Ecotourism case studies

Queensland is one of the most naturally diverse places on earth. We are privileged to have outstanding and abundant natural diversity, extraordinary ecosystems and unique wildlife across reef, rainforests and arid landscapes, wetlands and woodlands, coastlines and savannahs.

Queensland is home to five World Heritage areas, including the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Queensland is also fortunate to be home to awe-inspiring First Nations cultural heritage as well as post-contact heritage places and relics.

These unique characteristics give Queensland’s ecotourism sector a competitive advantage. The state has embraced ecotourism initiatives that balance environmental conservation with enriching visitor experiences, and the Queensland Government is committed to growing ecotourism in Queensland to showcase our world-class natural and cultural assets while ensuring their long-term protection.

Ecotourism in protected areas plays a key role in delivering sustainable economic, social, and environmental outcomes for Queensland which is demonstrated by the following ecotourism experiences.

Habitat Noosa, Great Sandy National Park

Habitat Noosa is located within the Great Sandy National Park, surrounded by natural bushland and adjacent to the pristine Noosa Everglades. Originally part of the farming and gold rush area, Habitat Noosa in its original form was built prior to area being dedicated as national park. The ecocamp offers an experience that combines environmental conservation and education with high-quality visitor amenities and accommodation.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Wooroonooran National Park

Mamu Tropical Skywalk in Wooroonooran National Park provides visitors with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding rainforest while learning about its mysteries from the elevated walkways, cantilever and observation tower.

Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park

The Thorsborne Trail is a 32-kilometre, Class 5 hiking trail along the eastern coast of Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy), 8 kilometres off the Queensland coast near Cardwell. It offers a world-class, multi-day hiking experience (with a supported guided hiking experience offered through World Expeditions) through stunning coastal and mountain scenery, important cultural landscapes, and diverse ecological communities on Australia’s largest island national park.

Ngaro Track, Whitsunday Islands National Park

(Low tier case study)

The Ngaro Track, located on the southern end of Whitsunday Island, weaves 32km through the island’s diverse landscape connecting two iconic destinations—Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Visitors can traverse remote interior areas of the island, while enjoying comfortable overnight camping at bespoke camp sites.

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O’Reilly’s Campground, Lamington National Park

(Medium tier case study)

The former Green Mountains campground in Lamington National Park has experienced a major upgrade of facilities and the introduction of glamping accommodation. Operated by O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, the campground offers unpowered camp sites, bushwalker camp sites, campervan sites and family-sized safari tents, two of which are accessible for people with a disability.

More about the O’Reilly’s Campground case study

Scenic Rim Trail, Main Range National Park

(High tier case study)

The Scenic Rim Trail is a 55km, multi-day walking trail through World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park, extending from the privately owned Thornton View Nature Refuge to Cunninghams Gap with overnight stays in eco cabins.

More about the Scenic Rim Trail case study