Additionally, most eco-tourism businesses operate in rural or remote Australia, which encourages a huge flow-on effect in investment, jobs and community optimism.

“We recently measured what I call the halo effect of 19 luxury Australian lodges. Between them they partnered with over 1,600 other local businesses: conservationists, specialist guides, food producers, winemakers, distillers, craftspeople, creators and artisans of all sorts,” says Rafferty.

That’s good news, since without a healthy environment and resilient communities the tourism industry can’t exist. Operating unsustainably now is like sawing off the branch we’re sitting on. Eco-tourism not only protects the environment for our next generations, but their future livelihoods and quality of life as well.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a case in point. It was built on the foundations of sustainable design, construction and operation in order to preserve its wild splendour.

Spicers Retreats aims to achieve both zero net waste to landfill and water use reduction by 50% by 2025, and 100% zero net emissions from energy by 2030.

The company is also involved in seed-planting initiatives and a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

“We have a strong focus on becoming as resource-efficient as possible,” says Baguley. “Our ultimate goal is to be Australia’s most sustainable organisation.”

As more consumers look towards eco-certified and culturally responsible businesses, tours and accommodation, such initiatives will only flourish.

It’s a self-supporting system, because consumers see the benefits for themselves as well as the environment through a more memorable experience and a better understanding of how special Australia’s wilderness destinations are.

It’s seldom the cocktails or pillows that travellers remember most, but rather the connections they’ve made with their surrounds and fellow travellers.

That’s why eco-tourism works: it’s a shared and unifying project from which everyone benefits – even generations not yet born.

To book the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail experience, visit scenicrimtrail.com