World Nature Conservation Day, celebrated July 28th each year, reminds us of the importance of protecting our planet’s natural wonders. Australia, with its iconic beaches, captivating landscapes, ancient rainforests, and rich biodiversity, are not just scenic backdrops for travel memories—they are essential assets that need to be preserved for future generations to appreciate and explore.
Ecotourism plays an important role in this preservation effort by allowing travellers to not only enjoy the stunning landscapes but also gain insights about ecosystems and opportunities to support conservation practices.
By choosing responsible ecotourism practices and operators, travellers can experience a stronger connection to the natural world while ensuring its protection.
This World Conservation Day, embrace your role as a responsible traveller by engaging with ECO-certified operators dedicated to sustainable tourism practices. Connect and conserve, together let’s celebrate the preservation of our natural world for years to come.
Take a look at three of our certified operators who are doing their piece to conserve nature.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Millowl / Cowes, Victoria
Advanced Ecotourism & ROC Certified + Green Travel Leader & Hall of Fame
Located on Victoria’s pristine coast, Phillip Island Nature Parks exemplifies ecological preservation and responsible tourism. This conservation organisation is dedicated to environmental sustainability, conservation research, and education through its renowned ecotourism attractions.
Visitors to Phillip Island can explore eco-friendly facilities such as the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, built with low-carbon materials and equipped with solar panels and water recycling systems. The Penguin Parade itself offers a memorable experience where visitors can observe adorable penguins returning to shore at sunset while minimising the environmental impact on the penguins’ natural habitat.
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy Wildlife Ecoboat Tours around Phillip Island to observe diverse marine life. These tours not only raise awareness about marine ecosystems and conservation but also enhance the visitor experience while promoting sustainable practices like the “Bins on Boats” initiative in partnership with the fishing industry.
Immersive experiences at the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm also allow visitors to learn about local conservation efforts and sustainable farming practices.
By visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks, guests not only enjoy unique wildlife encounters but also contribute to the conservation of local wildlife and habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore this ecological treasure.
Discover more about Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Group of Penguins coming out of the water at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve – Yirrganydji / Port Douglas, Far North Queensland
Advanced Ecotourism Certified & Green Travel Leader
Thala Beach Nature Reserve exemplifies a profound commitment to ecological restoration and conservation in Australia’s tropical north. Situated on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, Thala has transformed from a degraded sugar plantation into a thriving native forest, demonstrating the positive impact of sustainable tourism practices.
Since opening in 1997, Thala Beach Nature Reserve has welcomed over 600,000 guests. The transformation from its original state to the present day highlights the success of Thala’s revegetation efforts, which have dramatically increased native forest, biodiversity, and wildlife populations. Led by Brett Kelly and David Anderson, Thala’s environment team has implemented ongoing tree planting, weed eradication, and habitat improvements, resulting in a marked improvement in the local biosphere.
The reserve spans 58 hectares of regenerated natural forest and diverse habitats. Sustainable practices are integrated throughout the property, from eco-friendly boutique timber bungalows to the Ospreys Restaurant, which sources ingredients locally and minimises environmental impact. Visitors can engage in eco-activities such as guided nature walks and bird and butterfly talk tours, enhancing their understanding of environmental issues and the interconnections within the ecosystem.
Visitors can also explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest or relax on the private beach. Thala Beach Nature Reserve harmoniously combines luxury with conservation, providing a scenic environment where guests can enjoy Australia’s natural wonders while supporting conservation efforts.
Discover more about Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Birdwing Bungalow at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Oak Beach, Port Douglas
EcoTreasures – Eora / Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, New South Wales
Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action & ROC Certified + Green Travel leader
In the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, EcoTreasures offers eco-tourism experiences designed to appreciate the region’s nature through sustainable practices. Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action, and ROC Certified, EcoTreasures has been a pioneer in eco-tourism since 2010.
Guests can explore Sydney’s marine wonders on the Manly Snorkelling Tour at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this experience not only introduces guests to the diverse marine life in the area but also educates them about the importance of marine conservation.
For those interested in exploring Sydney’s coastal landscapes, the Manly Coastal Walk offers scenic views while actively contributing to conservation efforts through beach clean-ups and education sessions on pollution management.
The eco-tours to the Blue Mountains educate visitors about the region’s natural heritage and indigenous culture while minimising environmental impact. Their commitment to conservation education fosters sustainable travel experiences, deepens connections to nature, and promotes responsible tourism practices among visitors.
Discover more about EcoTreasures.
EcoTreasures Manly Coastal Walk tour, Sydney NSW