Sustainability

Sustainability

Caring for country, coast, and community

We’re proud to be part of the Central Coast – one of the few ECO Certified Destinations in Australia. We share the same pledge to protect, preserve and celebrate this special part of the world.

Here at Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, we recognise that our beautiful beachside setting on Darkinjung Country comes with a responsibility to care for the land, sea, and community around us. In 2024, we began our own journey towards eco-certification and hope to proudly display that official badge soon – watch this space!

We’re committed to creating holidays that don’t just leave happy memories, but also leave a lighter footprint – and help ensure this place is protected for generations to come.

Here’s what we’re doing:

 

🌿 Caring for Our Environment

 

Solar Power:We’ve installed solar panels on all our largest buildings – including our kiosk, function centre, both amenities blocks and camp kitchens.

Energy efficiency:Almost all globes across the park have been replaced with low-energy LED lighting.

Sustainable amenities:We are steadily replacing all single-use bathroom products with refillable, eco-conscious alternatives by an Australian-designed, produced and owned brand.

Paperless check-in:We’re transitioning to a digital check-in experience to reduce paper waste.

Smart Recycling:We recycle glass and plastic bottles through Envirobank, with funds donated to Take 3 For The Sea. Soft plastics are collected through the Curby curbside recycling initiative.

Compost Bins:Located near our communal veggie garden, composting is a simple way to reduce waste and give back to the garden, helping create healthy, nutrient-rich soil while supporting a more sustainable stay.

Guest Veggie & Herb Garden:Guests are encouraged to pick fresh herbs and veggies during their stay, promoting healthy eating and hands-on eco education.

Preventing Erosion:We’ve added sandstone retaining walls throughout the park – not just for aesthetics, but to help prevent erosion and protect the surrounding landscape.

Bushland Regeneration:Behind the park, we’ve cleared invasive bitou bush in Wyrrabalong National Park and begun replanting with native shrubs and trees to help regenerate the coastal bushland.

Protecting Native Wildlife:Nestled beside Wyrrabalong National Park, we’re committed to helping protect the area’s unique wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. By remaining a pet-free resort (with the exception of accredited assistance animals), we help reduce disturbances to native birds and animals that call this beautiful coastline home.

Respecting Country:We operate on Darkinjung land, and take seriously our role as temporary custodians. We honour this connection and are committed to caring for the environment in culturally respectful ways.

🤝 Supporting Our Community

 

Supporting Local:We love our neighbours! That’s why we actively promote and partner with local cafes, restaurants, and shops. For example, all guests are offered a temporary members card for the nearby Bateau Bay Bowling Club, giving them access to member discounts. Plus during school holidays, we actively seek out and support local providers, from musicians to djs, hair braiders, kids entertainers, artists, artisans and more!

Sharing Local Stories:Through our Coastal Series on social media and our Local Loves blog, we inspire guests to discover hidden gems, local experiences, and the passionate people behind them. It’s our way of encouraging visitors to explore more of the Central Coast and helping spread the word about everything our community has to offer.

Charity Partners:All proceeds from our holiday activity fundraising go to a chosen local cause. This year it’s Take 3 For The Sea. In the past we’ve supported Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast and the  Shelly Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, who we also organise to run surf safety awareness sessions for our guests.

Giving Back to the Community:We regularly donate accommodation for local fundraisers, from charity bike rides and long-distance runs raising awareness for important causes, to trivia nights and events helping local families in need.

Backing Our Youth:We’re proud to support local young people by sponsoring our local PCYC and providing work experience opportunities for students. Whether it’s helping fund community programs or giving students valuable hands-on industry experience, we’re committed to investing in the next generation and helping them build confidence, skills, and connections within our local community.

Encouraging Donations:Whenever they’re in the area, we promote Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s mobile donor centre visits to our guests, plus our staff are supported with paid time during work hours to donate blood and help save lives. If you’re keen to donate, please check their next scheduled visit here.

Buying Local:Wherever practical, we source products and services from Central Coast businesses, keeping tourism dollars within our local community.

🌊 Inspiring Responsible Tourism

 

Protecting Dunes:Our boardwalks and designated beach access points help protect fragile dune vegetation while providing safe access to the beach.

Environmental Education:Through interpretive signage, our online blog and carefully selected holiday activities, we encourage guests to learn about the unique coastal environment and how they can help protect it.

♿  Creating an Inclusive Resort

 

Accessibility upgrades:Our Accessible Cabin now includes optional extras like a hoist, commode and pool wheelchair to welcome guests with a wider range of needs.

• Accessibility Accreditation: We’re proud to be accredited at Level 3 by Accessibility Australia – Assisted Wheelchair User – recognising our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive holiday experience. This independent accreditation provides guests with trusted, detailed information to help them plan their stay with confidence.

• Accessibility Information: Planning ahead is important, which is why we’ve created a dedicated Accessibility page on our website. It includes detailed information about our accessible facilities and accommodation, along with links to local accessibility resources, mobility equipment providers, and accessible experiences across the Central Coast.

🌱 Looking Ahead

 

Replanting with purpose:Soon, guests will be able to plant a native tree onsite as part of their stay – helping us further re-green the resort together.

• On the path to Certification:In 2024, we began the official process of becoming an ECO Certified business through Eco Tourism Australia, the peak body for ecotourism and sustainable tourism, and we can’t wait to share that milestone with our guests soon!

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know sustainability is an ongoing journey. Our plan outlines the actions we’ve already taken, the improvements currently underway, and our future priorities as we continue to reduce our environmental impact and emissions.

As part of our Eco Certification journey, we are also actively investigating our emissions and developing a dedicated Emissions Reduction Plan. This will help us better understand our emissions, identify practical opportunities for reduction, and set clear actions to reduce our carbon footprint over time.

Respecting Country & Culture

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Darkinjung Country, where we live, work and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future, and recognise the ongoing connection to land, sea and sky. We honour their stories and culture, and commit to protecting and caring for this land, so it can be shared and loved by generations to come.

Take the Sustainability Pledge with us:

I will tread lightly and leave no trace
I will protect the coast and respect the wildlife
I will support local and choose sustainable
I will travel respectfully on Aboriginal land
I will leave this place the same or better than I found it

 

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See you soon at Blue Lagoon!