examples of unsustainable tourism in australia

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Travel for good

In 2023, ‘sustainable’ is more than just a buzzword. With the post-Covid resumption of travel, many travellers are choosing a different, gentler path. They’re giving extra consideration to how their travels affect the environment, other cultures, and the socioeconomic bottom-line of their destinations. 

Not just another passing fad, sustainable and conscious travel is now mainstream. 

But what does it actually mean?

What is sustainable travel?

Internationally, the lead organisation for conscious travel is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a not-for-profit organisation that sets criteria that act as global standards for sustainability in tourism.

While the concept of sustainable tourism may immediately bring to mind environmental aspects, according to the GSTC, the term encompasses four pillars. These are sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts and environmental impacts.

Sustainable travel overlaps with many other terms. Conscious travel means actively thinking about where, when and the way we travel, and eschewing mass tourism. Cultural travel refers to travelling to learn about, and benefit those from another background. Slow travel is seeking immersive experiences rather than quick box-ticking, and regenerative travel means leaving a place better than you found it. All of these approaches to travel have the goal of travelling ‘for good,’ and increasingly, data show this is how people want to travel.

What travellers want

In 2022, Tourism Australia conducted a research project across prospective travellers in 20 key international markets. The results showed that over 75 percent of respondents were committed to sustainability in some way.

A broad range of sustainable practises were important to the respondents when travelling, including ethical treatment of wildlife, respecting and preserving the cultural heritage of a destination, supporting local businesses, off-setting carbon emissions and protecting natural environments. 

Significantly, when presented with a range of experiences, around 80 per cent of respondents chose the more sustainable option.  

Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia explains that while Australia has always attracted visitors for its fauna and environment, sustainability is now a factor in decision-making.

“Sustainable practises by tourism operators are no longer a nice-to-do, they are good business hygiene, and sustainability is no longer pigeon-holed as just environmental. It encompasses understanding of impact on culture and community too.” 

These sustainable tourism operations do impact positively on the communities in which they operate.  For example, Luxury Lodges of Australia, a portfolio of high-and lodges and camps operating in regions across Australia has measured their reach.

Penny Rafferty, executive chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia, explains the lodges deliver over 250 experiences.

“In order to do that, they partner with over 4000 other local businesses, from wildlife and specialist guides, Traditional Owners, transport and experience operators, artists, distillers, winemakers, food producers and craftspeople,” she says. “That is an enormous halo effect.”

The rise of cultural travel

According to Phillipa Harrison, another encouraging result of Tourism Australia’s recent survey was the increased attention given to Indigenous tourism. 

“In terms of Australia’s tourism offering there is a very strong connection between sustainability and cultural travel, with our First Nations people arguably the pioneers of sustainability, with more than 60,000 years as custodians of country,” she says.  

Phillipa explains there is increased awareness that Indigenous experiences can be found all over Australia, encompassing traditional and also contemporary experiences. 

“Whether it’s exploring the coastline at Port Stephens on a quad bike with Sand Dune Adventures, to doing the Burrawa Bridge Climb experience, scaling the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous guide, there is so much to do and experience.” 

Further encouraging the growth of cultural tourism, various Indigenous tourism bodies are promoting businesses around the country. 

Rob Taylor is the chief executive officer of the West Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators’ Council (WAITOC), and says in 2016, there were 65 Aboriginal tourism businesses in WA, mostly in the Kimberley. In 2023, the state is home to over 180 Aboriginal tourism businesses, an Aboriginal tourism academy and a dedicated business hub.

“You think about remote communities where there’s not much chance to make money,” Rob says. “Tourism allows them to keep culture alive by sharing language, sharing their knowledge while staying on country and earning money to live by, so I think it is an important industry.” 

According to Rob, Covid-19 accelerated growth for Indigenous tourism in WA.

“The majority of Australians have never been on an Aboriginal tour, and wouldn’t have a clue what’s in their backyard,” Rob says. “But when the borders were closed, some of the areas like up in the Kimberley were even busier than when the borders were open because Western Australians couldn’t go anywhere else. So people were going to those areas and basically doing Aboriginal tours because it’s one of the things they probably haven’t done before.” 

Beyond merely a fun holiday experience, Indigenous tourism can play a vital role in wider cultural understanding and reconciliation. 

“Most Australians don’t know the real Aboriginal culture,” Rob says. “They only know what they see in the news, which is usually bad things. Just as many bad things happen with non-Indigenous people, but it seems to be highlighting all the bad things rather than all the good things. I think if they’re going along and learning about Aboriginal culture, they’ll better understand.”

Greenwashing versus sustainable

With sustainable travel now front of mind for so many travellers, it has become a lucrative sector. Many would like to cash in on the trend, and this can sometimes lead to false or embellished sustainability claims. 

The term ‘greenwashing’ describes these dubious claims, and for many travellers, deciphering the greenwashing from genuinely ethical travel experiences can be a minefield. 

One method of choosing a sustainable operator is to ask questions. Look for tourism operators who have committed to measurable achievements, rather than overarching statements, and are willing to engage in conversations on the topic. 

Another way to travel more consciously is to seek tourism providers with a meaningful sustainability accreditation.

Internationally, many accreditations exist, of varying quality. In Australia, two companies offer programmes recognised by the GSTC, namely EarthCheck and the not-for-profit Ecotourism Australia. Both companies administer rigorous certification standards around conscious travel, and choosing a tourism provider displaying one of these certifications helps to guarantee the activity is sustainable.

Ecotourism Australia has been working in the conscious travel sector for more than 30 years. Initially, the focus was the Eco Certification programme, which certifies nature-based tours, accommodations and attractions. 

Elissa Keenan, chief executive officer of Ecotourism Australia, explains that with the rise of conscious travel, the concept itself has evolved to more fully encompass GSTC’s four pillars of sustainability; social, environmental, cultural and economic factors.

“It’s not just about environment, although it’s incredibly important in terms of minimising impact,” Elissa says. “For example, people now have a far higher expectation that their travel positively impacts the local community.” 

In recent years, Ecotourism Australia has expanded to recognise sustainability efforts across non-nature-based tourism businesses. Companies like breweries, city hotels and non-nature tours can now apply for the Sustainable Tourism accreditation.   

Acknowledging that many business owners may not know where to begin their accreditation journey, Ecotourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism Australia has launched a new programme called Strive 4 Sustainability. 

“Tourism operators are hearing this buzzword sustainability, but they’re not quite sure what to do with it,” Elissa says. “We’re hoping that this programme starts to demystify what that means. It’s really designed to answer the question for operators which we hear all the time – where do I start?” 

The programme provides operators with a scorecard across the four pillars of sustainability, and advice on how to improve.  

For some travellers, finding a sustainable tourism operator is not enough, and they prefer to visit a region where sustainability is embedded in the community. Ecotourism Australia now certifies Eco Destinations, and in 2019 the Port Douglas Daintree area, QLD, became the first destination accredited. The other certified Eco Destinations are Margaret River WA, Coffs Coast NSW, Central Coast NSW and Bundaberg, QLD, with many more applications in the pipeline.

Achieving Eco Destination status is a rigorous process, usually taking several years.

“Generally, the application is led by the local council,” Elissa explains. “The reason for that is because it includes so much about their infrastructure in terms of waste, water, and energy. But it also requires an absolute commitment from the regional tourism authority and from local businesses, really working together.”

According to Elissa, the benefit for the consumer is clear. 

“What it says for a traveller is this is a destination that’s really committed to their sustainability journey,” she says. “They’re not necessarily just about visitor numbers and how to maximise them.”

Similarly, EarthCheck offers various science-backed certifications for nature-based and non-nature-based tourism operators and destinations. EarthCheck also has a sustainability academy, with micro-courses to help people and businesses embed sustainability into their organisations, including a design certification to assist developers to construct sustainable buildings.

The flying issue

Globally, aviation accounts for around 2.5 percent of all CO 2  emissions. With Australia’s vast and isolated geography, aviation is the elephant in the room. While many airlines offer passengers the chance to offset their carbon emissions by contributing towards tree planting, it can be sometimes difficult to ascertain their effectiveness. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents airlines globally and has facilitated an industry movement to reduce aviation emissions to net zero by 2050. 

Daniel Bloch, assistant manager of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for IATA says biofuel-based SAFs will be the major contributor to reducing sector emissions until at least 2035. The SAF biofuels are made from feedstock, the first generation of which were typically food-grade crops and oils, which could potentially distort the agricultural economy. 

Second generation feedstocks use various forms of waste fats, such as inedible animals fats, used cooking oil and trap grease, which would otherwise need disposal. 

