ECO DESTINATION
CASSOWARY COAST
OFFICIAL ECO DESTINATION
The Cassowary Coast has officially achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, recognising the region as one of Australia’s leading sustainable tourism destinations. This certification places the Cassowary Coast among a select group of globally recognised regions committed to environmental protection, cultural respect, and highquality naturebased visitor experiences.
PROTECTED REGION
Located between two World Heritage–listed natural wonders — the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef — the Cassowary Coast is home to vast protected areas, unique ecosystems and culturally significant landscapes. Over 60% of the region’s land and marine area is protected, strengthening its role as a biodiversity hotspot and ecotourism leader.
What ECO Destination Certification Means
The certification acknowledges the region’s commitment to internationally recognised sustainability standards, including:
Environmental stewardship — Reducing ecological impact and strengthening conservation efforts.
Cultural integrity — Respecting and collaborating with Traditional Owners, including the Mamu, Djiru, Girramay, Gulgnay, Warrgamay, Jirrbal and Bandjin Peoples.
High quality ecotourism experiences — Ensuring nature-based tourism meets rigorous sustainability, safety and visitor experience benchmarks.
ECO DESTINATION
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The certification process assessed six key themes: Destination Management, Nature & Scenery, Environment & Climate, Culture & Tradition, Social Wellbeing, and Business & Hospitality.
Certified Local Tourism Operators
The region is home to several ECO Certified and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators, including:
- Paronella Park – Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Certified
- Mamu Tropical Skywalk – Ecotourism Certified
- Great Barrier Reef Safaris – Nature-based marine experiences
- King Reef Resort – Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business
These operators offer visitors a trusted, highquality, environmentally responsible experience across rainforest, reef and coastal environments.
Why It Matters
ECO Destination Certification strengthens the Cassowary Coast’s position as a top destination for ecoconscious travellers, providing:
- Assurance that tourism choices directly support conservation
- Meaningful engagement with local culture
- Access to worldclass, lowimpact nature experiences
It also supports the region’s longterm tourism strategy by encouraging sustainable development, community resilience and environmental protection.
CASSOWARY COAST MAP
