The program supports new and existing businesses in delivering low-impact, immersive experiences that promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage.

Two streams are available under this grant opportunity. 

Small grants - under $100,000

Apply for quick activation projects that can enhance your business's nature-based tourism offerings and services within the Gold Coast.

Criteria

• Requires project funding between $1000 and $100,000
• Can start immediately and be completed by 30 June 2027
• Applicants must provide a 20% cash cocontribution to the project
• All necessary City-issued permits, lease or licence agreements have been secured
• No planning, building or other site specific or operational constraints
• Projects must fall in one of the supported categories listed in the program guidelines

Applications are open from 1 May to 30 June. Successful opportunity applications will be announced in September 2026.

Large grants - over $100,000

Apply for funding and support of new, innovative, nature-based tourism products or experiences that provide tangible benefits to the Gold Coast.

Criteria

• Requires project funding between $100,000 and $500,000
• New City permits, leases or licences may be needed to deliver the project
• Planning, building or site-specific operation constraints involved
• Complex project planning and stakeholder engagement involved
• Initial project milestones can be delivered by 30 June 2027

Applications are open from 1 May to 31 July. Successful opportunity applications will be announced in November 2026.

Businesses can apply for new naturebased tourism Large and Small grant funding only. Council-led projects are managed by the City. To be eligible, businesses must:

• When applying for the Small grant program - your organisation is based in the City of Gold Coast local government area.
• When applying for Small grants - your organisation is required to provide a minimum 20% financial cocontribution of the total project cost.
• Demonstrate qualifications, experience and capacity to establish and operate their initiative in a commercially viable manner and their initiative must be located within the City of Gold Coast local government area.
• Operate with an Australian Business Number for at least 12 months.
• Be legal entities capable of entering into a binding agreement with the City. Sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts are accepted. All Not for Profit Organisations must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission, or Incorporated Community and Progress Associations.
• Clearly demonstrate sustainable practices (including environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions).
• Hold the correct permits, consents and authorisations to deliver their initiative and comply with any statutory management or legislation requirements relevant to their application.
• Account for any risks relating to natural events that may affect the proposed setting for their application, such as bushfires or flooding.
• Not have spent the budgets they have applied for before their Application is approved.
• Be able to commence immediately after the legal funding agreement has been signed by the City and the applicant.

• Email: naturebasedtourism@goldcoast.qld.gov.au