Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
Ancient Gondwana rainforests in World Heritage national parks with spectacular waterfalls, glowworm caves, and regenerative eco-lodges.
- World Heritage rainforest
- Gondwana forest remnants
- Sustainable hiking tracks
- Wildlife conservation areas
- Organic farm experiences
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Balanced coastal development with protected beaches, Australia Zoo conservation programs, Glass House Mountains, and sustainable accommodation.
- Australia Zoo wildlife hospital
- Marine turtle protection
- Sustainable beachside resorts
- National park access
- Organic food culture
Why Choose Ecotourism?
The benefits extend far beyond your vacation
Protect Fragile Ecosystems
Tourism is both a threat and a solution. Responsible ecotourism generates funds for conservation, creates economic incentives to protect natural areas, and enables restoration projects that wouldn't otherwise be funded.
Example: Great Barrier Reef tour operators contribute millions annually to coral restoration and marine research programs.
Support Wildlife Conservation
Eco-certified operators actively participate in species protection, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching efforts. Your tour dollars directly fund wildlife hospitals, breeding programs, and research initiatives.
Example: Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital treats 2,000+ injured native animals annually, funded partly through eco-tourism contributions.
Empower Local Communities
Genuine ecotourism ensures tourism revenue stays local, supporting Indigenous businesses, regional employment, and community development rather than enriching distant corporations.
Example: Indigenous-led cultural walks in Arakwal National Park provide income while sharing Traditional Custodian knowledge.
Gain Deeper Understanding
Eco-tours provide expert guides - often marine biologists, ecologists, or Indigenous knowledge holders - who transform sightseeing into meaningful education about ecosystems, conservation, and cultural heritage.
Result: Visitors become ambassadors for conservation, spreading awareness long after their trip ends.
Experience Authentic Connection
Sustainable travel emphasizes quality over quantity - smaller groups, longer experiences, genuine interactions with nature and culture rather than rushed, superficial encounters.
Impact: Higher satisfaction rates and more meaningful memories compared to conventional mass tourism.
Leave a Positive Legacy
Unlike conventional tourism which often degrades destinations, ecotourism can leave places better than found through tree planting, beach cleanups, habitat restoration, and conservation funding.
Goal: Regenerative tourism that actively heals environments rather than merely minimizing harm.
Sustainable Travel Tips
How to minimize your environmental impact while maximizing your experience
🚲 Choose Green Transport
Walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever possible. If renting vehicles, choose hybrid or electric options. Consider carbon offsetting for flights.
🏨 Stay Eco-Certified
Book accommodation with verified eco-certifications (Ecotourism Australia, Green Key, Earthcheck). Avoid greenwashing by checking for specific environmental practices.
🍽️ Eat Local & Organic
Choose restaurants sourcing from local organic farms. Support farmers markets. Reduce meat consumption to lower carbon footprint.
💧 Eliminate Single-Use Plastic
Carry reusable water bottles, coffee cups, bags, and utensils. Refuse plastic straws and packaging. Many cafes offer discounts for reusable cups.
🐾 Respect Wildlife
Observe from distance, never feed wild animals, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid flash photography, and follow all ranger/guide instructions.
🏞️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all rubbish (including organic waste), stay on marked trails, don't remove natural materials, and leave areas cleaner than you found them.
🛍️ Shop Responsibly
Buy locally-made products, avoid items from endangered species, choose sustainable souvenirs, and support Indigenous artisans and businesses.
📚 Learn Before You Go
Research destinations' environmental challenges, understand cultural protocols, learn key phrases in Indigenous languages, and educate yourself about local conservation efforts.
⏰ Travel Off-Peak
Visit during shoulder seasons to reduce overcrowding pressure on ecosystems and communities while often enjoying better prices and weather.
🤝 Give Back
Participate in beach cleanups, tree planting, or volunteer programs. Donate to local conservation organizations. Share knowledge with others about sustainable travel.
📱 Use Digital Resources
Download offline maps to reduce data usage, use apps like iNaturalist for wildlife identification, and follow Leave No Trace principles shared by parks.
🌊 Protect Marine Environments
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, don't remove shells or rocks, minimize boat anchor damage, and report marine wildlife distress.
Ecotourism Market Growth
Sustainability is the future of travel
The global ecotourism market reached $6.2 billion USD in 2023 and is projected to grow to $21.1 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 13.6%. This dramatic expansion reflects fundamental shifts in traveler values and expectations.
83%
of Australian travel providers report sustainability as a determining factor in how travelers plan trips (2024)
76%
of travelers want to make more sustainable travel choices (Booking.com 2024 Sustainable Travel Report)
68%
report feeling better about their accommodation when it's eco-certified or sustainable
Key Trends Driving Growth:
- Climate Consciousness: Travelers increasingly aware of tourism's carbon footprint
- Authentic Experiences: Preference for meaningful connections over superficial sightseeing
- Millennials & Gen Z: Younger generations prioritize sustainable brands
- Social Media Influence: Instagram-worthy sustainable experiences drive bookings
- COVID Impact: Pandemic increased appreciation for nature and outdoor experiences
- Corporate Responsibility: Businesses adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards
Travel Responsibly with Cooee Tours
Experience Australia's natural wonders through eco-certified tours that protect environments, support communities, and create lasting positive impact.
Browse Eco ToursOur Commitment to Sustainability
Carbon Neutral Operations
We measure, reduce, and offset our carbon footprint through verified Australian reforestation projects.
Conservation Contributions
A portion of every tour supports local environmental organizations, wildlife hospitals, and habitat restoration.
Community Partnerships
We work with Indigenous communities, local guides, and regional businesses to ensure tourism benefits residents.
Education Focus
Our guides provide environmental and cultural interpretation, transforming tours into meaningful learning experiences.