Photo credit: ECO Certified Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney, by Remy Brand
In just three years, the Central Coast of New South Wales has transformed its tourism approach, embracing eco-conscious experiences that honor nature, culture, and community. Spearheaded by Destination Central Coast, the Central Coast Council’s tourism team since 2020, this shift has led to a vibrant, sustainable tourism scene where local businesses, known as “Eco Advocates,” lead the way.
The Central Coast stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism. With over half of its area covered in national parks, state forests, and nature reserves, the region offers a rich blend of coastal beauty and hinterland adventures. Its dedication to eco-friendly practices is evident in the growing number of ECO Certified businesses, which promote conservation and sustainability at the heart of their operations. The region also recognises local tourism businesses in the early stages of their sustainability journey; those businesses applying for accreditation. Destination Central Coast understands it’s important to just get started and take that first step.
Explore how the NSW Central Coast is setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism through its initiatives and the inspiring stories of local Eco Advocates.
Curious how destinations in other parts of the world approach sustainability? Visit our sustainable tourism showcase collection for additional inspiration and good practice examples!
Why Focus on Sustainability?
The Central Coast’s focus on sustainability stems from a desire to protect and enhance its natural assets while fostering economic growth and community well-being. Following the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Central Coast Council committed to ‘building back better’ to support a resilient tourism industry. This commitment led to focusing on the development of a sustainable business environment where ecotourism thrives. By successfully joining the ECO Destination Certification program in partnership with Ecotourism Australia, the region aims to align with global trends in sustainable travel, providing nature-inspired adventures and experiences that benefit both the environment and the local economy.
How Are They Doing It?
The Destination Central Coast team at Central Coast Council has implemented several initiatives to support and promote sustainable tourism:
- ECO Destination Certification program: Launched in region in 2021 with the funding support of WWF Australia, this program not only audits and guides a region’s capability to support sustainable destination management aligned with the global Green Destination Standard, but it also incentivizes local businesses to achieve ECO Certification.
- Eco Advocate incentive program: To support local businesses to pursue sustainable accreditation, Central Coast Council run an incentive program where participants can opt in to receive financial support for starting their ECO Certification application, training and mentoring, content production support, and marketing exposure on destination channels.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Regular and transparent communication, industry events, and one-on-one mentoring help local businesses understand and implement sustainable practices. Taking the local tourism industry on the region’s sustainability journey has been crucial to its success.
- Marketing and Promotion: Destination Central Coast’s tourism marketing campaigns highlight eco-friendly experiences, educating guests and residents on sustainable travel and how to support it. A great example is the Central Coast Sustainability Pledge.
Central Coast - Impact Story Examples:
Iris Lodge Alpacas
Nestled in the Central Coast hinterlands, Iris Lodge offers an interactive, inclusive farm experience with over 60 alpacas, llamas, and sheep. This family-run farm provides guests with the opportunity to experience life on a working farm while learning about sustainable farming practices and connecting with nature.
- Interactive farm tours focused on sustainable practices.
- Educational programs about alpacas and farm life.
- Hands-on activities with farm animals.
Terrigal Ocean Tours
Operating a high-performance eco-vessel, Terrigal Ocean Tours combines marine adventure with conservation. Guests can explore the Humpback Highway, spotting dolphins, seals, and penguins, while learning about marine conservation efforts on the Central Coast.
- Marine adventure tours with a focus on conservation.
- Educational sessions on marine life and habitats.
- Opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural environment.
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours – Mooney Mooney
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours offer immersive culinary oyster farm tours one hour from the city in Mooney Mooney. This is a family owned oyster farm operating for over 15 years, offering luxury tourism experiences with sustainability at its heart.
- Sequestering 3,750 kg of carbon through oyster farming, abiding by Leave No Trace principles, and encouraging guests to do the same.
- Green purchasing policy prioritises biodegradable and recyclable products with minimal packaging, locally made and produced items.
Key Takeaway
The Central Coast’s journey towards sustainable tourism is a testament to the power of industry collaboration and commitment. By supporting local businesses and promoting eco-friendly practices, the region has become a shining example of how tourism can grow and thrive with sustainability at its heart. Explore the Central Coast and be inspired by its dedication to preserving natural beauty while offering unforgettable eco-adventures.
For more information, visit the Central Coast’s eco adventure hub on LoveCentralCoast.com.
Did you enjoy our sustainability spotlight on Central Coast in NSW, Australia? Thanks for sharing!
Curious how destinations in other parts of the world approach sustainability? Visit our sustainable tourism showcase collection for additional inspiration!
