Scenic Rim proudly joins world’s upper echelon of sustainable tourism destinations

Queensland’s Scenic Rim region has proudly become Australia’s 12th certified ECO Destination.

The prestigious recognition by Ecotourism Australia was awarded after rigorous testing on over 90 sustainable management assessment criteria ranging from waste and water management to energy consumption and emissions.

Scenic Rim is located in south-east Queensland and home to six National Parks, with a breathtaking volcanic mountain range dating back millions of years.

Travellers can reach it by driving an hour (roughly 80km) from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Although hiring a car is the suggested method of transportation, it’s still possible to visit Scenic Rim on public transport by catching a train to Varsity Lakes and Ipswitch on the Rosewood Line before continuing the journey by bus.

Scenic Rim now joins a global network of 160 sustainable tourism destinations across 60 countries, through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations.

Its natural outstanding beauty makes Scenic Rim a haven for bushwalkers, birdwatchers and outdoor adventurers.

The UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests attract droves of naturalists. It has the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, with exceptional biological diversity of plants and animals relatively untouched from their ancestors in the fossil record.

Visitors wanting to participate in sustainable travel when visiting have a plethora of Ecotourism Certified tour operators to choose from.

Araucaria Ecotours offer small-group tours with wildlife experts for those interested in Australia’s ecosystems.

Thunderbird Park is a hidden adventure oasis with minimal environmental impact across its 112ha on Tamborine Mountain, excellent for high-energy families.

Keen hikers can check out ParkTours or Horizon Guides for a guided bushwalk through the Gondwana Rainforests.

Sustainable travel and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive, and Spicers Scenic Rim Trail is a testament to that. The company hosts multi-day hikes with cosy overnight accommodation.