A leading ecotourism region in New South Wales
We’re proud to be one of Australia's first ECO Destinations, certified by Ecotourism Australia and supported by WWF-Australia’s Wildlife & Nature Recovery Fund. We welcome you to immerse yourself in our community connected by culture, place, and a love of nature.
The NSW Central Coast offers superb natural beauty alongside a great sense of freedom, space and connection to the land. Locals and guests who explore our region and call it home are all shaped in some way by our unique natural environment – so to protect it for future generations we’re now guided by this destination-wide approach to sustainability led by the internationally recognised Green Destination Standard.
Credit: Andrew Robinson
Top 100 List 2023
Outstanding in the field of ecotourism: For a third year running, the Central Coast is celebrated on the global stage in the Green Destinations Top 100 List!
Top 100 List 2022
As a certified ECO Destination, the Central Coast celebrates its Sustainability Story focused on sharing the region's goal to fulfil a two-year ‘ECO journey’.
Top 100 List 2021
Local stories showcasing our destination's natural beauty capture hearts, minds and a winning spot at respected international sustainability competition.
The Green Travel Guide
The Central Coast features in the NEW Green Travel Guide, a trusted resource for planning an environmentally-friendly holiday filled with sustainable experiences.
Find eco minded experiences
The NSW Central Coast is proud to be the home of 25 passionate businesses committed to their unique eco-friendly journey to proudly uphold certification! This local community of 'Eco Advocates' (as we like to call them), includes 9 ECO Certified experiences, plus another 16 applicants on their sustainability journey supported by Ecotourism Australia's trained experts.
These dedicated, locally-run businesses lead the way for the Central Coast's commitment to responsible tourism. They're offering authentic, high-quality experiences inspired by nature, appealing to both locals and guests.
You can easily plan an "eco-venture" on the Central Coast with our list of sustainable options below...
The Central Coast is a certified Australian ECO Destination!
Inspired by World Environment Day 2022, the NSW Central Coast is proud to be a certified Australian ECO Destination! Our beautiful Central Coast was one of the first ECO Destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia.
Firescreek Botanical Winery | ECO Certified
Firescreek Botanical Winery handcraft an innovative and diverse variety of award-winning wines from fruit and flowers. Wines are made following the seasons of mother nature, so every season there is something new and interesting to try.
Terrigal Ocean Tours | ECO Certified
Spot whales, dolphins and seals in the wild. Enjoy a 40 to 60 minute scenic cruise along the Central Coast's pristine beaches and bays on a high performance Eco Tour vessel with Terrigal Ocean Tours.
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney | ECO Certified
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours offer immersive culinary oyster farm tours one hour from the city in Mooney Mooney. This is a family owned oyster farm operating for over 15 years, offering luxury tourism experiences with sustainability at its heart.
Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby | ECO Certified
Iris Lodge Alpacas offer a popular Breakfast with Alpacas experience and family-friendly Alpaca Farm visits. Guests have the opportunity to experience life on their farm in the Central Coast hinterland with their playful resident animals.
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal | ECO Certified
Since 2009, the CCMDC sustainably educates, protects and explores the Central Coast marine environment. A family-friendly educational experience where children can explore, learn and interact with the world under the waves through interactive tours.
Treetops Adventure, Ourimbah State Forest | ECO Certified
Outdoor, adrenalin-pumping Adventure Park for kids and adults, where you scale a eucalyptus tree with Vertical Challenge, or bounce around in the canopy with Networld.
Aquafun Avoca Lake | ECO Certified
Australia’s largest selection of modern, human-powered water crafts to explore the beautiful expanse of one of the Coast’s tranquil waterways - Avoca Lake. Hire from a fleet of easy to use pedalboats, single and double kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Noonaweena, Kulnura | ECO Certified
Accommodation for couples, families, groups and special events on scenic Tourist Drive 33. Inspired by the Aboriginal word for ‘resting place in the bush’, Noonaweena is a luxury nature retreat set high in the hinterland with sweeping national park views.
Bells at Killcare | ECO Certified
Boutique Hampton’s style hotel, multi-award winning restaurant, and luxury spa located in the stunning neighbourhood of Killcare Heights on the Central Coast's Bouddi Peninsula.
Pretty Beach House | ECO Certified
Experience the peak of luxury accommodation at Pretty Beach House, one of Australia’s most prestigious, award-winning properties, offering an unforgettable escape to nature hidden within Bouddi National Park.
Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences | ECO Applicant
Girri Girra is a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business engaging and educating on the beautiful NSW Central Coast. Come on a guided walking tour with Girri Girra; a journey of timeless stories, smoking ceremonies, cultural singing and dancing.
Australian Reptile Park, Somersby | ECO Applicant
Australia’s original hands-on zoo, home to over 2,000 animals, located in a natural bush setting. Discover their 50+ year-running antivenom and spider milking program, plus their important conservation work saving wildlife through Aussie Ark.
