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)

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)

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)

From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula — Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls — The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

Lake House Daylesford

Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

Metung Hot Springs

Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs .

There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

Four more blissful day spas to visit

Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

the Peninsula Hot Springs — Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)