However even these waste fats are in limited supply, and third generation feedstocks are emerging; naturally or regularly occurring wastes from agriculture, woody residues, municipal solid waste and landfill. It can contain animal, food or human waste and even plastic.

 “That really is an important distinction with biofuels,” Daniel says, “The feedstock is the determining factor in just how sustainable the biofuel will be. In essence, we want to be repurposing inputs that would have otherwise not have been utilised and sent to landfill or incineration, which in turn corresponds with a carbon emitting output.”

Along with a developing market for small electric aircraft, planes may soon be powered by green hydrogen, with Airbus already releasing prototypes. But for now, Qantas and Airbus, are planning to establish an Australian SAF industry and the Australian government has announced funding for a SAF Council, aimingto drive a domestic SAF industry.

Ways to travel consciously

Aside from aviation, there are already ways conscious travellers can choose more sustainable options. Many travellers seek to minimise their carbon footprint by reducing fossil fuel usage, and a people-powered mode of transport is an excellent choice. 

Travellers may take a self-guided cycling tour of the Clare Valley wineries in South Australia, explore Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef by kayak, or discover Tasmania’s best multi-day hikes. There are many bonuses to these forms of travel, including the meditative connection to nature that comes from a quiet, slow journey compared with rushing through multiple destinations. 

In pre-pandemic days, cruising was an estimated five billion-dollar industry for Australia, and Australians are the biggest cruising nation per capita. While the cruise industry itself is not famous for its sustainable practices, expedition cruising in particular (the more adventurous cruises to wild places) is finding new ways to be greener. 

Several companies have incorporated hybrid diesel-battery technology, which is said to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent. Engine heat is recycled to the cabins and water heaters. Kitchen waste and sewage are fed to the ship’s bio-digesters where enzymes reduce waste to a benign sludge.

Growing environmental awareness sees education and scientific research taking centre stage. Passengers join science lectures and participate in citizen science projects, such as seabird surveys and water quality checks. 

Citizen science is on the rise in other tourism contexts, too, and the Great Barrier Reef offers prime examples. The programme called Eye on the Reef offered by many tour operators, asks visitors to upload photos from their snorkelling or dive experience to an App, which records where certain rare species, or pest species like the crown-of-thorns starfish, have been sighted. The information gathered helps to inform reef management. 

The Great Barrier Reef is also home to regenerative tourism opportunities. Guests can be a ‘marine biologist for a day’ joining reef surveys, and divers can get hands-on with coral restoration projects, attaching pieces of naturally broken corals to a frame to help restore areas damaged by climate change or natural processes. 

Other purposeful travel on the Great Barrier Reef includes visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centres at Fitzroy Island or at the Cairns Aquarium, where injured or sick turtles are cared for and hopefully released. Entry fees fund the necessary resources to rehabilitate the threatened turtles.

Regenerative travel is happening on the land too, including the restoration of wildlife habitat. In Victoria, visitors can join the not-for-profit Koala Clancy Foundation to plant koala habitat trees. 

For those who don’t want to get their hands dirty, there are ways to support others regenerating the land. 

Many food and wine producers are opting to heal their degraded properties by farming in ways that are gentler on the land, using integrated pest management (like employing ducks to eat the snails), permaculture (where all organic waste is recycled into usable nutrients) and reducing chemical usage. Travellers can connect with these producers at farm-to-table restaurants or by visiting organic cellar doors.

Even some huge cattle and sheep stations are trying to heal the damage of decades of overgrazing. In Western Australia, the owners of Wooleen Station are supplementing their income with tourism while they vastly reduce stock and grazing pressure on their land, offering hosted stays in their historic homestead and regenerative agriculture tours. 

Indigenous tourism is often intrinsically linked to regenerative activities. Near Cairns, the Mandingalbay Hands On Country Eco Tour combines a boat ride from the city with a Traditional Owner-guided walk through the bush tucker-filled rainforest and visitation funds important Indigenous ranger projects.  

Even large city hotels are now expanding sustainable initiatives beyond merely offering to not wash your towels to ‘save the environment.’ Travellers can book a hotel that has reduced single-use plastics, through initiatives like swapping disposable amenities bottles for larger, refillable bottles and replacing plastic bottled water with filtered tap water. Some accommodation providers are supplementing fossil-fuel usage with solar, and some are utilising smart technology to save power, with sensors that power-down air conditioners when you step out of the room. 

While there are many ways in which travellers and operators can tread more lightly on the planet and care for cultures, sustainability is a journey.

According to Penny Rafferty, any progress deserves encouragement, and positive or constructive feedback is always useful. 

“Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good,” she says. 

With the continued evolution of how we travel, maybe one day the term ‘sustainable travel’ won’t need to exist. Instead we’ll just have ‘travel,’ and its conscious nature will be implied. 

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The sun is setting on unsustainable long-haul , short-stay tourism — regional travel bubbles are the future

Professor of Tourism, University of Otago

Disclosure statement

James Higham does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Otago provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

University of Otago provides funding as a member of The Conversation NZ.

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Unprecedented border closures and the domestic lockdown have paralysed New Zealand’s $40.9 billion a year tourism industry. In the process, the vulnerability of the sector to external shocks and the tenuous nature of tourism employment have been exposed.

While New Zealand’s handling of the pandemic has been hailed as a global masterclass, and the prospect of travel bubbles promoted as a way to restart the tourism economy and save jobs, it is clear there is no quick fix.

The inherent dangers of reinfection from travel to and from countries with uncontrolled community transition, and the challenge of protecting New Zealand’s borders, mean international tourism is grounded for the time being.

Nevertheless, planning for recovery is underway. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) wants to restore confidence and restart tourism without delay. The European Union recently opened its borders to travellers from certain countries, including New Zealand.

But the proposed trans-Tasman and Pacific bubbles will likely be among the first safe international travel zones in the world.

A Tasman-Pacific bubble is good for the planet

The economic benefits are obvious. A recent study using UNWTO data identified Australian tourists, who spend on average $7,490 on holidays, as the top spending tourists in the world. Of the 3.8 million international tourists who visited New Zealand in 2018, nearly 40% were from Australia.

By the end of 2019, Australian tourists had spent $NZ 2.5 billion in the New Zealand economy. Of course, that figure is offset by the $NZ 1.6 billion spent by Kiwis visiting Australia in 2019.

Read more: Sun, sand and uncertainty: the promise and peril of a Pacific tourism bubble

Simply wishing for a return to normal, however, is not enough. The tourism rebuild must negotiate a delicate balance between immediate recovery and long term sustainability. A new steady-state equilibrium that generates employment and income while driving down tourism carbon emissions is required.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic it was widely recognised that the global tourism system is economically and environmentally flawed. Our research has highlighted three main structural failures:

low value (caused by growth in arrivals combined with declining spending)

economic “leakage” (due to outbound tourism and the concentration of profit flowing to a few global players)

high carbon emissions (from high-carbon transport dependence, increasing distance of travel and falling average length of stay).

Reducing travel distances is key

In the case of a geographically distant destination like New Zealand, there is no ignoring the last of those problems, as a report by the New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment highlighted in late 2019.

The fact is, high carbon emissions are embedded in New Zealand’s tourism GDP. In the rebuild we must commit to measuring the carbon footprint of tourism, and actively manage forms of tourism that come with a disproportionately high carbon cost.

In practice, this will mean more tourism from the regional medium-haul markets that fall within the proposed Australia-New Zealand-Pacific travel bubble. Increasing reliance on Australian states rather than long-haul markets will result in a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions per dollar of tourism GDP.

Research published in 2010 showed that while Australian tourists made up 37% of international visitors to New Zealand they were responsible for 13% of air travel emissions. By contrast, visitors from Europe made up 18% of total visitors but 43% of emissions.

Fewer long haul arrivals, more Australian tourists, more domestic tourism and less outbound travel will dramatically reduce tourism carbon emissions.

COVID-19 has already kickstarted the domestic part of this equation. New Zealand hasn’t targeted local tourists since 1984’s iconic “ Don’t leave town till you’ve seen the country ” campaign. But the regions are now competing for the roughly 60% of all tourist dollars that New Zealanders spend in their own country each year.

The closure of international borders has also, for now, stopped the significant economic drain caused by outbound travel. In 2019 Kiwis spent nearly $5 billion travelling overseas.

Time to stop marketing long-haul tourism

Most trade (including tourism exports) comes from markets closest to us. It is much cheaper to trade with neighbours, and it is far more sustainable to have tourists arrive from closer rather than distant countries.

Read more: The coronavirus survival challenge for NZ tourism: affordability and sustainability

New tourism models have to be found that can reduce the sector’s emissions while maintaining as much as possible its income and employment benefits.

