Nature Meets Adventure: The Gold Coast’s Vision for Eco-Tourism Growth
The Gold Coast’s nature-based tourism program celebrates its ecological diversity by immersing visitors and locals in its environmental splendour.
Nature-based tourism is a growing trend encompassing ecologically sustainable experiences that centre the natural environment as the main attraction. This can include activities such as visiting natural areas like botanical gardens or national parks, learning about local wildlife and cultures, and engaging in outdoor activities. This type of tourism emphasises sustainability and conservation, aiming to reduce environmental impact and preserve natural beauty for future generations.
As one of the most ecologically diverse cities in Australia, the Gold Coast is a prime candidate for – and advocate of – nature-based tourism.
“The Gold Coast sits amongst some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Australia surrounded by the hinterland and the waterways, and is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and marine life,” says City of Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate.
“A renewed focus on nature-based tourism will create new ways for locals and visitors to explore our natural city.”
The City of Gold Coast’s Nature-Based Tourism Program encourages both new and existing tourism operators to provide experiences on the Gold Coast that are low impact and immersive, encourage participation, and promote environment and cultural appreciation and conservation.
The program aims to broaden the City’s tourism offering with requests for proposals from private businesses and a grants program supporting new and existing local businesses creating nature-based experiences.
It also encompasses the development of a range of City-led projects, including the acquisition of a major property in Springbrook, adjacent to the World-Heritage Springbrook National Park.
Mayor Tom Tate says that this property, known as the Eaglemont Estate, presents a fantastic opportunity to drive nature-based tourism and improve community infrastructure.
“Investing in this idyllic Springbrook property will enhance community and tourism infrastructure while encouraging visitors to stay longer and improving amenities for locals,” he states.
Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell agrees. “The Gold Coast’s proposal to offer a brand-new nature-based tourism product next to the glorious Springbrook National Park will give people yet another reason to visit the Gold Coast,” he says.
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“Connecting with nature is increasingly important to both international and local visitors, and they are looking for new ways and places to do this. Seeing the waterfalls, rainforest and breathtaking views from the Springbrook National Park will ensure we have a new generation of champions keen to protect our environment.”
Other City-led projects include improvements to the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk and Woonoongoora Eco-Camp in Numinbah Valley, the development of low-impact eco-accommodation and trail establishment in Austinville, eco-cabins and with immersive marine tourism experiences in Broadwater as well as enhancements to Tipplers precinct hub on South Stradbroke Island.
“All of our nature-based tourism projects will combine environmental preservation with enhancing visitor experiences while providing economic growth for the city,” says Mayor Tate.
“The shortlisted projects range from large scale to small scale projects which demonstrate sustainable nature-based tourism products and direct benefits to the local community and infrastructure.”
