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As Ecotourism Australia celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021, four of Australia’s premier nature-based tourism operators celebrate their entry into the organisation’s Hall of Fame for being certified for 20 years.

The awards come at a time when state and international borders are set to reopen, allowing freer movement of fully vaccinated – and in many cases more sustainably minded – travellers.

New Hall of Fame entrants are Australian Luxury Escapes (NSW), Great Adventures – Green Island Resort (QLD), Moonraker Dolphin Swims (VIC) and Phillip Island Nature Parks (VIC).

Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman said this showed both resilience and a dedication to continuous innovation and business development:

“The feedback we consistently get from our members is that their certification is a business development tool, equipping them to establish good business practices and enabling them to be better prepared for events and crises that could impact their business,” he said.

For new Hall of Fame entrants, meeting this milestone signifies their contribution to making the ecotourism industry what it is today and solidifies their position in the industry as its most enduring ecotourism innovators.

“Nature Parks is proud to be ECO certified, as it’s one way we can demonstrate our commitment to conservation and nature-based tourism to our visitors,” said Kate Adams, Visitor Experience Manager of Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Operators entering the Hall of Fame will be awarded special plaques commemorating their achievement, just as 37 businesses before them have been since the Hall of Fame was launched at the Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism Conference in 2018.

Twenty-six other certified operators also be celebrating this year, having achieved the milestone of 10 years of certification. These operators are called Green Travel Leaders – a title that has been awarded to 43% of Ecotourism Australia certified operators since 2006.

This year, new Green Travel Leaders came from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

Continuing to explore Australia’s vast and multifaceted backyard is one of the many steps people can take to help support the recovery of the nation’s tourism industry.

By looking for the Hall of Fame icon and Green Travel Leader logo on Ecotourism Australia’s Green Travel Guide, Australians can be sure they are supporting environmentally responsible tourism operations who have at least a decade of experience to showcase.

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Contact: Lina Cronin, Communications Manager – 07 3256 6777 / [email protected]

New Hall of Fame members – 2021

NSW
• Australian Luxury Escapes

QLD
• Great Adventures – Green Island Resort

VIC
• Moonraker Dolphin Swims
• Phillip Island Nature Parks

New Green Travel Leaders – 2021

NSW

• Billabong Retreat
• Callicoma Hill Eco-Cabins
• EcoTreasures
• Inspiring Journeys
• K7 Adventures
• Kosciuszko Thredbo Backcountry Adventures
• Life’s An Adventure
• Reynella Rides
• Understand Down Under

QLD
• Broadwater Haven
• Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge
• Mt Cotton Retreat
• NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park
• Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom – Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours
• Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
• The Tour Collective
• Yongala Dive

SA
• Narnu Farm

VIC
• Oceania Tours
• Park Trek Walking Holidays
• Parks Victoria Walks, National Parks and Reserves
• Parks Victoria Wilderness Retreats
• Polperro Dolphin Swims
• Sea All Dolphin Swims

WA
• Naturaliste Charters

NT
• Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris

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 in October 2021! 

North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens (NSW)

A family favourite in Coffs Harbour, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden achieved Ecotourism Certification to ensure the longevity of its subtropical garden paradise. Boasting 20 hectares of Crown Land, the gardens are bound by the glassy Coffs Creek making for a tranquil visit.

The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden hosts a wide range of subtropical plants ranging from rainforest species, to international species, and even safeguarding a selection of rare and endangered Australian species for visitors to appreciate.

With 5 kilometres of boardwalks and paths, most of these pathways are wheelchair accessible for a relaxing weekend activity. Why not try the Sensory Garden to experience the flourishing flora with all of your senses? Find our what else they have in store on Facebook!

Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat (NSW)

Our new Nature Tourism certified eco-stay Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat is the private nature getaway we all need. Tucked into the tranquil subtropical and bushland surroundings of Lowanna, New South Wales, this eco-friendly accommodation prides itself on the five acres of untouched, natural environment that surrounds their two beautiful properties available to book.

Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat recognise that the natural environment is their home and they do everything they can to minimise their impact. Their solar panels and energy-efficient light-bulbs cut CO2 emissions, while food and paper products are composted to feed their gardens. They hope they inspire you to be wise about your carbon footprint too!

But words don’t do these properties justice – see for yourself on their Facebook and Instagram!