Tourism carbon analysis is likely to point towards the growing importance of long-stay visitors, such as international students, who already provide 23% of total international tourist spending in New Zealand.

Equally it will be necessary to “de-market” and reduce long-haul, high-carbon, short-duration, and low economic yield tourist arrivals. Passengers who arrive on enormous carbon intensive cruise ships – 9% of visitors but only 3% of tourism earnings – fall firmly into the least desirable category.

An Australia-New Zealand-Pacific travel bubble clearly fits the new model. The tourism rebuild must involve all measures being taken to create a high-value, low-leakage and low-emissions tourism future.

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• New Zealand
• Sustainability
• Sustainable tourism
• trans-tasman bubble

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• The 10 Best Ecotourism Experiences...

The 10 Best Ecotourism Experiences in Australia

Ecotourism — a type of travel that exposes visitors to the great outdoors without damaging the natural environment — is one of Australia’s strongest tourist drawcards, with almost eight million square kilometres of wilderness to explore. Start your adventure with these 10 outstanding environmental experiences.

Great barrier reef.

Natural Feature

Hurry up and see the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory while you still can. Climate change is bleaching the colour out of this brilliant stretch of coral reef, which spans more than 2000 kilometres of sun-kissed Queensland coast. Cairns is your best launch pad to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark with an eco-certified tour operator like Reef Magic Cruises .

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

This mammoth sandstone monolith is the symbolic heart of the Australian continent, as well as the defining feature of a national park that carries immense cultural significance to the local Indigenous population — Uluru is a sacred site to Central Australia’s Anangu people. The Northern Territory has plenty more great outdoors to explore, in particular the Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land further north near Darwin.

Swimming with sharks

Fraser Island

The world’s largest sand island is brimming with stacks of different eco-tourism experiences. There’s the ancient rainforest containing giant ferns and towering pine trees. There’s the 200-strong population of dingos, a rare native strain that’s protected from imported mutts on the mainland. There’s the series of serene freshwater lakes, formed in the dips between sand dunes. And there’s the world-class whale watching on offer in Hervey Bay, the end of the ‘Humpback Highway’ up Australia’s east coast each winter.

Penguin Parade

Summerland Beach on Phillip Island hosts one of the most adorable ecotourism experiences you’ll find anywhere on earth. Every evening at dusk, a large colony of little penguins return to shore after a long day’s fishing at sea, wadding across the sand to huge crowds of doting admirers sitting in the viewing platforms at the Penguin Parade , which is purpose-built to not interfere with the tiny birds’ natural habitat.

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Tasmanian Wilderness

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers 20% of the Apple Isle , preserving one of the last expanses of temperate rainforest anywhere on Earth. Made up of more than 20 different areas, the Tasmanian Wilderness region features a number of rare plants and animals, as well as Indigenous artefacts in limestone caves that date all the way back to the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago.

Kangaroo Island

Of course, an island named after Australia’s national animal is absolutely crawling with them. Kangaroo Island is covered in pristine national park that’s home to a healthy population of roos that hop around alongside koalas, echidnas, six unique species of frog, a healthy population of sea lions lazing around on the beach at Seal Bay, plus loads of other native animals.

Ningaloo Reef

Between March and August every year, the largest species of fish in all the world’s oceans converges on a remote corner of Western Australia … and you can swim right alongside them. Take the trek 1200 kilometres north of Perth to Ningaloo Reef, where whale sharks come to feed — come face-to-fin with these 14-metre-long gentle giants on a tour with an eco-certified operator like Ningaloo Discovery .

Daintree Rainforest

Australia’s largest tropical rainforest — all 1200 square kilometres of it in Tropical North Queensland — is home to some plants that are an astonishing 100 million years old. Yet another one of Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, the Daintree Rainforest sits right on Cairns’ doorstep next to the Great Barrier Reef, providing a home to a rich diversity of rare birdlife, an array of ancient flora, as well as plenty of freshwater crocodiles, so swim with caution!

Taronga Zoo

Wildlife is one of the things that attracts so many tourists Down Under, and there is no shortage of excellent nature reserves where you can get up close and personal with Aussie animals. The country’s most famous zoo is found on Sydney ’s Lower North Shore, with Sydney Harbour supplying the sparkling backdrop. Taronga Zoo houses 4000 animals from 350 native and exotic species, and the not-for-profit organisation keeps sustainability and conservation at the core of its mission.

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How to choose a true ecotourism experience

Ecotourism is big business. But how do claims of sustainability in the tourism landscape actually stand up under scrutiny?

In early November, Murray River Trails was crowned winner in the Ecotourism category at the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards, as it has been every year since environmental scientist Tony Sharley started the business in 2016. The four-day walk meanders upstream beside the Murray from the town of Renmark, but follows no formed tracks. Instead, guides pick their way along animal foot pads or faint paths tracing the river’s edge, with each trip’s course as ephemeral as the river’s flow. Accommodation is on a houseboat that follows guests along the river. When they leave, there is no sign they were ever there.

What is ecotourism? The environmental footprint is only one aspect of it. There needs to be a reason for people to visit a destination – a social, cultural or historical theme – and that reason needs to be communicated clearly, so they can take something away, and hopefully even give something back.

On the Murray River Walk, the theme is river stewardship, and guests learn the “life cycle” of Australia’s most famous river. Sharley says that after seeing the benefits to the natural environment of periodic high flows that break the banks and spill on to the floodplains, revitalising the river red gums and stimulating breeding for birds and fish, guests leave with a desire to take up advocacy for the waterway. “People develop [a sense of] ownership. If you don’t understand something you can’t care for it. That’s what ecotourism is.”

Of course, there’s a difference between a landscape getting a wash of green and a tour operator indulging in a bit of “greenwashing”. You could be forgiven for thinking there’s a government mandate on tacking the prefix “eco” to every cabin, retreat or resort. But step inside your room, you may find plastic water bottles, electricity sourced from a coal-fired grid, and more evidence that “eco” is more a pretence than a reality.

By that stage it’s too late; you’re already there. So how to sort the sustainability chieftains from the charlatans?

Ecotourism is big business. Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report reveals 83 per cent of travellers (from a global survey of 29,000 people) think sustainable travel is “vital” but only half think there are enough sustainable options available.

More than 70 per cent of survey respondents say they want “authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture”, while 84 per cent believe “increasing cultural understanding and preservation of cultural heritage is crucial ”. So it’s no surprise some operators might try to talk up what could be dubious environmental and sustainable credentials to capitalise on that demand.

“ Greenwashing is rife across tourism as corporate spin-doctors seek PR shortcuts to smooth over community demands for action,” says Lindsay Soutar, senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia. She wants to see less talk and more “credible action” from the tourism industry to address climate impact, and says major hotel chains should be leading the way in reducing emissions. “Switching to 100 per cent renewable energy is a key test of the credibility of sustainability commitments.”

The problem in part comes down to scope. A business may be eco-friendly in some ways but lagging in others. Ecotourism Australia’s chairman Claire Ellis says she believes greenwashing is increasingly becoming an issue, but is not always malicious. “Holding the right values alone isn’t enough,” she says. “What’s hard for consumers is working out whether one thing an operator does well flows across all elements of the business. Often the operators don’t have the knowledge or expertise to work out how they could do things better.”

Certification schemes can help give that clarity to consumers. Ecotourism Australia certification assesses multiple factors, including energy, waste, water and carbon footprint, taking the guesswork out of making an informed choice.

“It takes operators months to go through our certification system, and technology keeps changing, so what was gold standard 15 years ago is not any more,” says Ellis. EarthCheck is another global benchmark for sustainability accreditation, particularly in the luxury hotel space, while Australian Wildlife Journeys gives credible endorsement to businesses offering sustainable, minimal-impact wildlife encounters. Ecotourism Australia’s Respecting Our Culture certification is awarded to enterprises that showcase local cultural values and heritage, while Climate Action certification recognises those taking significant steps to reduce their carbon emissions.

When wondering what is ecotourism, Ellis advises consumers to look for those that are proactive in telling their sustainability story. “The worst operators I think are the people who don’t tell you what they’re doing. If you’re going to say you’re eco-friendly then you need to be transparent and tell consumers where they can find out more about it.”

Some believe there’s a more cynical aspect to that apparent shyness; that some companies may be doing the opposite of greenwashing. Amanda Lambert from Green Getaways Australia, which collates selections of eco-friendly properties, says details of a hotel’s sustainability policy are sometimes “squirrelled away in the back section of their website”, even when the hotel is achieving high standards. She suspects some hotels that trade on luxury are afraid guests will associate “eco” or “green” with “doing without”. “We think tourism operators could do a lot more to communicate their positive actions to guests who are searching for it,” she says.

