Our Responsible Travel Policy

Our business philosophy is based on sustainable eco-tourism principles – “Take only photographs, leave only footprints”. The definition of eco-tourism adopted by our business is: Eco-tourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing and enjoying natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation of the environment for future generations to enjoy. A respect for the environment and wildlife is a core focus of all our packages, whether it’s walking through the ancient Tingle forests of the Walpole Wilderness, trekking through the coastal heath in William Bay National Park, or walking along the limestone cliffs of West Cape Howe National Park.

Economic and social responsibility

We aim to maximise the positive benefits of tourism for our local community. This includes using local suppliers and assisting in the development of sustainable local businesses. Our business, our partners, and our guides are all locals. We live and work in the environment in which we operate. We are proud and passionate about our region and committed to maintaining its pristine qualities and bio-diversity.

We source all of our food locally. Our lunches are supplied by the Denmark Bakery, and our grocery items are provided by a local greengrocer. We show our appreciation to the local community by shopping locally and, as much as possible, using local operators for all our services. We actively develop reciprocal promotion partnerships with local businesses in order to benefit visitors and the wider community.

Environmental responsibility

Out of Sight! Tours is an accredited tourism operator with the Department of Environment and Conservation in Western Australia. All our guides are trained in “minimal impact” techniques, and take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as staying to established trails, not leaving anything behind and not destroying any plants.

Our guides possess an exceptional knowledge of local flora & fauna, geology and history. Our two lead guides both have PhDs (doctorates), and have a background in education, innovation and wellbeing. Our guides are encouraged and rewarded in their efforts to improve their knowledge of the area through training programs and additional reading. We maintain an extensive reference library that is constantly used by all our staff.

In our office and shop we recycle paper and cardboard and minimise our use of non-compostable waste. We encourage our suppliers to reduce excess packaging, and refuse to pass on additional packaging to our customers. We actively seek out recycled and low environmental-impact products and promote an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Our fixtures and fittings are all recycled, second-hand or purpose built from plantation timbers. We are energy conscious and have made a deliberate decision not to use lighting in our shop at night, and reduce our water usage.

We participate in local environmental awareness forums and training activities. We are members of the Denmark Environment Centre, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, the Denmark Historical Society, the William Bay National Park Association, and the Friends of Mt Hallowell Group. We are actively involved in bio-diversity monitoring in our region.

Through annual and access fees to national park authorities we provide revenue essential to the protection and maintenance of the parks we visit. We comply with the management plans of each park and assist by reporting adverse events or special findings to the park management. We employ the philosophy of “leave no trace” and ensure that we take out any items of waste or rubbish. We make every effort to use recyclable or biodegradable packaging for our tour lunches and snacks. We collect and thoughtfully dispose of any rubbish sighted in the parks visited.

Our tour group sizes are limited to 10 people maximum, to minimise any negative impact on the environment and the enjoyment of other people. We encourage the practice of low noise bushwalking and activities that make our guests at one with the environment.

Karma Chalets is internationally recognised by Eco-hotels of the World with a 4 star environmental rating, and is eco-friendly STAR certified. This accreditation is based on assessment criteria falling under: Energy Efficiency; Waste Minimisation & Management; Water Minimisation; and Guest Education. Eco-Friendly STAR Accreditation is tailored specifically for the accommodation industry. The Standards used were developed by AAA Tourism in partnership with GREEN GLOBE – the internationally recognised performance improvement program for the tourism industry.

Karma Chalets are involved in a weed eradication program which has seen invasive species significantly reduced in number. They also work with the WA Museum on a Carnaby Black Cockatoo nesting program to protect bird nesting trees. Some of the few remaining breeding sites in Denmark for this endangered species are located on their property.