Small World Journeys’ groups participate in a community service project to help patrons of Rosies. Rosies Friends on The Street...
Read MoreSustainable Tourism
We are a tour operator with the desire to make Cairns better because
we exist. We believe that fostering a positive attitude and appreciation
of sustainable environmental practice is vital to the development of
our student customers, will contribute towards the health of our
community, and reduce our impact on the Earth. Each one of our
tours includes the perspectives of Australia’s Traditional Owners,
an option for one or more community service projects, and
one-of-a-kind activities focused on sustainability and conservation
that exist nowhere else.
We have:
- Supported the education of nearly 10,000 children, the majority
of whom are girls - Planted thousands of native trees in our region
- Donated 5% of our nett profits to local charities – including over
$70,000 to the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehab Centre alone - Cleaned up hundreds of kilos of waste in our waterways and on
our beaches - Employed dozens of local people and offered flexible hours,
employee volunteer and mental wellness incentives - Offset our carbon emissions since 2008 including all coach travel
“This tour increased my awareness of my personal responsibility. I learned in ways both big and small [Small World Journeys is] doing what they can to help communities, the environment, and sustainability. I will step up in ways that are available to me and speak up for equality for peoples and the saving of the environment.”
– Craig Lore, student, San Jose State University, USA (Jan 2022)
Awards and Certificates
Small World has always seen sustainability as both a necessity and a differentiator.
We are committed to continuously improving our systems to reduce our impact, which entails
reviewing our operations, benchmarking and setting goals. We strive to be a leader in best practices.
Recognition for our efforts have has included awards at the local and state level such as
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Excellence Award for Sustainability,
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s 2023 Sustainability Award, and the bronze and silver-level award
for the Steve Irwin Sustainable Tourism Award at the 2024 and 2021 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Awards, respectively.
“SWJ has demonstrated genuine sustainability across all four pillars of sustainability and not just on a superficial level.
It’s really impressive to see how strongly committed they are. ”
–Jessica McNulty, teacher, Arthur Phillip High School, Sydney NSW (’23, ’24, ’25)
Our Sustainability Programs and Initiatives
Awards & Certifications
Small World has always seen sustainability as both a necessity and a differentiator.
We are thrilled to be recognised for our efforts in sustainable tourism,
which has included awards at the local and state level such as
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Excellence Award for Sustainability,
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s 2023 Sustainability Award, and the silver award
for the Sustainable Tourism Award at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Awards.
Accessibility Initiatives for People with Disabilities
Emphasising Inclusion
For people with disabilities – both hidden and overt—half of their challenge when travelling is getting information about their destination’s accessibility. This is why we have created an accessibility page on our website, outlining opportunities
Accessibility Initiatives for People with Disabilities
Emphasising Inclusion
For people with disabilities – both hidden and overt—half of their challenge when travelling is getting information about their destination’s accessibility. This is why we have created an accessibility page on our website, outlining opportunities
No Plastic Practice
Reducing Our Waste
Our “no plastic practice” is three-tired. First, we endeavour to reduce disposable or single-use plastic in all of our operations. From lining all our bins with newspaper instead of plastic bags to buying snacks for our trips in bulk rather than
No Plastic Practice
Reducing Our Waste
Our “no plastic practice” is three-tired. First, we endeavour to reduce disposable or single-use plastic in all of our operations. From lining all our bins with newspaper instead of plastic bags to buying snacks for our trips in bulk rather than
Indigenous Inclusion Policy
Supporting Traditional Owners
It is our policy that all trips we offer include the perspective of Traditional Owners in some form, whether through a ranger talk about management of Land and Sea Country, a rainforest discovery with an Indigenous elder, or a painting project with an Indigenous artist in which students
Indigenous Inclusion Policy
Supporting Traditional Owners
It is our policy that all trips we offer include the perspective of Traditional Owners in some form, whether through a ranger talk about management of Land and Sea Country, a rainforest discovery with an Indigenous elder, or a painting project with an Indigenous artist in which students
Employee Mental Wellness Policy
Promoting Mental Health
We promote discussing mental health to reduce the stigma of mental unwellness. We give each staff member a monthly stipend to use towards mental health, whether it’s for a self-help book, yoga classes, or a phycologist visit. Additionally, we have funded staff to get certified in Mental Health First Aid
