Cooinda Lodge in Eco Tourism Hall of Fame for 20 Years of Sustainability!
Cooinda Lodge is proud to be one of just 11 Australian tourism operators in 2025 inducted into the Eco Certified Tourism Hall of Fame, recognising over 20 years of continuous eco certification.
Kakadu, one of the world’s most treasured natural and cultural landscapes, is deepening its connection to Country through a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Planet, People, Profit’, Kakadu Tourism embraces the Indigenous belief that people are part of the land, investing in sustainable practices that protect the environment and support community wellbeing.
Kakadu Tourism has long been committed to sustainability, with a range of initiatives developed over the years—and many more still actively in place. Explore the key programs and practices that continue to shape their environmentally responsible operations.
Caring for Country
Each year, Kakadu Tourism engages Indigenous land management expert Peter Christopherson (Kakadu Native Plants) to clear invasive species and conduct cultural burning practices. These efforts employ local Traditional Owners and Indigenous workers.
The team also partners with Kakadu National Park and Traditional Owners to manage invasive aquatic plants, such as Sylvania, that threaten the region’s delicate wetlands.
Connecting Visitors with Country
Connecting visitors to the land, people, and culture of Kakadu is at the heart of what we do.
Around Cooinda Lodge, bush tucker and bush medicine trails invite guests to explore Indigenous knowledge systems through self-guided maps that highlight native plants, their traditional uses, and local language. During key events such as Taste of Kakadu, NAIDOC Week, and other special occasions, guests can also join a Bush Tucker Talk led by a local guide — offering a deeper, hands-on understanding of Country.
Supporting Local Communities
The culture and heritage of Kakadu’s Traditional Owners are at the heart of Kakadu Tourism’s operations. Local employment and procurement policies ensure money flows back into community businesses and families.
Training and career development remain priorities, helping to grow the next generation of Indigenous leaders in tourism, conservation, and land care — ensuring Kakadu’s future remains in the hands of those who know it best.
The Warradjan Cultural Centre and Ochre Art Gallery provide a platform for local Bininj artists to create, showcase, and sell their artworks to visitors in person and online.
Energy Use
Until 2022, generators at Cooinda Lodge were located in the maintenance yard, close to accommodation and the billabong. These units were noisy, emitted air pollutants, and consumed large amounts of diesel — up to 1800 litres per day. In response, a new energy delivery and management plan has been finalised, which includes:
- Generator relocation: New generators have been installed at the Cooinda airstrip, away from sensitive environments. This shift reduces the risk of environmental contamination and noise pollution.
- Energy transition strategy: A 650kW solar field with battery storage is part of an ongoing investigation to reduce reliance on diesel and cut fuel use by up to 40%.
- Hot water systems: A project is underway to transition from gas-powered to solar/electric hot water, improving efficiency by 50–70%.
- Electric vehicles: Plans are in place to transition from petrol/diesel-powered vehicles and machinery to electric alternatives.
- EV charging stations will be introduced across the property.
- Energy-efficient lighting is being rolled out, delivering over 80% energy savings.
Water & Waste Treatment
Kakadu Tourism is working toward a closed-loop water treatment approach, exploring green-powered technologies such as reverse osmosis as an alternative to chemical processing. These systems treat water for hotel use without harming the environment.
Additional rainwater tanks have reduced reliance on filtered river water.
Laundry systems have been upgraded, using biodegradable detergents and improved efficiency measures to reduce water and chemical usage.
Solar Power
Over the next few years, we are focusing on migrating to solar power. This move not only aligns with our environmental values but also significantly reduces our carbon footprint. The property is already equipped with solar water heating, solar lighting, and uses energy-efficient lighting and appliances across the board.
Recycling Initiatives
To promote recycling among guests, staff, and the wider community, Kakadu Tourism has overhauled its public waste stations at Cooinda. Custom-designed collection points now support the sorting of aluminium, glass, plastic, and paper.
Local communities are encouraged to use the stations, with revenue from recycling (up to $15,000 annually) donated to local charities. The initiative supports community engagement while reducing landfill and resource consumption.
Food Waste
A comprehensive waste management program is underway, with initiatives including:
- Kitchen scraps diverted to local piggeries.
- On-site composting bins convert food waste into nutrient-rich compost in under 24 hours — perfect for use in gardens.
- Used cooking oil is collected and repurposed as biofuel in partnership with Darwin-based company Cookers, avoiding landfill or improper disposal.
Infrastructure Sustainability
Rather than replacing infrastructure, Kakadu Tourism has adopted a policy of refurbishing accommodation units. This significantly reduces construction waste and improves long-term energy performance, lowering the carbon footprint while enhancing facilities for staff and guests.
Eco-Sensitive Villas
The Yellow Water Villas at Cooinda Lodge embody Kakadu Tourism’s commitment to sustainable luxury, blending modern comfort with deep respect for the environment and Indigenous culture. Built on stilts to preserve the natural landscape—without the removal of a single tree—each villa reflects the ‘Planet, People, Profit’ ethos that guides every aspect of development. Locally sourced materials, Indigenous-themed interiors, and community-made artworks ensure the villas harmonise with Country while supporting local artists and traditions. Nestled beside the iconic Yellow Water Billabong, the villas offer guests an immersive, eco-sensitive experience that honours the rich cultural and ecological heritage of Kakadu.
Staff Training and Education
Every new member joining our team receives extensive training to ensure they understand and uphold Kakadu Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, cultural respect, and community connection. This onboarding goes beyond operational procedures—it’s about instilling a deeper understanding of Country and the values that guide our work.
A key part of this process is the Cooinda Cultural Training Video, an in-house project designed to introduce new staff to the ethos of ‘Planet, People, Profit’. The video features interviews with local Indigenous community members who share personal stories, cultural insights, and the importance of caring for Country. This initiative helps foster genuine respect, cultural awareness, and a shared responsibility among staff, ensuring that every team member becomes a respectful and informed ambassador for Kakadu’s people, land, and legacy.
