The Townsville region has met globally recognised sustainability standards to achieve ECO Destination Certification at the Nature Tourism level with Ecotourism Australia.

Townsville is the third destination in Queensland (as of April 2024) and the ninth in Australia to become an ECO Destination, solidifying the region as a leader in sustainable ecotourism.

Certification was funded under the Queensland Government’s Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program which provided grants to councils and regional and local tourism organisations to support attainment of the high level ECO Destination Certification.

Situated at the doorstep of two World Heritage Areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, Townsville is a hub for iconic nature-based tourism experiences. The region boasts an incredible percentage of protected natural areas with 82 percent of its surface area managed to foster thriving natural values. Townsville region is also home to the popular tourist destination, Magnetic Island, and the internationally important Bowling Green Bay Ramsar Wetland.

When our backyard is the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Bowling Green Bay Wetlands, it’s no surprise that the environment and sustainability are incredibly important to us. From our many eco-certified operators to our important sustainable practices, Townsville is known for our commitment to the environment and a sustainable future. This is just one of the reasons why Townsville is ranked as one of the world’s top 100 sustainable destinations. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Townsville’s majestic environment while minimising your impact, read on to discover how you can embrace sustainability here in Townsville.

Townsville’s Sustainable Eco-Certified Operators

Sustainability isn’t just a word for our Townsville operators, it’s something they live and breathe every day. In fact, they’re so good at it, many Townsville North Queensland operators and experiences have been recognised with ‘eco-certification.’ When you explore with our eco-certified operators, you know you’re travelling with a company that has been uniformly acknowledged as having a strong and well-managed commitment to sustainable practices.

Choose sustainable when you visit Townsville by exploring Magnetic Island with Big Mama Sailing, Aquascene Magnetic Island, and Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks, discovering the Great Barrier Reef with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive and Yongala Dive, learning about Indigenous culture with Mungalla Aboriginal Tours and interacting with natural wildlife at the Billabong Sanctuary, and stay in eco-comfort at Magnetic Island Glamping.

You can find a longer list of Townsville’s eco-certified operators here: Must-Do Eco Bucket List. 

Townsville’s Sustainable Stays

If staying sustainably is important to you, you’ll be glad to hear about the Townsville Eco Resort and Magnetic Glamping. The Townsville Eco Resort is found just south of the Townsville CBD, with a multiple of accommodation options from camping, campervans, and luxury glamping tents (with air-conditioning, refrigerator, and a private bathroom!) available. This accommodation has advanced eco-tourism accreditation, and the electricity is offset by solar PV. Not only that, but the 14-acre property includes a wetland, so you’re almost guaranteed several animal sightings.

Magnetic Glamping provides deluxe accommodation, and each camping Tent has its own ensuite (shower toilet & stone basin), and a kitchenette, with basin, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle. Each tent has its’ own small hot water service, so we are only heating water when the tents are occupied. The tents have large netted zipped windows, and a fan. Air conditioners are restricted to come on over 25 degrees. The mountain breezes come down and filter through to the tents. A large magnesium swimming pool is available for guests, and large grounds with tropical gardens and relaxation areas, are keenly sought by guests.

More ways to embrace sustainability in Townsville

There are many ways to embrace sustainability in Townsville North Queensland. From sustainable coffee, to eco-transfers, the destination is on the path toward lower environmental impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey!

Head across to Magnetic Island and Palm Island with Sealink North Queensland. Gaining eco-tourism certification in May 2023, Sealink North Queensland has been recognised for its sustainable business practices in its ferry services as well as for its work with community and environmental groups.

And if you’re looking to celebrate sustainability, join us for the Rootbound Festival. The Rootbound Festival is a four-day celebration of music, arts, and land care, located against Nywaigi Country’s coastal wetlands, east of Ingham. With a focus on sustainability, Indigenous culture and the preservation of our ecosystem, the Rootbound Festival is more than just another music festival but a real opportunity to develop a space where nature, music and art work together. Join us next year?

How Townsville is leading the way on sustainability

We are aware, no matter how good they are, that there is more to a sustainable region than environmentally conscious hotels, transport, and experiences. The Townsville region has shown its deep commitment to sustainability, from the Townsville Council’s Creek to Coral programme, the development of the Sustainable Townsville partnership and Charters Towers’ Sustainable Futures road map. We’re already playing a part in the global push for a more sustainable present, and we are proud of the steps we are taking to ensure a sustainable future for all.