Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is celebrating a powerful new move by local ecotourism operator Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, which is turning every journey along the Cape to Cape Track into a direct investment in the region’s future.
Through a new partnership with Nature Conservation, the well-known local hiking and ecotourism business is contributing $5 for every guest on its multi-day experiences to fund native tree planting across the region. Guests can also amplify their impact, with options to contribute further — $5 for one tree, $25 for five, or $100 for 20 trees.
Since launching last month, the initiative has already seen strong uptake, with many visitors choosing to deepen their contribution and actively support local restoration. The program directly funds locally grown native tube stock and on-ground planting, with staff from both organisations also getting involved in community planting days.
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours founder Gene Hardy
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours founder Gene Hardy said the initiative reflects a simple belief: tourism should leave places better than it found them. “This region gives so much to our guests — the wild coastline, ancient forests, and incredible biodiversity,” Mr Hardy said. “It’s only right that we invest in its future. This program is a simple, tangible way for every walker to leave a positive footprint behind.”
“There’s something powerful about knowing your journey contributes to regeneration. We’re seeing people really embrace that idea — not just walking through nature, but helping in a small way to restore it.”
The initiative builds on Cape to Cape Explorer Tours’ strong sustainability track record, including two gold awards for ecotourism at the WA Tourism Awards. Mr Hardy was also recognised as the inaugural Local Legend for his contribution to the region. Their accommodation base, Surfpoint Resort, has likewise been recognised for sustainability leadership and guest experience.
Mr Hardy said the Cape to Cape Track’s global reputation makes local stewardship even more important. “The Cape to Cape Track is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in the world. But what makes it truly special is the living landscape — the forests, the wildlife, the sense of wildness,” he said. “If we want future generations to experience that, we all have a role to play.”
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region CEO Aaron Jaggar said the initiative is a standout example of tourism and conservation working hand in hand to deliver real, measurable impact on the ground.
“This is exactly the kind of leadership we love to see,” he said. “Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is showing how tourism can be a force for regeneration, not just visitation.”
Nature Conservation CEO Aaron Jaggar
Mr Jaggar said the organisation is seeing growing momentum from businesses across the region wanting to take meaningful climate and biodiversity action, and he welcomed business owners to get in touch to discuss how they could play a role. “We have a simple model ready to go for all types of businesses, whether they want to start small or go big, depending on the level of conservation impact they’re ready to make,” he said. “We’d love to talk with any local operators who are curious about how they can be part of this movement.”
He said broader participation could significantly amplify restoration outcomes across the region.
“If more businesses step into this space, the collective impact for biodiversity and climate resilience could be enormous,” he said.
Volunteers planted these native seedlings to restore country
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is now encouraging tourism operators, accommodation providers, wineries, and experience-based businesses across the region to explore how they too can embed practical, on-ground conservation into what they do and to get in touch if they want to partner with the conservation group.