This type of tourism encourages domestic and foreign travel that preserves the integrity of a natural environment and positively impacts the area’s local people.

According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourists should be guided by the following principles:

• Minimise social, behavioural, and psychological impact
• Focus on environmental and cultural awareness
• Contribute to conservation, either physically or financially
• Respect and empower locals to ensure that your presence has a positive impact

In Queensland, ecotourism is a huge part of the $23 billion tourism industry and the guiding principles and best practices of ecotourism aim to ensure that visitors, locals, and the environment can all benefit from a sustainable tourism industry.

Best practise guidelines ensure key considerations are habitat preservation, waste management and clean-up, species interaction and conservation, and protection of cultural heritage.

Among the biggest benefits of ecotourism is that it supports the maintenance and improvement of the areas used as tourist attractions.

Being a sustainable traveller helps us to keep exploring the eight million square kilometres of wilderness in Australia, taking enjoyment from the planet while preserving its beauty and healthy ecosystems.

The choices range from national parks and bushlands through to the urban and rural landscapes we live in – the options are endless. Produce that is ethically and sustainably sourced is also not hard to find on your travels with many roadside farm gates, clean-eating restaurants and cafes embracing a paddock-to-plate philosophy accessible on a drive through the country.

Thrive presents the following list of top eco-tourism destinations in Australia.

The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest located in tropical North Queensland is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world.

The largest rainforest in Australia, the Daintree Rainforest is over 1,200 square kilometres and is home to many animal and plant species not found anywhere else in the world.

The Daintree Rainforest is a popular day-trip destination from Cairns and Port Douglas. Visit Mossman Gorge, experience a croc cruise on the Daintree River, cross the river on the ferry and travel to Cape Tribulation.

Capricorn Caves

Capricorn Caves is a multigenerational family-owned attraction located 23km north of Rockhampton and just minutes off the Pacific Coast Way.

As an advanced eco-tourism attraction, Capricorn Caves is home to an abundance of native wildlife and endangered species which you can discover on tour.

Ecotourism is tourism centred around the natural world, with a focus on sustainability, and it is a concept gaining popularity around the world.

Experienced local guides deliver the captivating stories of this ancient Australian landscape on small-scale interpretive tours.

Set on 32.3 hectares, the spacious fully self-contained cabins and caravan sites are perfect for a short getaway or an extended stay.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, also known as K’gari, is the world’s largest sand island and an area of remarkable natural beauty. It was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1992 to recognise the island’s internationally significant nature features including its evolving dune, lake, soil and forest systems, the extent and age of which are outstanding examples of ongoing geological and biological processes. It also has many unique, natural landscapes.

Top places to see include Lake Boomanjin, Central Station, Boorangoora, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, Kingfisher Bay and Lake Allom.

Mon Repos Beach

Mon Repos is home to Australia’s largest concentration of nesting sea turtles where you will find the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, which is located just a short walk to the beach. Historical, environmental and leisure activities are on offer at Mon Repos.

From mid-October to the end of April (during turtle season), public access to the beach is restricted from 6pm to 6am.

Mon Repos is well known in aviation history as the location of Bert Hinkler’s first hangar trial flights in 1912.

Known as one of Queensland’s longest beaches, and the most undeveloped, you will find basalt rocks bordering the beach and a rocky outcrop midway up the beach – a gorgeous location to capture the sunrises of the region.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a rugged region west of Sydney in New South Wales. Known for dramatic scenery, it encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages dotted with guesthouses, galleries and gardens.

It is best known for its soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland. Nestled within the wilderness lies charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art and the iconic tourist attraction of Scenic World.

Katoomba, a major town in the area, borders Blue Mountains National Park and its bushwalking trails.

Echo Point affords views of the storied Three Sisters sandstone rock formation.

Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves is one of Australia’s great natural spectacles: the most ancient open caves in the world with arguably the most beautiful limestone formations.

Tucked into a remote valley in the southern Blue Mountains National Park, this labyrinth of stalactite-lined chasms carved by pure underground rivers is a must-do extension for any visit to the Blue Mountains.