Lambert’s theory is somewhat reflected in Booking.com’s report, which showed that while 75 per cent of accommodation providers say they’ve implemented sustainability practices, only one-third actively communicates this to guests. Meanwhile 30 per cent of guests say they don’t know how to find sustainable accommodation options.

Even Sharley, his shelf cluttered with ecotourism awards, knows his company can always do better. Fossil fuels power the houseboat, but transitioning to electric engines is not yet feasible. Instead he’s fitting solar panels to the boat, so the noisy diesel generator can be retired. It’s about constant refinement. “I often ask myself, ‘What’s the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism?’. Essentially, asking what is ecotourism? Nature tourism is about ticking boxes: went to the Rock, went to the reef. Ecotourism has a level of interpretation that shows visitors you understand the ecology of a landscape. If I can’t explain to you what triggers breeding around here, or how this river system was formed, then it’s not eco-tourism. And you can’t greenwash that.”

More to the story

Four examples of Ecotourism Australia’s gold standard accreditation, known as Advanced Ecotourism, which is awarded to businesses that excel environmentally and socially by contributing positively to their local community.

Elysian Retreat Luxury villas on Long Island in the Whitsundays operating on 100 per cent solar power, offsetting 150 per cent of carbon emissions.

elysianretreat.com.au

True North Adventure Cruises Boutique, small-group expedition cruises around Western Australia’s Kimberley, Indonesia and West Papua; shallow-draft boats are designed to access remote wilderness, requiring no shore-based structures.

truenorth.com.au

Lady Elliot Resort This once degraded island offshore from Bundaberg is now restored to support fragile ecosystems within a coral cay sanctuary on the Great Barrier Reef.

ladyelliot.com.au

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat Two treehouses tread lightly in the forest of the NSW mid-north coast; 100 per cent solar powered with independent water supply and wastewater management system.

diamondwaters.com.au

Four operators that hold Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced Ecotourism, Respecting our Culture and Climate Action certification.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre Visit Bundaberg November to March to watch the largest gathering of nesting marine turtles in the world, playing your role in the ongoing conservation of the species.

parks.des.qld.gov.au

Eco Treasures Tours Sydney-based water guides offer paddleboard, kayak and snorkelling educational tours of the city’s northern beaches, waterways and surrounding national parks.

ecotreasures.com.au

Under Down Under Tours Tasmanian guided-tour company that matches your carbon offset donation dollar for dollar through the Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund. A stay at the four-star Thousand Lakes Lodge comes with free use of e-bikes.

underdownunder.com.au

Daintree River Cruise Centre Founded by conservationists in 1987 to cruise the rainforest-lined Daintree River, 100km north of Cairns; minimal ecological impact while supporting community and conservation projects.

daintreerivercruisecentre.com.au

ecotourism.org.au

In the know

Red flags for greenwashing:

No obvious certifications on the website. Look for accreditation logos and check they are endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Ecotourism Australia also has a Green Travel Guide.

No proof of claims. It’s not good enough for a business simply to say it is sustainable or green. Management should be telling you how and why.

Misdirection. An operator may talk up one element of sustainability to draw attention away from its other environmental shortcomings. Don’t be fooled by green-sounding labels.

Lack of knowledge. Guides or hosts should be able to explain the local ecology, as well as the social and cultural fabric, and tell you how their operation fits within that.

Operators who provide plastic (or even bioplastic) straws or cups. That should be an obvious no-no by now.

This story was originally published in November 2021 and has since been updated. 

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20 ECO-certified attractions around Australia

Emily Murphy

Social Media Manager & Writer

20 July 2022

For travel that doesn’t hurt the environment, look no further than these ECO-certified attractions.

For more and more Australians, sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of our travel decisions. Knowing which activities, tours and accommodations are actually eco-friendly is no easy feat, so we’ve done the hard work and found the top ECO-certified attractions in Australia. Ecotourism Australia ’s ECO-certified experiences are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices, so travellers are sure to find high-quality nature-based tourism experiences no matter what their interests are. Here are some of our favourites.

We’ve also covered the top ECO-certified tours and accommodations in another article to help you round out your sustainable travel options.

1. Australian National Botanic Gardens, ACT

Nestled on the foothills of Black Mountain, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is the perfect family day out. Only minutes from Canberra’s City Centre, the gardens hold one-fifth of Australia’s diverse flora amongst Canberra’s bushland setting – you’ll also find a number of breathtaking walks nearby.

Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)

2. Bendleby Ranges, SA

Bendleby Ranges is an award-winning, ecologically sustainable adventure tourism destination, only 3.5 hours from Adelaide. It is a working sheep station where you get to explore by walking, biking, horse riding or taking exhilarating drives over two rugged mountain ranges.

Enjoy a campfire at Bendleby Ranges. (Image: Isaac Forman)

3. Overland Track, Tas

It’s a six-day walk, travelling 65 kilometres through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is a true wilderness walk that travels through spectacular dolerite mountains, near beautiful waterfalls, through a variety of fascinating ecosystems and close to Tasmania s highest mountain, before finishing at Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair.

The Overland Track is a must-do. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

4. Alice Springs Desert Park, NT

In the space of a few hours discover the secrets of the desert. See and hear the stories of plants, animals, and local Aboriginal culture at daily guide presentations. Witness free-flying bird presentations, see rare and endangered animals and discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park .

Go for a bike ride at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Travis Deane)

5. NoTraces Bushwalking Australia, NT and WA

NoTraces Bushwalking Australia was established in Darwin in 2020, but the foundations were conceived back in 2017. NoTraces Bushwalking currently provides small group expeditions to remote areas of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley.

6. TreeTops Adventure, NSW

TreeTops Adventure offers a unique experience high in the treetops at five different locations in NSW. Each park has an amazing array of adventures on offer for people of all ages featuring flying foxes, climbing nets, monkey bridges, and many more. These eco-friendly adventure activities are great for fitness, exhilarating to attempt and gentle on the environment.

Enjoy flying foxes, climbing nets, monkey bridges at TreeTops. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Iris Lodge Alpacas, NSW

The Iris Lodge Alpacas farm experience on the Central Coast appeals to people of all ages. You’ll meet the herd of 60 alpacas to hand feed them their alpaca mix and carrots and spend time meeting the alpacas, interacting with them, and learning their personalities.

Hang out with the resident alpacas. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Werribee Open Range Zoo, Vic

Werribee Open Range Zoo is full of amazing animals living in a wide, open savannah. Discover grazing rhinos, giraffes and zebras, see cheeky monkeys and cheetahs at play and get close to a pride of lions.

See the animals roam around. (Image: Visit Victoria)

9. Phillip Island Nature Parks, Vic

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a self-funded, not-for-profit conservation organisation that delivers ongoing environmental, conservation, research and education programs through the successful operation of its five ecotourism attractions including the iconic Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies and Wild Oceans EcoBoat tours.

The penguin parade is such an amazing sight. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Busselton Jetty, WA

Extending 1.8km over Geographe Bay, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the Underwater Observatory, ride the Jetty Train, or take a scenic walk.

Visit the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty – the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Yanchep National Park, WA

Known as Perth’s natural and cultural meeting place, Yanchep National Park offers daily tours of Crystal Cave, and Aboriginal cultural experiences are available on weekends and public holidays. Enjoy BBQ and picnic facilities, scenic walk trails, koalas, kangaroos and an abundance of other native animals and plants.

12. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, WA

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an internationally recognised nature-based tourism attraction within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park in Western Australia. Featuring a stunning 600-metre walkway that reaches 40 metres above the forest floor into the tingle forest canopy, visitors can enjoy a first-hand experience.

Go 40m up at The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. Dirk Hartog Island, WA

Situated in the pristine World Heritage Area of Shark Bay, Dirk Hartog Island offers its guests one of Australia’s most unique holiday experiences, offering a large array of activities including historical 4WD day tours, self-guided nature walks, snorkelling, marine safaris, watching Australia’s last sunset and much more.

Participate in water activities at Dirk Hartog Island National Park in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Qld

Located on top of Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves is a purpose-built cave, created from scratch to protect the local species of glow worms, Arachnocampa Flava. Unrestricted tourism to glow worm sites has led to drops in local populations, and the sanctuary provides an alternative way to see glow worms without harming wild colonies.

15. Daintree Discovery Centre, Qld

Daintree Discovery Centre is a multi-award-winning interpretive facility that provides a wonderful introduction to the iconic Daintree Rainforest.  With its Canopy Tower, spectacular Aerial Walkway, Bush Tucker Trail, Cassowary Circuit and Jurassic Forest, visitors can explore every level of the rainforest from the ground to the top of the trees.

