Ecotourism Australia (EA) is a not for profit, membership-based organisation inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Internationally recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), EA designs and delivers certification programs for tourism products (tours, accommodation and attractions) and destinations, currently representing more than 500 responsible ecotourism operators, 1,600 products and an ever-increasing number of destinations Australia-wide.
We benchmarked the Ecotourism Australia label against the GSTC standard
Ecotourism Australia is compliant with following hearts of the staygreencheck:
Ecotourism Australia standard performed Greenest Choice, according to the our staygreencheck methodology. All the accommodations certified by Ecotourism Australia will have the 4 heart staygreencheck. You can recognize them as follows:
Eco-certification
Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program is the first of its kind in the world, assuring travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
Ecotourism Australia’s certification is valid for 12 months. To renew, certified operators and destinations must complete an annual declaration to confirm they remain compliant with Ecotourism Australia’s code of business ethics. They are also required to pay an annual renewal fee.
Prior to certification being granted, applications are verified, through a desktop assessment, by an independent environmental assessor. Ecotourism Australia also requires two referee checks: one from the relevant protected area management agency and one from a professional referee.
Best practices
As a certification provider for over 1,500 tourism products, EA delivers and promotes ecologically sound practices at the forefront of the tourism industry.
For Example, The Coodlie Park Farm Retreat is one accommodation which is eco certified by Eco Tourism Australia. The farm is a 100% carbon neutral business, they plant around 1.2 hectares of native vegetation on the property each year! They also hold a native seed collection, which are collected from the property and seeded back into it when needed.
Located at 110 acres of restored land.
Aquila lodges are architect designed eco accommodation, with 4 comfortable bedrooms. Certified as a “Green Travel Leader” by Ecotourism Australia. Aquila Eco Lodges are nestled in 100 acres of virgin bushland, bordered by the Grampians National Park and the Grampians Golf Course. Located 6 kilometers from Dunkeld in the Southern Grampians, the lodges are truly spectacular, and their private setting.
Located at 1655 Kangaroo Valley Road, Kangaroo Valley, Australia.
Crystal Creek is an eco-accommodation, with 4 comfortable bedrooms. winner of the Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism. Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages are a 3-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley’s shops, restaurants and cafes. It is a 15-minute drive to Berry and Fitzroy Falls.
Located at Lot 323 Yardoogarra, Great Northern Highway, Broome, Australia.
The accommodation includes 25 beautifully appointed, self-sustaining Eco Villas interlinked by over 1km of elevated wooden boardwalks, and 30 luxurious safari-style Eco Tents. Certified as Nature Tourism, Tourism in natural areas that leaves minimal impact on the environment. Directly located on the beach our resort offers something for everyone. Stay with family and friends in one of our Eco Villas or spend a couple of nights in an Eco Tents to get close to nature.
Located at Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Australia.
The 109 rooms at the Heron Island Resort feature bright living areas, which open onto balconies or terraces with forest or sea views. Heron Island has been awarded an Advanced Eco-Certification by Ecotourism Australia. Fitness Room/Gym, Swimming pool, Massage / Beauty Centre, Tennis Courts, Private beach, Garden, Scuba Diving, Water Activities, Fishing, Massage, Spa & Wellness Centre, Body Treatments, Pool Outdoor.
