Nature-Based Tourism Program

The Gold Coast is one of the most ecologically diverse cities in Australia.

Celebrate our ‘green behind the gold’ with our Nature-Based Tourism Program. This program encourages new and existing tourism operators to provide experiences that:

are low impact and immersive
encourage participation
increase appreciation and conservation of our natural environment and its cultural value.

Applications open early 2025.

Register your interest

Subscribe to register your interest and receive updates on the Nature Based Tourism Program.

What is nature-based tourism?

Nature-based tourism provides experiences and opportunities where the natural environment is the main attraction. It includes visiting natural areas to enjoy their beauty, learning about wildlife and local cultures, and engaging in outdoor activities. This type of tourism emphasises sustainability and conservation, aiming to reduce environmental impact and preserve natural and cultural values for future generations.

Our program

Our Nature-Based Tourism Program has been developed to meet growing visitor demand. The aim is to encourage new nature-based tourism projects that:

enhance the visitor experience
broaden the City’s tourism offering, and
promote environmental and cultural appreciation.

In line with State and Australian government priorities*, we're offering grants and opportunities for current and future tourism operators as well as private investors based on 3 key areas:

New proposals

Support for new or significantly enhanced best practice, low impact, nature-based tourism experiences and associated infrastructure on the Gold Coast.