Nature-based tourism

Numinbah Escape Stage 1 – Numinbah Valley *

Australia’s longest zipline and immersive adventure hub
This project is set on a 120-hectare rehabilitated property in the Numinbah Valley bordering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Springbrook National Park. It features the Sky Fly Zipline Tour, set to be Australia’s longest forest-canopy zipline experience, featuring multiple ziplines in a 1km single span, more than double of any other in the country. Stage 1 also includes abseiling, walking tours and all-inclusive buggy tours, with plans for diverse accommodation including 34 camp sites by the Nerang River and 8 luxury glamping tents with outdoor bathrooms.

Positioned to become a signature adventure destination for the Gold Coast Hinterland, the project will expand outdoor recreation opportunities and connect visitors with the region’s spectacular natural landscapes.

* Delivery support. Funding is subject to final statutory approval(s).

The Bower Estate Woodlands Precinct – Numinbah Valley *

Boutique eco-accommodation and wellness experiences
Nestled between UNESCO World Heritage-listed Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, the Woodlands Precinct will transform the existing estate into a premier eco retreat featuring 16 boutique eco-cabins, 2 larger eco-villas, a wellness-focused day spa and a curated program of guided nature experiences and Indigenous cultural immersion.

The project will reinforce the Gold Coast Hinterland’s position as a leader in regenerative, low-impact tourism.

* Delivery support. Funding is subject to final statutory approval(s).

The Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital – Main Beach *

Marine Wildlife Hospital by Australia’s largest marine wildlife rescue charity
The new facility will combine wildlife care, animal encounters, interpretation and education for visitors to witness real-time marine rescues and rehabilitation efforts, engage with interactive displays and storytelling and connect with expert veterinarians and conservationists. The hospital will feature 6 core zones including a critical care and rehabilitation centre, outdoor discovery area, rescue vessel docks and a learning hub supporting education, research and community programs.

The project will position the Gold Coast as Australia’s leading destination for immersive marine conservation experiences, inspiring active stewards of the ocean and natural environment.

* Delivery support. Funding is subject to final statutory approval(s).

Pandana, Marina – South Stradbroke Island *

Enabling access infrastructure for a regenerative eco island tourism precinct
The infrastructure, including a marina and barge facilities, is required for sustainable visitor access to future stages of the Pandana development featuring a luxury beach club, sustainable dining, curated events and luxury accommodation.

Pandana is positioned to revitalise the island’s tourism potential through sustainable design, low-impact operations and authentic connections to land, sea and culture.

* Delivery support. Funding is subject to final statutory approval(s).

Lloyd Farms Numinbah Walkers Camp – Numinbah Valley **

Eco accommodation along the Gold Coast Great Walk
Set on a 50-hectare working cattle farm on the edge of UNESCO World Heritage Lamington National Park, this project will progress plans including 7 geodomes and 3 rolling huts plus a walker’s clubhouse providing high-end comfort for multi-day trekkers, alongside adventure tourism adventures that will create a seamless off-road route. By diversifying into nature-based and farm-gate tourism, Lloyd Farms aims to introduce farm tours, cooking experiences and hands-on conservation efforts in partnership with neighbouring operators.

Positioned at a critical juncture, elevating the Gold Coast Great Walk’s appeal with a fully curated luxury walking experience.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

JW Marriott Resort’s Living Waters, Living Country Cultural Learning Centre – Surfers Paradise **

Showcasing how urban hotels connect guests to nature, culture and conservation
More than a resort experience, this project demonstrates how urban hotels can lead by example in connecting visitors and locals to nature through immersive learning, environmental stewardship and cultural respect. This project will progress plans to feature child-friendly hands-on exhibits, JW Bush Tucker Garden tours and school holiday programs in partnership with local conservation groups and Traditional Owners.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

Historic Rivermill Riverside Cabins – Mount Nathan **

Riverside accommodation in a peaceful hinterland setting
This project will progress plans to add 8 eco-cabins to its tranquil riverside location, offering nature-based accommodation that complements existing outdoor experiences like animal encounters, farm experiences and picnics.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

Gold Coast Jet Boating Nerang River Eco Tours – Nerang River & Broadwater **

Solar-powered eco cruises showcasing the culture, wildlife and history of the Gold Coast waterways
This project will progress plans to launch solar battery-powered vessels, offering 1- and 2-hour interpretive cruises themed around local wildlife, Indigenous culture and regional history. The accessible tours will follow a unique route through the Nerang River corridor, allowing passengers to experience the city’s natural and cultural landscapes from a fresh perspective.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

Hand Bent Banana Valley Stays – Tallebudgera Valley **

Creative and regenerative nature-based accommodation
This project will progress plans for boutique glamping and eco-accommodation, building on Hand Bent Banana’s established arts, nature and wellbeing programs. The initiative includes 4 off-grid glamping tents and 4 eco-cabins, offering guests a place to slow down, connect with nature and participate in creative and regenerative programs.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

Levinge Events: Currigee Dreaming, Spirit Whispers Experience – South Stradbroke Island **

Immersive Kombumerri cultural experiences
This project will progress plans to deliver immersive experiences celebrating Kombumerri stories, traditions and living heritage through guided cultural tours, ceremonies, storytelling, sound healing and creative workshops in art, dance and weaving. A 100% First Nations owned and operated business with deep, ancestral connection to the Gold Coast.

