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READ ALL ABOUT IT! THE GLADSTONE REGION IS AN ECo-CERTIFIED DESTINATION
GAPDL, in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Ports Corporation, and other key stakeholders, has achieved the globally recognised ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia! The region is proud to be working on a state-wide pathway towards achieving net zero emissions for the tourism industry, before 2050.
The stamp of approval, in the form of accreditation from Ecotourism Australia, allows us to be recognised by environmentally-aware visitors. It demonstrates our commitment to authentic, unique, culturally responsible, and environmentally sustainable experiences, which are the top of the list of priorities for discerning travellers.
But it’s not just important for the tourism sector; the complex process to achieve this accreditation demonstrates the strong commitment by industry, local government, and the entire community towards all aspects of regional sustainability.
The certification process considers six main themes: Destination Management, Nature & Scenery, Environment & Climate, Culture & Tradition, Social Well-being, and Business & Communication.
This certification demonstrates how we protect, respect, and nurture our community, culture, and natural environment. Our devotion to this project will extend beyond the accreditation stage; we are required to ensure we continue to adhere to and continually improve our destination management practices, and support our community, as a whole, to do the same.
How you can be eco-friendly & assist, as a valued guest
As you tip-toe through our backyard, soak up the stunning views, marvel at the marine life, and enjoy unique experiences, please take care, to leave it as you found it, for those who follow in your footsteps.
Please click on the links below to familiarise yourself with information regarding our marine and national parks, and to introduce you to some of our local initiatives, and operators who have already taken the time and commitment to achieve the Eco Certification accreditation.
If you’ve got some free time, sign up for a local conservation program delivered by Gladstone Regional Council, or get involved in other initiatives listed below, to gather research and guide action toward protecting our region. Spot our eco-tips throughout this guide to learn how you can travel responsibly while visiting our beautiful region.
Eco-certified tourism operators in our region
- Visit the highly protected ‘Green Zone’ of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, where you’ll experience unspoiled coral reefs and an abundance of thriving marine life.
- Embark on a journey with 1770 LARC! Tours to explore secluded beaches of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and pristine National Parks.
- Stay at Broadwater Haven nestled in bushlands only footsteps away from the stunning coastal estuary.
- Experience nature at its best on Heron Island Resort, within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life.
- Immerse in nature on Wilson Island to experience the unspoiled natural environment, the incredible marine life and the amazing native flora and fauna.
- Experience the wilderness that is the Southern Great Barrier Reef. With Dive Spear and Sport 1770, board a custom built boat and join a guided dive.
- At Traveller’s Rest 1770 you can immerse yourself in a truly restful experience on the 44 acres bush property. Camp, take an educational guided walk or stroll along the new boardwalk.
Electric vehicle charging stations
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across our region. You can find charging locations via the PlugShare map. Some of the key locations are listed below:
Lagoons 1770 Central Apartment Resort
Sandcastles1770 – Tesla-branded but adaptable. FREE for guests / $15.00 per hour.
Download the free PlugShare App to find all the EV charging locations.
Get your Gladstone region Eco-itinerary
Our region’s eco-certified tourism businesses are leading the way in high-quality eco and sustainable tourism experiences.
Island-hop through the region with eco-certified tourism operators, and experience nature at its best on Heron Island and Lady Elliot Island
within the Southern Great Barrier Reef sanctuaries, for an extraordinary variety of marine life.Alternatively, Enjoy Agnes Water and 1770 with Eco Certified Tourism Operators and experience the area on the famous pink amphibian
LARC and Lady Musgrave Island while staying in bushland only footsteps away from the coastal estuary.
How you can be eco-friendly & assist, as an operator
We encourage all businesses to adopt sustainable business practices and make climate-positive operational changes by:
- Becoming Eco Certified
- Developing a Sustainability Plan
- Understanding and reducing your carbon emissions
- Reduce, reuse & recycle
- Saying no to straws and plastic bags
- Support & buy localCommunicate your sustainability measures
- Contributing to community Conservation Programs and Initiatives
- Share the Eco-Tips Visitor Brochure which contains eco-tips for visitors to our region.
- Information, insight, and resources can be found on the Sustainable Tourism Brochure.
During our accreditation process, we surveyed visitors to the Gladstone region, to gather insights into their demographics, motivations to travel here and their perceptions regarding sustainability and its visibility in the Gladstone region. A snapshot of pertinent results are:
Reason for travel and who they are travelling with:
- 24% were visiting friends and relatives
- 69% were new visitors
- 58% were returning visitors
- Most were travelling with their partner or family
The key methods of transport from home to the Gladstone region:
- 38% are travelling by car
- 38% are travelling by air
- Sightseeing
- National parks
- Wildlife encounters
- Local fresh foods
- Reef or island tours
Sustainability:
- The importance of sustainability when choosing a destination was rated 4.2 out of 5.
- Visitors in general are not aware of sustainability practices but 58% were provided with some information on sustainable activities
Age Group:
- 46% of visitors were over 55 years old
- 31% were between 24-39 years old
- 19% were between 24 and 39
Eco-resources
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
As the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is accessible to the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and World Heritage, the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to some of the top diving and snorkelling sites in the world, with an abundance of marine life, and ancient cultural connections. This is a bucket-list destination unlike any other, millions of years in the making, with spectacular scenic views above and below the water.
It is our great privilege and responsibility to protect and manage this unique and special place. Visitors to this exceptionally stunning natural wonder are requested to act in a reef-friendly way that maintains the area’s ecological, cultural, and heritage values. When you’re visiting, we ask that you comply with the guidelines listed by the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority (GRMPA), Australia’s lead management agency for the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland National Parks
There are a number of national parks in the Gladstone Region, including Deepwater National Park, Eurimblula National Park, Kroombit Tops National Park, and Curtis Island National Park. They possess remarkable biodiversity, exquisite beauty, and endangered plants and animal species, which hold global significance.
The coral cays, of the Capricornia Cays National Park unlike continental islands, are formed by sediment settling on the coral and offer stunning white beaches and an abundance of unique vegetation. By adhering to the guidelines outlined by Queensland National Parks (QPWS) you can contribute to preserving the cays for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
Coast snap
The coastal landscape in the Gladstone region is a diverse and dynamic stretch of the Queensland coastline which is always changing. Powerful storms move sand offshore, which typically returns during calmer conditions.
Your snaps help us to understand and manage coastal environments for future generations, while also helping the community stay connected with Gladstone Regional Council’s Our Coast Our Future Strategic Plan and the potential impacts of coastal hazards.
CoastSnap is a community beach monitoring technology that uses smartphones to monitor coastal change.
Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership
The Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership (GHHP) brings together 25 partner organisations interested in monitoring the health of Gladstone Harbour. Formed in 2013, the partners stem from three levels of government, industry, community, traditional owners and the research sector. The results of their monitoring are released in their annual GHHP Report Card.
The GHHP Healthy Harbour Heroes initiative was established to offer ongoing opportunities for wider community involvement. It’s free to join and open to anyone who is interest in or uses the harbour (not just Gladstone residents).
Eye on the Reef
The Eye on the Reef monitoring and assessment program enables anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef to contribute to its long-term protection by collecting valuable information about reef health, marine animals, and incidents that is used to understand the bigger picture and inform how we manage the Reef.
