26 ECO-certified tours around Australia

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

When organising our travel, ensuring that we leave the area as good (or better) than before is so important. And nobody knows the environment better than the locals, which is why tours are such a great, hassle-free way to see the sights.

We’ve found the top ECO-certified tours in Australia that not only take the stress out of planning for you but are also proven to take sustainability seriously. 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 attractions and accommodations in another article to help you round out your sustainable travel options.

1. AAT Kings – Inspiring Journeys

Discover ancient cultures and rugged destinations with the guiding hand of an expert at Inspiring Journeys. It offers the perfect balance of freedom from the stress of holiday planning, and just enough flexibility to shape your journey with a choice of optional experiences.

2. Coral Expeditions

As an Australian eco-accredited expedition cruise line, Coral Expeditions take small groups of eco-aware travellers to the most beautiful and remote destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean Islands.

3. Trek Tasmania, Tas

Trek Tasmania is a boutique tour company focused on taking small groups onto the paths less travelled and into the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness. Their specialty is offering quality, deep immersion wilderness experiences, and their commitment is to sustainable eco-tourism principles.

The Overland Track is an Australian bushwalking track, traversing Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It's walked by more than nine thousand people each year, with numbers limited in the warmer months (Image: Tayla Gentle) — Trekking through Tasmania is the best way to see it. (Image: Tayla Gentle)

4. Moonshadow Cruises, NSW

With vessels operating from Port Stephens Harbour, Moonshadow Cruises offer a range of scheduled cruises and private charter options. In port or at sea, for whale or dolphin watching, lunch or dinner, corporate events, birthdays, weddings or Christmas parties.

Couple enjoying a dolphin watching cruise with Moonshadow Cruises in Port Stephens. (Image: Destination NSW) — Spot a dolphin on a Moonshadow Cruise. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Elixir Journeys, Central Coast, NSW

At Elixir Journeys, they are all about private and small-group nature-based experiences that will engage the senses, hyper-local products with low-carbon impact and great hosts. All of the experiences are crafted with attention to detail, love, and little luxury touches, and ensure just the right balance of activity and relaxation.

6. Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Vic

On the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, everything is taken care of. The only job is to put one foot in front of the other. They’ll show you the way, carry all the extras on their back and point out natural features. Plus, you’ll get scrumptious lunches, daypacks and walking sticks, cool lemonade and soothing foot baths at the end of each walk. Return each evening to the private eco-lodge where you’ll be served gourmet meals complemented by local wines and beers.

The Twelve Apostles at sunset (Image: Visit Victoria) — The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is the ultimate tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

7. Flinders Ranges Odysseys, SA

Tour guides from Flinders Ranges Odysseys, a sister company to Kangaroo Island Odysseys have the same passion for the outback of South Australia as they do for Kangaroo Island. When touring with Flinders Ranges Odysseys tour guides, you won’t believe the incredible mountain range spanning 430 kilometres, its ancient landscapes, significant aboriginal heritage, and its pioneering history.

8. SA Eco Tours, SA

Discover one of the world’s oldest landscapes, the vast areas of unspoilt wilderness, unique wildlife and rich traditional aboriginal culture that is Outback South Australia. Taking small group eco safaris to the Flinders Ranges and the Yorke Peninsula, SA Eco Tours offers high-end private charters and special interest groups. SA Eco Tours offers authentic encounters, allows maximum freedom and has the utmost respect for the environment, nature and local people.

9. Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures, SA

Having seen and experienced the island from both land and sea with its unspoilt beaches, breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife, Kangaroo Island Marine Tours can provide you with an insight into the true beauty of Kangaroo Island.

Dolphin jumping. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission) — See a dolphin at Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

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10. Untamed Escapes, SA and WA

Untamed Escapes connects travellers from all walks of life with adventure, wildlife, wellness and epicurean experiences in nature. Guided by the region’s most passionate storytellers, the small group and exclusive private tours roam over two-thirds of untamed Australia in the regions between Perth and Adelaide.

