Vision Walks Eco-Tours joins Australian Wildlife Journeys to strengthen premium wildlife tourism | News
Vision Walks Eco-Tours is renowned for its in-depth nature experiences that connect guests with the landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Byron Bay region and its hinterland, in Bundjalung country. The company specializes in small-group guided eco-tours led by local experts and ecologists, with a background in environmental sciences, offering an advanced level of understanding and interpretation of local ecosystems.
Founder Wendy Bithell said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to conservation, storytelling and meaningful travel experiences.
“Joining Australian Wildlife Journeys aligns perfectly with our mission to create transformative and educational experiences that promote a deeper respect for nature and culture,” Bithell said. “We are proud to represent the Byron Bay region as part of a collective that showcases Australia’s most exceptional wildlife encounters.”
Vision Walks Eco-Tours offers a wide range of experiences designed to immerse guests in nature while maintaining a low impact on the environment. Signature tours include the Byron Bay Wildlife Safari, where guests explore eucalyptus forests, rainforests and grassland habitats to encounter iconic species such as koalas, kangaroos, flying foxes, colorful parrots, kookaburras, wrens and robins.
The company also provides its globally unique Night Vision Walk, which uses military-grade night vision goggles to explore the rainforest after dark. Unlike traditional spotlight tours, this low-impact approach allows guests to observe nocturnal animals such as possums, bandicoots, microbats and frogs with minimal disruption.
Other experiences include the guided Platypus Walk at sunrise, Koala Walk, a bespoke Birdwatching Tour with expert ecologists and rainforest walks to attractions such as Minyon Falls, located in the World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park.
Multi-day offerings, such as the 4-day Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, combine wilderness immersion with comfort, local cuisine and cultural interpretation. The guided walk covers 48 kilometers from Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park and crosses breathtaking landscapes, from dry sclerophyll forests and lush rainforests, past ancient trees to waterfalls and panoramic mountain viewpoints.
Across all tours, Vision Walks Eco-Tours maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. The environmental initiatives include carbon reduction through hybrid vehicles, active participation in reforestation projects and measurable carbon sequestration results. The company also supports conservation through partnerships with local organizations and per-guest contributions on selected tours, including Bangalow Koalas, Friends of the Koala and local Landcare groups.
John Daw, Executive Officer of Australian Wildlife Journeys, said Vision Walks Eco-Tours has established one of Australia’s most compelling and innovative wildlife tour portfolios in recent years, reflected in numerous awards and accolades.
“As travelers increasingly seek experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable, we are excited to welcome Vision Walks Eco-Tours to our collective of nature tourism operators who are making a real difference,” said Daw. “This partnership allows us to share this incredible region, known for its rich biodiversity and relaxed, chic atmosphere, with people who value nature, culture and conservation and continue to inspire travelers to care for our natural world.”
