This is not about perfection!
It’s about making better choices, consistently.
What We Mean by Tree Planting
Travel has an environmental impact. Even small-group tours, even thoughtfully planned journeys, still use fuel and resources. We don’t pretend otherwise.
Tree planting is one way we take responsibility for that impact.
For every tour we operate, we contribute to tree-planting initiatives that support environmental regeneration. Trees help absorb carbon dioxide, protect soil, support biodiversity, and restore ecosystems that have been damaged over time.
However, we want to be clear:
Tree planting is not a magic solution.
It does not erase emissions or make travel impact-free.
What it does is represent a long-term commitment to regeneration rather than pure consumption. It’s a practical, measurable action that supports nature beyond the experience itself.
Why We Plant Trees for Every Tour
Tree planting is not an optional add-on or a marketing campaign for us. It is built into how we operate.
We do this because:
Travel benefits from nature, so nature should benefit from travel
Small, consistent actions matter more than big empty promises
Responsibility should sit with the operator, not be pushed onto guests
We do not ask travellers to donate extra.
We do not upsell sustainability.
We take responsibility as part of running our tours.
Seeing wildlife is a privilege, not a promise.
Ethical Wildlife Interaction — What That Really Means
Wildlife is not an attraction.
Animals are not entertainment.
At Wild Side Melbourne, ethical wildlife interaction means observation without interference. We do not chase animals, provoke reactions, or create encounters for photos or social media.
When animals are seen in the wild, it happens naturally and respectfully, from a safe distance, without feeding, touching, or disturbing their behaviour.
Our guides prioritise animal welfare over guaranteed sightings. Seeing wildlife is a privilege, not a promise.
Why We Support Ethical Wildlife Parks
Some of our tours include visits to wildlife parks, and we believe it’s important to explain why.
Not all wildlife parks are the same.
We only support parks that:
Focus on animal welfare, rehabilitation, or conservation
Do not allow uncontrolled touching or feeding
Operate under strict animal care standards
Provide education about native species and ecosystems
Protect animals that cannot be released back into the wild
These parks provide a controlled, supervised environment where guests can learn about Australian wildlife without harming animals or ecosystems.
This approach is often more ethical than uncontrolled roadside encounters, which can:
Stress animals
Encourage unsafe behaviour
Lead to habitat damage
Put both wildlife and people at risk
Supporting responsible wildlife parks helps fund conservation, education, and long-term animal care.
What We Don’t Do
To be clear, there are practices we actively avoid:
No chasing animals for photos
No forced interactions
No exploitative animal performances
No “guaranteed sightings” promises
No roadside wildlife harassment
If an experience compromises animal welfare, we don’t include it — even if it’s popular.
Designed to Reduce Impact, Not Just Offset It
Tree planting and ethical wildlife practices are part of a broader philosophy.
Our tours are designed to reduce impact before we try to give back:
Small group sizes to avoid overcrowding
Slower itineraries that reduce pressure on sites
Guided walking rather than constant driving
Flexible meal stops to reduce food waste
Respect for local environments and communities
Giving back only makes sense when it’s paired with responsible design.
Honest Travel
We don’t claim to be perfect.
We don’t claim to have all the answers.
What we do claim is honesty.
Sustainability is a process, not a label. Ethical travel is about making better choices consistently, even when they are less convenient or less marketable.
We believe travellers deserve transparency — not buzzwords.