A 4WD on Untamed Escapes. (Image: Riley M Williams) — Roam over two-thirds of untamed Australia. (Image: Riley M Williams)

11. HeliSpirit, WA and NT

Multi-award-winning HeliSpirit operates a fleet of helicopters at key locations across the Kimberley including Kununurra, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle) and Mitchell Falls, as well as Katherine Gorge and Karratha. Take to the air to discover the awe-inspiring landscapes with a scenic flight or an extended Luxury Helicopter Safari.

Helicopter at the Cockburn Ranges, Gibb River Road (Image: Tourism Western Australia) — Take a scenic flight with HeliSpirit. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Margaret River Discovery Co, WA

The Margaret River Discovery Company offers personalised tours, hosted by expert local guide Sean Blocksidge and his luxury 4WD on a wine and scenic tour that takes you behind the tourist facade, away from the masses to discover people and places you won’t find on your own.

13. Lombadina Tours, WA

Set amidst a tropical oasis, Lombadina offers accommodation that gives you an opportunity to share community life, escape the harsh elements of the Kimberley and time to enjoy one of the most beautiful swimming beaches in the world.

Fishing with Aboriginal tour guide at Lombadina. (Image: Tourism Western Australia) — Go fishing with an Aboriginal tour guide at Lombadina. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. Ningaloo Whaleshark n Dive, WA

Ningaloo Whaleshark n Dive provides tours and activities for guests of all ages and fitness levels to experience the Ningaloo Reef. The tours include an Interaction swim with a Whalesharks day tour, Swim with Humpback whale tours and the lovely relaxing Humpback sunset tour.

Female swimming with a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) at Ningaloo Marine Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia) — Go swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

15. Alice Springs Helicopters, NT

Alice Springs Helicopters offer a broad range of scenic flights and private charters, over Alice Springs township, East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Old Telegraph Station, Mt Gillen, Heavitree Gap, and Simpsons Gap, just to mention a few. All flights showcase the amazing natural landscapes of the Red Centre region and are available daily.

A visitor aboard a helicopter tour over Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura) — Alice Springs Helicopters offer a broad range of scenic flights. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura)

16. Nitmiluk Tours, NT

Consisting of 13 separate gorges, Nitmiluk Gorge is a maze of waterways sculpted from the sandstone over countless millennia by the Katherine River. Nitmiluk Tours is the specialist agent offering a great variety of tours that allow you to immerse yourself in the history, rugged beauty and culture of this majestic region.

Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Charlie Bliss)

17. Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, NT

Mt Borradaile is a registered Aboriginal sacred site nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment. From floodplains to savannah woodlands, Davidson’s Arnehmland Safaris focus is on sustainable tourism showcasing the pristine natural environment and local indigenous culture of the Amurdak people.

A couple enjoying a tour with Davidson's Arnhemland safaris (Image: Tourism Australia and James Fisher) — Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris at Mt Borradaile is a registered aboriginal sacred site nestled against the Arnhem Land escarpment. (Image: Tourism Australia and James Fisher)

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18. Venture North Safaris, NT

Venture North offer guided micro-group 4WD tours from Darwin in the Northern Territory. Catering to the higher end of the touring market they specialise in taking guests off the beaten track in style. Touring routes included Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine but also the more remote area such as the Kimberley and Arnhem Land.

Venture into Arnhem Land and be immersed in Aboriginal culture on Venture North's 4 Day Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour. (Image: Tourism NT and James Fisher) — Venture into Arnhem Land and be immersed in Aboriginal culture on Venture North’s 4 Day Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour. (Image: Tourism NT and James Fisher)

19. Northern Territory Indigenous Tours, NT

Northern Territory Indigenous Tours offers an expert interpretation of the Top End’s natural and cultural environment from an Aboriginal viewpoint. Experience inspiration, education and adventure in comfort and safety on the owner, guide and former park ranger, Tess Atie’s rugged and beautiful country.

20. Kimberley Quest, WA

Kimberley Quest is a luxury cruise company operating a range of extended wilderness expeditions along the stunning Kimberley coast, cruising between Broome and Darwin. With a maximum of 18 guests, you will cruise in complete comfort and luxury on Kimberley Quest II, a 25-metre vessel custom-designed for relaxing and exploring.

