

A leading ecotourism region in New South Wales
We’re proud to be one of Australia's first ECO Destinations, certified by Ecotourism Australia and supported by WWF-Australia’s Wildlife & Nature Recovery Fund. We welcome you to immerse yourself in our community connected by culture, place, and a love of nature.
The NSW Central Coast offers superb natural beauty alongside a great sense of freedom, space and connection to the land. Locals and guests who explore our region and call it home are all shaped in some way by our unique natural environment – so to protect it for future generations we’re now guided by this destination-wide approach to sustainability led by the internationally recognised Green Destination Standard.

What's an ECO Destination?
As we have learnt through our ECO Destination journey – a good place to visit is a good place to live! Achieving ECO Destination Certification recognises the Central Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism. This achievement highlights the Central Coast's commitment to quality and sustainable practices, which many of our businesses share at the core of their operations. Our ECO Destination status gives conscious travellers a clearer choice of the best eco-friendly, nature-based experiences, attractions and accommodation the Central Coast region has to offer.
ECO Destination Certification is built on the globally recognised Green Destination Standard that certifies sustainable destination management practices, champions giving back to the community, and ensures cultural authenticity. Check out the commitment we've made to become an ECO Destination since 2020...

Explore our ECO Destination
As a destination, more than half of the Central Coast is national park, state forest, bushland, open space, nature reserves, beaches and waterways.
This includes some of New South Wales’ most popular nature-inspired experiences like Bouddi Coastal Walk, Ourimbah State Forest, Somersby Falls and the World Heritage Listed Convict Trail through Dharug National Park. We are also home to thousands of registered sites of cultural significance across the Central Coast.

Sustainability Pledge
We encourage our community and our guests to tread lightly and go slow on the NSW Central Coast. We invite you to respect our slice of paradise on the east coast of Australia by checking out some simple 'house rules' via our Sustainability Pledge.


The Green Travel Guide
The Central Coast features in the NEW Green Travel Guide, a trusted resource for planning an environmentally-friendly holiday filled with sustainable experiences.
Find eco minded experiences
The Central Coast is proud to be the home of 19 passionate ecotourism businesses committed to their unique eco-friendly journey! This community of advocates includes 8 ECO Certified experiences plus another 11 'ECO Applicants' on their sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia. These dedicated, locally-run businesses are leading the way for our region's ecotourism, offering quality experiences in nature for locals and guests.
You can easily plan your own eco-adventure of the Central Coast, one of Australia's first ECO Destinations, with our list of nature-based, eco-conscious options below...

The Central Coast is now a certified Australian ECO Destination!
Inspired by World Environment Day 2022, the Central Coast is proud to announce we're now a certified Australian ECO Destination! Our beautiful NSW Central Coast is one of the first ECO Destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia.
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.
Burnt Honey Bakery | Strive 4 Sustainability applicant
Burnt Honey is a community bakery at heart, owned and run by Jo and Hayley at Copacabana and Long Jetty. All pastries and breads are handmade on site using the highest quality, most ethical local produce available with a focus on waste reduction.
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.
Ibis Styles The Entrance | Strive 4 Sustainability applicant
After winning Bronze for Deluxe Accommodation at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards, ibis Styles The Entrance has embarked on its sustainability journey to respect its location on stunning Tuggerah Lakes and minutes from nearby beautiful beaches.