20 ECO-certified attractions around Australia

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.

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)

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)

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.