NSW is Australia’s number one destination for nature-based tourism, with the state welcoming 35.3 million domestic visitors in 2024 who engaged in nature or outdoor-based activities.

Nature-based travel is about unforgettable, sustainable experiences that connect visitors with the natural environment, whether on land or in the water. By blending adventure with care for the environment, experience providers can attract a growing market of conscious, experience-driven visitors.

Destination NSW will host a Creating Nature-based Experiences webinar on 28 July 2025. Featuring guest speakers from Australia By Nature, CoastXP and Navigate Expeditions, the webinar will explore how attraction, accommodation, tour and activity operators can tap into nature-based travel.

Learn more about the webinar and register here.

Higher demand for nature-based tourism activities

Tourism Research Australia data shows there was overall growth of 47 per cent in demand in Australia for nature-based activities from 2014 to 2023.

  • Visiting botanic or public gardens saw 85 per cent growth
  • Bushwalking and rainforest walks grew by 81 per cent
  • Visiting national or state parks grew by 73 per cent
  • Caravanning or camping saw 40 per cent growth
  • Cycling grew by 53 per cent
  • Visiting wildlife parks, zoos, and aquariums saw 46 per cent growth
  • Going to the beach grew by 44 per cent
  • Golfing grew by 44 per cent.
  • Snorkelling grew by 38 per cent, capitalising on our world-class reefs.
  • Whale or dolphin watching saw a 26 per cent increase
  • Visiting farms increased by 12 per cent.
  • Surfing had nine per cent growth
  • Fishing grew by eight per cent.

Elevating sustainable tourism

Sustainability plays an important role in nature-based travel.

Destination NSW is proud to champion and elevate sustainable tourism in NSW. The agency’s approach focuses on advocacy, education and business practices to help NSW visitor economy businesses improve their sustainability performance.

Learn more about sustainable tourism here.