Nature-based tourism is any tourism that relies on experiences directly related to the natural environment including ecotourism, adventure tourism, native wildlife parks and gardens, extractive tourism (for example fishing and gold panning), sea, sand and sun tourism (for example boating and sailing) and nature retreats. It covers a diverse range of experiences, attractions and activities.

Interest in nature-based tourism is growing and the Victorian Government is coordinating the development and planning of new projects, ensuring that they are sustainable and have community support.

Victoria’s Draft Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2007-2011 (2.8mb), jointly developed by Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, provides a whole-of-government, coordinated and strategic approach to policy, planning, development and marketing of the sector to optimise the economic, social and environmental benefits to Victoria.

• The strategy is developed on the premise that Victoria’s national parks and other areas of public land attract significant visitor numbers and that a higher economic yield could be captured, through appropriate and acceptable facilities that ensure a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
• The Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2007-2011 will increase the awareness and economic performance of the industry as well as sustain the beauty and condition of the natural assets that are at the heart of its success and future. The Strategy aims to drive a sustainable nature-based tourism industry, foster higher operating standards, encouraging more business investment, boosting and diversifying regional economies, and improving the competitive positioning of Victoria as a nature-based tourism destination.
• The three government agencies leading the Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2007-2011 recognise the importance of working in partnership with the industry, local government and communities to grow nature-based tourism in Victoria and achieve the best possible development outcomes.
• The Government has identified five Product Priority Development areas in Victoria – the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Grampians, Gippsland, and the High Country (separate fact sheets for each of the five areas are available).
• Major projects and activities slated for implementation in each area will be rolled out in a phased approach.

Nature-Based Tourism – Key Facts