Employee Mental Wellness Policy
Promoting Mental Health
We promote discussing mental health to reduce the stigma of mental unwellness. We give each staff member a monthly stipend to use towards mental health, whether it’s for a self-help book, yoga classes, or a phycologist visit. Additionally, we have funded staff to get certified in Mental Health First Aid
Ecotourism Australia Certified
Supporting the Community
We’re ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences. If you travel with Small World Journeys
Ecotourism Australia Certified
Supporting the Community
We’re ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences. If you travel with Small World Journeys
Hygiene Helper Program
Supporting the Community
We created this program to inspire our customers to give back to the community they are travelling in, and to lend comfort and dignity to the homeless population of Cairns. The activity involves creating comfort packs full of essential hygiene items and then donating them to the homeless and those in need in Cairns. Last year alone our customers
Hygiene Helper Program
Supporting the Community
We created this program to inspire our customers to give back to the community they are travelling in, and to lend comfort and dignity to the homeless population of Cairns. The activity involves creating comfort packs full of essential hygiene items and then donating them to the homeless and those in need in Cairns. Last year alone our customers
Employee Volunteering Policy
Supporting the Community
We cannot expect our customers to volunteer their time for their community if we are not willing to do it ourselves. Small World Journeys offers an hour a week to full time employees to get out in the community to volunteer. These hours can be accrued so that staff can devote a half day
Employee Volunteering Policy
Supporting the Community
We cannot expect our customers to volunteer their time for their community if we are not willing to do it ourselves. Small World Journeys offers an hour a week to full time employees to get out in the community to volunteer. These hours can be accrued so that staff can devote a half day
Assisting Vulnerable People
Emphasising Inclusion
We recognise there are people in our community who need a bit of a helping hand. This is why we’re committed to seizing opportunities to assist Cairns’ most vulnerable people. For instance, we are engaging and remunerating Palestinian refugees to help with our office operations and trip cooking
Assisting Vulnerable People
Emphasising Inclusion
We recognise there are people in our community who need a bit of a helping hand. This is why we’re committed to seizing opportunities to assist Cairns’ most vulnerable people. For instance, we are engaging and remunerating Palestinian refugees to help with our office operations and trip cooking
Employment for People With Disabilities
Emphasising Inclusion
In 2023 we piloted a program which provides ongoing work for people with disabilities through The Endeavour Foundation. Partnering with the Endeavour Foundation has allowed us to outsource the task of cleaning, repairing, and drying our
Employment for People With Disabilities
Emphasising Inclusion
In 2023 we piloted a program which provides ongoing work for people with disabilities through The Endeavour Foundation. Partnering with the Endeavour Foundation has allowed us to outsource the task of cleaning, repairing, and drying our
Earth Check Evaluate Participant
Awarded 4 "Earths"
EarthCheck Evaluate is a leading global benchmarking initiative that acknowledges organisations committed to sustainable practices, while offering guidance on how to better measure and manage their environmental, social, and economic impacts. In line with Small
Earth Check Evaluate Participant
Awarded 4 "Earths"
EarthCheck Evaluate is a leading global benchmarking initiative that acknowledges organisations committed to sustainable practices, while offering guidance on how to better measure and manage their environmental, social, and economic impacts. In line with Small
Reforest Donation & Offsetting Program
Protecting Land & Wildlife
We partner with Reforest, a Queensland-based social enterprise, to offset carbon emissions by planting trees in high-quality reforestation projects, particularly in the Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands.
Reforest Donation & Offsetting Program
Protecting Land & Wildlife
We partner with Reforest, a Queensland-based social enterprise, to offset carbon emissions by planting trees in high-quality reforestation projects, particularly in the Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands.
Zero Food Waste Initiative
Reducing Our Waste
We know that on average 60% of landfill is rotting food, which emits the greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere. In an effort to prevent food waste on our tours, we instigated a program in which all leftover food comes back to our office and is either donated or composted.
Zero Food Waste Initiative
Reducing Our Waste
We know that on average 60% of landfill is rotting food, which emits the greenhouse gas methane into the atmosphere. In an effort to prevent food waste on our tours, we instigated a program in which all leftover food comes back to our office and is either donated or composted.
