Cairns Ecotourism Accredited Accommodation & Tours
The Eco Certification, Australia's premium Eco Tourism program, means that you are insured a genuine and authentic experience, tour, attraction or accommodation that looks after the Cairns and surrounding environment. The Eco Certification Program guarantees you that certified products are upheld by a commitment to sustainable practices and provide high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
The Eco Certification program is Ecotourism Australia's front running environmental program. Developed in Australia the Eco Certification Program is now being exported around the world as the International Ecotourism Standard.
Want to help the environment while you are holidays?
Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for Australia's ecotourism industry. Formed in 1991 and an incorporated, non-profit organisation it has developed and manages the Ecotourism and EcoGuide certification programs. The ECO program was developed through research with the University of Queensland.
Nature Toursim Certified | Eco Certified Guide | Ecotourism Certified | Certified Tourism | Advanced Ecotourism Certified | |
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Meaning | Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment | If you want to guarantee you are touring with the highest quality guide for your holiday then look out for companies employing accredited EcoGuides. The EcoGuide program endorses guide who will deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional ecotourism experience | Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities | The generic logo and is used by companies where their products have multiple levels of certification achieved. | Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities |
Ecotourism Australia defines Nature and Ecotourism as:
'Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation'.
Those Cairns and regional operators whose tour, attraction or accommodation meet and comply with the Ecotourism core criteria of the eco certification program and receive certification can genuinely claim to provide an authentic ecotourism or nature tourism experience.
The certification process is supported by an assessment process, three yearly reviews and audits of operators to ensure the rigorous credibility of the program is maintained with industry, protected area managers, communities and travellers.
Benefits of the Eco Tourism Certification Program For Cairns
- Benefits to consumers through the provision of a recognised means of identifying nature and ecotourism products.
- Benefits to eco certified operators by providing the opportunity to promote their products as genuine nature or ecotourism and through the provision of a framework within which performance can be continually improved to standard recognised as best practice.
- Benefits to protected area managers - improved practices that lead to fewer negative impacts and the program provides a credible standard upon which to base licence and permitting conditions
- Benefits to local communities by providing criteria to assist in identifying genuine nature and tourism products.
- Environmental benefits flow from improved practices that lead to fewer negative environmental and cultural impacts.
Ecotourism certification is based upon the operator's product achieving the three principals or triple bottom line of sustainability
- Economic sustainability
- Environmental sustainability
- Social sustainability
You can identify eco certified operators and their level of certification by the eco certification tick logos, which may be used only alongside products that have gained certification.
Nature Tourism - eco certified: Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Ecotourism - eco certified: Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
Advanced Ecotourism - eco certified: Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Eco Certified Tourism: is the generic logo and is used by companies where their products have multiple levels of certification achieved.
EcoGuide Australia - Certified Guide: if you want to guarantee you are touring with the highest quality guide for your holiday then look out for companies employing accredited EcoGuides. The EcoGuide program endorses guide who will deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional ecotourism experience.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the World's most sought after ecotourism destinations and the Cairns region of Queensland provides a natural theme park with a diverse range of ecotourism tours, attractions and accommodation options being available. The Cairns region is a must-visit green destination due to its diversity and it being the only place in the World where two World Heritage listed environments meet; the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's Wet Tropics Rainforests.
Part of Australia's emergence as a World Class ecotourism destination is due to the successful collaboration between the tourism industry, universities and governments to ensure sound business practices and a recognised industry certification program are in place. The Ecotourism Australia certification program allows responsible travel consumers to be able to easily identify operators who are committed to ensuring their products are environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.
Port Douglas Reef Tours | Great Barrier Reef Tours | QS
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Port Douglas
- Duration:
6.5 hours (approx.)
Advanced Ecotourism Certified - Quicksilver Cruises ensures visitors can explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef whilst learning and protecting it for generations to come.
Daintree Rainforest Tours | Cape Tribulation | 4WD Bloomfield Track | BT
- Departs From: Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Cairns Beaches, Trinity Beach, Thala Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton B
- Duration:
10.5 hours (approx)
Advanced Eco-certified Billy Tea Bush Safaris offers small personalised day trips to Cape Tribulation and world heritage rainforests.
Chillagoe Caves & Outback Cairns | BT
- Departs From: Cairns, Port Douglas (extra cost), Palm Cove & Cairns Beaches
- Duration:
12 hours (approx)
Full Day Tour | Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise, Cape Tribulation & Cassowary Falls | DDT
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
Full Day
Luxury small group Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge tour in a luxury Mercedes Vito van. A secret hideaway is where you will enjoy a wonderful lunch, tucked in the rainforest near gurgling streams Visit beautiful Cassowary Falls to swim in the fresh mountain waters in the middle of the rainforest. Enjoy a wild ride down the Daintree River as you spot crocodiles and other wildlife
Ultimate Kuranda Day Tour | Train, Skyrail, Rainforestation & Butterfly Sanctuary | TW | CKBB
- Departs From: Cairns
- Duration:
10.5 hours (approx)
Not only will you relish a BBQ lunch with tropical fruits, but while riding on the WW II Army Duck, depending on the season you might even get to experience the ‘Miracle Fruit’: a berry than can actually turn sour to sweet and vice-versa! This Kuranda tour includes it all in one day. Kuranda train and Skyrail gondola, Aboriginal cultural show, Koala Wildlife park, Butterfly Sanctuary, Army Duck tour, Barbeque lunch and so much more The markets in Kuranda Village are not to be missed. Explore the hidden laneways to get the true feel of the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
Green Island Resort
Green Island Resort has been awarded Advanced Ecotourism Cerfication - ensuring future guest's enjoyment and preservation of such a unique environment.
- Accommodation Includes Transfers & Island Activities
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is Advanced Ecotourism Certified - with a unique beachfront location between Cairns and Port Douglas.
Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree Rainforest
Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa is Eco Certified advanced Ecotourism by it's efforts over the past 25 years regenerating the original Rainforest habitat. Offering luxury rainforest retreats, Day Spa and Gourmet Restaurant.
The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses
The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses is Advanced Ecotourism Certified - offering private treehouse style accommodation amongst the ancient rainforests of the Cairns Tablelands.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa Resort
Nestled amogst the Rainforest Daintree Eco Lodge offers the ultimate in Eco Retreat with newly renovated rooms. Ensure to check out our Holiday Packages including Cultural or Spa Packages.