Protected Area Manager Partners

Ecotourism Australia continues to provide executive services and participate in the Tourism and Parks Agencies Forum (TAPAF) which invites state tourism organisations and state and federal parks agencies to meet quarterly. TAPAF is an important initiative to support sustainable growth of responsible tourism in Australia’s protected areas and enables participants to collaborate on a national level.

Ecotourism Australia collaborate with all national parks across Australia, with most of the Protected Area Managers (PAMs) being members of Ecotourism Australia. Certified operators benefit from this relationship by being recognised and rewarded by receiving reduced licence and permit fees if they are certified^.

T&Cs: ^Benefits and discounted fees on licences and permits vary per state and are subject to change.

Did you know?

Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Elissa Keenan, is on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Board. Read more about it here.

Parks Australia

Parks Australia supports the Director of National Parks who has responsibility under federal environment law for six Commonwealth national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Australia’s network of Commonwealth marine reserves.

Their national parks range from Christmas Island and Pulu Keeling far out in the Indian Ocean to Norfolk Island in the Pacific, Booderee on the NSW south coast and World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks in the Northern Territory.

Find more information about Parks Australia at www.parksaustralia.gov.au

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions – Western Australia

Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions focuses on nature conservation and the community’s enjoyment and appreciation of Western Australia’s world-class network of national and marine parks.

Its key responsibilities include conserving biodiversity and managing the State’s national parks, marine parks, and other reserves, which cover a total area of more than 27 million hectares. Western Australia has 100 national parks and 13 marine parks with a diverse array of landscapes and seascapes, from coral reefs and tall forests to deep gorges and open plains of wildflowers. Parks and Wildlife also manages two of the world’s greatest long-distance trails: the 1000 kilometre Bibbulmun Track for walkers, and the 1000 kilometre Munda Biddi Trail for cyclists.

DBCA recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

• Access to 1-, 3- or 5-year licences for Nature Tourism Certified Operators
• Access to 7-year licences for Ecotourism Certified Operators
• Access to 10-year licences for Advanced Ecotourism Certified Operators
• Tour operators offering “swim with” experiences must be Ecotourism or Advanced Ecotourism Certified.

Find more information about the Western Australia Department of Parks & Wildlife at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria is a Protected Area Manager Member of Ecotourism Australia and is responsible for managing an expanding and diverse estate covering more than 4 million hectares, or about 17 per cent, of Victoria. They are also committed to delivering works on the ground across Victoria’s park network to protect and enhance park values. It is our primary responsibility to ensure parks are healthy and resilient for current and future generations.

Parks Victoria recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

• Access to 5-year licences for Nature Tourism Certified Operators
• Access to 10-year licences for ECO (excluding Nature Tourismlevel) and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators

Parks Victoria represents:

• 45 national parks
• 26 state parks
• 13 marine national parks
• 11 marine sanctuaries
• 3 wilderness parks
• 30 metropolitan parks
• 60 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks) 
• more than 2,700 natural features and conservation reserves
• more than 11,000 formally registered Aboriginal cultural heritage places
• more than 2,500 non-Indigenous historic places

Find more information about Parks Victoria at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia

National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia is an extensive and comprehensive park system, with over 300 reserves and 19 marine parks encompassing more than 20% of the state.

With a range of ecotourism experiences to suit every kind of visitor, National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia is a must for every bucket list. Connect with nature, explore beautiful natural and culturally significant landscapes or get up close and personal with their unique fauna and flora both on and offshore. Enjoy world-class wildlife parks, spectacular walking trails or get off the beaten track and explore the dirt roads less travelled.

National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia also provides volunteering opportunities for people who want to contribute to our conservation efforts. Become a campground host, monitor species as a citizen scientist or take part in targeted clean ups.

NPWS South Australia recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

• 3-year Commercial Tour Operator Licence for Nature Tourism and Climate Action Operators
• 5-year Commercial Tour Operator Licence for Ecotourism, Advanced Ecotourism and ROC Operators

National Parks South Australia represents:

• Over 300 reserves
• 19 marine parks and 83 sanctuary zones
• Cleland Wildlife Park
• Seal Bay
• Kelly Hill Caves
• Naracoorte Caves
• State Flora – a one stop shop for South Australian native plants
• Botanic Gardens
• Aboriginal heritage and living culture
• Hiking, mountain bike and 4WD trails
• Camping, caravan and motorhome sites
• Heritage accommodation

Find out more about National Parks South Australia and start planning your next visit www.parks.sa.gov.au

Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is a business division of the Department of Environment and Science within the Queensland Government. The division’s primary concern is with the management and maintenance of protected areas within Queensland, to protect and manage Queensland’s parks, forests, and the Great Barrier Reef for current and future generations.

The QPWS managed areas include more than 1000 national parks, state forests, marine parks, and other protected areas, and five world heritage areas.

QPWS recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

Certification is required for operators in Queensland who hold a 15-year Commercial Activity Agreement for guided tours in:

• K’gari – Fraser Island Recreation Area
• Great Sandy Marine Park (whale watching)
• Springbrook National Park (glow worm tours)

Find out more about QPWS at www.parks.des.qld.gov.au

Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service manages 49 per cent of the area of Tasmania which includes 2.9 million hectares of land and water, being over 800 reserves including 19 National Parks.

Tasmanian Parks recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

• Products operating in Tasmanian National Parks are required to hold accreditation. ECO Certification is one of the recognised programs.

Find out more about Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife at www.parks.tas.gov.au

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

Australia’s reef management agency, leading a global effort to preserve and protect one of the planet’s most significant natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef.

GBRMPA recognise Ecotourism Australia Certification through:

• 20 year permits to operators on the Reef certified at the Ecotourism or Advanced Ecotourism levels and recognise and promote them as High Standard Tourism Operators.
• For your staff to participate in the Master Reef Guide program you must hold current ECO Certification

Find out more about GBRMPA at www2.gbrmpa.gov.au