Victoria’s Surf Coast Achieves ECO Destination Certification
Ecotourism Australia is proud to announce that the Surf Coast Shire has officially earned ECO Destination Certification, formally recognising the region’s adherence to global best practice sustainable tourism and environmental management standards.
Located south west of Melbourne, the Surf Coast marks the official start of the iconic Great Ocean Road. Comprising eleven distinct townships, the region is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities and a premier destination for domestic and international travellers.
“We are delighted to welcome the Surf Coast region to our growing cohort of ECO Certified Destinations throughout Australia. This certification recognises the dedication of the Surf Coast Shire team, businesses and residents in making the Surf Coast a model for responsible tourism in Australia,” said Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia.
“With exceptional nature-based experiences offered by ECO Certified operators such as Torquay Surf Academy, Southern Exposure Eco Adventure Sports and Go Ride A Wave, and sustainable accommodation offerings from Desa Retreats, RACV Torquay Resort, Great Ocean Road Resort and Mantra Lorne, visitors can explore the Surf Coast knowing they are supporting a region that values its environment as much as its vibrant lifestyle.”
This milestone establishes the Surf Coast Shire as the second destination in Victoria to attain ECO Destination Certification, following East Gippsland’s certification in April 2023, and the 15th destination in Australia.
“We’re absolutely rapt for the Surf Coast Shire to receive ECO Destination Certification, as it strengthens our status as a place where visitors can soak up nature-focused experiences,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Libby Stapleton.
“Our world-class environment is a huge drawcard for the 2.6 million visitors to the Surf Coast each year – from internationals exploring the Great Ocean Road, to people from across Australia taking in our charming hinterland.”
Surf Coast Shire Council thanked various partners – Barwon Water, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and Parks Victoria – for the comprehensive range of sustainability initiatives as part of its ECO Destination Certification. The region carefully monitors visitor numbers and behaviour to manage impacts on natural and cultural sites, while strict guidelines and licensing protect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. Water conservation measures, low-impact transport options and climate adaptation strategies ensure tourism infrastructure and practices remain resilient and environmentally responsible. At the same time, the Shire supports authentic cultural engagement, ensuring local communities benefit economically while preserving their traditions.
“One of our priorities is to foster slow and regenerative tourism that is respectful of the local environment, values local communities and maximises local yield and revenue. This certification will help us to achieve that,” said Cr Stapleton.
“We also want tourism to deliver consistent economic and social benefits year-round. What better way to help achieve this than to welcome visitors who love the outdoors and care about the environment.”
ECO Destination Certification assesses a region on more than 90 criteria across eight sections including Destination Management, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, and Social Wellbeing. By achieving ECO Destination Certification, the Surf Coast Shire joins a growing network of certified destinations across Australia. Through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations, Surf Coast Shire is also now part of a distinguished group of over 200 certified destinations globally.
Learn more about the Surf Coast by visiting them on the Green Travel Guide here.
L-R – Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton, Council CEO Robyn Seymour, Barwon Water Head of Sustainability and Healthy Country Nicole Sexton, Parks Victoria District Manager West Coast Dale Antonysen and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Board Chair Libby Mears celebrate the accreditation at Spring Creek, Torquay.
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Media contacts:
Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager
e: myv@ecotourism.org.au
ph: (07) 3256 6777
Surf Coast Shire – Kate Fowles, Communications Advisor
e: kfowles@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
ph: 0428 436 489
About Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports Australia’s visitor economy through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. Our legacy program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022 supports non-nature based businesses achieve global best-practice. Today there are some 2500 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia. Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations across the globe – representing the largest cohort of certified operators worldwide.
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About Surf Coast Shire
The Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar nation are acknowledged as the Traditional Owners of the lands now called Surf Coast Shire.
Stretching along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast Shire is a region of striking natural beauty and relaxed coastal living, where rugged cliffs, renowned surf breaks and forested hinterlands invite visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. Home to vibrant towns including Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Winchelsea, the region blends surf culture, creativity and local produce with a strong sense of community. The Surf Coast is deeply committed to sustainable tourism, with local businesses, residents and partners working together to protect its unique environmental and cultural values for generations to come.