Journey with purpose: How traditional owners are shaping sustainable travel
At Journey Maker, we believe travel is more than just moving from place to place—it’s about connecting deeply with the world around you. That belief is woven into the DNA of our company, thanks to the vision of our founder, Nick Bonney.
Nick’s journey has been shaped by profound experiences with the people who act as custodians of their lands. From working alongside traditional owners on Australia’s North Stradbroke Island to collaborating with natural resource management groups like BMRG, Nick’s story is one of stewardship, learning, and connection. His personal travels and professional work have taught us how travel, at its best, is a force for good—building bridges between cultures, preserving environments, and leaving places better than we found them.
Nick’s journey of connection
Five years ago, Nick led the rebranding of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). But the project was more than a marketing challenge—it became a life-changing experience. Working closely with the island’s traditional owners, Nick saw firsthand how their culture and history are inseparable from the land itself.
“They took us on kayaks through the mangroves,” Nick recalls. “We saw turtles and snakes, learned how they hunt and fish, and heard their stories. It wasn’t just about experiencing nature—it was about understanding it through their eyes.”
Afterward, they shared food together at their oceanfront home, a simple yet profound moment of connection. “It wasn’t just a meal—it was a lesson in what it means to care for a place,” Nick says.
This experience inspired Nick’s vision for Journey Maker: to create travel experiences that are personal, purposeful, and respectful of the communities and environments we visit.
Stewardship in action
Nick’s passion for sustainability and connection doesn’t stop with North Stradbroke Island. Through his work with the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), he’s seen the power of collaboration in protecting ecosystems like the Mary River. Working alongside farmers, local communities, and traditional owners, BMRG’s efforts exemplify how collective action can preserve natural wonders for future generations.
Nick’s personal travels have further enriched this perspective. Across Asia, he’s sought out traditional cultures that act as custodians of their lands. “Whether it’s rice farmers in Indonesia or the diverse communities across India, these groups offer a deeper connection to the places they live. They’ve taught me that sustainability isn’t a modern concept—it’s a way of life.”
An inspiring example comes from Nick’s friend Sean, who has built an eco-lodge in Sumatra as part of his work with Last of the Wild Places. Sean’s efforts to promote conservation and sustainable tourism are a testament to how travel can be a force for good, not just consumption.
How you can travel with purpose
At Journey Maker, we believe that everyone can embrace the same values that Nick has carried through his journey. Here’s how you can make your travels more purposeful and impactful:
Support Local Custodians: Seek out tours led by traditional owners and local guides. Their stories offer unique insights into the land and culture.
Choose Sustainable Options: From eco-friendly accommodations to businesses that prioritize regeneration, your travel choices matter.
Engage Respectfully: Travel is about connection, not consumption. Listen, learn, and tread lightly.
Give Back: Look for ways to contribute—whether that’s through carbon offsets, supporting local businesses, or volunteering.
The future of travel
Nick’s story is a reminder that travel is about more than where you go—it’s about how you engage. At Journey Maker, we’re inspired by the custodians Nick has worked with: the traditional owners of North Stradbroke Island, the collaborators at BMRG, and the cultures he’s encountered around the world.
Their wisdom has shaped not only Nick’s vision but also the heart of what Journey Maker stands for. Together, we believe that every journey can be purposeful—that every traveler has the potential to leave a place better than they found it.
So, as you plan your next trip, ask yourself: How can you journey with purpose? How can you contribute to the story of the places you visit? Let us help you create a travel experience that connects, respects, and inspires. After all, the best journeys are the ones that give back.
