Explore NSW Sustainably: Six Incredible Eco Tours

Tweed Eco Cruises, Tweed Heads - Credit: Jeffery Kiefer

For travellers who want to tread lightly and delve deeper, these eco-certified tours will show you the magic of New South Wales’ landscapes while respecting the wonders of nature and the world’s oldest living culture.

1. Cruise the Tweed River with Tweed Eco Cruises

Admire the beauty of the tranquil Tweed River with Tweed Eco Cruises, an Ecotourism Australia-certified company dedicated to minimising waste and pollution. They support local conservation efforts, provide educational experiences, and participate in river cleanups. Take the Bush Tucker and Crab Cruise to enjoy hands-on activities like fishing, pumping for yabbies, and checking mud crab traps. Your expert guide will share their knowledge of the river’s ecosystem and introduce you to local native ingredients.

2. Discover Indigenous Culture with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness

The Yuin people have lived around Narooma, Bega, and Bermagui for tens of thousands of years, and the land holds a sacred significance for them. Gain insight on a two-night Yuin Retreat with Ngaran Ngaran, an Aboriginal-owned and operated cultural service provider. The experience includes a Welcome to Country, a hike on Gulaga Mountain, Dreaming stories, an Indigenous dining experience, and a traditional healing ceremony. You’ll come away with a deep appreciation for the world’s oldest living culture and its intrinsic connection to nature.

3. Explore the Blue Mountains with Tread Lightly Eco Tours

Tread Lightly Eco Tours, Blackheath

As the name suggests, Tread Lightly Eco Tours is committed to protecting the fragile environments of the Blue Mountains, an eco-certified destination. Their Advanced Ecotourism-certified guides lead ecological bushwalks that range from short excursions to full-day treks. You’ll be deep in nature, walking beneath thundering waterfalls and through ancient rainforest, all while learning about the environment and conservation.

4. Experience Nocturnal Wildlife with Vision Walks Eco Tours

In Byron Bay, Vision Walks offers a unique, low-impact wildlife experience. Their eco tours use military-grade night-vision goggles to immerse you in the nocturnal world without disturbing the animals. This is the only walk of its kind in the world, and you can expect to see possums, pademelons, bandicoots, tawny frogmouths, microbats, and frogs. The Advanced Ecotourism-certified company also contributes to tree planting, koala habitat building, and carbon reduction initiatives.

5. Snorkel in Sydney’s Marine Reserve with Ecotreasures

Cabbage Tree Bay, near Manly, is an aquatic reserve that protects an abundance of marine life. Join a guided snorkelling tour with Advanced Ecotourism-accredited Ecotreasures to explore the world beneath the surface. Swim with over 200 species of fish, including the famous blue groupers, weedy sea dragons, and grey nurse sharks. This tour is a perfect way to experience Sydney’s marine biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts.

6. Kayak with Dolphins with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay

Go Sea Kayak, Byron Bay - Credit: Kurt Tutt

Paddle among pods of dolphins and watch humpback whales breach just metres away on a tour with Go Sea Kayak. This company considers itself an ‘off-grid’ business, using only solar power for their office, radios, phones, and other equipment. The tours take place in the stunning waters of the Cape Byron Marine Park, a haven for marine wildlife. The experienced guides will educate you on the marine environment and the fascinating history of the area.

From river cruises to mountain treks, night-time wildlife spotting to snorkelling adventures, these eco-certified tours offer an unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of New South Wales. Sustainable travel has never been more exciting.