Nature-based tourism is any tourism that relies on experiences directly related to natural attractions including ecotourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, extractive tourism (for example fishing and gold panning), 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 Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012 (2.77 mb) is the first major inter-agency strategy for nature-based tourism and has been jointly funded and guided by Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The development of the strategy was driven by the need to provide a coordinated and strategic approach to policy, planning, sustainable development and marketing of the nature-based tourism sector; and to optimise the economic, social and environmental benefits to Victoria, and particularly provincial 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 2008-2012 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 Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012 provides a fully integrated approach between key organisations that will allow Victoria to achieve its nature-based tourism potential.

The strategy recommends a long-term approach to destination planning, development and management by focusing on key nature-based tourism destinations and will be rolled out in a phased approach through five regional areas:

• Phase 1 – the Great Ocean Road and Grampians;
• Phase 2 – Phillip Island and Gippsland; and
• Phase 3 – Victoria’s High Country.
  

Nature-Based Tourism – Key Facts

For further information please contact Sean Daugherty, Manager, Nature-based Tourism, on (03) 9653 9786 or .