Discover the best ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland, including eco-certified attractions and operators that promote environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Far North Queensland, also known as Tropical North Queensland, has the highest concentration of eco-certified experiences in Australia. This region is rich with Indigenous history, unique wildlife and wondrous environments. From the ancient World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and the cerulean waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the islands dotted like freckles off its palm-fringed coast, this tropical paradise has stolen many a traveller’s heart.
There are few ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland quite as humbling as drifting over the world’s largest coral reef system, watching turtles bobbing and dolphins dancing in your wake, and witnessing thousands of tropical fish. The rest of Far North Queensland is just as beautiful, both on land and under the sea. The region’s savvy tour operators are working together to maintain its beauty for years to come, and visitors can actively contribute to its preservation, too. Learn more about these conservation leaders and the top ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland below.
1. Be a marine biologist for a day with Passions of Paradise
Snorkel, dive or sail on the Great Barrier Reef on one of the best ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. Aboard Passions of Paradise‘s 25-metre-high catamaran, you can get up close and personal with turtles, fish and other marine animals on these excursions.
Join the company’s one-of-a-kind Citizen Science and Research Team and contribute to the ongoing conservation projects on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll assist Master Reef Guides as they survey reef locations and monitor reef health, as well as observe coral planting as part of the University of Technology Sydney’s Coral Nurture Program. Visit a coral nursery, where broken coral pieces are brought back to life, and get involved in the Eye on the Reef monitoring program.
Passions of Paradise is an ethical tour operator that was a partner in the government-funded Coral Nurture Program, designed to unite tourism and science to protect this World Heritage Site. In addition, the company holds an Advanced Ecotourism Certification and is titled a Climate Action Leader and Green Travel Leader.
2. Join Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Citizens of the Reef is a 21st-century conservation organisation working across the Great Barrier Reef. Combining leading science with meaningful citizen action and digital innovation, their mission is to drive people-powered reef conservation that can be scaled up to meet the escalating threats facing coral reefs around the world. Join the Great Reef Census, a groundbreaking citizen science effort that collects and surveys tens of thousands of images from hundreds of reefs across the Great Barrier Reef each year. If you’re on the reef from October to December, you can jump in the water and collect photos that can be submitted online for analysis. If you’re at home, you can help by analysing the images today.
3. Volunteer at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Spend a week as a turtle conservation volunteer and help the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre team with their daily tasks, such as cleaning tanks and feeding turtles. This volunteer program is one of the most unforgettable ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland, as it allows visitors to have an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience working with sea turtles. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn from experts in wildlife conservation. All your volunteer work for this ethical tourism operator is generally carried out by midday, after which you can enjoy the remainder of the day on Fitzroy Island or return to Cairns to explore the city and surrounding area.
4. See the reef with Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours
Husband and wife team Perry Jones and Taryn Agius operate Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours. A passionate partner of the Coral Nurture Program since 2019, the duo’s boats, Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom, offer a front-row seat to this maritime initiative. The company also ensures the reef sites continue to be protected through a collection of eco-forward projects, including the crown-of-thorns eradication, Eye on the Reef surveys and annual contributions to turtle rehabilitation.
Read more: Explore the Great Barrier Reef and islands near Cairns on Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom
5. Take a private day tour of Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Certified as an Advanced Ecotourism operator and holding the titles of Green Travel Leader and Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is one of the top ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. The animal sanctuary is an open and interactive place that teaches guests about Australia’s native wildlife.
The personalised YOUR Wildlife Habitat Tour is a two-hour experience that includes entering a koala enclosure for one-on-one time, visiting the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre to witness wildlife rescue efforts, and engaging with animals that have been hand-raised. You’ll also spend a little over an hour with a wildlife keeper for a private reptile presentation. The tour concludes with a premium dining experience in the company of Australian wildlife. Your ticket also includes a five-day entry, so you can go back and visit your new animal friends whenever you want.
6. Volunteer at Tolga Bat Hospital
For more than 30 years, the Tolga Bat Hospital in Carrington has conducted research, rescued and rehabilitated all kinds of bat species, including flying foxes (fruit bats) and microbats. Tolga Bat Hospital is actively looking for volunteers to feed tiny baby bats whose mothers have died from tick paralysis.
7. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Sailaway Port Douglas
Sailaway has been awarded just about every green tick imaginable. They have an Advanced Ecotourism Certification, are a Climate Action Leader and are also one of the nine tourism companies participating in the Coral Nurture Program. It contributes $20 from each passenger ticket to offset carbon emissions and renewable reforestation, making Sailaway one of the ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland.
Specialising in premium sailing and snorkelling experiences, Sailaway Port Douglas is a carbon-conscious tourism operator offering ocean adventures, such as touring the Low Isles or a relaxing sunset sail on one of Sailaway’s luxury wind-powered catamarans. More than a decade ago, Sailaway bought a former cane paddock, and today, a portion of the cost of your tour goes directly into revegetation initiatives on the site.
8. Ride a hot air balloon with Indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours
Join Balloon Aloft and Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon ride over the extraordinary countryside of Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Enjoy sunrise or evening views of the spectacular Gulf Country, including Australia’s largest salt pan, Albert River, and out further towards the ocean. Learn about the unique local flora and fauna from the Gangalidda and Garawa crew pre- or post-flight and discover the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful natural landscape.
