Journey with purpose: How traditional owners are shaping sustainable travel
Travel has always been more than a checklist of destinations for me. The world is vast and diverse, but what truly draws me in is the people — specifically, the cultures that have acted as custodians of their lands for centuries. From the rainforests of Asia to the rivers of Australia, these traditional groups offer travelers a way to connect more deeply with the places they visit.
I’ve been fortunate to work with Tourism Australia, natural resource management organizations like the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) and traditional owner groups, who have profoundly influenced my understanding of sustainability, connection, and the power of storytelling. One of the most moving experiences I’ve had — both personally and professionally — was rebranding North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) a few years ago.
The lessons from that project, coupled with my ongoing work in sustainability, shape how I view responsible travel today.
Stewardship starts with listening
During the North Stradbroke Island project, we collaborated closely with the island’s traditional owners, who had initiated a tourism venture to share their culture and history. They invited us to experience their island through their eyes: not merely as a destination, but as a living narrative shaped by generations of care and respect.
We kayaked through mangroves, gliding over waters that mirrored the sky. We saw turtles, dugongs and snakes, listened to stories of the land’s history, and learned about traditional hunting and fishing practices that harmonize with the environment. Afterward, we shared a meal at their oceanfront home — humble, yet deeply connected to the land.
This experience was more than an excursion; it was a profound lesson in stewardship. The traditional owners demonstrated that caring for a place is not just a practice but a way of life.
nsights from Natural Resource Management
This ethos resonates in my work with BMRG, which partners with communities and traditional owners to protect critical ecosystems like the Mary River in mid Queensland. Their initiatives — ranging from river restoration to sustainable land management — are built on collaboration and respect for the land’s longstanding guardians.
These projects underscore the invaluable knowledge held by those who have lived in balance with nature for generations. Whether it’s a farmer adopting regenerative practices or a traveler paddling through mangroves, stewardship involves cultivating a relationship with the land, not merely utilizing it for our benefit.
Global custodians of culture
This principle extends far beyond Australia. In my travels around the world, I’ve sought opportunities to connect with cultures that serve as custodians of their lands. In Asia, for instance, traditional groups often offer travelers a window into practices that have sustained their environments for centuries.
From learning about rice farming in Indonesia to witnessing the reverence for forests in Thailand, these encounters reveal that sustainability isn’t a modern concept — it’s an ancient way of life. Engaging with these communities provides a deeper connection to the land and fosters a greater appreciation for their stewardship.
A friend of mine, Sean, embodies this commitment through his work with Last of the Wild Places in Sumatra. He collaborates with local communities to promote ecotourism and conservation, offering immersive experiences that highlight the intricate relationship between people and their environment. Sean has even established an eco-lodge that serves as a model for sustainable travel, providing guests with authentic cultural interactions while minimizing environmental impact.
How travelers can be stewards
These experiences — whether working on the Mary River Recovery project, kayaking in North Stradbroke Island’s mangroves, or engaging with traditional groups across Asia — have shaped my approach to travel. Here’s how we can all adopt a steward’s mindset:
- Listen to the land’s custodians: Seek out tours and experiences led by traditional owners or local guides. Their stories add depth and meaning to your journey.
- Support Regenerative Tourism: Patronize businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability, from eco-friendly accommodations to farm-to-table restaurants.
- Travel light, leave less: Minimize waste, respect local ecosystems, and leave places as you found them — or better.
- Be curious, be humble: Approach each place with a willingness to learn, and carry those lessons with you long after you leave.
Traveling for tomorrow
At its best, travel isn’t just about what we see — it’s about how we engage. Whether paddling through mangroves, walking alongside a river restoration team, or learning from rice farmers, the most meaningful journeys are those where we connect to the land and its people.
As I contemplate the future of travel, I’m inspired by the custodians I’ve met — on North Stradbroke Island, along the Mary River, and in corners of the world where tradition runs deep. They’ve taught me that the greatest gift we can offer as travelers is our respect, curiosity, and care.
So, the next time you travel, ask yourself: How will you leave this place better than you found it? For me, the answer lies in listening to the voices that have always been there, learning from them, and carrying their wisdom forward — on every journey.
Thank you for reading.
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