The Central Coast and Margaret River become certified ECO Destinations

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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The NSW Central Coast and Western Australia’s Margaret River region are Australia’s newest ECO Destinations after receiving certification with Ecotourism Australia.

This brings the total number of Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destinations to four, with the regions joining the ranks of Queensland’s Port Douglas Daintree region and the NSW Coffs Coast.

Destinations across Australia are driving a national shift toward sustainable tourism, and the industry is committed to putting the needs of the local community and environment at the fore and meeting the increasing demand for sustainable travel options.

Terrigal Boardwalk from above. (Image: Love Central Coast)
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal is an eco-conscious activity. (Image: Love Central Coast)

The ECO Destination Certification program uses the international Green Destinations framework, recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, to assess a destination across approximately 100 core criteria. Destinations are then audited onsite by a verified, independent auditor. Through this certification program, visitors are assured the region has a range of high-quality nature-based tourism products and a strong commitment to improving sustainable practices in the future.

Aerial view of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse built 1895. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is an ECO-certified business in the Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Being immersed in an ECO Destination as a local or a guest means taking action to be a responsible traveller for a sustainable future, and to ultimately travel for good.

The Central Coast has a thriving range of ecotourism experiences, with the largest ECO cohort of nature-based businesses pursuing their own ECO Certification to do business for good. This includes six ECO-certified businesses and nine actively pursuing their accreditation. To achieve this globally respected green status, the Central Coast has partnered with Ecotourism Australia since 2020 in a two-year program funded by WWF-Australia.

A woman feeds alpacas. (Image: Destination NSW)
Breakfast with alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas, a working farm in Jilliby in the Central Coast hinterland is another activity for the eco-conscious traveller. (Image: Destination NSW)

Driven by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, and supported by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, 26 businesses across the region are now ECO-certified. In addition to this, around 68 wineries across the Margaret River region are certified members of Sustainable Wine Growing Australia, with 12 per cent of vineyards certified organic or biodynamic.

Aerial shot of surfers at Redgate Beach in Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Margaret River Surf School is an ECO-certified business. Aerial shot of surfers at Redgate Beach in Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Ecotourism Australia chief executive officer Elissa Keenan said it is a huge achievement for the Central Coast and Augusta Margaret River and was significant both regionally and for Australia’s reputation as an international leader in eco-tourism.

“We are delighted to see these two beautiful destinations achieve this significant milestone, and we recognise the amount of work that the local councils, regional tourism organisations and community have undertaken to receive their certification," she said.

“ECO Destination Certification is a whole-of-destination commitment, assuring travellers that these regions are on a journey of constant improvement in their sustainability practices, as well as providing high-quality nature-based experiences for visitors."

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.