East Gippsland, Victoria's first Eco accredited destination

Welcome to East Gippsland: your eco-friendly adventure awaits! We’re thrilled to share that East Gippsland is now the first destination in Victoria to earn globally certified Eco Destination status. This exciting achievement highlights our commitment to keeping our beautiful region sustainable and welcoming for all. Here in East Gippsland, we’re dedicated to protecting our stunning landscapes, wildlife, and local culture. But we know that being eco-friendly is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. We’re constantly working to improve and innovate, making sure that every visit supports our shared goal of a greener, cleaner future.

As you explore, you’ll find plenty of ways to travel consciously and help us in our mission. Whether you’re staying in eco-friendly accommodations, participating in local conservation efforts, or simply enjoying our pristine natural beauty, every little choice you make contributes to preserving East Gippsland for the future. So, come and experience the wonders of East Gippsland while joining us on our journey towards sustainability. Your visit helps make a difference, and we’re excited to have you as part of our eco-friendly adventure! Welcome to East Gippsland—where every step you take supports a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Nestled within the lands of Gunaikurnai, Bidawel and Monero, East Gippsland has long been a draw for nature enthusiasts.

The region boasts a treasure trove of world-renowned natural wonders, including the:

• UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Croajingolong National Park,

• culturally significant Buchan Caves,

• Alpine High Country,

• expansive Gippsland Lakes, and

• the picturesque Ninety Mile Beach.

East Gippsland's achievement of Ecotourism-level certification follows a meticulous independent assessment of 91 rigorous criteria.

This certification recognises the region as a nature-based tourism destination committed to the principles of ecotourism, encompassing cultural and natural interpretation and education for visitors, as well as the active involvement of local businesses in sustainable practices.

Read more about East Gippsland in Ecotourism Australia's Green Travel Guide.

Be a conscious traveller

Travel Consciously in East Gippsland Travel Consciously in East Gippsland

Welcome to East Gippsland. As you explore our beautiful region, we encourage you to travel consciously to protect and respect our wildlife, nature, and local communities. Here are some tips to help you make a positive impact:

Wildlife & nature

• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them.

• Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to protect habitats.

• Leave No Trace: Take all your rubbish with you. Use recycling bins where available.

• Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage.

• Mindful Recreation: Participate in water activities responsibly to avoid disturbing aquatic life.

• Protect Waterways: Avoid polluting rivers, lakes, and oceans. Use biodegradable products.

• Fire Bans: Always check and adhere to local fire bans and restrictions.

• Campfires: Only light campfires in designated areas and ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving.

 • Fishing and Hunting: Obtain necessary permits and follow guidelines for sustainable practices.

Culture

• Honor Local Traditions: Respect the customs and traditions of the Indigenous communities.

• Support Local: Buy local produce, arts, and crafts to support our community.

• Community Engagement: Engage with locals to learn more about the region's heritage.

Waste

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.

• Proper Disposal: Dispose of waste responsibly, especially in natural areas.

Transportation

• Eco-friendly Travel: Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk whenever possible.

• Carbon Offsetting: Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint. Thank you for helping to keep East Gippsland beautiful and sustainable. Enjoy your visit!

Get started on your business certification journey

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide. Ecotourism Australia’s guidelines help businesses lead in ecotourism by ensuring destination sustainability and supporting local communities.

By following Ecotourism Australia's best practice standards, tourism businesses can provide a high-quality, recognisable product to consumers while increasing sustainable development.

ECO accreditation makes it easy for visitors to find genuine ecotourism operators. Ecotourism Australia offers three certification programs to recognise tourism businesses for their sustainable initiatives: ECO Certification, Sustainable Tourism Certification and the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.

The ECO and Sustainable Tourism certifications are in-depth processes that work with businesses across the key pillars of sustainability, while the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard provides a snapshot of a business’s progress towards environmental sustainability goals.

For more information about certification pathways for businesses, visit Ecotourism Australia's website.