The Southern Great Barrier Reef isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to connect.
Across the Capricorn Coast, Gladstone, and Bundaberg regions, sustainability isn’t something we do on the side. It’s woven into everything — the reef tours you take, the local stories you hear, the land you walk on, and the meals you share. When you travel here, you become part of something bigger.
Explore Freely. Protect Fiercely.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is framed by some of Australia’s most extraordinary natural icons — from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to national parks, marine sanctuaries, and turtle nesting beaches.
It’s also one of the most carefully managed marine environments on Earth. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is divided into zones that balance conservation with sustainable use. Vast areas are designated as Marine National Park (Green) Zones, where no fishing or collecting is allowed, while Preservation (Pink) Zones are completely off-limits to protect fragile habitats.
Turtle Lookout, Capricorn Coast
Did you know?
- Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island are located in 'Green Zones' allowing these islands and their surrounding reefs to act as critical breeding and refuge grounds, leading to a higher density of marine life.
- Heron Island, part of the Capricorn and Bunker cays, is home to more than 900 of the 1,500 reef fish species and 72% of coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef, as well as 200,000 seabirds each summer.
- The Capricorn Bunker Group is home to one of only two Scientific Research (Orange) Zones on the entire Great Barrier Reef — at One Tree Island — reserved exclusively for scientific study.
- Peak Island, in Keppel Bay, is one of the largest Flatback Turtle nesting site on Australia’s east coast, a globally significant sanctuary.
- Multiple Pink Zones across the SGBR provide the highest level of protection, ensuring that ecosystems remain undisturbed for future generations.
- The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park spans 348,700 km² — larger than the UK, Holland, and Switzerland combined.
When you book with a licensed marine or island operator, part of your ticket includes Environmental Management Charges (EMCs) and, on national park islands, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) fees. These funds go directly into reef health monitoring, ranger patrols, installing moorings to protect coral, and maintaining walking trails and visitor facilities.
Your visit doesn’t just create memories — it contributes to the protection of these special places.
Wilson Island, Gladstone Region
Travel That Gives Back
Whether you’re cruising turquoise waters, snorkeling alongside reef scientists, listening to Traditional Owner stories, or staying in an eco-lodge powered by renewables — every adventure here has purpose.
Here’s how you can make your visit matter:
- Choose ECO Certified tours & stays — they’re easy to spot and hard to forget.
- Learn from locals — from Indigenous storytelling to reef science.
- Tread lightly — pack reef-safe sunscreen, refill a bottle, skip the plastic.
- Go car-free — explore eco-friendly walking and cycling trails at your own pace.
- Support sustainability champions — every eco-friendly booking helps operators continue leading the way.
Not Just Green, Genuine
In a world where “green” claims are everywhere, Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination and ECO Certification programs cut through the noise.
This is not a quick “tick and flick” or a marketing badge — it’s a rigorous, independently audited program, recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Certification is only awarded after destinations and operators demonstrate genuine commitment, transparent processes, and measurable impact. They are re-audited every two years to ensure continual improvement.
For visitors, this means confidence that your Southern Great Barrier Reef experience is both authentic and responsible.
Lady Musgrave Experience, Bundaberg Region
Three regions, one Eco-Certified promise
Together, the Capricorn Coast, Gladstone, and Bundaberg form one of Australia’s most inspiring eco-travel destinations — all three regions are proudly certified through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination program, an internationally recognised standard of best practice in sustainable tourism.
SGBR ECO Certified Operators
Capricorn Coast
- Capricorn Caves – Advanced Ecotourism
- Pumpkin Island – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Leader
- Freedom Fast Cats – Ecotourism
- Great Keppel Island Hideaway – Ecotourism
- High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm – Advanced Ecotourism
- Keppel Dive and Water Sports – Ecotourism (with citizen science reef restoration)
- The Salty Lime Co. – Sustainable Tourism Certified
- Fun Over Fifty Holidays – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Leader; Respecting Our Culture Certified
Gladstone Region
- 1770 LARC! Tours – Ecotourism
- 1770 Dive, Spear & Sport – Ecotourism (reef science and restoration)
- Travellers Rest 1770 – Nature Tourism
- Heron Island Resort – Advanced Ecotourism
- Broadwater Haven – Nature Tourism
- Wilson Island – Advanced Ecotourism
Bundaberg Region
- Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Leader
- Lady Musgrave Experience – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Certified; Respecting Our Culture Certified
- Mon Repos Turtle Centre – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Certified; Respecting Our Culture Certified
- Kelly’s Beach Resort – Nature Tourism
- Splitters Farm – Advanced Ecotourism; Climate Action Certified
- Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience – Sustainable Tourism Certified
- Villa Mirasol Motor Inn – Sustainable Tourism Certified
Byfield National Park, Capricorn Coast
Join the Movement
Queensland is one of the most naturally diverse places on Earth — and the Southern Great Barrier Reef brings that diversity to life in every reef, forest, and town. Here, nature-based tourism plays a vital role in protecting natural assets, celebrating cultural heritage, and supporting community wellbeing.
By travelling with intention, curiosity, and care, you’re not just exploring — you’re becoming part of a story of people and place, working together for a better tomorrow.
So go ahead: dive in, look deeper, and tread lighter.