21. Great Adventures Green Island Cruises, Qld

From Cairns, Great Adventures operates ecotourism-based cruises to tropical Green Island, which is also home to the eco-sensitive Green Island Resort. With Great Adventures, you can choose from full and half-day trips to Green Island.

Great Adventures runs daily cruises to tropical Green Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

22. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Qld

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the ultimate eco-adventure for the traveller that enjoys experiencing wildlife in a natural setting. This award-winning attraction offers an activity-packed day with crocodile cruises and an array of wildlife presentations.

Aerial view of crocodile feeding from the boat cruise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Feeding time… (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

23. Saltwater Eco Tours, Qld

Operating on the peaceful waterways of the Mooloolah River, Saltwater Eco Tours is the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast. Combining Indigenous culture, maritime history, and live music, and surrounded by the beauty of the coastline and ocean in view, Saltwater Eco Tours truly captures the essence of the Sunshine Coast.

Group enjoying bush tucker inspired catering. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Enjoy the delicious catering with a bush twist. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

24. Ocean Safari Cape Tribulation, Qld

Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating 25-minute ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. This half-day eco-tour visits two different snorkel destinations, Mackay and Undine Reefs, each with an extraordinary array of marine life, turtles and coral species.

Ocean Safari Tour at Mackay Cay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Do you know the difference between an island and a sand cay? (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

25. Sailaway, Qld

Sailaway sets off from Port Douglas and sets the highest level of nature experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. Offering first-class service, small numbers of guests, premium sailing and snorkelling experiences to Low Isles and Mackay/Undine Coral Cays.

Outer Reef Tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — The day trip from Port Douglas is dreamy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

26. Ocean Freedom – Cairns Premier Reef and Island Tours, Qld

Ocean Freedom provides a first-class way to experience the Great Barrier Reef without the crowds. Ocean Freedom is the only boat in Cairns offering a full 6 hours on the reef, meaning there’s absolutely no rush in the day. Experience an adventure drift snorkel tour and jump on board for an informative glass bottom boat tour.

The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

Many Sydneysiders head to the Southern Highlands in spring for the tulips. It’s one of the most stunning spring carnivals in Australia. But the ones in the know come to Bowral in winter.

The first thing you notice at this time of year is the quality of the light. It catches the tangled limbs of the gums and tints the fields, farms and forests a pretty shade of Granny Smith green. And then, a world-class art museum, an impressive network of walking trails, great shops, cosy restaurants and bars and luxury accommodation take centre stage, making Bowral a place you want to linger as the mercury drops.

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, a Bowral winter getaway is the coolcation city folk desperately need. Here are eight reasons to pack a good coat and head for the Southern Highlands.

1. Check in

aerial of Ardour Milton Park Bowral in winter — Check in to the gorgeous Ardour Milton Park Bowral. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Ardour Milton Park Bowral rises like a hologram in the hazy green light as you turn onto Horderns Road. A $10 million refurbishment of the grand 1910 estate was completed in early 2026, and the beautifully restored hotel now includes 44 guest rooms washed in sage green, cobalt blue and dusty blush. The dining room at Horderns Restaurant continues with a botanical theme – earthy banquettes, floral touches throughout – and a menu that moves with the seasons.

After enjoying slow-braised Cowra lamb and a second glass of red, move to the Polo Bar, which has a fireplace and views across the estate gardens. Build a grazing board from the dedicated Charcuterie Room and take it outside while the light lasts. If the sky clouds over, use this as your cue to enjoy a next-level spa experience at Èliva.

2. Hunt for treasure

couple exploring Dirty Janes bowral — Find vintage treasures in Dirty Janes. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Winter is the perfect season to lose an afternoon inside Dirty Janes Bowral. Over 1600 square metres of covered space houses 90 individual sellers of everything from mid-century furniture to industrial lighting, antique silverware, vintage clothing and objects whose previous lives you can only imagine. Enjoy a bit of off-the-cuff banter with your fellow fossickers in between searching for that must-have military jacket or vintage silk scarf.

