**Expressions of Interest for $500 funding to pursue ECO Certification for nature-based businesses - DETAILS BELOW**
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 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 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.
The Green Travel Guide
This World Environment Day, we're excited to announce the Central Coast is a feature destination on Ecotourism Australia’s new eco-experience platform, The Green Travel Guide! This website is a hub of nature-based, ECO-certified experiences made for the conscious traveller of today.
Check out The Green Travel Guide
Explore ecotourism on the Coast
The Central Coast is proud to be the home of five ECO Certified tourism operators. These dedicated businesses are leading the way for our region's ecotourism potential, offering their quality, genuine ecotourism product for locals and guests to enjoy. You can easily explore each of their ECO Certified experiences below...
Apply for Business ECO Certification
Fancy $500 funding to support your application? Nature-based businesses on the Central Coast are invited to submit an EOI to pursue ECO Certification - simply click the pic!
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 five 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...
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal
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
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
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
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.
Peak Potential Adventures, Charmhaven
NSW-based experienced adventure team taking small groups on fully supported, ‘leave-no-trace’ treks. Discover the surrounding environment’s local history, culture, flora, and fauna with planned itinerary, meals, accommodation and transport.
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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