When the Central Coast was crowned one of the first certified Australian ECO Destinations by Ecotourism Australia in 2022, it gave local businesses the opportunity to encourage visitors to travel with their hearts and gave locals more cause to reflect on how to support and nurture our incredible natural surrounds.

From headland to hinterland, we know that our beautiful beaches, bounty of bushwalking tracks and romantic lookouts make the Central Coast a pretty special slice of paradise we’re so proud to call home. After all, more than 50 per cent of the Central Coast is national park, state forest, bushland, open space, nature reserves, beaches and waterways.

But green egos aside, what does it actually mean to be an ECO Destination, and as locals how can we support this?

Eco-Conscious Businesses on the Central Coast

There are 17 local nature-based, eco-conscious businesses either certified or pursuing their certification with Ecotourism Australia, which means they’re committed to sustainable practices and high-quality, nature-based experiences.

Let’s take a deep dive into the swell of sustainable success that’s created a ripple effect of recognition for our region across the country, and celebrate the businesses driving this movement forward, starting with just a handful of some of our favourite local operators:

Marine Treasures with Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal 

One of the first ecotourism operators on the Coast was Terrigal’s Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, where kids are encouraged to get hands-on with wet and dry displays to safely explore the wonders of our marine world. With a mission to creating a greater understanding of catchments, coasts and oceans within our community, the volunteer-run Centre is certainly leading the charge when it comes to making conservation education fun and accessible. Head over to their website here for more info on upcoming events and activities!

Cultural Awakenings with Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences, Coastwide

Another pioneering local organisation leading the way with education is 100 per cent Aboriginal owned Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences. Cultural educator, Tim Selwyn, and his incredible team of cultural experts provide a unique experience into the world’s oldest living culture with guided bushwalks, overnight camping trips, cultural awareness education and even weddings and blessings. The Girri Girra team also recently received an incentive from Central Coast Council and Ecotourism Australia to seek ECO Certification for their important cultural work on the Coast, which means they will be able to inspire even more people to learn how to connect to Country with respect. Learn more about the amazing experiences on offer via their webpage here.

Green obstacle courses with TreeTops Adventure Park, Ourimbah State Forest

Bet you didn’t think this kids birthday party and school-holiday stomping ground would also be an ECO Certified experience? Yep, climbing, leaping and swinging among the great Eucalyptus Trees of the Ourimbah State Forest near Yarramalong is not just great fun, but a great way to teach our little ones about the wonders of nature and bring new meaning to becoming a tree-hugger. Check out their numerous courses and prices via their webpage here!

RELATED: Shop Plastic-Free this July on the Central Coast

The Central Coast: One of Australia’s First ECO Destinations

Fruity foraging with Firescreek Botanical Winery, Holgate

After a day at Treetops, you might deserve to sit back and enjoy the delicious tastes of handcrafted, vegan, organic wines at Firescreek, while knowing you are also supporting a local business truly committed to sustainable practices. Winemakers Francis and Nadia O’Connell produce up to 25 different wines at any one time on the property, using regenerative organic farming from a wide array of botanicals, including edible flora foraged on site, to produce their award-winning drops. Browse their incredible range of wines and events here.

Rewilding a farm with Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby

Jaunt to Jilliby in the Central Coast hinterland next time you’re after breakfast with some new faces. Long, hairy, funny faces, actually. Iris Lodge offer a breakfast with the Alpacas experience for all ages, as well as longer farm and school tours with a twist, helping visitors to respect and appreciate these wonderful animals and their farm friends. It’s no wonder the farm has won awards for its unique educational farm learning experiences! Check their website out for more details (and adorable photos) here.

So next time you want to teach the family, guests, or yourself about our incredible local, natural wonders, consider honouring and supporting the businesses who have put our region on the map as an ECO Destination. Trust us, you’ll love what you learn.

For a full list of ecotourism businesses you can support on the Central Coast, visit: www.lovecentralcoast.com/ecotourism

KEEP READING:

Bindi and Minka’s Favourite Coasties Card Deals

A Local Celebrant’s Guide to Planning a Central Coast Wedding