20 ECO-certified attractions around Australia

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens. (Image: VisitCanberra)
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.

A campfire at Bendleby Ranges. (Image: Isaac Forman)
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. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)
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.

Visitors mountain biking to Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.<br /><br />Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay.(Image: Tourism NT and Travis Deane)
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.

Children enjoying the action at TreeTops Adventure Park, Abbotsbury in Sydney's south west. (Image: Destination NSW)
Enjoy flying foxes, climbing nets, monkey bridges at TreeTops. (Image: Destination NSW)

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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.

Resident alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby. (Image: Destination NSW)
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.

Rhinos roaming around at Werribee Open range Zoo.(Image: Visit Victoria)
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.

iconic Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)
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.

Aerial view of Busselton Jetty. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
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.

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
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.

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

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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.

A boardwalk over a creek at the Daintree Discovery Centre Jurrassic Forest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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)
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.

Couple walking through Kauri trees at Paronella Park (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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.

An aerial shot of Daydream Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
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.

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

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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7 Kimberley experiences that need to be on your bucket list

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

    Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

    From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

    Why Silversea?

    Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

    Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

    silversea cruise ship pool deck
    Take a dip in the pool deck.

    1. Koolama Bay

    ​​Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

    Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

    King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise
    Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

    2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

    Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

    Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

    welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise
    Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

    Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

    The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

    aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise.
    Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    4. Horizontal Falls

    Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

    With each tidal shift,  the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

    Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide.
    Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    5. Montgomery Reef

    As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

    The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel,  turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

    Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

    aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef
    Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

    6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

    Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

    One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions, guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

    Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

    aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion
    See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

    The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

    Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

    Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

    Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys
    Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

    20 ECO-certified attractions around Australia - Australian Traveller