Soft Plastics Recycling Policy
Reducing Our Waste
It is our policy to collect, clean, and recycle the soft plastic waste we produce in our office and on our trips. In 2023 after the collapse of Australia’s largest soft plastic recycling program (REDcycle), we began purchasing Zero Waste Boxes™ from Terracycle in order to recycle the soft plastic waste from all of our tours and office. Terracycle melts down the
Soft Plastics Recycling Policy
Reducing Our Waste
It is our policy to collect, clean, and recycle the soft plastic waste we produce in our office and on our trips. In 2023 after the collapse of Australia’s largest soft plastic recycling program (REDcycle), we began purchasing Zero Waste Boxes™ from Terracycle in order to recycle the soft plastic waste from all of our tours and office. Terracycle melts down the
“Care For A Coral” For Every Group That Goes to The Reef
Supporting Research
The Great Barrier Reef is now experiencing mass bleaching events more frequently due to rising sea temperatures. In response, Small World Journeys donates $50 for every group that visits the reef to adopt a coral through the Reef Restoration Foundation’s (RRF) “Resilience & Recovery” Program. Our commitment
“Care For A Coral” For Every Group That Goes to The Reef
Supporting Research
The Great Barrier Reef is now experiencing mass bleaching events more frequently due to rising sea temperatures. In response, Small World Journeys donates $50 for every group that visits the reef to adopt a coral through the Reef Restoration Foundation’s (RRF) “Resilience & Recovery” Program. Our commitment
Mangrove Love Initiative
Protecting Our Resources
Mangroves act as the nurseries of the Great Barrier Reef, providing shelter to important aquatic creatures. In trying to protect these critical ecosystems, Small World Journeys developed an initiative to teach visitors about how important mangroves are and get involved in a mangrove clean-up. Both our visiting groups and our office staff have gotten involved.
Mangrove Love Initiative
Protecting Our Resources
Mangroves act as the nurseries of the Great Barrier Reef, providing shelter to important aquatic creatures. In trying to protect these critical ecosystems, Small World Journeys developed an initiative to teach visitors about how important mangroves are and get involved in a mangrove clean-up. Both our visiting groups and our office staff have gotten involved.
Offsetting Customer Flight Emissions
Offsetting Carbon Emissions
We understand that air travel is one of the most carbon intensive things our customers can do. This is why we are paying to offset the carbon emissions from all of our customers’ flights to Cairns. While we
Offsetting Customer Flight Emissions
Offsetting Carbon Emissions
We understand that air travel is one of the most carbon intensive things our customers can do. This is why we are paying to offset the carbon emissions from all of our customers’ flights to Cairns. While we
100% Green Energy and Electric Vehicle Policy
Reducing Our Emissions
Our office is powered on 100% “green” renewable energy through GreenPower to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In 2024 Small World Journeys installed a 20-kilowatt solar system on our roof and any additional electricity not covered by this system will still
100% Green Energy and Electric Vehicle Policy
Reducing Our Emissions
Our office is powered on 100% “green” renewable energy through GreenPower to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In 2024 Small World Journeys installed a 20-kilowatt solar system on our roof and any additional electricity not covered by this system will still
Supporting Cairns Community Schools
Promoting Education
Small World Journeys is all about the education of young people. Not only do we promote the education of our students travelling from out-of-state, but we regularly donate books, gift baskets, and cash prizes to the Paramatta Park State Primary
Supporting Cairns Community Schools
Promoting Education
Small World Journeys is all about the education of young people. Not only do we promote the education of our students travelling from out-of-state, but we regularly donate books, gift baskets, and cash prizes to the Paramatta Park State Primary
Donating 5% of our Nett Profits to Local Charities
Supporting Environment & Community
It is our policy to donate at least 5% of our nett profits to local community and environmental not-for profit organisations. Each year, employees get to decide how this is allocated, with each team member choosing their favourite charity that
Donating 5% of our Nett Profits to Local Charities
Supporting Environment & Community
It is our policy to donate at least 5% of our nett profits to local community and environmental not-for profit organisations. Each year, employees get to decide how this is allocated, with each team member choosing their favourite charity that
Regular Giver
Supporting Local Conservation Efforts
Small World Journeys is a monthly donor to both the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) (with which we are an “Eco Star” donor) and to Rainforest Rescue (in addition to our per-group donations as described above). CAFNEC is the peak regional
Regular Giver
Supporting Local Conservation Efforts
Small World Journeys is a monthly donor to both the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) (with which we are an “Eco Star” donor) and to Rainforest Rescue (in addition to our per-group donations as described above). CAFNEC is the peak regional
Coral Watch Reef Monitoring Program
Raising Awareness About Climate
Visiting school groups assist in the citizen science project CoralWatch, to monitor the health of The Great Barrier Reef and the presence of coral bleaching. We have committed to involve as many of our groups in this program, as almost every
Coral Watch Reef Monitoring Program
Raising Awareness About Climate
Visiting school groups assist in the citizen science project CoralWatch, to monitor the health of The Great Barrier Reef and the presence of coral bleaching. We have committed to involve as many of our groups in this program, as almost every
Tree Planting Program
Regenerating Land
