Tourism businesses across Ballarat and beyond are increasingly embedding sustainability into their operations, with a growing number partnering with environmental social enterprise Fifteen Trees to take tangible climate action through native tree planting.
Here’s four local examples leading the way…
Ballarat Marathon runs with a sustainable focus
Returning in April 2026, the Ballarat Marathon has committed to reducing the environmental impact of its growing event footprint by partnering with Fifteen Trees to plant native trees in the local district.
As part of a broader sustainability approach, including reduced plastic use, compostable cups and an electric lead vehicle, the Marathon has sponsored the planting of 50 native trees at Scotchmans Lead Reserve, halfway between Napoleons and Buninyong.
Ballarat Indoor Go Karts offsets emissions one kart at a time
In a creative approach to sustainability, Ballarat Indoor Go Karts has committed to planting 28 native trees every month. That’s one tree for each go‑kart in their fleet. So far, the business has supported the planting of hundreds of trees across multiple sites in the Ballarat region.
Tree planting projects have taken place at Mount Mercer, Napoleons and Grenville, working alongside landholders, Landcare groups and regional catchment authorities. The plantings are improving biodiversity, restoring degraded land and creating new habitats for native wildlife including echidnas, parrots, kangaroos and platypus.
Ballarat Wildlife Park grows koala habitat across Victoria
Ballarat Wildlife Park has partnered with Fifteen Trees through its ‘Branching Out for Koalas’ campaign – an initiative that links guest experiences directly with conservation outcomes.
In 2025 alone, more than 2,400 koala habitat trees were planted across five Victorian sites, funded through Koala Encounter experiences at the park. Planting locations include Napoleons, the Mornington Peninsula, Cape Otway, Western Port Bay and the East Otways, strategically selected to strengthen wildlife corridors and support long‑term koala survival.
Hotel Vera connects luxury with environmental integrity
Hotel Vera has embedded sustainability into both their design philosophy and guest experience, partnering with Fifteen Trees to plant a tree for every guest stay.
The planting of 400 native trees across regional Victoria supports biodiversity, waterway health and broader landscape resilience, while giving guests a lasting connection to the region.
Sustainability is woven throughout the property, from recycling demolition materials during restoration, to solar installation, electric vehicle charging and a strong “think local, act local” ethos.
A growing movement across the visitor economy
These examples reflect a broader shift within the region, where tourism businesses are aligning environmental responsibility with brand values and visitor expectations.
By working with Fifteen Trees, businesses can demonstrate tangible, transparent and locally grounded climate action. It’s an easy step to demonstrate your commitment to responsible tourism.