The Daintree Rainforest is part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

16. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Qld

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a world-first in environmental tourism that takes you on an amazing experience over and deep into Australia’s World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. The Skyrail experience is a must-do attraction spanning 7.5kms over the Daintree.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has a great view of the Daintree. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

17. Paronella Park, Qld

On 14 acres alongside a magnificent waterfall, Jose Paronella built castles, tunnels, fountains, and bridges, as well as his own hydroelectric generator at Paronella Park . He opened his spectacular pleasure garden to the public in 1935.

Paronella Park has been operating since 1935. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

18. Daydream Island, Qld

Following an extensive redevelopment, the Living Reef makes its return to Daydream Island in an even bigger and better capacity than before, with the freeform coral lagoon wrapping 200m around the central building and holding over 1.5 million litres of water. Join the team of marine biologists and over 100 species of marine fish, rays, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

The Living Reef at Daydream Island is a big attraction. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

19. Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Qld

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a voluntary-based, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles. It runs completely on donations from local businesses and the public and a team of volunteers.

20. Capricorn Caves, Qld

Capricorn Caves is an award-winning eco-tourism attraction located just 23km north of Rockhampton. The property offers everything from easy walking with wheelchair access to heart-pumping adventure experiences.

The Cathedral at Capricorn Caves is an amazing place to visit. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emily Murphy found her passion for writing at a young age and knew her future was in travel after she moved overseas solo at 18. Em loves to write about beautiful, under-the-radar destinations and anything that will ignite a desire in more people to explore the vastness and beauty that is Australia. She is a devoted bun mum and in her spare time you'll find her by the sea, reading a good book, binge-watching a TV show or exploring Sydney's dining scene.

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I loved reading about all the many sites to explore normally unspoken. Many of these I will need to explore and immerse myself in nature.

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Editors’ Note: We asked Sally Rodrick, the voice of sustainable travel blog Sally Sees , to give us her insider tips on how to explore Australia without negatively impacting its fragile ecosystem. Below is her guide, from the best eco-friendly lodging to ethical wildlife experiences. All images are hers.

Australia. The Land Down Under, Great Southern Land, Sunburnt Country. However you refer to it, Australia attracts visitors from all over the world with its pristine natural landscapes, unique wildlife and rich living culture. But when visiting, it’s important for travelers to ensure they are treading lightly and not causing harm to the places they visit. The good news is that sustainable tourism in Australia is taken very seriously, and there is no shortage of experiences available for conscious travelers.  Below, we’ll look at accommodations, activities, and tips to explore Australia more sustainably.

• Best Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Australia

Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway or a mountain hideaway, there is a sustainable accommodation option for you in Australia.

If it’s an island you’re after, Wilson Island is a tiny coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The entire island is 100% solar powered, with just nine glamping tents. The island closes between February and April each year to allow the local birds the chance to nest undisturbed, highlighting the resort’s commitment to the local environment and wildlife. Nestled in the New South Wales World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley . This is eco-luxury at its finest, as the entire property is completely carbon neutral. Built on a 1,600-hectare conservation reserve, it gives guests the opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna of the area. 

For an outback experience, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges offers accommodation for all budgets. Explore the unique geology of the sanctuary with knowledgeable guides, 4WD tours, astronomy experiences and bushwalks. If you’re travelling on a budget, there’s not too many accommodation options more sustainable than camping! Camping and caravanning is extremely popular in Australia, and there are thousands of both free and paid campsites all over the country. Get back to basics, use nature’s resources and leave sites as you found them for the ultimate eco-accommodation. Wikicamps Australia is a great place to find a spot to pitch your tent.

• Indigenous Tourism Experiences

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the traditional custodians of the Australian lands. One of the oldest living cultures in the world, these groups have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years. They have a strong connection to the country and rich history of stories, knowledge and traditions to share with visitors. 

No matter where you are in Australia, you can usually find an Indigenous experience. Hunt for bush tucker and learn about the medicinal uses of native plants in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre with Karkke . Explore the breathtaking Kimberley region in Western Australia with its traditional owners on a tour with Kingfisher Tours. Where you will discover rock art and visit a remote Aboriginal community. Or experience the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Accompanied by local Indigenous guides, you will hear Dreamtime stories and learn more about this renowned marine ecosystem. 

Tourism Australia is a great resource to find Aboriginal experiences throughout the country.

• Ethical Australian Wildlife Experiences

Australia is home to a variety of weird and wonderful creatures found nowhere else in the world. Australia’s native animals entice tourists from around the world, and are a memorable part of an Aussie adventure. And the best way to see this wildlife is in the wild! There are opportunities all over Australia to spot animals in the wild. Whilst it’s never possible to guarantee a sighting, here are a few places where your chances are pretty high! 

If it’s kangaroos you’re seeking, you can spot them on the beach at the Cape Hillsborough National Park in Queensland or at Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia. You can also see the namesake marsupials on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. There is a high chance of encountering koalas, echidnas, sea lions and dolphins too at this well-known wildlife destination. Maria Island in Tasmania is considered one of the best places in Australia to see wombats in the wild. And the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is known for its population of koalas, and even the elusive platypus in the Great Otway National Park . 

The Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Western Australia is often forgotten about in favour of its eastern neighbour, the Great Barrier Reef. But Ningaloo is the world’s largest fringing reef and is a fantastic place to see marine life. Each year it plays host to the world’s largest aggregation of whale sharks. On the east coast in Queensland during the cooler months (July – October), Hervey Bay is the best chance to see migrating humpback whales. The area has been declared a Whale Heritage site, and welcomes thousands of whales on their annual journey to and from Antarctica to breed and give birth.

• Finding Sustainable Tourism Experiences

Ecotourism Australia is the country’s leading certification body, assessing a range of tourism products, and even whole destinations, against a set of strict sustainability standards. Their Green Travel Guide is a great place to find tours, attractions and accommodation options that are certified. You can be confident booking these tourism products, knowing they protect the environment, enhance the livelihoods of local communities and reduce emissions and waste.

If you want more than just a sustainable tour, the Port Douglas Daintree region in North Queensland is certified as a sustainable destination . Currently the only eco-certified destination in the country, with a commitment to sustainable practices at the core of its tourism industry. Many other destinations throughout Queensland and New South Wales are in the process of being certified too. Check on the progress of the applicant destinations here .

• Tips for Sustainable Tourism in Australia

Anyone can participate in sustainable tourism in Australia, no matter your travel style or budget. Be aware of the potential impacts you can have on the destinations you visit, and take steps to mitigate them. Here are ten tips to remember for your visit to Australia, to help you be a more sustainable tourist. 

• Make the effort to learn about and understand Australia’s Indigenous culture and heritage 
• Shop, eat and stay local wherever possible to support the communities you visit 
• Say no to single use plastics and pack reusable bags, water bottles, coffee cups and cutlery
• Opt to see wildlife in the wild, not in captive settings
• Leave natural areas as you found them, taking all rubbish away with you 
• Choose eco-certified accommodation and tour operators where possible 
• Be respectful of animals, people and the environment
• Participate in environmental or social events, such as beach clean ups, if you have the time
• Use a reef-safe sunscreen when swimming in Australia’s beaches
• Read and obey all information found in national parks and protected areas across Australia

Sally is the face behind the sustainable budget travel blog, Sally Sees . Sally believes that travel doesn’t need to cost the earth. Both in how much we spend exploring it, and the impact our travels have on it. Find her at sallysees.com and on Instagram @sallysees. She is also featured in our list of 32 Bloggers Leading the Way Toward More Mindful Travel .

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Sustainable Tourism: A Challenge Within Reach

By Patricia Lee

Godfrey (1998) believes that tourism has adopted the notion of sustainability through somesignificant initiatives, such as environmental management practices including the use ofsustainable materials, water and energy-saving, improving waste management and invitingtourists to have a more environmental-friendly attitude. Although, the tourism industry iscomplex as it is composed of different type of businesses and practices that are difficult toregulate.

Introduction In a time when the effects and impacts of climate change are considered a global threat, there are increasing opportunities to encourage more sustainable behaviours towards all forms of activities in the hospitality industry.

Tourism is continuously growing and changing; it is a force for economic growth. The benefits of tourism can be seen in the improvement of livelihoods, the celebration of heritage and cultures around the world. Socio-culturally, tourism provides employment opportunities; economically, it brings revenue generation and continuous earnings – diversifying the economy.

The call for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and consumption is more than ever needed. Reducing the adverse effects of tourism activities alone is more significant than ever and brings the potential to deliver a positive economic, social and environmental outcome. The challenge is to implement the right measures, practical strategies and initiatives to achieve sustainability whilst managing the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental sustainability. Enhancing future sustainability opportunities coupled with reducing the adverse impacts of tourism is a challenging but achievable task.

