Our journey toward sustainability
As a destination, the Central Coast offers superb natural beauty alongside a great sense of freedom, space and connection to the land. Locals and tourists, makers and creators who explore our region and call it home are all shaped in some way by its unique natural environment – so how can we protect it for future generations?
ECO Destination Certification for the Central Coast
The ECO Destination Certification program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences. In September 2020, the Central Coast was one of 8 bushfire-affected destinations to be awarded with a valuable place on the two-year ECO Destination Certification program with Ecotourism Australia, fully funded by WWF-Australia. The goal is to achieve certification by mid-2022.
Why pursue ECO Destination Certification?
Achieving ECO Destination Certification will recognise the Central Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism. It will highlight the Coast's commitment to quality and sustainable practices, which many of our businesses share at the core of their operations. It will give conscious travellers a clear snapshot of the best eco-friendly experiences, attractions and accommodation the Central Coast has to offer.
Explore ecotourism on the Coast
The Central Coast is proud to be the home of five ECO Certified tourism operators plus another 10 ECO Certification program applicants currently on their journey. These dedicated businesses are leading the way for our region's ecotourism potential, offering their quality ecotourism product for locals and guests of our region to experience. You can easily explore each of these nature-based businesses below, alongside relevant ecotourism projects in our region.
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal (ECO certified)
Since 2009, the CCMDC sustainably educates, protects and explores the Central Coast marine environment. A family-friendly educational experience where children can explore, learn and interact with the world under the waves through interactive tours.
TreeTops, Ourimbah State Forest (ECO certified)
Outdoor, adrenalin-pumping Adventure Park for kids and adults, featuring the world’s longest rollercoaster zipline, Crazy Rider, scale a Eucalyptus tree with Vertical Challenge, or bounce around in the canopy with Networld.
Aquafun Avoca Lake, Avoca (ECO certified)
Australia’s largest selection of modern, human-powered water crafts to explore the beautiful expanse of one of the Coast’s tranquil waterways - Avoca Lake. Hire from a fleet of easy to use pedalboats, single and double kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Noonaweena, Kulnura (ECO certified)
Accommodation for couples, families, groups and special events on scenic Tourist Drive 33. Inspired by the Aboriginal word for ‘resting place in the bush’, Noonaweena is a luxury nature retreat set high in the hinterland with sweeping national park views.
Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby (ECO certified)
Iris Lodge Alpacas offer a popular Breakfast with Alpacas experience and family-friendly Alpaca Farm visits. Guests have the opportunity to experience life on their farm in the Central Coast hinterland with their playful resident animals.
Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga (ECO applicant)
Meet native Aussie wildlife and hike through Heritage-listed bushland. This 180 acre working wildlife sanctuary looks after a diverse community of wild, rescued & vulnerable animals, with ranger talks, accommodation, night tours & virtual tours available.
Canton Beach Paddleshack (ECO applicant)
A family-owned and operated business offering kid-friendly and dog-friendly paddleboard, kayak and kiteboarding hire, lessons and sales on the shore of Tuggerah Lakes.
Elixir Journeys (ECO applicant)
Private and small-group nature-based experiences with a generous touch of luxury. Experience energising soft-adventure in the Coast's national parks with a fabulous catered food & wine picnic for an effortless escape to nature.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures (ECO applicant)
Escape the city for an unforgettable adventure whether it's horse riding, abseiling ridges, laser skirmish in the bush, kayaking in Popran National Park or glamping with horses in the valley.
Grace Springs Farm, Kulnura (ECO applicant)
Experience life on a sustainable, regenerative farm via special tours and workshops. Grace Springs Farm produce chemical free, grass fed dairy beef, pastured eggs, chemical free veggies, garlic and honey.
Jake Cassar Bushcraft Tours (ECO applicant)
Jake Cassar is a Central Coast Bushcraft teacher, tour guide and youth mentor specialising in edible, introduced and medicinal wild plants. Jake's immersive bushcraft courses & tours are guaranteed to change the way you look at the Aussie bush forever.
Terrigal Ocean Tours (ECO applicant)
Spot whales, dolphins and seals in the wild. Enjoy a 40 to 60 minute scenic cruise along the Central Coast's pristine beaches and bays on a high performance Eco Tour vessel with Terrigal Ocean Tours.
Rocky Trail Entertainment (ECO applicant)
One of the major mountain bike events promoters in Australia based right here on the Central Coast! Be a #rockytrailracer at their family-friendly annual events hosted at the Ourimbah State Forest: the Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix & Fox Superflow.
Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP (ECO applicant)
On the stunning shores of Ettalong Beach experience everything SUP including Stand Up Paddle classes, SUP Pilates, SUP YOGA, SUP Ball, SUP Tours, Corporate events and even birthday parties.
Seeking business ECO Certification?
Nature-based businesses on the Central Coast are invited to apply for ECO Certification to link in with our wider ECO Destination program. Take the Quick ECO Scan to see if you're eligible.
The Green Travel Guide
The Central Coast features in the NEW Green Travel Guide launched on World Environment Day 2021! This trusted resource for environmentally-conscious travellers seeking sustainable experiences makes it easy to plan your eco-friendly holiday.
The Coast's ecotourism potential
The Central Coast already offers four ECO-certified operators alongside a high proportion of national parks and protected natural spaces – the goal is to bring this all together with ECO Destination certification. Read about the start of this journey...
The First Wave launches
Long Jetty-based environmental movement, Take 3 for the Sea, is calling on NSW-based tourism operators to take part in The First Wave Pilot Project, tackling tourism-generated litter. See how you can be part of the solution.
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