Where to stay and what to experience in an ECO Certified Destination

Where to stay and what to experience in an ECO Certified Destination

There’s something about the Scenic Rim that makes you want to slow down. Perhaps it’s the ancient rainforests, the mountain peaks stretching across the horizon or the country roads winding between farms and small towns.

These are the landscapes that make the Scenic Rim worth exploring, and worth protecting.

In 2025, the region became Australia’s 12th destination to achieve ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, recognising its work to protect the environment, celebrate cultural heritage and support local communities.

It’s not just the destination that’s leading the way. Across the region, ECO Certified tourism operators are helping visitors experience the Scenic Rim’s natural wonders while caring for the places that make it so special.

And the good news? You can be part of that story simply by making thoughtful choices about where you stay, what you do and who you explore with.

Tread lightly with this guide.

Distance from Brisbane: Just over one hour.

ECO Certified accommodation

• Beechmont Estate
• Binna Burra Lodge
• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
• Tamborine Mountain Glades and Thunderbird Park

ECO Certified experiences

• Horizon Guides
• ParkTours
• Scenic Rim Trail
• TreeTop Challenge

Beechmont Estate

Swap the city skyline for rolling green hills at Beechmont Estate, where luxury accommodation meets a genuine commitment to sustainability.

Once a dairy farm, the 75-acre estate has been brought back to life through regenerative farming practices and the planting of more than 6,000 trees, including native species. Today, harvested rainwater supplies the estate’s water needs, while solar power accounts for 71% of its energy consumption, excluding overnight usage.

Sustainability is on the menu too. At The Paddock restaurant, a chef-hatted dining destination located in the main lodge, the culinary team celebrates hyper-local produce, using root-to-stem and nose-to-tail cooking techniques to minimise food waste. Guests can even join a chef-led kitchen garden tour to discover the stories behind the ingredients on their plates.

It’s a country escape where you can slow down, indulge and discover how thoughtful tourism practices can help care for the land.

Binna Burra Lodge

Perched high in the mountains of Lamington National Park, Binna Burra Lodge has been welcoming nature lovers since 1933, with more than 20 years of continuous ecotourism certification.

Conservation has been at the heart of the lodge’s operations for generations. From protecting native wildlife habitats and ecological corridors to managing weeds, pests and erosion, Binna Burra works to preserve the surrounding World Heritage-listed rainforest.

The lodge also takes steps to reduce its environmental footprint through energy and water monitoring, waste reduction and supporting the local community.

Wake to the sounds of rainforest birds, wander beneath towering trees and explore walking trails through ancient Gondwana rainforest. Whether you’re camping, staying in a safari tent or watching the clouds roll across the mountains from a Sky Lodge, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature while supporting a business committed to protecting it.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Deep in the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has been connecting visitors with nature for generations.

From fresh mountain water sourced through a gravity-fed system to waste reduction and recycling initiatives, sustainability is woven into the retreat’s daily operations – though you won’t know it while you’re enjoying endless mountain views, crackling fireplaces and a glass of wine in luxe surrounds.

Environmental education is another big part of the O’Reilly’s experience. Join a guided rainforest walk, discover native wildlife or let the little ones become Eco Rangers through hands-on nature activities.

Whether you’re exploring the rainforest canopy or waking to the sounds of native birdlife, it’s a chance to experience the ancient landscapes of the Scenic Rim while helping care for them.

Tamborine Mountain Glades (including Thunderbird Park and TreeTop Challenge)

Nestled amongst the rainforest of Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine Mountain Glades and Thunderbird Park bring together nature, adventure and overnight escapes.

Choose from camping and glamping accommodation, then set your own pace – unwinding under the canopy of trees or taking on the action-packed experiences at Thunderbird Park including Canyon Flyer TreeTop Challenge.

Behind the scenes, the team is working to reduce its environmental footprint through emissions monitoring, dedicated recycling systems, composting and an edible garden that supplies fresh produce to the Rainforest Restaurant.

Conservation is also close to home, with a Richmond birdwing butterfly garden planted in partnership with Tamborine Mountain Landcare to help support the threatened species. Through the park’s Containers for Change initiative, guests have also helped raise more than $154,000 for wildlife rescue organisation Wildcare Australia since 2020.

Horizon Guides

Lace up your hiking boots and discover the Scenic Rim’s rugged landscapes with Horizon Guides, an ECO Certified operator offering small-group guided bushwalks.

