A weekly clean-up of the coastal environment of Queensland's Whitsundays has removed more than 240,000 kilograms of waste over 13 years.
Libby Edge, 43, started Eco Barge Clean Seas in 2009 as a not-for-profit in Airlie Beach to protect the region's marine life and preserve the aquatic environment.
She said volunteers, who included backpackers and retirees, got a "golden ticket" in being able to visit beautiful locations while helping with the clean-up effort.