Firescreek Botanical Winery on the Central Coast has become Australia’s first ECO Certified winery experience.

ECO Tourism Certification assesses businesses through third party auditing against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations.

Firescreek Botanical Winery practices organic farming, avoiding synthetic chemicals and pesticides to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Integrating permaculture principles, the winery creates a resilient agricultural system that enhances soil fertility, conserves water and supports local wildlife. Guided tours at the winery educate visitors about sustainable farming and organic agriculture, reflecting the winery’s dedication to eco-conscious practices.

Firescreek Botanical Winery owner Nadia O’Connell said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this ecotourism certification.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our passion for protecting the environment. We believe that by practicing sustainable agriculture and following permaculture principles, we can create a positive impact on our community and inspire others to do the same.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer Elissa Keenan said: “Firescreek Botanical Winery is the first winery in Australia to be awarded ECO Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, she said.”

“This milestone not only highlights the national leadership as the first ECO certified winery in Australia but also reinforces the Central Coast’s status as a committed ECO Certified Destination.”

This achievement was supported by Destination Central Coast’s award-winning ‘Eco Advocate’ industry incentive program, delivered in partnership with Ecotourism Australia to drive understanding of sustainable tourism principles across the entire region’s visitor economy.

Learn more here.

Free access to the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard

Destination NSW has partnered with Ecotourism Australia, the nation’s peak body for sustainable and ecotourism, to provide eligible NSW visitor economy businesses fully funded access to the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.

The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist businesses across the state to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences.

Access to the Scorecard is available to eligible businesses until 30 June 2025. Learn more here.