The Scenic Rim region has achieved ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia, underscoring its strong commitment to sustainable tourism.
‘As the home to iconic pioneering ecotourism operators such as Binna Burra Lodge all of us here in the nature-based tourism sector of the Scenic Rim have welcomed the new ECO Destination Certification awarded by Ecotourism Australia, said Steve Noakes, Chair of the Board of Directors at Binna Burra Lodge.
‘Here is the Scenic Rim we celebrate our UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana rainforests, dramatic landscapes and many protected natural area and join with our industry colleagues such as O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Mount Barney Lodge, and Araucaria Ecotours, as well as a further nine Ecotourism Australia-certified businesses to thank all organisations involved in this destination certification process’ said Noakes.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Ms Elissa Keenan said “This certification underscores the Scenic Rim’s dedication to implementing sustainable tourism strategies aligned with global best-practice standards. By fostering high-quality nature-based experiences and advancing sustainable destination management, the region strengthens its position as a leader in responsible tourism”
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said: “Tourism is one of the Scenic Rim’s most valuable industries. Achieving ECO Destination Certification reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices, creating better places for locals and visitors alike. This recognition inspires deeper appreciation and responsibility for preserving our extraordinary landscapes.” (A local Beechmont resident, Tom’s father, Geoff Sharp, was the Chair of Binna Burra Lodge in 2005 and 2006).
The Queensland Government through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation provided grant funding in 2023-2024 for regions across the state to undertake or complete ECO Destination Certification. Support for the program was also provided from WWF-Australia’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. Following the Black Summer bushfires, WWF-Australia partnered with Ecotourism Australia to help 11 bushfire-affected regions build back better through ecotourism.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the strong partnership between Council and Ecotourism Australia, as well as essential funding support from both the Queensland Government and WWF Australia,” Mayor Sharp said.
Binna Burra Lodge continues to maintain its Advanced Ecotourism certification with Ecotourism Australia.
About Binna Burra Lodge
Since 1933, Binna Burra has been welcoming visitors into Woonoongoora, Lamington National Park. The business reopen in 2020 after one year shut-down following the devastation of the 2019 Australian Black Summer bushfires. Overnight guests can stay in the Sky Lodges, the wonderful Tiny Wild Houses, in the rainforest campsite and safari tents or the private bunkrooms while enjoying the food & beverage section at the Binna Burra Tea House or the Bushwalker’s Bar at groom’s Cottage. The new lodge and accommodation remains under construction and will open in 2026.
About Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports Australia’s visitor economy through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. Our key legacy program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022 supports non-nature based businesses achieve global best-practice. Today there are more than 2000 accommodations, tours and attractions; and 12 destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia.
About the Scenic Rim
Since being named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022, the SCENIC RIM has continued to win accolades, picking up awards at the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. In 2023, delicious. magazine also named it in the top 10 places to visit in Australia and in 2024, Qantas Travel Insider included it in the Hottest Places in the World to Visit (the only Queensland inclusion). Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries and distilleries, eco-lodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, first-class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between. It’s a region of more than 4,200 square kilometres of fertile farmland surrounded by ancient mountains and rainforest, with three lakes and more than 30,000ha of national parks.
Visitors to the Scenic Rim region benefit from the following businesses that are Ecotourism Certified with Ecotourism Australia and lead the way in sustainable travel, ecotourism and environmental conservation: Araucaria Ecotours, Binna Burra Lodge, Horizon Guides, Leisure Solutions, Mt Barney Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, ParkTours, Southern Cross Tours, Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain Glades & Thunderbird Park, TreeTop Challenge.
VISIT SCENIC RIM – visitscenicrim.com.au
