Bungalow Bay Koala Village, Magnetic Island, North Queensland.

Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism Resort

Learn about native Australian wildlife Your stay at Bungalow Bay Koala Village will offer you the opportunity to learn and discover, and to provide an additional perspective on your Australian experience that will be emotionally rewarding. First known as Yunbunum – home of the Wulgurukaba- the canoe people. The traditional owners of Magnetic Island, were invited in the planning stages to evaluate the impact the resort would have on the land, water and community. The resort was given full support and endorsed by Arthur Johnson, the Wulgurukaba elder. Public consultation of our planned development was conducted with Magnetic Island, residents and through the community’s ideas and feedback; there was overall support for the resort.

Local rangers on interpretive tours

Learn about native Australian wildlife

Heritage Value As the site of Horseshoe Bay’s first guest house, established in the 1930’s, the cultural history of the site was a prime consideration. The verandah bar was constructed to retain the original trees and one frangipani tree had the deck built around it. During 2006, Bungalow Bay Koala Village received Advanced Accreditation with the Australian Eco Tourism Association in acknowledgement of its dedication to conservation and the environment.

Verandah Restaurant, Bar and Reception Geoff Clark of Troppo Architects was engaged who had previously conducted a public seminar of sustainable architecture on Magnetic Island,. Energy use is minimal by open tropical ventilation techniques of: no walls high ceilings raised off the ground roof insulation ceiling fan

Eco friendly building design

• Bungalow Bay Koala Village has played a vital role by setting up and sponsoring the wildlife rescue on Magnetic Island, of sick, injured and orphaned native animals. We provide training for wildlife carers, co-ordinate wildlife rescue and provide equipment and supplies for the carers. Animals after rehabilitation are released back into the wild.

Planting project eco friendly

We are mindful of the value of the natural and cultural heritage and enlisted the support of the Magnetic Island, History association for signage featuring heritage and landscapes of Horseshoe Bay, not just for guests of Bungalow Bay Koala Village, but is on view for visitors and Island residents alike With partners in Magnetic Island, Nature Care and the local council, we were successful in gaining a grant to rehabilitate a degraded creek adjacent to Bungalow Bay Koala Village. This creek flows into the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. A total of 1 hectare is being rehabilitated with removal of rubbish and weeds and in planting native vegetation. Local residents and guests of Bungalow Bay Koala Village have been involved in this project.

• Guided walks in the National Park
  The guided tours, as part of our Wildlife Experience, help guests to personally experience nature. Permits are in place to take guests on the Forts Walking Track, Horseshoe Bay Environmental Lagoon and coastal walk to Radical Bay with the following guidelines in place:
  

  • Group sizes are restricted to 15 people
    
  • Only existing tracks are used
    
  • A “no collection” policy and minimal disturbance of the environment
    
  • 4 habitats are used to minimise impact on one particular habitat
    
  • There is no use of motorised transport
    
  • “Carry in –carry out” policy for litter
    
  • When butterflies are breeding, the area is avoided
    
  • During the wet season, wet or soft ground is actively avoided
    
• Incentives in place to conserve resources
  
  • Minimal Packaging / Recycling
    
  • Guests are supplied with cutlery and crockery for campers kitchen
    
  • All promotional material is printed on recycled paper
    
  • Supplies to restaurant are delivered by supplier
    
  • Brochures have a note asking that the brochure be passed onto a friend or returned to the rack

Koala Food Trees. No koala leaf is cut on council reserve or National Park on the island In the early planning days of the Wildlife Park, a eucalypt plantation containing 2000 trees was established on site at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. These trees were mulched, irrigated by drip feeders and individually fenced to protect against possums until they were established. This plantation also provides a visual barrier between the camping ground and adjoining neighbours. Bungalow Bay Koala Village is recognised as the hub of conservation on Magnetic Island, with workshops conducted by experts in their field on issues such as the effects of global warming on the island.

Eucalypt koala food seedlings ready for planting

• By attracting the eco traveller who appreciates and is sensitive to the environment of a World Heritage listed island, there is less impact on the environment.
  
  
• Bungalow Bay Koala Village sees itself as accountable to its customers, its employees, its suppliers and community. It is through these shared values that Bungalow Bay Koala Village has successfully integrated itself into the community. Through sustainable business practices, our reputation in the wider community has been enhanced.