Queensland is known for its unique landscapes and iconic wildlife, but there’s more to exploring these places than ticking them off a travel bucket list or snapping the perfect photo for social media. Increasingly, travellers want experiences that feel meaningful, not just memorable – and that’s where ecotourism comes in.
Ecotourism is about discovering nature in a way that actively supports it. Whether you’re walking through ancient rainforests or snorkelling vibrant reefs, ecotourism means learning from the land, treading lightly, and contributing to the wellbeing of the places and people that make Queensland so unique.
What is ecotourism?
At its core, ecotourism is about connecting with nature, but doing it in a way that gives back. It goes beyond just visiting beautiful places. True ecotourism experiences help you understand and appreciate the area's natural and cultural values while protecting them.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ecotourism involves environmentally responsible travel to relatively untouched natural areas, where visitors can enjoy and learn about nature – along with any cultural features, past or present. But it doesn’t stop there. For an experience to truly qualify as ecotourism, it needs to promote conservation, have minimal environmental impact, and provide real benefits to local communities.
It’s also worth noting that not all nature-based tourism is ecotourism. You might go hiking in a national park, zip-lining through a forest, or take a scenic boat tour – and while those experiences may involve nature, they don’t automatically tick the ecotourism boxes. The difference lies in intention and impact. Ecotourism is thoughtfully managed to be ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable, and is designed to contribute to the long-term health of the environment and the wellbeing of the people who live there.
In short, it’s not just about where you go – it’s about how you go, what you learn, and who you support along the way.
Norman River, Normanton.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Why ecotourism matters
Conservation wins
Ecotourism isn’t just a feel-good travel trend – it plays a real role in protecting the places we love to visit. By choosing eco-friendly experiences, you’re helping to conserve Queensland’s incredible natural environments and the wildlife that calls them home. These experiences help protect biodiversity by making conservation part of the visitor experience.
Supporting the economy
Ecotourism is also a big win for local economies. When done right, it supports regional communities – including Traditional Owners – by creating jobs, boosting small businesses, and encouraging long-term stewardship of land and culture. You can find ecotourism operators in Queensland that are owned or led by our Traditional Owners, offering not just unforgettable experiences but also deeper cultural understanding and respect.
Encouraging purposeful travel
Perhaps most importantly, ecotourism encourages people to travel with purpose. It inspires visitors to tread lightly, respect Country, and take home more than just photos – including a greater awareness of how precious and interconnected our natural world really is.
Part of the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Queensland is a natural home for ecotourism
If anywhere was made for ecotourism, it’s Queensland. With its extraordinary natural diversity, remarkable ecosystems, and unique wildlife, the Sunshine State is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the depths of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient canopies of the Daintree National Park, Queensland’s landscapes are some of the most iconic (and ecologically significant) in the world.
Nature-based experiences are a major drawcard for visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Year-round, people come here to hike through the World Heritage-listed national parks of the Gondwana Rainforests, snorkel alongside vibrant marine life, paddle wild rivers, and spot rare birds and animals. Embracing the opportunity to connect with Country is also a cornerstone of ecotourism – visitors can explore landscapes shaped by tens of thousands of years of Traditional Owner stewardship.
Here, ecotourism is an invitation to engage more deeply with nature and culture – and to be part of something bigger than the trip itself. It offers a powerful mix of environmental education, cultural connection, and low-impact adventure. It also supports real outcomes for conservation and community wellbeing. For example, visitors can take part in citizen science projects like counting koalas, monitoring sea turtle hatchlings, or helping to care for the Great Barrier Reef.
From 2014 to 2023, the popularity of nature-based activities in Australia has grown almost 50% – a clear sign that the appetite for meaningful, eco-friendly travel is on the rise. With research showing a strong link between time in nature and improved wellbeing, it’s no surprise that travellers are increasingly seeking out experiences that are not just exciting, but enriching.
Wugudaji Adels Grove in Lawn Hill Gorge.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Examples of ecotourism in action
So, what does ecotourism actually look like on the ground? Across Queensland, there are a wide variety of nature-based experiences that meet the principles of ecotourism, offering memorable adventures that are gentle on the environment and supportive of local communities.
You might find yourself hiking with a Traditional Owner who shares cultural stories and insights into Country, or staying in an eco-lodge that runs on solar power and sources food from local growers. You could join a small-group wildlife tour that keeps a respectful distance from animals in their natural habitat, or take part in a reef conservation experience where visitors contribute to research and restoration efforts.
If you’re interested in making sure your next trip is truly eco-friendly, look for experiences and operators that are certified by recognised organisations like Ecotourism Australia. Their certification programs help identify tourism providers who are committed to best-practice sustainability and community engagement.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, Queensland offers plenty of ways to explore the natural world with purpose. You can learn more about certified ecotourism experiences by visiting trusted tourism websites or checking for ecotourism accreditation when booking your next trip.
Wooroonooran National Park.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Looking ahead – the future of ecotourism in Queensland
With more people than ever seeking meaningful, nature-based experiences, ecotourism is set to play a big role in the future of Queensland’s visitor economy. The best part? Queensland is ready.
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has developed a dedicated Nature-based Tourism Strategy to guide how we market and design ecotourism experiences over the next few years, with a focus on revitalising the image of Queensland’s nature-based experiences. It also spotlights the state’s five incredible World Heritage Areas and the unique stories they have to tell, especially through the deep and continuing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Looking even further ahead, the state’s long-term Destination 2045 roadmap reinforces ecotourism as a key part of Queensland’s tourism future. The plan aims to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient visitor economy – one that benefits Traditional Owners, supports local communities, and protects biodiversity for now and in the future.
For travellers, this all translates to more opportunities to experience Queensland’s wild places in thoughtful and enriching ways. Whether you’re hiking, snorkelling, stargazing, or storytelling, the future of ecotourism in Queensland is about exploring responsibly – and leaving places better than you found them.
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