This article discusses and analyses the concept of sustainable tourism and its significance to achieving sustainable development, while identifying the challenges for governments and society in the adoption of more sustainable practices.Tourism has been considered one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and is recognised as one of the world’s largest and most active industries (WTTC 2009; WTO 2012, Cooper et al 2005). Its strong links to development and its impact on the economy make it the primary income source for many developed and developing countries. Considering that some of the most important economic tourism is regarded as a critical driver for socio-economic progress and a contributor to accelerated development. The tourism sector comprises a wide range of industries ranging from accommodation and transportation to food and beverage, retail, culture, sports and recreation (Cukier, 2002). Comparing the GDP growth by sector, in 2018, travel and tourism are placed behind manufacturing with a staggering 3.9% growth (WTTC, 2019).

Tourism has many positive socio-economic impacts; nonetheless, the rapid growth of the tourism industry and its activities has brought numerous adverse effects particularly on the environment. Unplanned and uncontrolled tourism growth is a cause of environmental degradation; for example, some of the adverse effects on the environment are waste generation, water and energy shortages, degradation of water supplies and ecosystems due to weak and poorly enforced environmental regulations associated with tourism. Yet, tourism itself is dependent on the natural environment and cultural heritage of a place, therefore, to minimise any negative impacts that may arise from tourism activities, more sustainable practices should be enforced.

In 1972, the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE) produced a plan for the environment and laid the foundation for the Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The Conference addressed sustainable development for the first time, declaring that issues like population growth, developing economies, and technological & industrial advancements also have a negative impact on the environment (UN, 2019).

In 1983, during the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) – The Brundtland Commission discussed and developed the link between environmental protection and sustainable development. By 1987, the Commission had published ‘Our Common Future’ which defined sustainable development: Sustainable development is development, “ that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ” (WCED, 1987). The report had considerable impact and influence on governments, international organisations, NGOs, and industries including tourism, communities and academics. Moreover, the report identified the components to sustainable development: environmental protection, economic growth and social equity (UN, 2018).

Considering the great economic, social and cultural impact of the tourism activity, it is then indispensable to achieve a balance between rapid development and the pursuit for sustainability.

The concept of sustainable development has become widely accepted as a theoretical concept (Counsell, 1998). Sustainable development is defined by the United Nations (2019) as the “ development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ” continuing to use the WCED definition years on.

Godfrey (1998) believes that tourism has adopted the notion of sustainability through some significant initiatives, such as environmental management practices including the use of sustainable materials, water and energy-saving, improving waste management and inviting tourists to have a more environmental-friendly attitude. Although, the tourism industry is complex as it is composed of different type of businesses and practices that are difficult to regulate.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (WTO, 2001) defines sustainable tourism as:” Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems. “

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2019) refers to the three interconnected aspects/pillars of sustainable tourism: environmental, socio-cultural and economic.1) The environmental aspect. This refers to the use of a range of natural resources, for example, the destination’s clean air, land and water. Other resources include natural forests, mountains and wildlife; also, the built environment such as buildings and structures, villages and towns infrastructure regarded as cultural heritage.2) The socio-cultural aspect. Meaning the positive or negative impacts of other cultures upon the host community. If the strength of the local society and culture is not strong enough, or the host population has a low level of economic and social development, the impacts of tourism may have a negative impact.3) The socio-economic aspect. Considers the economic growth a result of tourism activities, such as the creation of jobs, the injection of income to the local economy, the growth of local businesses, infrastructure development and foreign direct investment. The economic side of tourism includes the appropriate use of resources, including biological diversity, minimisation of ecological, cultural and social impacts.

Ramukumba et al. (2017) describe the numerous types of environmental impacts derived from the implications of a large volume of tourists such as waste generation, energy and water consumption. Engaging in environmental practices to protect, preserve, care and maintain the natural environment could potentially minimise the challenge of making tourisma sustainable activity. Better management and control of natural areas is needed, the reduction of over-consumption and waste, respect of ecological limits and scientific research is required (Ramgulam, et al. 2013). According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (2019), sustainable tourism should:- Make optimal use of environmental resources- Respect the socio-cultural authenticity- Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders.

It has been suggested by Niedziólka (2012) that the interdependency of tourism and the environment needs to be acknowledged and to succeed, it needs to be economically viable without presenting a threat to the resources on which the future of tourism will depend. Tourism needs to be integrated to the environment and not the opposite.

This is supported by Bramwell and Lane (2012) who emphasise that evidence shows that tourism is becoming less sustainable, and there is “limited progress towards implementing more environmentally friendly operations on a global scale”. Hence, the development of policies that encourage society to adopt sustainable practices is critical. For tourism, the socio-cultural sustainability is achievable by minimising the negative impacts of tourism and focusing on promoting cultural exchange and preserving the local traditions and cultural heritage. Environmental protection becomes indispensable.

For tourism to be more economically sustainable, more needs to be done to balance the use of resources. Making tourism ventures sustainable means contributing to the local community, sharing the financial benefits from tourism. Moreover, Bramwell & Lane (2010) suggest that for tourism to be more economically sustainable, more needs to be done to balance the use of resources. Making tourism ventures sustainable means contributing to the local community, sharing the financial benefits from tourism. Adopting sustainable tourism practices is a significant improvement to the competitiveness and sustainability of a tourism destination.

Conclusion Governments around the world need a better implementation of international, national and local sustainable strategies to address sustainable tourism. Cooperation between government, tourism industry, consumers and local communities is indispensable to avoid adverse effects on the environment. Current travel behaviour is unsustainable. Reducing the environmental impact of tourism is not an easy task. More needs to be done to encourage and sustain individual behavioural change and promote the adoption of sustainable travel choices. Tourism is a resource-dependent industry; as such, it must recognise its responsibility for protecting and improving the natural environment. Identifying alternative ways to encourage changes in travel behaviour is crucial. In order for sustainable tourism to succeed, the continuous monitoring of tourism impacts, as well as the imposition of both preventative andcorrective measures become indispensable.

References Beioley, S., (1995). ‘Green Tourism: Soft or Sustainable? ‘Insights, B, 75-89Berry, S. and A. Ladkin, (1997). ‘Sustainable Tourism: A Regional Perspective’, TourismManagement, 18(7) 433–40.Böhler S., S. Grischkat, S. Haustein, M. Hunecke, (2006). Encouraging environmentallysustainable holiday travel, Transportation Research Part A, 40, 656-670.Bramwell, B. and B. Lane (2010). Sustainable tourism: An evolving global approach, Journalof Sustainable Tourism, 1, 1-5.Brown, M., (1994). ‘Environmental Auditing and the Hotel Industry: An accountant’s view’, in A.V.Seaton et al. (eds), Tourism: The State of the Art, Chichester: Wiley, 675–81.Cater, E., (1995). ‘Environmental Contradictions in Sustainable Tourism’ The Geographical Journal, 161(1), 21–8.Counsell, D., (1998). ‘Sustainable Development and Structure Plans in England and Wales: A Review of Current Practice’, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 41(2), 177– 94.Cukier, J. (2002). Tourism employment issues in developing countries: Examples from Indonesia. In R. Sharpley, & D. J. Telfer (Eds.), Tourism and development, concepts and issues, 165–201Liu, C. H., Tzeng, G. H., Lee, M. H., & Lee, P. Y. (2013). Improving metro–airport connectionservice for tourism development: Using hybrid MCDM models. Tourism Management Perspectives, 6, 95.Mikiki, F. and P. Papaioannou (2012). Investigating pro-environmental and active travelbehaviour for successful sustainable travel promotion, Procedia – Social and BehaviouralSciences 48, 1424 – 1433.Niedziólka, I. (2012). Sustainable Tourism Development, Alcide De Gasperi University ofEuroregional Economy in Józefów, 210, 219.Ramukumba, T. and W. Ferreira (2017). Sustainable tourism: a view from guest houses in the Eden District municipality, African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6 (1), 1- 11.Sofonov, B. (2017). Impact of sustainable tourism in the travel industry. Annals of SpiruHaret University Economic Series, 4, 85-94.Williams, D.G., F. Spotswood, G. Parkhurst, T. Chatterton (2019). Practice ecology ofsustainable travel: The importance of institutional policy-making processes beyond thetraveller, Transportation Research Part F, 62, 740 – 756.WCED. (1987). Our common future. Oxford: Oxford University Press.World Tourism Organisation (2001). The concept of sustainable tourism. Retrieved from: http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/concepts.htm List of Figures:Figure 1. https://www.unwto.org/data Figure 2. https://www.bhutantourismsociety.com/sustainable-tourism/ Figure 3 and 4. http://www.destinationsustainability.com/blog/2017/8/12/wbcgwcb4enuio8zri8onkfcvh8g4hf Recommended reading:Howarth, C.C. and P. Polyviou (2012). Sustainable travel behaviour and the widespreadimpacts on the local economy, Local Economy 27 (7) 764 – 781.Editorial. Understanding behavioural change: An international perspective on sustainabletravel behaviours and their motivations (2013). Transport Policy 26, 1-3.Robbins, D., J. Brackstone and J. Dickinson (2011). Planning approaches to achieve a moresustainable travel industry for tourism in the UK – a case study, 11 (3), 320 – 333.Bruns-Smith, A. and V. Choy (2015). Environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry:Best practices, guest participation, and customer satisfaction, Cornell Hospitality Report, 15(3), 6 -16. Recommended Web:“6 Ways to Be a More Sustainable Traveler” Costas Christ, National GeographicAvailable from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/sustainable-travel-tips/ “40 Green Travel Tips (The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel”)Green Global TravelAvailable from: https://greenglobaltravel.com/green-travel-tips-ultimate-guide-sustainable-travel/ “The Five Commandments of Sustainable Travel”The UpsiderAvailable from: https://theupsider.com.au/sustainable-travel-guide/10280 “Sustainable Travel: A guide to understanding your impact on the environment and how toreduce it”The Globe and MailAvailable from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-sustainable-travel-a-guide-to-understanding-your-impact-on-the/ “Global and Regional Tourism Performance”UNWTO Tourism DashboardAvailable from: https://www.unwto.org/global-and-regional-tourism-performance “Sustaining Tourism’Resources for a Global Sustainable Futurehttps://sustainabletourism.net/ “Sustainable Travel International”Available from: https://sustainabletravel.org/about-us/

