✅ What’s Included
• Marine biologist guide
• Cool beverages and locally made gluten-free snacks
• Modern eco vessel with 360° viewing and smooth ride
• All entry fees (if applicable)
• Countless photo opportunities

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Dinner after the cruise
• Personal purchases or souvenirs
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Summer (Dec–Apr) • Typical daytime: 22–28 °C • Conditions: mild evenings with beautiful sunsets • Practical note: pack hat, sunglasses and light layers for the evening cruise

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation

Clothing (layered for evening cruise)
• Comfortable clothes, hat and sunglasses
• Light jacket for cooler evenings

Toiletries & First Aid
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Any personal medication

Electronics
• Camera or phone for photos

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Drinking water
• Sense of adventure

Richmond River Nature Reserve is a 254-hectare wetland sanctuary on the southern bank of the lower Richmond River at South Ballina.

The reserve contains significant wetland and coastal vegetation communities that support 160 bird species, including 22 protected shorebirds under international agreements.

Mangroves and creeks provide vital habitat for birds and marine life such as dolphins that are often seen during cruises.

Bundjalung Aboriginal people have deep cultural connections to this landscape, which your guide will share during the tour.

Ballina is a scenic 35-minute drive from Byron Bay and 15 minutes from Lennox Head, making it an easy day trip from the Northern Rivers region.

The ferry-free location at Lance Ferris Wharf means convenient access right in Ballina town.

Sunset timing in December to April creates perfect conditions for a relaxing evening cruise with golden light over the water.

The eco vessel is purpose-built for smooth, low-impact cruising that respects the sensitive river environment.

Local history of the area includes rich stories of settlement, wildlife and the river’s role in the community.

The cruise offers a gentle way to experience the reserve’s natural beauty without disturbing the wildlife.

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 110 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Ballina wharf)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 220 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 2-hour guided scenic river cruise (timed for high tide; sunset departures Dec–Apr)
• Small group – max 20 guests
• Starts and ends at Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina (12 Fawcett St, Ballina NSW)
• Modern eco vessel with 360° viewing and comfortable seating
• No accommodation included
• Meals: Complimentary cool beverages and locally made gluten-free snacks
• Highlights: Mangrove forest exploration in the 254-hectare Richmond River Nature Reserve, wildlife spotting (160 bird species, dolphins, seasonal whales), marine biologist guide with ecology and Bundjalung cultural insights, sunset views (seasonal)

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Key locations: Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina start/end, Richmond River mangrove forests and creeks (protected wetland sanctuary)
• Travel style: Guided eco river cruise with marine biologist commentary
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Ballina wharf is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels (easy, all onboard).

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for short marine eco vessel operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs or additional drinks).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 75 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Ballina wharf (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 45 kg
• All on-tour modern eco vessel cruise (short river loops, shared small group): 30 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Day tour only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 10 kg CO₂e

• Complimentary cool beverages and gluten-free snacks (tourism-level portions and waste): 10 kg – higher-impact estimate

Activities & Excursions – 25 kg CO₂e

• Guided cruise, marine biologist commentary, wildlife viewing and cultural/ecological interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 110 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset: 2 × 110 kg = 220 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (eco vessel, protected nature reserve, marine biologist guide, minimal disturbance); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

How long is the cruise?
Approximately 2 hours of cruising time on the Richmond River.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes – the cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

What is included in the price?
Marine biologist guide, cool beverages and locally made gluten-free snacks.

Where does it depart from?
Lance Ferris Wharf at 12 Fawcett St, Ballina NSW, directly in front of The Wharf Bar & Restaurant.

Can I see dolphins?
Dolphins are often spotted, but wildlife sightings are always a bonus of nature.

What should I bring?
Hat, sunglasses, camera, drinking water and a sense of adventure.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes – modern eco vessel with individual seating and a smooth ride in all conditions.

When do the sunset cruises run?
December to April, departing around 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Is there parking?
Yes – parking is available near the wharf in Ballina.

Can we do a private charter?
Yes – private charters for up to 20 guests are available at $60 per person.