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures | ECO applicant
Escape the city for an unforgettable adventure whether it's horse riding, abseiling ridges, laser skirmish in the bush, kayaking in Popran National Park or glamping with horses in the valley.
Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP | ECO applicant
On the stunning shores of Ettalong Beach experience everything SUP including Stand Up Paddle classes, SUP Pilates, SUP YOGA, SUP Ball, SUP Tours, Corporate events and even birthday parties.
Pullman Magenta Shores Resort | Sustainable Certification applicant
Nestled between the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake this magnificent 52 acre resort is set among landscaped gardens, a golf course and just a short stroll from the beach.
Mantra Ettalong Beach | Sustainable Certification applicant
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Ettalong Beach, moments from the beach and with views of Broken Bay and Brisbane Water, this calm accommodation is a an option for ideal for a family getaway or business traveller.
Mercure Kooindah Waters | Sustainable Certification applicant
This award winning golf and spa resort is set in the north of the Central Coast, with its course listed among the Top '100 Resort Courses in Australia', with onsite al fresco restaurant and scenic views.
Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga |Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard COMPLETED!
Meet native Aussie wildlife and hike through Heritage-listed bushland. This 180 acre working wildlife sanctuary looks after a diverse community of wild, rescued & vulnerable animals, with ranger talks, accommodation, night tours & virtual tours available.
Ibis Styles The Entrance | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard COMPLETED!
After winning Bronze for Deluxe Accommodation at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards, ibis Styles The Entrance has embarked on its sustainability journey to respect its location on stunning Tuggerah Lakes and minutes from nearby beautiful beaches.
The Lakes Festival | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard COMPLETED!
This popular annual event flowing across 10 days and celebrating our waterways makes a splash across the Central Coast region, bringing locals and visitors together to enjoy family-friendly activities, cultural experiences and educational programs.
Pearls of Australia | EarthCheck Sustainability Micro-credentials applicant
Their Shellar Door experience invites you to browse pearls, jewellery and art, or tour the local waterways to discover the story of locally grown world-class pearls.
Burnt Honey Bakery | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
Burnt Honey is a community bakery at heart, owned and run by Jo and Hayley at Copacabana and Long Jetty. All pastries and breads are handmade on site using the highest quality, most ethical local produce available with a focus on waste reduction.
Angel Susssuri Manor House | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
Nestled within the Hinterland village of Yarramalong, find Angel Sussurri Manor House and its charming cafe and produce store, focused on serenity, community and sustainability in a place to rediscover unhurried living and local treats!
The Rustic Nest Yarramalong | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
A charming Hinterland property established in 1856, evolving today into a nature-surrounded stay! The historic sandstone house and garden studio cottage welcome you to be immersed in quaint gardens, citrus orchards and birdsong.
Rigatoni for Toni | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
The Central Coast's collaboration-led, pop-up fresh pasta bar using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, appearing at local markets, kitchen take overs and iconic Central Coast restaurants.
SWAMP Central Coast | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
The Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project (SWAMP) is a communal garden space seeking to share ways to grow and eat food better, gardening tips, and local stories and history connecting with Indigenous communities.
Bollito Pasta | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
Celebrated Chef Mark Wiseman has established some of the most iconic restaurants on the Central Coast and now focuses on sharing his passion for traditional and forgotten handmade pasta shapes, sauces and more with the local community.
Fixx Events | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
Brad and Bianca of FIXX Events are a multiple award-winning Central Coast boutique business leading the popular locally-focused Avoca Beachside Markets each month at Heazlett Park Foreshore.
Central Coast Visitor Centre | Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard applicant
After a total refurb in 2023, this fully-accredited Visitor Centre at The Entrance has refocused on selling locally made wares, souvenirs and art, is inclusive and accessible with a hearing loop and toilet facilities, and bookable for meetings.
The best bushwalks to experience nature on the Central Coast
In need of some bush medicine? Take a hike in the great outdoors of the Central Coast.
Cycling guide to tour the Central Coast
Ready for some people powered adventure? Get outdoors, take to two wheels and enjoy the best cycling routes across the region.
Paddling guide to SUP and Kayaking on the Central Coast
Unwind on a kayak or bring the 'cool factor' on an SUP
Ultimate Guide: NSW Central Coast’s most scenic picnic spots
From north to south, we've gathered some of the best grassy spots for a picnic on the NSW Central Coast.
The coastal café crawl keeping our beaches clean
You’re invited to explore our coastal region sustainably with our eco-friendly café crawl inspired by Green Caffeen.
3 Amazingly easy ways you can help keep the Coast green
Get involved in any of these three amazing everyday ways to keep the Central Coast region clean and green.
Travel with heart: How to embrace cultural experiences respectfully
You can’t truly know a place until you know its story, so who better to bring the local landscape to life than a Traditional Custodian of the very earth you walk on.
6 Wild waterfalls to seek out on the Central Coast
Rain or shine, you can explore the natural beauty of these six Central Coast waterfalls.
Slow travel guide
Take a moment to find out what slow travel on the NSW Central Coast has to offer the soul.