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As the peak body for ecotourism and sustainable tourism we connect, champion, inspire and inform through strategic partnerships and global best practice standards.

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Ecotourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. As the peak body for ecotourism and sustainable tourism we connect, champion, inspire and inform through strategic partnerships and global best practice standards.

We’re 100% committed to supporting eco and sustainable tourism.

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We work with trust, transparency and best practice standards and we help our certified operators and members create better experiences through ethical and sustainable operations and destinations.

We respect and advocate for global best practice standards and recognition of culture and we champion our operators, our team, and our sector.

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“Our Advanced Ecotourism Certification has been like a badge of honour for our Australian businesses. It is a sign to all our stakeholders that we are always actively taking steps to minimise our footprint and treading lightly in the beautiful but fragile areas we operate in.”

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“We were starting our journey, so we needed to get a snapshot of where we were at and then try and work out where we wanted to be. Using Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard was a really good way to stop and measure what we were good at and identify the areas we needed to improve on.”

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“Certification has set us apart from the many operators in Cairns. Clients are booking us because they want to support like-minded businesses. This planet is our only hope and we need to look after it.  We use our business to educate our clients on the importance of being sustainable. In 2023 we showcased our practices to over 5000 people. “

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Australia Sustainable Tourism Destinations Travel Guide

Welcome to our guide on sustainable vacation spots in Australia. With a growing focus on environmentally conscious travel , we’ve put together a list of top destinations that prioritise sustainability without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether you’re an eco-tourism enthusiast or simply looking for guilt-free travel, Australia has plenty of options for you.

From stunning landscapes to unique wildlife, Australia offers a diverse range of sustainable tourism destinations. By choosing to visit these eco-friendly places, you can ensure that your travel has a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Key Takeaways

• Australia offers a range of sustainable vacation spots for environmentally conscious travellers .
• By choosing to visit eco-tourism destinations, you can leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
• Our guide highlights some of the top sustainable places to visit and sustainable tourism activities available in Australia.

Responsible Tourism in Australia

As travellers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable tourism has increased. Fortunately, Australia has numerous sustainable tourism initiatives to promote responsible travel. By implementing sustainable travel tips during your trip, you can be a part of these initiatives and help protect the natural beauty of Australia for generations to come.

One of the most important sustainable tourism initiatives in Australia is protecting the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a diverse range of marine life. Visitors can support this initiative by taking eco-friendly tours that educate them on the importance of reef conservation.

Another important initiative is supporting the conservation of indigenous land and culture. By visiting indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses, travellers can learn about the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples while supporting their local economies.

When it comes to sustainable travel tips , there are numerous ways to travel more responsibly. Consider using public transport or renting eco-friendly vehicles instead of driving alone. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations, such as those powered by solar energy or constructed of sustainable materials. Also, be mindful of your waste and try to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible during your trip.

Ultimately, responsible tourism in Australia is about preserving the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations. By supporting sustainable tourism initiatives and implementing sustainable travel tips , you can enjoy the beauty of Australia guilt-free.

Top Sustainable Places to Visit in Australia

When it comes to sustainable tourism, Australia has no shortage of options. From stunning natural landscapes to exciting cities, there are plenty of eco-tourism destinations to choose from.

One of the top sustainable places to visit in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is not only a breathtaking sight to behold, but it also has numerous initiatives in place to protect the delicate ecosystem. Visitors can participate in eco-friendly tours and learn about the reef’s conservation efforts.

Another must-visit eco-tourism destination is Kangaroo Island. This idyllic location is home to a diverse range of wildlife and boasts a commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly accommodations and participate in conservation activities, such as rehabilitating injured animals.

For those looking for a city break, Sydney is a top choice for eco-tourism. The city has numerous sustainable initiatives in place, such as solar-powered ferries and eco-friendly accommodations. Visitors can also explore Sydney’s beautiful parks and beaches, which prioritize sustainability and protection of the environment.

When planning a sustainable trip to Australia, these top eco-tourism destinations are a great place to start. Whether exploring the Great Barrier Reef or relaxing on Kangaroo Island, visitors can enjoy guilt-free travel while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

Sustainable Tourism Activities in Australia

Australia offers a plethora of sustainable tourism activities for travelers to enjoy while minimizing their environmental impact. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant Great Barrier Reef or hiking through the stunning Blue Mountains, there are plenty of eco-friendly travel destinations in Australia .

One great way to experience Australia’s natural beauty sustainably is through eco-friendly tours. These tours prioritize responsible travel practices, such as using environmentally friendly transportation and supporting local conservation efforts. For example, the Kiana Lodge in Western Australia offers a range of eco-friendly tours, from whale watching to indigenous bush tucker experiences.

Travellers can also get involved in conservation projects to help preserve Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. The Wildlife Conservation & Care Program in Queensland allows visitors to participate in activities such as wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration. Through these initiatives, travellers can learn about Australia’s conservation efforts while contributing to them.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, eco-tourism destinations such as the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland or the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia offer opportunities for sustainable outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore Australia’s diverse natural landscapes while supporting local conservation efforts.

Overall, there are endless possibilities for sustainable tourism activities in Australia. By making conscious choices and supporting eco-friendly travel destinations, travellers can experience the best that Australia has to offer while protecting its unique environment for future generations.

Travelling sustainably is more important now than ever before. By making environmentally conscious choices throughout our trips, we can help protect the planet and its resources for future generations to come.

In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the top sustainable tourism destinations in Australia. From eco-tourism hotspots to conservation areas, there is something for everyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free vacation.

Remember, when planning your next trip, consider visiting one of these sustainable destinations in Australia. By doing so, you can contribute to a better future for our planet and enjoy a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

Thank you for reading our Australia sustainable tourism destinations travel guide, and we hope it inspires you to make more sustainable choices when travelling.

Q: What is sustainable tourism?

A: Sustainable tourism refers to the practice of visiting and enjoying tourist destinations in a way that has a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. It involves making conscious choices to minimize the negative effects of tourism and maximize the benefits for local communities and the planet.

Q: Why is sustainable tourism important?

A: Sustainable tourism is important because it helps preserve natural and cultural resources, supports local communities, and promotes responsible travel practices. By traveling sustainably, we can protect the environment, support the livelihoods of local residents, and ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of tourist destinations.

Q: How can I practice sustainable tourism?

A: There are many ways to practice sustainable tourism. Some tips include choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, minimizing waste and energy consumption, respecting local cultures and traditions, and participating in conservation activities or tours. By making conscious choices and being mindful of the impact of your actions, you can contribute to sustainable tourism.

Q: Are there sustainable tourism destinations in Australia?

A: Yes, Australia is home to several sustainable tourism destinations. From eco-lodges in the rainforest to wildlife conservation projects and eco-tours, there are plenty of options for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Australia while minimizing their environmental impact.

Q: How can I find sustainable tourism destinations in Australia?