From the Dave’s Creek Circuit to Lower Bellbird Track and Campbell’s Folly, choose from a range of four to eight-hour hikes that combine spectacular scenery with opportunities to learn about native flora, fauna and safe bushwalking practices.

With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll build your confidence on the trails, develop new hiking skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. For those ready to take their adventures further, Horizon Guides also offers multi-day hikes across the Scenic Rim and beyond.

ParkTours

Based on Tamborine Mountain, ParkTours knows the Scenic Rim’s natural wonders well. While its guided walking holidays now take travellers across the globe, the team remains passionate about connecting people with nature and local cultures.

As an ECO Certified operator, ParkTours takes a slower, more considered approach to travel, prioritising locally owned accommodation, restaurants and tour providers wherever possible. Working with local guides also gives travellers the chance to gain a deeper understanding of each destination’s natural and cultural heritage.

From supporting local communities to promoting ethical wildlife encounters, ParkTours is committed to making every journey a more responsible one.

Scenic Rim Trail

For those who like a little luxury with their adventure, Scenic Rim Trail combines multi-day hiking with comfortable accommodation, chef-prepared meals and a commitment to protecting the surrounding landscape.

Follow experienced guides through ancient mountain landscapes, open eucalypt forests and misty rainforests while learning about the Scenic Rim’s native flora, fauna and history along the way.

After a day on the trails, unwind in eco-cabins and glamping tents tucked into the mountains, soak in a warm bath and settle in for a well-earned sleep in a king-sized bed.

Sustainability is part of the experience. As an Advanced Ecotourism accredited retreat, operating entirely on solar power and filtered rainwater while serving organic and locally grown produce allows visitors to tread lightly while still enjoying the best of the region.

Beyond the trail, conservation remains a priority, with 90% of the operator’s landholdings retained as farmland and managed to balance agriculture, biodiversity and nature-based tourism.

You don’t need to be an eco-expert to make a positive difference when exploring the Scenic Rim. Small decisions can help protect the region’s natural wonders for generations to come.

Here are a few ways to tread a little lighter on your next Scenic Rim escape:

• Choose ECO Certified experiences: Support accommodation providers, tours and attractions that are committed to responsible tourism.
• Support local producers: Stop by roadside farm gates, browse country markets and dine at restaurants showcasing locally grown produce. You’ll get a taste of the Scenic Rim while supporting the people who call it home.
• Leave no trace: Stick to designated walking trails, take your rubbish with you and leave plants, rocks and natural habitats as you found them.
• Respect the locals (including the furry and feathered ones): Admire wildlife from a distance, avoid feeding native animals and keep noise to a minimum when exploring their habitats.
• Pack with purpose: Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bag to help reduce single-use waste during your travels.
• Slow down and stay longer: Rather than rushing between attractions, spend a few nights exploring one part of the region. You’ll have more time to connect with local communities and can reduce unnecessary driving along the way.

The Scenic Rim’s landscapes are worth travelling for and worth looking after. By making a few thoughtful choices, you can enjoy everything this region has to offer while helping preserve it for the next generation of adventurers.

Is the Scenic Rim an ECO Certified Destination?

Yes! The Scenic Rim is an internationally recognised ECO Certified Destination through Ecotourism Australia. The certification recognises the region’s commitment to protecting its environment, preserving cultural heritage, supporting local communities and encouraging responsible tourism.

What does ECO Destination Certification mean?

ECO Destination Certification recognises destinations that meet internationally recognised sustainability standards. Ecotourism Australia assesses destinations against more than 90 criteria, covering environmental management, cultural heritage, community wellbeing and responsible tourism practices.

Which accommodation providers are ECO Certified in the Scenic Rim?

The Scenic Rim is home to several ECO Certified accommodation providers, including Beechmont Estate, Binna Burra Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Tamborine Mountain Glades.

From rainforest retreats and mountain lodges to glamping tents and country escapes, these operators offer opportunities to reconnect with nature while supporting responsible tourism.

What ECO Certified activities can you experience in the Scenic Rim?

You can explore the Scenic Rim with ECO Certified operators including Horizon Guides, ParkTours, Scenic Rim Trail and TreeTop Challenge. Experiences range from guided bushwalks and multi-day hiking adventures to high ropes courses and ziplines through the rainforest canopy.

How can I travel more sustainably in the Scenic Rim?

Travelling more sustainably can start with a few simple choices. Book accommodation and activities with ECO Certified operators, support local farmers and businesses, carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags, and follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring national parks.

You can also spend a little longer in one part of the region, reducing unnecessary driving while discovering more of the local communities, landscapes and experiences along the way.