Sustainable tourism

The Bundaberg Region has become the second destination in Queensland, and the fifth in Australia to announce ECO Destination Certification from Ecotourism Australia.

What is an ECO Destination?

This recognition underscores the Bundaberg region’s dedication to quality and sustainable practices, principles also embedded in the core operations of many local businesses. The Bundaberg region’s ECO Destination Certification empowers conscientious travellers to make informed decisions from the varied selection of eco-friendly, sustainability focused, nature-based experiences, attractions and accommodation when visiting the Bundaberg region.

The ECO Destination Certification adheres the Bundaberg region to the globally acclaimed Green Destinations Standard, endorsing sustainable destination management practices, fostering community engagement and preserving cultural authenticity. Explore the projects and initiatives that the region has achieved and working towards at Our Bundaberg Region that continue building on the Bundaberg region’s ECO Destination success.

The Bundaberg region has a number of businesses that are already certified and many more embarking on their journey to become certified. For more information about business certification, please visit Ecotourism Australia.

Learn more about the region's ECO Destination Certification here.

Discover how you can get involved

Become an ECO Warrior

Being an ECO Destination is something that Bundaberg Region businesses and residents can be part of. Our region is already active in the sustainability space from beach and bush clean-ups, limiting single use plastics, solar panels, and more!

Waste and Recyling resources

To keep the Bundaberg Region residents up to date on all the ways you can get involved in community activities to care for the region, please see below.

Bundaberg Regional Council Waste and Recycling team has programs to help residents throughout the region reduce and reuse. Learn more here: Waste and Recycling programs
Recycle Right! This useful resource aims to debunk common recycling myths with and goes into what residents can and can’t recycle.
To learn more about waste disposal, fees and kerbside bins, click here.

Nature-based experiences

The Bundaberg Region is renowned for its environment and being ECO Destination Certified will only enhance our reputation. Here are some of our best spots to enjoy our region.

Beaches

Elliott Heads Beach
Woodgate Beach
Burnett Heads
Moore Park Beach
Archie’s Beach
Kelly’s Beach and The Basin
Barolin Rocks

Walking trails

Bywash Park
Baldwin Swamp
Watawa Recreation Trail
Russo Environmental Park
Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Queens Park Circuit

Reserves

Barolin Nature Reserve
Meadowvale Nature Park
Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve
Heathwood Recreation Reserve
Kelly’s Creek Reserve
Gin Gin Nature Park
Russo Environmental Park
Sharon Gorge Nature Park

Camping spots

Elliott Heads
Sharon Gorge
Moore Park Beach
Norval Park
Coonarr
Theodolite Creek
Woodgate
Burnett Heads
Kolan River Retreat
Binnowee Bush Camp
Wyper Park Scout Camp

Dog-friendly areas

For information regarding dogs on beaches, click here
To learn more about off-leash dog areas throughout our region, click here

Become an ECO Certified business

Become ECO Certified

Bundaberg Regional Council is offering local tourism operators the opportunity to strengthen their appeal to high yielding, environmentally conscious visitor markets, by becoming ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia by way of a cash subsidy to offset the first annual certification fee.

Find out more about Nature Tourism, ECO Tourism or Advanced ECO Tourism accreditations.

For more information please contact Council’s Ecotourism Officer or complete the ECO Certification – Expression of Interest form.

Learn from Bundaberg Tourism’s members who have achieved ECO Certification.

Become Climate Action Certified

Bundaberg Regional Council is offering all sectors of the tourism industry the opportunity to become Climate Action Certified through Ecotourism Australia by way of a cash subsidy to offset the first annual certification fee.

The Climate Action Certification program is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and assuring travellers that certified products are backed by a commitment to sustainable practices related to address climate change.

For more information on how to gain Climate Action Business, Climate Action Innovator, or Climate Action Leader certification for your business, click here.

Learn from Bundaberg Tourism’s members who have achieved ECO Certification.

For more information please contact Council’s Ecotourism Officer or complete the ECO Certification – Expression of Interest form here.

Electric vehicle charging stations

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across our region. You can find charging locations around the region by visiting EV Charging Stations

Sustainability projects

Reducing Urban Glow

Reef Guardian Council