A: You can find sustainable tourism destinations in Australia by doing research online, consulting travel guides or sustainable tourism directories, and seeking recommendations from fellow travellers or eco-conscious organizations. Look for places that prioritize sustainability, promote environmental conservation, and support local communities.

You may also like to learn about Green Building in Australia

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Sustainable Tourism Toolkit

A how-to guide to help Australian tourism businesses become more sustainable.

Sustainability is essential to the future success of every tourism business. Being sustainable can benefit businesses in the visitor economy by:

• reducing costs and improving profitability
• protecting Australia’s natural and cultural assets by reducing carbon emissions
• making businesses more resilient as they adapt to climate change
• improving reputation and relationships with customers, staff, local communities and suppliers.

The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit has clear and simple advice to help tourism businesses become more sustainable. Nationally agreed, it is applicable for small to medium-sized tourism businesses across Australia. 

Tourism data shows that 74% of travellers are looking for more sustainable options (Source: Booking.com,  Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2023 ). The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit helps small to medium-sized tourism businesses respond to this consumer demand. 

The toolkit is an easy-to-read guide about: 

• why businesses should embrace sustainability
• taking a managed approach to sustainability
• respecting culture
• creating positive social impact
• environmental and climate action in tourism
• promoting a business’s sustainability story.

The toolkit was produced by:

• Austrade in cooperation with Tourism Australia and all state and territory governments
• EarthCheck, a world-leading certification and advisory organisation for sustainable tourism.

The Australian Government, and state and territory governments participated through an Australian Standing Committee on Tourism (ASCOT) working group. Austrade leads ASCOT.

A simplified  online version of the Sustainable Tourism Toolkit  has also been produced in partnership with business.gov.au.

Learn more about the toolkit by watching  videos of our sustainability training webinars (YouTube) . 

For more information about the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy, email visitoreconomy@austrade.gov.au .

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The best sustainable and luxurious eco-resorts around australia.

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What makes holidaying in Australia so magical is the beautiful landscapes and natural environments. But living in an era of extreme climate crisis , we do need to look after our surroundings if we want them to be there for us. And that means choosing eco-friendly accommodation as much as we can.

Whether it’s off-grid tiny homes or bubbles under the stars , there are so many holiday spots in Australia that are continuing to find new ways to be sustainable, and we think it’s time we showed them some love.

These are our favourite eco-resorts in Australia:

The very best of The Latch delivered straight to your inbox.

Bamurru Plains, NT

If you’re into immersive eco-experiences that get you up close and personal with your surroundings, then you’ll love the safari bungalows at Bamurru Plains. Situated on a 300-sqm private buffalo station, waking up to the sounds of buffalo wading will become ritualistic .

A connection to the land is heightened by the lack of technology: there’s no TVs, no mobile reception, and no Wi-Fi. It’s just you in your mesh-clad bungalow, which is decked out with natural cottons and linens.

Located in a remote part of the Northern Territory, all the activities at Bamurru Plains revolve around the spectacular landscape. You get your choice of activities like airboat rides across the floodplains, crocodile-spotting river cruises and open-top 4WD safari drives. Bamurru Plains is a three-hour drive or 30-minute scenic flight from Darwin Airport.

Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

Karijini Eco Retreat is an eco-conscious, 100% Aboriginal owned campground. Surrounded by staggering gorges, waterfalls and natural plunge pools, there are a number of accommodation options nestled in the beautiful natural bushland, including deluxe eco-tents for a spot of glamping and eco-cabins powered totally by solar energy.

The best way to see this part of Australia is to walk, so back those walking boots and properly discover Joffre Gorge, with its dramatic waterfall and incredible views. 

Freycinet Resort, TAS

These beautiful eco-accredited cabins is the only way to stay inside Tasmania’s famous Freycinet National Park. It’s tucked away on the shores of Coles Bay, with the pink-hued granite peaks of The Hazard Mountains and Wineglass Bay only a short drive away. This is a holiday with a little more luxury, with elegant rooms, the option of a Spa Cabin with water views, and even a Coastal Pavilion offering, that comes with its own private outdoor bath. 

Daintree Ecolodge and Spa, QLD

Here, we have a luxury eco treehouse, deep in the historical and World-Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. You won’t be totally alone, as the ecolodge boasts 15 eco-friendly treehouse spaces, some with hot tubs on the balcony for that little bit of extra steam. The resort produces its own renewable energy, offsets its emissions, uses recycled water and composts its green scraps. It sits within an especially beautiful part of Queensland as you’re also right near the coast and The Great Barrier Reef, making the vacation activities endless.

Paperbark Camp, NSW

It’s a safari-inspired wilderness journey turned glampsite, just two hours outside of Sydney. Paperbark Camp takes glamping to a new level, with glamorous tents that are complete with ensuite bathrooms and freestanding bathtubs, serving up a camping experience in true comfort.

Family-owned by a couple who fell in love with Africa and wanted to bring their experience to Australia 20 years ago, the camp operates as sustainably as possible , with solar-powered tents, natural ventilation, dual flush toilets, rainwater used where possible, and a mission not a disrupt the natural wildlife in the area.

The site is Advanced Ecotourism-certified and is a pioneering property in Australian glamping.

Elysian Retreat, QLD

Right on the edge of the ocean in the pristine Whitsundays, this luxurious eco-accommodation is made up of 10 stylishly appointed island villas with ocean, mountain and rainforest views.

Crafted from solid Australian hardwood with high cathedral ceilings, large windows and private balconies with uninterrupted water views, you can read a book in the hammock, daydream on the daybed, or soak up the sunshine in the outdoor showers or mineral resort pool.

This is the perfect place to relax and recharge while being surrounded by nature. The entire resort is run purely on battery and solar power with clean, quiet, sustainable energy, proving that luxuries need not be sacrificed in the search for sustainability. 

Capella Lodge, NSW

Inspired by the carefree spirit of our Australian beach holidays, Capella Lodge has nine island suites, designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment. You have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and towering twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, perfectly paired with spacious, light-filled interiors that feature king beds, custom furnishings, artworks and private decks.

Capella Lodge is focused on sustainability, and the resort has a vocal and deep appreciation for its surroundings. There’s a solar power system and the lodge uses green energy ethanol to fuel contemporary EcoSmart fires which heat both public areas and in-suite fireplaces.

Their water management is especially impressive, capturing around 75% of all their water needs in rainwater tanks, with a total storage of 290,000 litres supplied by regular rainfall and harvested from the lodge roof. 

Sal Salis, WA

Where the outback meets the reef, this is Sal Salis. The perfect Australian combination is found at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; an exclusive beach safari camp nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth.

Each of the fifteen eco-luxe wilderness tents offers views of the surrounding bush, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the fringing Ningaloo Reef. Your days can be spent relaxing in your tent’s hammock, paddling in the warm ocean waters, or swimming alongside the majestic whale sharks and the magnificent humpback whales.

Almost 100% of the camp’s power is generated by the sun through solar panels, the linen is supplied by EcoDownUnder, which is organic cotton and chemical-free, and water is restricted to 20 litres per person to help protect the Reef.

Emirates One&Only, NSW

Beautiful freestanding villas, each complete with cosy fireplaces, private pools, and picturesque verandas designed to immerse you in the atmospheric Blue Mountains surroundings. Here, you can truly switch off, with a fully-inclusive experience of gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner included in your stay.

As an accommodation location, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has developed extensive Sustainability and Conservation plans that guides all facets of the resort’s operations, with the aim of restoring the landscape and environment back to what it was prior to European settlement in the early 1800s.

They have minimal waste, utilise green and solar energy, provide local and sustainably sourced food, drinks and amenities, conserve water and use carbon-neutral transportation. 

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, QLD

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas. Deluxe eco-accommodation options are sensitively positioned amongst the resort’s 145-acre property, designed as treehouse-style bungalows that look over the forestry and out across the coast.

They offer heaps of complimentary experiences like nature and wildlife walks, star-gazing nights, and specialist talks from local experts. They also have a beautiful treetop restaurant, Ospreys.

Thala has an advanced eco-certification by successfully implementing sustainable practises for 21 years, and currently offer a reforestation program that educates and encourages eco-warriors of the future.

Alkina Lodge, VIC

The modern digs at the Alkina Lodge on the Great Ocean Road are designed to accommodate families looking to recharge and reconnect with nature. Recently, the lodge announced the installation of solar and wind power to supply all energy for the property that sits on 100 acres in the bush.

There is no air conditioning, all rainwater is harvested and stored, and an organic vegetable garden supplies meals for guests. What’s more, vegetable waste is composted, organic honey bees are kept on site, and manager Cindy is a registered wildlife carer.

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