The resort took out the Accommodation, Food and Hospitality Services category at the 2026 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. The awards ceremony took place on 30 September during the Skål International World Congress in Gqeberha, South Africa.
This global recognition celebrates Surfpoint Resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality, environmental conservation and strong community partnerships.
For all of us at Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, it’s a proud moment. Surfpoint Resort is our hiking accommodation hub, and we share a commitment to helping people experience the Margaret River Region while protecting the natural environment that makes it so special.
The team at Surfpoint Resort are celebrating a major international award win
Sustainability at the heart of Surfpoint Resort
At Surfpoint Resort, sustainability means taking practical action every day. The team works to protect Gnarran, the endangered western ringtail possum, and other native wildlife that call the resort home. It also looks for ways to reduce energy and water use and minimise the environmental impact of its operations.
These efforts reflect a simple belief: tourism should benefit the places and communities that welcome visitors.
Surfpoint Resort General Manager Nic Chirico said the team felt honoured to receive international recognition. “We firmly believe that operating our business in a sustainably focused way brings benefits to our whole community, and this award belongs to everyone who helps make that possible,” she said.
Surfpoint Resort general manager Nic Chirico and her partner, resort groundskeeper Nick Campbell accept the award in South Africa
Strong local partnerships make a difference
Surfpoint Resort’s sustainability program relies on long-standing relationships with local organisations and community members.
Since 2020, Geographe Landcare has supported the resort’s native garden project. This work helps create habitat for local wildlife while bringing more native plants into the resort grounds. The resort also works with MR Refund to recycle thousands of containers. The proceeds support community education and conservation projects run by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region.
Wardandi Elders Bill and Nina Webb and the extended Webb family have also played an important role in shaping the resort’s approach to caring for Country.
Nic Chirico recognised their leadership and the lessons they have shared about working with the land, respecting all living things and protecting endangered species.
These partnerships show how local knowledge, community action and responsible tourism can work together to create lasting benefits.
Surfpoint Resort is an accommodation hub for hiking the magical Cape to Cape Track
Connecting sustainable accommodation with walking adventures
At Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, we believe great walking experiences should leave a positive legacy.
Surfpoint Resort provides a welcoming base for guests exploring the spectacular Cape to Cape Track and the wider Margaret River Region. Its location in Gnarabup puts walkers close to the coast, local trails and the natural landscapes that draw visitors to this part of Western Australia.
Our connection with Surfpoint Resort allows us to bring accommodation and guided walking experiences together under a shared commitment to sustainability. And our expert guides help guests discover the region’s unique flora, fauna, geology and cultural history. Just as importantly, we want every guest to develop a deeper appreciation for this remarkable environment and the need to protect it.
The award recognises the work happening behind the scenes to make tourism more responsible, from habitat protection to resource conservation and community partnerships.
Surfpoint Resort offers resort accommodation and glamping tents
Looking ahead to a more sustainable future
Winning the 2026 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award marks an important milestone for Surfpoint Resort. It also reinforces the value of continuing to improve how we operate.
The team will keep exploring practical ways to reduce its environmental footprint and strengthen its contribution to the local community.
We’re incredibly proud to see Surfpoint Resort recognised on the world stage. From Gnarabup to Gqeberha, this award celebrates the people, partnerships and shared values that help make sustainable tourism possible.
If you’re planning a walking holiday in the Margaret River Region, discover Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and make Surfpoint Resort your base for exploring one of Western Australia’s most spectacular coastlines.
Ready to explore? Visit Cape to Cape Explorer Tours to discover our guided walking tours and accommodation options.