9. Take a Coral Expeditions cruise along the Great Barrier Reef
Witnessing and contributing to the conservation of the world’s largest reef is one of the most memorable ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. With a maximum of 70 guests and leading research experts onboard, Coral Expeditions’ small ship Coral Discoverer sails past remote reefs, islands and significant wildlife habitats in the Coral Sea marine zone.
Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and enjoy a ranger-guided Turtle Tracks and Tales walk, or explore the conservation park and learn about turtle conservation, research, turtle tracks and nesting sites. You’ll also get to experience the work of dedicated marine scientists at the oldest and largest marine research station on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island Research Station, and snorkel at John Brewer Reef (Museum of Underwater Art).
10. Learn about the cultural significance of the reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel
Exploring the underwater world is the only real way to comprehend the immensity and environmental significance of the reef. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel’s Indigenous Cultural Guides can explain the cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef before revealing the treasures that lie beneath the glossy surface. By joining a tour with Traditional Custodians, you’ll learn creation stories that have shaped both land and sea, along with having a chance to immerse yourself in cultural dance, song and ceremony.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel has Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation, a badge of honour showing the operators’ commitment to having a minimal impact on the environment and helping protect and preserve the destinations and communities they explore. When it launched, Australia’s Ecotourism Certification was a world first. It remains a pioneering system to identify responsible tourism companies and (as of 2018) destinations.
11. Visit a wildlife carer at Lumholtz Lodge
Stay with full-time wildlife carer Margit Cianelli in this unique Upper Barron B&B for one of the most unique ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. More than 100 mammal and bird species have been spotted around the property’s 64 hectares of lush rainforest. Guests can spot nocturnal wildlife, bottle-feed baby wallabies, read in the extensive nature library and explore the many walking trails. Even wildlife legend Bob Irwin has stayed at the Lumholtz Lodge.
12. Explore the Daintree Discovery Centre
This facility introduces visitors to the world’s oldest rainforest and has accreditations such as Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action Business, and ROC certified and is a member of the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame. The Daintree Discovery Centre has an eco-friendly design that protects the forest’s root system, utilises carbon offsetting strategies, has a beautiful 23-metre Rainforest Canopy Tower and an Aerial Walkway.
13. Embark on a cultural journey with Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
This Indigenous-owned and operated enterprise hosts a Hands On Country Eco Tour led by Mandingalbay Yidinji people, which teaches guests about the Aboriginal customs, artefacts, and ancient traditions of the land. This tour departs from Cairns and sails past mangroves into an Indigenous Protected Reserve and is ECO and ROC certified.
14. Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway was the first tourism operator in the world to achieve EarthCheck Certification and is one of only a handful of ‘EarthCheck Masters’ globally. Riding the Skyrail is one of the most breathtaking ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. Here, you can soar for 7.5 kilometres in a cableway over Barron Gorge National Park, an ancient landscape of rugged rainforest-clad mountains, gorges and tumbling waterfalls. Everything from its eco-design to its energy use is done with the environment in mind. The company operates electric car charging stations, features solar-powered charging stations made from recycled components, and uses compost from its cafe across its gardens.
15. Spot wildlife with Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises
For two decades, David White has been operating boat tours in the Daintree. Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise is the only operator with zero-emission boats on the Daintree River. David has an electric solar boat that quietly glides through the glassy waters, providing a rare glimpse into the unique wildlife in these parts, and in the process, ensuring the wildlife isn’t disturbed.
16. Walk through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is an award-winning ecotourism organisation at the entrance to the Daintree Rainforest. There are self-guided walks to be explored, but the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks led by local Indigenous people provide a unique insight into the region. The workforce at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is approximately 90% Indigenous, and the centre is ecotourism and ROC certified.
17. Discover Paronella Park
Paronella Park is an interesting piece of history and one of the most magical ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland. Located on Mena Creek, this heritage-listed ecotourism attraction spans five hectares and is Advanced Ecotourism, Climate Action and Green Travel Leader certified. In 1929, a Spanish gentleman by the name of José Paronella purchased this plot of land for £120. Upon it, he built a petite castle-like structure, which became one of Queensland’s earliest tourist attractions. The park is now powered by its waterfall and boasts a romantic landscape of bridges, tunnels, historic fairytale structures and the perfect lawns for a picnic accompanied by native wildlife.
18. Visit Lady Elliot Island
Home to an abundance of manta rays and turtles, Lady Elliot Island is a thriving coral cay teeming with unspoilt reefs and breathtaking marine life. As the island is located at the southern tip of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is an ecotourism business dedicated to promoting sustainable practices. Family-run and operated, the resort offers low-impact accommodation powered by solar panels, built using recycled materials and installed with energy-efficient appliances. From this renewable home base, avid snorkellers and divers can venture into an underwater haven as citizen scientists by participating in Reef Check and REEFSearch marine monitoring.
