Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has become the only place in the world where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side.
The Sunshine Coast Local Government Area was declared a Biosphere by UNESCO, recognising the region as an international site of excellence and an area of natural beauty.
Sustainable travel options are becoming increasingly important for holidaymakers. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)
This adds to the existing Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves, meaning three of the five UNESCO Biospheres in Australia are located on the Sunshine Coast. Together they form a biosphere corridor that stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south, along more than 100km of pristine coastline through Noosa and north to Tin Can Bay.
Australia currently has five biospheres and three are in the Sunshine Coast. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)
Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive officer Matt Stoeckel said the new biosphere credentials will reinforce the Sunshine Coast’s position globally as one of Australia’s leading nature-based destinations.
“The Sunshine Coast has long been a favourite destination for people seeking nature-based experiences and beautiful landscapes," he said.
“Our environment is what makes us special, and it’s not something the tourism industry here takes for granted.
“We have some great examples of sustainable and eco-certified operators, including tours where visitors are encouraged to carbon offset their travel, and accommodation providers where rainwater is captured and recycled, and all scraps and green waste composted.
“But it goes deeper than this, with locals and the tourism industry alike passionate about sharing what is special about our environment and educating others about the importance of sustainability. Caring for where we live is very much a way of life."
The biosphere corridor stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south, along more than 100km of pristine coastline. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)
The announcement comes as research shows preferencing sustainable travel options is becoming increasingly important for holidaymakers. Eco-certified experiences on the Sunshine Coast include Saltwater Eco Tours, Glass House Mountains Ecolodge, Sunreef Mooloolaba and Terele Brewing.
There are currently 738 biosphere reserves in the world. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