Around the corner, find the Instagram-famous front door of FoundAntiques, though the real finds are deeper inside. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and leave some room in the boot.

3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

kids posing with donald bradman statue in bowral's The Bradman Museum — Learn about an Aussie legend at The Bradman Museum. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Ngununggula – meaning ’belonging’ in the language of the Gundungurra First Nations people – is the region’s first dedicated regional gallery, housed inside the sustainably transformed old dairy building at historic Retford Park. The onsite White Cottage Gallery and restored grounds of the former Fairfax estate reward a slow wander. Find a spot to sit in the courtyard filled with rivulets of winter light and enjoy the plaintive call of a currawong carrying across the heritage-listed grounds. It’s one of the best things to do in Bowral.

Add Bowral Honey Farm for a hands-on harvest experience, then continue into town to the Milk Factory Gallery to admire eclectic works by local artists in a converted industrial space. The Bradman Museum also knocks it out of the park. Australia’s largest dedicated cricket museum sits beside the heritage-listed Bradman Oval, where a young Sir Donald Bradman first picked up a bat.

4. A taste of France

table spread at Lucette bowral — Enjoy a taste of France at Lucette.

For a taste of France without the airfare, husband-and-wife team Julien and Romy Besnard – of long-loved Franquette Crêperie – have opened Lucette, a French cafe-bistro with Paris-born chef Guillaume Dubois at the helm. Dubois brings serious pedigree from Michelin-starred kitchens in France and Sydney’s former two-hatted Monopole, and it shows. Start your day with pastries for breakfast and bookend it with boeuf bourguignon for dinner. The chocolate mousse, freckled with Guerande Salt, is the kind of dish that will make you feel smug about the decision to drive south. Join the Sydneysiders dressed in charcoal coats, boots and black tights who’ve already worked this out; the whole scene is worthy of splicing it into an Instagram reel.

Francophiles should also be across Julien’s Bowral Brasserie – led by Frenchman Julien Viel, who also found his way to the Southern Highlands and stayed.

5. Indulge in a tipple

Centennial Vineyards bowral in winter — Spend time amongst the local vines. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The drive to Centennial Vineyards passes through a beautiful woodland idyll, the countryside a fuzz of green all around. Inside the Barrel Room, a tasting flight of cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and reserve shiraz viognier flaunts how well the Southern Highlands does winter.

This is a region that takes its cool-climate wines seriously, and the pinot noir is one of the stars – a gentle, easy-drinking style with red cherry aromas. Follow your tutored cellar door tasting with another glass of wine in the Terrace Bar, which overlooks the vineyard and manicured grounds.

6. Blend your own gin

Millsheds Distillery & Bar is somewhat of a local secret. The award-winning small-batch operation produces gin, vodka and liqueurs using Australian botanicals and has picked up silver medals at both the London Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition. Beyond the tasting paddle, the hands-on blending masterclass – where you design and leave with two bottles of your own custom gin – is the experience to book, while the terrace bar that wraps around the courtyard is a fine place to settle in afterwards.

7. Go for a walk at dawn

Switch your phone off sleep mode and set your alarm to early. Mt Gibraltar rises to 864 metres just east of Bowral’s main street and offers the best views in town. You will pass a raggle-taggle bunch of hikers on the way up to the summit, all making the same quiet pilgrimage into the crisp high-altitude air. On a clear morning, the bony ridges of the ranges come into sharp relief against the light. The return loop takes roughly 90 minutes. A flat white in Bowral tastes considerably better after completing one of the scenic walking trails.

8. Cosy up by the fireplace

A cosy bar is the perfect complement to winter in Bowral, and there are a few worth committing to. Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel is built for long, languorous evenings. Take a seat beside the fireplace laden with gnarled logs and work your way through a few whiskies and bar bites like Rangers Valley beef tartare, or salt cod and potato croquettes.

At Hickory’s within Peppers Craigieburn, well-dressed waiters in denim and leather move quietly between tables, and the cosy fireplace in the adjoining guest lounge attracts an Escape to the Country crowd.

Start planning your Bowral escape at visitsouthernhighlands.com.au.