World Parks Congress: 12 - 19 November 2014

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Australia will welcome thousands of environment leaders from across the globe after securing the right to host the prestigious IUCN World Parks Congress at Sydney Olympic Park.
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt and New South Wales Environment Minister Robyn Parker announced that NSW and Australia had been chosen by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to co-host the landmark environmental congress from 12-19 November 2014.
“Australia is proud to host this once in a decade event, which sets the international agenda for managing some of the most valuable places on earth,” Mr Hunt said
“We’re expecting more than 3,000 delegates from over 160 countries to gather in Sydney - not just protected area experts and park rangers, but doctors, businessmen, young people – all working together to share ideas on how we can sustain and protect the planet.
“National parks have been the cornerstone of protecting our environment ever since 1879, when Sydney’s Royal National Park – only the second national park in the world - gave birth to Australia’s conservation movement.
“From today, we’ll be showcasing Australia’s parks on land and sea, not just as beautiful places delegates will visit, but also for their enormous contribution to biodiversity conservation, scientific research and protecting threatened species.
“Our protected areas are also huge economic and social assets. Nature-based tourism is worth more than $30 billion a year to the Australian economy, and countless studies have documented the health benefits from time spent in natural places.
“One particular area of focus for Australia at the World Parks Congress will be rainforest protection.
“As Nelson Mandela said when launching the last congress in Durban 10 years ago - help us shape the future. Let’s start the global conversation now - you can contribute to the IUCN World Parks Congress and its legacy for the planet by sharing your ideas through the congress website, Facebook and Twitter.”
New South Wales Environment Minister Robyn Parker said Sydney was the ideal place to explore the conference theme of Parks, people, planet: inspiring solutions.
“One of the easiest ways to get involved is to enter our global photography competition, Saved!
Send us your photos of fantastic protected areas or the threatened species they protect. We’ll build an exhibition that showcases the world’s diverse protected areas, from Kruger to Kakadu and everything in between.
The exhibition will form part of our planned Festival of Nature which will be open to the public as part of the congress.”
Registration for the seven day congress is now open with everyone encouraged to attend and help shape the future for the world's parks.
Further details can be found at: www.worldparkscongress.org
www.facebook.com/WorldParksCongressSydney2014
@WPCSydney

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Paul Dimmick of Huon Valley Escapes, can help you design your perfect pre or post congress excursion. "As a former national park ranger and now eco-tourism operator, I have the knowledge to help you choose from the variety of easy or challenging activities, match these with nature based or city based accommodation and design a memorable
4 - 20 day excursion.", says Paul.

" Huon Valley Escapes is not just a self service website. I learn a little about you. the type of experiences that you value, then design a suggested itinerary and organise the bookings for you."

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Printable maps

Visit Tasmania pre or post congress

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A two hour walk, a bracing wind, never ending waves, South Cape Bay, the southernmost beach in Australia.

Tasmania is known worldwide as the territory with the largest proportion of its land reserved for nature. About 42% of Tasmania is reserved in national parks and other reserves, including substantial areas of private reserves such as Mount Misery Habitat Reserve and the numerous Tasmanian Land Conservancy reserves.

Eco tourism is one of Tasmania's major industries with dozens of eco-activities and eco-accommodations. The south of Tasmania is especially well endowed with national parks and private eco-experiences.

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The Official Congress Trip to Tasmania:
Achieving Conservation Goals Through Partnerships in Tasmanian Protected Areas

A four-day foray to Tasmania, the island state south of mainland Australia. Exploring the rugged Tasman Peninsular by boat, strolling in some of the world’s tallest forests and enjoying the pristine beaches of Maria Island are some of the many highlights on this tour. You will be introduced to a diverse range of people and projects tackling global issues and meet experts in fields as diverse as the fight to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction, pest eradication on remote Antarctic Islands and fire management in Tasmania’s tall forests. Discussions in the field will be led by experts from the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, University of Tasmania and Inala Nature Tours.

More things to do and places to see in Southern Tasmania

Plenty more activities such as bushwalks, waterfalls, national parks, wineries, beaches. Many activities are free with a Parks Pass.

Ida Bay

Far South

Wilderness

Hobart

Coastal or river, adventure or calm water

Tasmania

Places to stay in Hobart, Huon and Southern Tasmania

Hobart

Geeveston

D'Entrecasteaux

Hobart

Hobart

Far South

Huonville

Geeveston

Plus other accommodation options including Hobart, Bruny Island, Huon Valley, Far South. Camping, budget, mid price, luxury.

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