** Seed funding for feasibility activities.

The Tour Collective – Main Beach

Humpback whale and ocean discovery learning hub
Deliver the Humpback Whale and Ocean Discovery Learning Hub at the Sea World Cruises terminal in Main Beach, featuring interactive educational displays, VR experiences, a humpback whale skeleton, audio-visual storytelling, and hands-on conservation activities.

Designed to further position the Gold Coast as a leading hub for whale education, conservation, and immersive marine tourism, the project will introduce citizen science education tours, building on long-standing partnerships with Griffith University, Humpbacks and High Rises, and the Sea World Foundation.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat & Spa – Tallebudgera Valley

Contemporary natured-based wellness immersions
Deliver innovative nature-based wellness immersions within Gwinganna’s award-winning, eco-certified wellness retreat. The project includes tree nests for group forest bathing and meditation; healing bee hut for relaxation, stress relief and respiratory health; stargazing, silent disco to create a sense of awe and connection to land and a nature-inspired wellness trail.

Celebrating and elevating the Gold Coast’s natural landscape, the project adds a new dimension to the region’s existing wellness and regenerative, nature-based tourism offering while showcasing the diversity of the local environment – from ancient forests to vast night skies.

The Boomerang Farm – Mudgeeraba

Boomerang bike park upgrade: Stage 1
Deliver an upgrade to the bike park providing an expanded network of expertly designed mountain biking trails, while preserving the site’s natural integrity. Through guided experiences and skills development programs, mountain biking will be made more accessible to riders of all skill levels, encouraging greater participation in outdoor adventure and showcasing authentic nature-based experiences on the city’s doorstep.

The project will deliver strong community benefits by engaging local riders, youth and clubs, fostering lifelong connections to nature-based adventure and healthy outdoor lifestyles.

Harbour Town Centre Management – Biggera Waters/Coombabah

First Nations bush tucker and wildlife experience
Deliver a 1.5 hour immersive experience, that brings together culture and wildlife, highlighting the importance of ongoing cultural dialogue, directly connected to the Gold Coast through the Yugambeh Language People. Led by Indigenous guides, the experience begins at the Bush Tucker Garden at the Harbour Town Tourism Lounge before continuing into the Coombabah Conservation Area where guests learn about native foods and their uses, the significance of the borobi (Yugambeh word for koala), wildlife spotting, and the enduring Yugambeh connection to the Gold Coast and surrounding islands.

TreeTop Challenge – Currumbin

Eco-adventures and rainforest futures: An educational nature-based tourism experience
Deliver a curriculum-linked nature-based educational program designed to connect students with nature through immersive rainforest canopy experiences. Enhancing the southern Gold Coast’s educational tourism offering and operating as a standalone experience within Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the program will combine canopy zipline adventure with hands-on environmental education.

Ediblescapes – Nerang

Community edible forest garden and biocultural ecotourism experience
Deliver an edible forest garden at Country Paradise Parklands. Designed for the community and visitors, the initiative invites public participation in regenerative forest gardening, food foraging, and biocultural cooking practices. Key components include a mobile biocultural food and medicinal herb hub, a digital living forest card platform and seasonal educational tours and events.

Paradise Tours – various locations

Springbrook day tour enhancement and Gold Coast nature day tour launch: Connecting culture, community and conservation
Deliver improvements to existing and new tour products that go beyond sightseeing to foster meaningful engagement with nature. This includes Ecotourism Australia certification, cultural training and professional guide accreditation, the project will also deliver website upgrades and new content creation to grow visitation, strengthen accessibility, and ensure best-practice sustainability is embedded across operations.

Reveling – various locations

Framed by nature: A Gold Coast photographic safari project
Deliver immersive photographic experiences showcasing the region’s biodiversity. Led by award-winning wildlife photographer Craig Parry and hosted by Reveling, the project will include guide training and content development. Featured safari modules will range from rainforest bird and wildlife photography tours to marine encounters and surf safaris with Olympian Bede Durbidge, highlighting the region’s most iconic landscapes and species.

Wild&Co. – Currumbin Waters/various locations

Adventure race event equipment
Deliver an initiative to expand the Gold Coast’s capacity to host adventure racing events, a rapidly growing sport in Australia that combines trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking over unmarked courses. The project will strengthen safety and live tracking systems essential for managing events in remote areas with limited mobile coverage.

Historic Rivermill – Mount Nathan

Commercial kitchen upgrade to meet growing tourism demand
Deliver a strategic infrastructure enhancement to support a more seamless visitor experience in the riverside hinterland setting. The upgrade will expand service capacity and elevate Historic Rivermill’s nature-based hospitality offerings, providing a strong foundation for further new product development in the future.

Southern Cross Tours – various locations

Gold Coast day tour launch and Kangaroos and mountain views tour enhancements
Deliver website upgrades and new content creation to grow visitation, digital engagement and awareness for new tour products that go beyond sightseeing to foster meaningful engagement with nature.

Go Ballooning – Maudsland

Back to the skies: Hot air ballooning after Cyclone Alfred
Deliver website upgrades and new content creation to promote the return of sunrise balloon flights, supporting regional recovery, reconnecting visitors with the beauty of the Gold Coast through refreshed visuals and local partnerships.

Get Wet Surf School – Main Beach

ECO certification for Get Wet Surf School
Support for Get Wet Surf School to achieve official ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia. This initiative reinforces the school’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.