Conservation Values of Inala

We offer high-quality, unique, and ecologically friendly nature experiences. Each tour is designed to educate while minimising environmental impact.

Where possible, we use local guides and products. Additionally, we partner with operators and providers who share our values. This approach builds mutually beneficial ties with communities. It also creates deeper, more rewarding experiences for our guests.

We operate under a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy and we are committed to responsible tourism. We treat all wildlife, local communities, and individuals encountered during our tours with the utmost respect and dignity, and we expect our guests to do the same. In the office and on tour, you’ll be assisted by people who value nature, conservation, and ethical conduct.

When choosing tour locations and designing itineraries, we consider the modern traveler’s desire to give back. We aim to create experiences that contribute positively to the environments and communities we visit. Therefore, we may include visits to conservation projects or local organisations. These visits allow us to learn about their work and offer support through our patronage and donations. 

We also partner internationally with organisations to protect species through ecotourism. From the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda to Mongolia’s Snow Leopards, we support tourism operations that preserve habitats and species.

Inala has cared for injured and orphaned wildlife for over 30 years.  We have a constant flow of orphaned native wildlife, usually the result of vehicle accidents. These orphans live in our temporary care, with the aim of rehabilitation and release into the safety of the Inala Conservation Reserve. Staff have received training - and obtain the required permits - to raise these animals, and all are released once old enough to survive in the wild.  

A number of conservation projects such as tree planting, the fencing of sensitive remnant vegetation and the creation of waterholes to provide important wildlife habitat. Of primary importance is preserving and creating habitat for the Forty-spotted Pardalote and Swift Parrot, for which Inala is an important refuge. Some of the other steps Inala has taken to protect and improve native species habitat include:  

Habitat improvement programs such as feral animal control, nest box provision and planting. 
Construction of walking paths and hides to control habitat impacts. 
Protection of native fauna, through removing roadkill from roadsides. This mitigates carnivore and raptor injury and death, which can come about from collision with vehicles when feeding on roadkill. Moving the roadkill into a safe area allows the raptors to feed in safety. Three threatened species in particular benefit from this action -  Wedge-tailed Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle and Grey Goshawk.
Continual updates and increased signage on the Inala property, providing in-depth visitor information.  
Waste reduction and management strategies, such as rainwater conservation and resource efficiency in retro-fitting and planning for new infrastructure, in order to reduce Inala's impact on the land.
Facilitating sensitive guest interactions through our formal property tours and voluntary activities. 
Including and remaining sensitive to cultural heritage on tours, including employing local Indigenous guides and Elders where appropriate.  

In 2020 we proudly established the Inala Nature Foundation, which protects wildlife and regenerates habitat on Bruny Island. In collaboration with the Inala Jurassic Garden, the Foundation also conserves endangered plant species. 

Find out more about the work the Inala Nature Foundation is doing here:
Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation 
Protecting Endangered Wildlife 
Native Habitat Restoration 
Conserving Threatened Plant Species through the Noah’s Ark Projects 

At Inala, respect, conservation, and wildlife protection are always top priorities. We take care not to disturb or stress any birds or mammals during our tours. We avoid getting too close when viewing or photographing wildlife. We also limit handling and rarely use bird call playback.

Our guides, inspired by Dr Tonia Cochran’s industry-leading ethical standards, lead with patience and care. As a result, guests often enjoy remarkable wildlife sightings and observe natural behaviours in undisturbed environments. Nature rewards patience and respect—values we uphold on every tour. Learn more about ethical birding here.

We also consider global issues such as climate change and pollution throughout our tours. Our guides share scientific knowledge, highlight conservation success stories, and promote environmentally responsible practices. This approach helps educate and inspire guests while enriching the overall tour experience.

We hold all necessary licenses and permits for every area we operate in across Australia. Internationally, we collaborate only with highly respected, fully licensed operators. Inala Nature Tours complies with all tourism and passenger vehicle accreditation requirements.

We are managed according to best practice principles, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our team follows strict health, safety, and environmental standards to protect both people and places. Moreover, we continually strive to improve our services and reduce our environmental footprint. We aim to make a meaningful, positive contribution to society through everything we do.

We are very mindful of the carbon miles created through travel. We believe our guests also make thoughtful choices about flying.

To help offset the carbon footprint of our tours, we take meaningful and ongoing action.

We continuously plant native trees and vegetation - both at Inala and through broader projects across Bruny Island. This helps create biodiverse habitats and long term carbon storage.
We also protect and nurture 1,500 acres of conservation-covenanted forests at Inala. The trees range in age, contributing to a dynamic and resilient eco-system. We continued care, we hope the land at Inala will return to old-growth forest in the decades ahead. Old growth forests store large amounts of carbon in living trees, deadwood, roots, soil and florest floor layers. 
Additionally, we support conservation projects aligned with our values, such the Threatened Woodland Birds of Bruny Island initiative. 

Each year we run numerous science, conservation and education based events at Inala. These include Water-bug events, Bat nights, Bushfood workshops and Swift Parrot days.

Inala also takes part in National Science Week. Some recent events include ‘The Great Gondwana Day Out’ about the science and evolution of Gondwana, and ‘The science of selecting, planting and establishing trees’. 
 
We often host school group tours and community education programs on the Inala Reserve. We are a part of Children’s University which allows any child or visiting families to use their touring time with Inala as an environmental learning experience that contributes towards their ‘graduation’. 

To foster greater appreciation and stewardship of the local environment, Inala is proud to be one of the three founding partners and organisers of the biennial Bruny Island Bird Festival  - a widely celebrated event dedicated to the appreciation of birdlife and nature on Bruny Island. As part of the festival, we offer guided tours that provide both local residents and visitors with opportunities to learn about the island’s unique and fragile ecosystems. Through these experiences, we aim to inspire continued involvement in environmental conservation efforts both locally and in participants’ own communities.