19. Tour the Cairns Aquarium
Cairns Aquarium is a vital contributor to reef research and development, with an onsite Turtle Rehabilitation Centre open to small groups. Visitors at the volunteer-led Turtle Hospital can join a guided tour and get up close with sea turtle patients. All the proceeds go towards caring for the gentle creatures from rescue to release.
20. Snorkel with Wavelength Reef Cruises
Wavelength Reef Cruises pioneered the use of coral clips to propagate and plant coral fragments. As one of the longest-running reef operators in Port Douglas and a co-founder of the Eye on the Reef program, the company is committed to providing high-quality experiences with a low impact. A tour with this operator will deliver one of the most meaningful ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland.
21. Join the Great Barrier Reef Legacy
Great Barrier Reef Legacy has created the world’s first living coral biobank to preserve the reef’s coral at the Cairns Aquarium. The project will safeguard corals so there are specimens available for reef research and restoration efforts. A partnership between researchers and tour operators, the Coral Nurture Program also allows operators to collect coral fragments to propagate in underwater nurseries and then plant on the reef.
22. Adventure with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises take you snorkelling around the dreamy archipelago with a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide. Witness vibrant coral gardens, join semi-submersible tours, or go on a guided walk led by expert marine biologists to gain a deeper understanding of the marine environment.
23. Experience Reef Magic
Reef Magic cruises to an outer-reef pontoon for a day of snorkelling and diving with marine biologists as part of the company’s Advanced Ecotourism Certified operations. Sustainably designed and built, the Reef Magic Pontoon has 18 solar panels and three wind turbines that enable it to run on renewable energy. Aside from acting as a unique and convenient entry point for water activities, the pontoon also hosts a scientific lab for reef research. This is one of the best ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland for a fun yet low-impact day on the water.
24. Soak up sun and sea with Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises visits Moore Reef with experienced marine biologists. They can also drop you at Fitzroy Island. All guests contribute to the ongoing conservation of the reef through an Environmental Management Charge incorporated into each ticket. The company also employs three marine biologists to conduct reef health surveys, control the crown-of-thorns starfish population and educate the public during engaging programs.
25. Swim alongside minke whales with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions takes you on scuba expeditions while staying on a liveaboard, with ship staff updating reef reports en route. One expedition includes swimming with minke whales. To combat any impact they may have on marine ecosystems, the company supports scientific research projects investigating marine health and encourages guests to participate in citizen science programs.
26. Witness the Wet Tropics with Billy Tea Safaris
Glide across the enchanting Daintree River on a cruise or enjoy commentary from expert guides in a custom-built 4WD vehicle on a single or multi-day Wet Tropics tour with Billy Tea Safaris. For their commitment to providing environmentally and culturally rich experiences, this business has Advanced Ecotourism, ROC and Green Travel Leader certifications, and a place in the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame.
27. Stroll through ancient lava tubes at Undara
Undara Volcanic National Park is an ancient natural wonder bearing one of the world’s largest lava tubes. Those visiting the once active shield volcano can explore a collection of caves, marvel at awe-inspiring geological formations and spot wildlife come alive at sunset. Aiming to preserve the ancient landscapes, Undara Experience prioritises sustainability by working with environmental agencies, implementing low impact practices and building a custom roof to capture rainwater.
28. Tour with Calypso Reef Cruises
Calypso Reef Cruises’ dive and snorkel tours visit the Low Isles and blissful Agincourt Reef. The company also has an Advanced Ecotourism Certification. This is one of the top ecotourism experiences in Far North Queensland for visiting thriving snorkelling sites.
Where is Far North Queensland?
Far North Queensland stretches from Cairns to the Torres Strait on the northeast coast of Australia. In this region you’ll find the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Magnetic Island and Port Douglas, just to name a few.
Ecotourism in Far North Queensland
The Port Douglas and Daintree region was the first in the country to be awarded Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification, but Far North Queensland’s environmental success isn’t restricted to one area. Across this picturesque paradise, eco-warriors are committed to preserving the environment.
What is ecotourism?
The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation describes ecotourism as nature-based activities that increase appreciation and understanding of nature and culture. Ecotourism experiences are ecologically, economically and socially sustainable and contribute to the wellbeing and conservation of local ecosystems, wildlife, communities and traditions while ensuring low visitor impact.
Why is ecotourism important?
The preservation of natural environments, biodiversity and wildlife is at the forefront of ecotourism. Ensuring not only the survival but also the flourishing, of the natural world is integral to building a sustainable future for generations to come. Historically, while tourism has had positive economic impacts on local business owners and operators, it’s had a negative impact on natural environments. Therefore, ecotourism is important to ensuring the travel and tourism industry can exist harmoniously alongside nature. Ecotourism also facilitates education and appreciation of such elements among visitors, spreading awareness and encouraging ethical practices.
Ecotourism in Australia
Australia is a country of diverse landscapes and environments. From ancient forests and vast deserts to rural fields, rugged bush and beautiful coastlines, this country is home to many unique, rare and endangered animals and plant life that must be preserved. Thankfully, Australia is one of the top destinations for ecotourism. We have an independent body, Ecotourism Australia, that specialises in fostering eco-friendly and culturally sensitive experiences in hospitality and tourism sectors across the country.
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