Getting started

Here are 15 key considerations to get you started when creating or adapting your nature-based experience.

Unique experience development

  • Define the unique selling proposition (USP): identify the standout features that differentiate your experience. Examples to create an emotional connection with visitors include unique landscapes, seasonal wildlife or local stories.

Visitor wellbeing and experience

  • Encourage visitor wellbeing: incorporate mindful activities like guided walks, stargazing, forest bathing, sensory activities or birdwatching to encourage reflection and a sense of calm. Refer to the NSW First Wellness Tourism guide for details.
  • Share stories: tell authentic stories about the landscape, heritage and native flora and fauna. Use sensory elements (sight, sound, smell, touch) where possible.

Cultural respect and inclusion

  • Respectfully incorporate Aboriginal culture: it’s important that content is delivered in a way that is culturally appropriate and aligns with local Aboriginal communities. Ensure that interpretation of Aboriginal sites and stories are delivered by an Aboriginal person with permission from the community to share this. For a non-Aboriginal business, respectfully include Aboriginal culture by:
  • Delivering an authentic and meaningful Acknowledgement of Country by understanding who the Traditional Custodians are. Complete the TAFE NSW - Acknowledgement of Country Microskills to support this.
  • Collaborate with local Aboriginal communities including NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils to provide guidance and potential contacts.
  • Exploring partnerships with universities or cultural institutions that focus on Indigenous studies.

Communication and information management

  • Promote low-impact visitor behaviour: encourage responsible behaviour with key messages that focus on advice including staying on trails, collecting rubbish, leaving natural objects undisturbed, respecting wildlife and being considerate of others. Refer to the NSW First Sustainable Tourism guide to learn more.
  • Lead with clear communication: provide detailed information on inclusions, duration, pricing and meeting points along with engaging descriptions and high-quality images.
  • Provide clear pre-arrival information: include a dedicated frequently asked questions (FAQ) page on your website covering age suitability, fitness levels, trail difficulty, what to bring, clothing, swimming requirements and wet weather plans.
  • Use waiver forms: use activity-specific waiver forms reviewed by legal experts. Digital platforms like Waiver King can simplify the process.
  • Conduct risk assessment: conduct a risk assessment to identify and manage hazards such as uneven terrain, weather changes, tides, seasonal wildlife activity, busy intersections and popular photo spots. Refer to SafeWork NSW for templates, the International Standards ISOS 4980 for benefit-risk assessment guidance, Australian Adventurous Activity Standard (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides for more advice.
  • Include safety briefings and maintain equipment: provide clear safety briefings outlining skill requirements. Ensure all equipment (life vests, helmets, wetsuits) is well-maintained. Encourage sun and water safety through sunscreen, hats and suitable clothing. Refer to Australian Adventurous Activity Standard (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides, a framework for safe and responsible planning and delivery of outdoor adventure activities.
  • Obtain insurance: maintain appropriate public-liability insurance relevant to your activity and location.

Operational planning and partnership

  • Be inclusive: design experiences for a range of fitness levels and abilities. Clearly communicate any physical requirements to help visitors make informed decisions. Refer to the NSW First Accessibility and inclusion guide for details.
  • Collaborate with local partners: partner with other visitor economy businesses such as food producers, transport providers, Aboriginal guides to enhance the experience, broaden appeal and support the local economy.
  • Plan the route: design safe, accessible trails suitable for diverse ages and abilities. Ensure essential amenities such as toilets, picnic areas, clear signage and emergency access points are available to provide comfort and security.
  • Plan for bad weather conditions and emergencies: monitor weather and environmental conditions, have contingency plans and communicate promptly about cancellations or changes. Refer to the NSW First Tourism Business Resilience Guide for details.
  • Apply for permits: if operating on public or protected land, you must apply for the appropriate permits. Start by consulting the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) tool for guidance. This process may involve contacting local councils and obtaining permits with NSW Crown Lands, Forestry Corporation of NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Parks Eco Pass program or NSW Marine Parks.