Elixir Journeys exists because we believe that when people fall in love with nature, they’re inspired to protect it. As a small, private tour operator based on the Bouddi Peninsula, we take that responsibility seriously, with operating principles that shapes every decision, from group size to transport to the suppliers we work with.

This plan sets out our current practices across the business. We review and update it annually, and we welcome feedback from guests, partners, and the community on how we can do better.

• All bushwalking experiences adhere to the principles of the Bushwalker’s Code of Conduct (leave no trace, no removal of plants or rocks, no disturbance of native wildlife, and use of existing tracks to prevent erosion. See full Code of Conduct below.
• Guests are briefed on minimal-impact practices before every experience
• We report significant pest, weed, or disease sightings to protect the region’s biosecurity

• We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate
• Sites of spiritual or cultural significance are treated with respect, and permission is sought before visiting sensitive areas
• We partner with and support local Central Coast businesses and community organisations wherever possible

Elixir Journeys donates $5 per guest to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, a Heritage-listed rescue and breed-for-release sanctuary for native wildlife on the Central Coast.

We adhere to the principles of the Bushwalker’s Code of Conduct

Minimal Impact Bushwalking

We leave no trace
We leave campsites better than we found them.
We use existing fireplaces or carry cooking equipment when possible, and do not scar the landscape with fire rings.
We comply with fuel-stove only requirements.
We remove our rubbish from the bush and bury human waste away from watercourses.
We do not pollute the ground and waterways with soaps and detergents.
We do not remove plants or rocks from National Parks.
We do not disturb native wildlife.
We avoid easily damaged places such as peat bogs, cushion moss, swamps and fragile rock formations.
We use existing tracks where possible and avoid creating multiple tracks which lead to erosion.

We preserve Australia’s bio-security

We seek to protect the natural environment from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and weeds. 
We clean our clothing, equipment, cars, wheels and vessels to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases that threaten bio-security. 
We report significant or unusual pests, diseases and weeds.

We mitigate incidents

Because incidents and rescues have the greatest impact on the environment:

We prepare for, and carefully plan each trip
We share our trip intentions
We act safely
We are self-reliant
We seek appropriate training in remote area first aid and rescue

We take responsibility for acting safely

We always carry clothing and equipment appropriate to our planned activity
We carry first aid kits and are trained in first aid appropriate to our activities.
We prepare an exit plan as part of our emergency planning.
We check the safety status of our destinations before entering, observe the safety instructions of park rangers, and do not enter closed National Parks.
We advise appropriate authorities, friends or relatives of our walking plans
We walk in groups of three or more so that there are sufficient people to summon help in an emergency.
We only light fires when it is safe to do so, and ensure they are fully extinguished.
We ensure the safety and well-being of all children entrusted to our care on a bushwalk.
We engage in bushwalking activities unimpaired by the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs.

We are self-reliant

We carry sufficient food and water in order to survive unexpected delays.
We wear and carry appropriate clothing and equipment for our comfort and safety in expected weather conditions, and carry gear to suit the worst possible conditions we are likely to encounter.
We ensure we have sufficient training, experience and expertise to safely carry out our planned activity.
We respect fellow bushwalkers
We welcome people from all walks of life irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, culture, colour, sexuality; and behave in an harmonious manner.
We appreciate difference and welcome learning from others, building relationships based on mutual respect.
We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination in any form.
We respect the right of bushwalkers to enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush without undue disturbance from technology.
We help fellow bushwalkers in need, in situations such as: assisting with emergency communications, offering medical aid for which we are qualified, carrying the gear of an injured person, or sharing equipment.

We respect indigenous culture

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we walk.
We treat sites of spiritual or cultural significance with respect.
We obtain permission from traditional landowners or the relevant land manager to visit sensitive areas.
We do not damage aboriginal rock art or camp under overhangs that contain aboriginal rock art.

We respect landowners

We respect landowners and do not trespass on their land.
We leave farm gates as we find them.
We respect the rules of National Parks, and other land managers, regarding camping conditions, maximum numbers in wilderness areas, pets, permitted activities and park closures.