Nature-based tourism including ecotourism

Nature-based tourism is a significant and fast growing sector in Queensland's tourism industry, ranking among top travel motivators for visitors.

Our national heritage and natural assets including Queensland's unique environment and wildlife provides us with a competitive advantage in the global market – but it must be appropriately protected, managed and developed.

Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism in natural areas. It fosters environmental and cultural understanding, and appreciation for and conservation of nature.

As people become more ecologically aware and seek nature-based tourism accommodation, experiences and attractions, ecotourism will become one of the most important markets in Queensland's tourism industry.

This guide outlines ecotourism in Queensland, and highlights opportunities and strategies for businesses to take advantage of this market.

Nature-based tourism and ecotourism in Queensland

Queensland is one of the most naturally diverse places on Earth, with 5 of Australia's 20 World Heritage Areas and over 1,300 national parks, marine parks, state forests and other protected areas.

Visiting national parks is one of the most popular activities for domestic and international visitors to Queensland. This gives our nature-based tourism and ecotourism sectors a unique competitive advantage. There is significant potential to create future jobs, support local economies, empower First Nations' communities, and unlock new opportunities for operators.

Read about business opportunities in nature-based tourism and ecotourism.

Ecotourism organisations

You can learn about support and certification for ecotourism businesses from Ecotourism Australia. All businesses with the ECO Certified logo have been assessed and audited under Ecotourism Australia's world-class certification program.

You can also find ecotourism businesses operating near you on the Queensland Holidays website.

Also consider..

Read more information about ecotourism in Queensland.
Find out more about ecotourism on protected areas.
Read the Ecotourism Plan for Queensland's Protected Areas 2025–2028 (PDF, 32.7MB) to find out of your operations align with the strategy for nature based tourism.

Opportunities in nature-based tourism including ecotourism

Queensland has a large number of natural and protected areas, and demand for nature-based and ecotourism activities is strong and expected to grow in the future.

The Queensland Government encourages private investment in low impact, sustainable ecotourism opportunities in protected areas that focus on the presentation and appreciation of an area's natural and cultural values.

A high priority on conservation, best practice and low impact ecotourism is at the heart of the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

The Queensland Government has a number of strategies and plans that assist with planning and delivering immersive ecotourism experiences in Queensland's spectacular national and marine parks.

Also consider...

Learn how to get support and certification for your ecotourism business through Ecotourism Australia.
Read about Queensland's ecotourism experiences on the Queensland Holidays website.
Find out more about investing in Queensland's tourism industry.