It takes dedication and passion to pave the way for a sustainable future. By beginning their ECO Certification journey, tourism operators can ensure they are putting in place effective and ethical sustainability practices for the longevity of their operation and the conservation of the natural environment. Here are the tourism operators who completed their criteria and achieved certification at the end of 2022!
Queensland
East Coast Angling– Ecotourism certified
Kuku Yalanji Country / Port Douglas, Queensland
East Coast Angling
Keen to go on a fishing adventure? Based in Port Douglas, East Coast Angling lets you travel to stunning and remote sportfishing locations as part of their mission to provide adventures for the everyday angler.
On their personalised trips, guests can explore the far north and outer Coral Sea while snorkelling, relaxing, and fishing. Meanwhile, the operator focusses on educating their clients and the local community about ways they can look after the well-being of fish they target, catch and handle. East Coast Angling wants to change the mindset of the angler by reinforcing that the success of their day should not be judged on how full their esky is, but rather on on the richness of the experience!
Check out their Instagram, Facebook or website to start planning your next angling adventure with them!
Southern Cross Tours – Ecotourism certified
Kombumerri Country / Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Southern Cross Tours
Do you want to explore the abundant flora and fauna in the Gold Coast Hinterland and the Scenic Rim region? Southern Cross Tours is a family run business that guides their guests from the Gold Coast and Brisbane cities to the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim regions to experience the best lookouts, waterfalls, local produce and walking trails. Southern Cross Tours provides an unforgettable adventure with lots of local insights, delivered with a personal touch.
This operator is committed to providing an immersive, informative and educational experience, leaving guests with a new appreciation for and connection with the hinterland and its natural beauty.
Check out their Instagram and Facebook to book your next customised Rainforest tour.
Skypark Cairns – Ecotourism certified
Yirriganydji Country / Cairns, Queensland
Skypark Cairns
Located in the World Heritage Rainforest in Cairns, Skypark Cairns offers experiences for various levels of adventure to suit every adrenaline seeker. Their activities include an epic Tower Climb & Lookout that provides Cairns’ highest viewing platform and a bungy jump site with views out to the reef. Not for the faint hearted, a Giant Swing allows for groups of up to 3 people to swing at speeds of up to 120 km/h in just 3.5 seconds!
If you are looking for the ultimate thrill, check out their Instagram and Facebook.
FNQ Nature Tours – Ecotourism Certified
Yirriganydji Country / Cairns, Queensland
FNQ Nature Tours
Exploring the oldest tropical rainforest of the world, FNQ Nature Tours guides you on tours across the Daintree Rainforest National Park, Atherton Tablelands, Crater Lakes and Cape Tribulation regions. The guided experiences are personal, educational and interactive, which inspires the visitor to build connections with the natural world. FNQ Nature Tours believes that sustainable tourism is key to the protection and conservation of the World Heritage area they operate in.
FNQ Nature Tours keeps group sizes to a maximum of seven people per tour, to provide a personal extra experience, with ease of access to viewing locations on private land and reserves. Check out their Facebook and Instagram to get an impression of their tours to hidden locations across the Wet Tropics area.
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park – Ecotourism certified
Tjapukai Country / Palm Cove, Queensland
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park
Make NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park your next accommodation of choice in Tropical North Queensland! Just 30 minutes from Cairns, NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park has caravan, camp and pet-friendly sites available to hire close to the beach, and local cafes and restaurants.
The holiday park’s friendly team are more than happy to help you make the most of your time in Palm Cove and are available to tailor your holiday experience, booking local adventures to suit you. If you’re looking for a relaxed getaway, the holiday park is a hub of tranquillity, nestled in trees and wildlife, making it a perfect get away for you and all the family.
Find them on Facebook or Instagram!
Daintree Secrets Rainforest Sanctuary – Ecotourism certified
Kuku Yalanji Country / Diwan, Queensland
Daintree Secrets Rainforest Sanctuary
Escape to a perfect leafy hideaway and discover the Daintree with Ecotourism certified Daintree Secrets Rainforest Sanctuary!
This four-acre private sanctuary lets guests experience 270-degree panoramic views of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, brimming with birdlife, jungle perch and freshwater turtles in its waterways.
The accommodation units can house up to seven guests and leave minimal environmental impact, using hydro-electric hand solar power. Its central location provides access to a range of guided tours, nature trails, and Great Barrier Reef activities to complete your ecotourism getaway.
Check out their Facebook and Instagram to plan you next trip!
Bad Fishy Jet Boating & Cairns River Cruises – Ecotourism certified
Yirriganydji Country / Cairns, Queensland
Bad Fishy Jet Boating & Cairns River Cruises
Get your adrenaline fix with Bad Fishy Jet Boating & Cairns River Cruises in Cairns! Boasting the beautiful scenery of Trinity Inlet, Bad Fishy Jet Boating & Cairns River Cruises invites thrill seekers to experience jet boating in a unique natural environment where they can spot all the local flora and fauna of the Tropical North.
Bad Fishy Jet Boating & Cairns River Cruises are dedicated to environmental sustainability, recognising their role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and hold ECO Certification to recognise their efforts.
Find them on Facebook and Instagram!
Fitzroy Island Resort – Ecotourism certified
Gunggandji Country / Fitzroy Island, Queensland
Fitzroy Island Resort
There’s nothing like the island paradise at Fitzroy Island Resort in Tropical North Queensland. Just 45 minutes on the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns, Fitzroy Island Resort has everything you need for a luxury stay, at an affordable price. Complete with a waterfront restaurant, swim up bar and a sports hire and diving centre, you’ll have lots of activities to fill your days.
The island has so much on offer – take a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and Reef Restoration Foundation Coral Nursery, or why not explore the Great Barrier Reef through snorkelling, scuba diving and glass bottom boat tours.
Choose from either a suite, studio, cabin, bungalow or penthouse for your family holiday or couples’ getaway. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Western Australia
Jesters Flat – Nature Tourism certified
South West Boojarah Country / Rosa Brook, Western Australia
Jesters Flat
Jesters Flat is a working Equestrian farm and vineyard located 18 kilometres east of Margaret River. The farm is home to many different horses, from miniature ponies to the strongest of working horses. Guests are offered a range of tours and activities to suit all abilities from the absolute beginner to the accomplished rider. Jesters Flat’s courses include; introduction to horse riding and beginner bush rides, right through to multi-day rides and retreats for those more experienced.
To get to know their herd, wines and activities, check out their Instagram or Facebook!
New South Wales
Marramarra Lodge – Nature Tourism certified
Dharug Country / Fisherman’s Point, New South Wales
Marramarra Lodge
Choose from one of 14 private, modern residencies on the Hawkesbury River at ECO certified Marramarra Lodge in the Sydney region!
Each of the three types of lodging, whether it be a Peninsula Tent, Hawkesbury Bungalow, or Bay Bungalow, offers a minimalist and stylish stay, perfect for couples looking for a relaxing getaway. Spacious balconies make for tranquil viewing of the Hawkesbury River and surrounding bushlands, complete with river-stone bathrooms, king beds and leather lounges. What more could you want from a luxury stay?
Treat yourself to one of Marramarra Lodge’s eco-friendly accommodations! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to plan your next getaway.
Special mention: Lady Musgrave Experience
Tarabelang, Gurent Gureng, Gurang and Byeeli Country / Burnett Heads, Queensland
Achieved Advanced Ecotourism, ROC, and Climate Action Business Certifications, making them among the few to hold certifications across three programs.