Demand for nature-based tourism surges across Australia

Australia’s nature-based tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, driven by travellers seeking meaningful, sustainable and outdoor-focused experiences. Data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows that from 2014 to 2023, Australian participation in nature-based activities has grown by an extraordinary 47 percent.

Some activities have nearly doubled in popularity, underscoring a shift in visitor behaviour that is reshaping tourism offerings nationwide.

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Australians are seeking nature like never before

TRA’s National Visitor Survey highlights the scale of the trend:

• Botanic and public garden visitation rose by 85 percent

• Bushwalking and rainforest walks climbed by 81 percent

• National and state park visitation increased by 73 percent

• Cycling grew by 53 percent

• Wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums saw 46 percent growth

• Caravanning and camping grew by 40 percent

• Snorkelling increased by 38 percent

• Whale and dolphin watching rose 26 percent

• Farm visits grew by 12 percent

• Surfing was up 9 percent

• Fishing rose 8 percent

Even long-standing national favourites such as going to the beach recorded a strong 44 percent growth.

Gold Coast invests big in nature-based tourism

And nowhere is this evolution more visible than on the Gold Coast, where the City this week announced funding for 10 major nature-based tourism projects.

The successful applicants for the City of Gold Coast’s Opportunity Response Program (ORP) grants of $100,000 or over for nature-based tourism projects were unanimously endorsed by Councillors yesterday.

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The City received 34 applications and selected 10 projects ranging in size across various categories.

“Our latest Nature Based Tourism funding program supports a diverse range of local businesses and tourism and cultural experiences at varying stages,” said Economy, Tourism and Events Chairperson Cr Bob La Castra.

“We are confident that the 10 businesses awarded funding towards their projects will increase visitation and encourage sustainable tourism resulting in strong economic outcomes for our city.

“The Opportunity Response Program is the City’s second round of funding through our Nature Based Tourism program since launching earlier this year.

“This funding is provided to larger, more complex innovative projects that will deliver unforgettable experiences showcasing the green behind the gold.”

There are four projects nearing the delivery stage with City funding enabling the implementation of these products and experiences once ready to be launched.

A further six projects are being provided with seed funding to support pre-investment feasibility activities such as business cases, design development and environmental assessments.

The 10 businesses leverage project budgets of $19.7 million and are forecasted to generate an estimated $58 million in economic impact for the city.

Delivery support

• Numinbah Escape – Set on 300-acres this property will feature Australia’s longest zipline and immersive adventure hub with abseiling, buggies, mountain bike riding and a holiday park with cabins and glamping which City funding will help deliver.
• The Bower Estate Woodlands Precinct – Located between Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, this property will feature eco-cabins and villas, wellness focused day spa and a curated tourism program including nature experiences and indigenous culture which City funding will help deliver. 
• Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital – Assisting with the delivery of interactive displays and education programs within the marine wildlife hospital. The Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital is proudly funded by the Queensland Government. 
• Pandana, Moreton Bay Marine Park – City funding will assist with the delivery of essential access infrastructure at Horizon Shores Marina, enabling marina and barge facilities that are critical to the establishment of a sustainable, regenerative eco-tourism precinct planned for South Stradbroke Island.

 Seed funding for pre-investment activities:

• • Lloyd Farms Numinbah Walkers Camp – Geo domes and rolling huts with a walkers’ clubhouse along the Gold Coast Great Walk where guests can enjoy farm-gate tourism and a curated mutli-day trekking experience.
  • JW Marriott’s Living Waters, Living Country Centre – An interactive learning and educational centre which explores indigenous culture on the resort premises for guests and visitors.
  • Historic Rivermill Riverside Cabin Accommodation – 8 purpose-built eco cabins next to the Coomera River including walking paths, onsite infrastructure and landscaping.
  • Nerang River Eco Tours – The development of multiple cruises on the Nerang River and southern Southport Broadwater including fully solar battery powered vessels.
  • Valley Stays at Hand Bent Banana – Arts, Nature and Creative Retreats including four off-grid glamping tents and 4 small-scale cabins in Tallebudgera Valley.
  • Levinge Events: Currigee Dreaming, Spirit Whispers – A new land and water based cultural experiences and tours planned for South Stradbroke Island.

The larger grants follow the announcement of the City’s first round of Nature-Based Tourism grant recipients for funding under $100k in September this year.

For more details on the Nature Based Tourism program and funded projects visit Nature-Based Tourism Program | City of Gold Coast