We understand that creating carbon sinks is one way to offset some of the emissions created by our company and tours. This is why Small World Journeys is intent on planting as many trees as possible. We have teamed up with Kuranda Envirocare to revitalise a buffer zone to the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage area, where the endemic
Tree Planting Program
Regenerating Land
We understand that creating carbon sinks is one way to offset some of the emissions created by our company and tours. This is why Small World Journeys is intent on planting as many trees as possible. We have teamed up with Kuranda Envirocare to revitalise a buffer zone to the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage area, where the endemic
“Moon Sick Pads” Program
Empowering Women
We adopted this program to help young Indigenous women during their menstrual cycle. We teach our student customers some basic sewing skills in order to create reusable sanitary pads for young women in remote Indigenous communities. During this activity students also gain an understanding of the complex cultural barriers that affect women in remote communities
“Moon Sick Pads” Program
Empowering Women
We adopted this program to help young Indigenous women during their menstrual cycle. We teach our student customers some basic sewing skills in order to create reusable sanitary pads for young women in remote Indigenous communities. During this activity students also gain an understanding of the complex cultural barriers that affect women in remote communities
Addressing Food Security Through Aquaponics
Reducing "Food Miles"
As concern about global food security grows, we have made it a priority to teach hundreds of our customers how to grow their own food using aquaponics. Aquaponics is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks (recirculating aquaculture) with soil-less plant culture (hydroponics). Ways this is sustainability
Addressing Food Security Through Aquaponics
Reducing "Food Miles"
As concern about global food security grows, we have made it a priority to teach hundreds of our customers how to grow their own food using aquaponics. Aquaponics is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks (recirculating aquaculture) with soil-less plant culture (hydroponics). Ways this is sustainability
Christmas Cheer Program for The Elderly
In-Kind Donations
We recognise that around Christmas time, many people don’t have family or friends with whom to celebrate the day. This is why we have donated our buses (and volunteer time) to pick up elderly folks in town and bring them to the annual
Christmas Cheer Program for The Elderly
In-Kind Donations
We recognise that around Christmas time, many people don’t have family or friends with whom to celebrate the day. This is why we have donated our buses (and volunteer time) to pick up elderly folks in town and bring them to the annual
Cyclone & Flood Recovery Support
Assisting Our Community
After the devastating floods in early 2025 and following Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, staff pitched in with recovery efforts – from clean up support to boxing up food parcels. Small World Journeys also donated food, sleeping bags, water
Cyclone & Flood Recovery Support
Assisting Our Community
After the devastating floods in early 2025 and following Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, staff pitched in with recovery efforts – from clean up support to boxing up food parcels. Small World Journeys also donated food, sleeping bags, water
our
Vision
Vision
To be Australia’s premier provider of education for youth outside the classroom.
How We Have Committed to People, Profitability & Planet
Through financial and in-kind support, we have revitalised areas like the mangroves systems and riparian zones that host some of our region’s unique biodiversity. Our tours have also benefitted some of its most vulnerable people: Indigenous women, a Palestinian refugee, young people with disabilities and people living on the street.
Our tours encourage young people to deeply appreciate and support the community they are travelling in. Customers learn how to have fewer negative impacts and how to enjoy the beauty of this region without wrecking it. By travelling with us, young people transform from “regular” tourists to travellers who contribute and work towards a better world.
Through our tours and operations we are working to promote these UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Who we sponsor and support (and sometimes kiss)
Our goal is to leave our community better because we exist, not despite it. We want to ensure the sustainability of the communities in which our guests travel. This is why Small World Journeys has committed at least 5% of net profits each year to support non-profit community and environmental organisations. We also give kisses for free.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
By admin@smallworldjourney
/ March 4, 2020
Since 2012, Small World Journeys has given over $50,000 to The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island to support...
Read More
Reef Restoration Foundation
By admin@smallworldjourney
/ February 28, 2020
We are a proud sponsor of a coral propagation tree at The Great Barrier Reef through Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF)....
Read More
Rainforest Rescue
By admin@smallworldjourney
/ February 28, 2020
Small World Journeys has given over $5,000 to Rainforest Rescue to support the adoption of rainforest land at risk. Every...
Read More
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
We humbly acknowledge Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People as the first inhabitants of Australia and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where we work and our groups travel, which include the Yirrganydji, Yidinji, Kuku Yalanji, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Djabugay people.
We were inspired by the beautiful artwork of local indigenous artist Colin Higgins – painter and musician from Yarrabah. We commissioned Colin for the use of his painting (symbolising the world in the dry season) and are grateful for his contribution to Small World Journeys
