment while exploring its natural wonders.
Alongside travel tips, Tread Lightly encourages visitors to help preserve Coolum’s beaches and bush reserves by sticking to designated paths, avoiding dune areas, picking up litter, and supporting local businesses committed to reducing single-use plastics.
Vice President of Coolum Business and Tourism Ayllie White said that the guide will help people enjoy our region sustainably.
“In the lead up to a busy Easter holiday season, this guide offers helpful tips to make the most of your time in Coolum while also respecting the environment that makes it so special.”
Coolum and North Shore Coast Care President Leigh Warneminde further emphasised the importance of the guide.
“Tread Lightly is a simple but important reminder for visitors to do their part in preserving the unique environment of Coolum. Small actions like picking up plastic can have a big impact in protecting our local wildlife and natural beauty.”
The guide is also hoping to mitigate further damage to the delicate coastal ecosystems, which were impacted by TC Alfred.
“Staying off the dunes is really important, with the last of our precious turtle nests due to hatch in the coming weeks and vegetation such as spinifex grass working to recover after Cyclone Alfred,” Leigh stated.
The Tread Lightly guide was produced by Coolum Business and Tourism and Coolum and North Shore Coast Care and is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program.
To ensure visitors get the most out of their stay, the guide will be available in hotels, resorts, and other visitor accommodation, as well as at local businesses. A digital version is also available at www.visitcoolum.com/tread-lightly.