Baraka Australia are based in Crystal Waters, the first ecovillage in the world to be designed using permaculture principles, and a winner, in 1995, of a UN World Habitat Award for its “pioneering work in demonstrating new ways of low impact, sustainable living”. The village is situated in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and is near many stunning National Parks and State forests, including the Conondale Ranges and the Glasshouse Mountains.

The principals of Baraka, Steve Van Schooten and Leontyne Oostra, are residents of Crystal Waters, and have built a straw bale house here. They are very involved in community work and management. Both were involved in adventure tours before moving to Crystal Waters, and their choice of Crystal Waters as their new home reflects their love for the Australian environment. Their care for the earth is reflected in the tour business they have put together, and they have been granted the highest level of accreditation in eco-tourism in Australia. As well as ensuring that their tours do not adversely affect the environment, they also put something back – for each participant they get on their tours they contribute $5 to the local LandCare group.

Baraka Australia run all inclusive one, three and five day programmes which give the participants the opportunity of appreciating nature whilst enjoying outdoor activities such as mountain biking, bush walking, abseiling and sea-kayaking in one of the most scenic parts of Australia.

In addition to the outdoor adventure activities, tour participants get the opportunity to learn about permaculture, alternative building methods and a more sustainable way of life, as they stay at Crystal Waters (for the 3 and 5 day tours). In Crystal Waters they can also enjoy one of the many alternative health and relaxation therapies offered by professional practitioners on the property, or just relax and watch the abundant wildlife. Crystal Waters is a true wildlife refuge, and guests experience close encounters with kangaroos, wallabies, birds (over 160 species have been recorded here), bandicoots, echidnas and much more.

GENOA’s most recent course for PLU students included a trip with Baraka Australia to the stunning Breadknife Gorge in the nearby Conondale Ranges. Many of the students commented that this was a highlight of their trip Down Under.

Baraka Australia,
36 Crystal Waters,
MS 16, Maleny Qld 4552,
Australia.
Tel: +61 7 5494 4555
Fax: +61 7 5949 4770.
E-mail: info@baraka.com.au
web site: www.baraka.com.au