Off-grid getaways. Conscious travel. Holistic holidays. Green-tourism. Call it what you will, but make no mistake, there is an insatiable appetite for eco-friendly travel. The challenge, of course, is in finding both sustainable and suitable accommodation, experiences and dining options to complement your travel style.
From green cruise operators and three-star sustainability accredited dining and eco-retreats, meet the unique and stylish travel options with solid green credentials.
1. Aquila Eco Lodges, Southern Grampians, Victoria
For over 20,000 years, the Grampians (Gariwerd) has been home to its traditional owners and custodians, the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people. The region’s storied sandstone escarpments, sheltered gullies and glittering waterfalls have not only protected the highest concentration of rock art sites and Aboriginal art motifs in Victoria, but its breathtaking landscapes have also inspired the likes of artists Arthur Streeton and Eugene Von Guérard, who immortalised the Grampians’ bold and rugged beauty.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local area, there’s no better base than Aquila Eco Lodges – a sustainable nature retreat set in 100 acres of dense bushland and comprising four luxurious architect-designed, self-contained, totally off-grid lodgings. Accredited by Eco Tourism Australia, each of the treehouses are powered by the site’s captured solar energy, while all the water is collected on site using a rainwater purification system.
2. Tasmanian Expeditions’ Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort
Curated by the pioneering eco-minded walking tour operator, Tasmanian Expeditions, which holds advanced-certification by Eco Tourism Australia, the Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort has recently been recognised under the prestigious banner of Great Walks of Australia. A collection of Australia’s best multi-day hike experiences, Great Walks operates with a deep understanding and appreciation of the environment it traverses.
The 6-day itinerary covers 42 kilometres of crystal-clear swimming spots and rugged granite peaks, including the storied Mt Strzelecki where hikers are rewarded with 360-degree views. After a day of walking, group members take shelter among the natural beauty of the land, where the beachfront Eco-Comfort camp offers a base that’s big on comfort with minimal environmental impact.
3. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland
Engulfed by mountains and flanked by freshwater springs that trickle through the 200 hectares of fern forest and palm glades into gullies that provide shelter to the myriad native flora and fauna, Gwinganna has been leading the charge for eco-retreats since 2009.
As the only health retreat in Queensland to hold Ecotourism Certification, the property is part of the Land for Wildlife program that works to protect and enhance the local wildlife habitat by rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife alongside Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation and Australia Zoo.
4. Alsahwa Farm, Noosa
Recently opened Alsahwa Farm is an eco-lifestyle destination situated on a working farm in Noosa’s picturesque hinterland.
The 38 acres of historic macadamia farmland operates as a case study for regenerative farming practices that focuses on food education and responsible land stewardship, with sustainable initiatives that encourage everyone – whether they are fellow farmers or city-dwellers – to get back to basics by learning new skills that will foster an appreciation for eco-agriculture and its community.
5. Greener Seas
Cruise companies of the past have been known to sail murky waters when it came to their eco footprint, but 2024 has seen a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to considered cruising. From Ponant’s electric LNG-powered icebreaker and newly obtained Green Globe Certification (making it the first maritime cruise line to do so), to Silversea’s innovative conservation-based waste management program in the Galapagos Islands, True North’s award-winning wilderness expeditions, and the Sail & Sustain program that centres environmental stewardship and emission reductions as core commitments for Oceania Cruises, there are more ways than ever before to cruise with a conscience.
6. Outback Spirit
As Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, the eco-certified tour operator is constantly working on its own environmental and cultural impact, striving for sustainable best-practice across every touchpoint.
From desert safaris and luxury short breaks to Australia-wide adventure tours, Outback Spirit offers an array of unique, immersive, and truly authentic experiences for every intrepid interest.
Supporting sustainable tourism in Australia In November 2023, the Australian government launched The National Sustainability Framework and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit as part of its THRIVE 2023 economic strategy. Working alongside tourism operators across the country, the Toolkit aims to help businesses respond to the growing consumer demand for sustainable travel choices as well as provide real and measurable action towards preserving Australia’s natural and cultural assets, creating positive social impact, and transforming the country into a world leader in sustainable tourism. Backed by accreditation from notable organisations such as Ecotourism Australia, with its ECO Certification program (a world first), and Sustainable Tourism (ATIC), as well as a growing awareness and investment in movements and initiatives such as B CORPS, there are more opportunities than ever before for consumers to make informed decisions about how they spend their well-earned tourism dollars.
7. Mount Zero, Grampians region, Victoria
With a long running commitment to sustainable farming practices, Mount Zero Olives produces some of Australia’s most awarded olives, pulses, grains, and olive oils.
Certified biodynamic, the produce grown in the surrounding area and elsewhere in the region is just as important to the producers as the process of harvesting itself. Collaborative partnerships with like-minded partner growers and traditional landowners, such as its Barengi Gadjin Land Council, form a cornerstone of the company’s community-minded and ethically focused ethos.
8. Central Coast, New South Wales
The Central Coast has just won First Place in the global Green Destinations Story Awards at ITB Berlin, where tourism initiatives from across the globe were judged for their sustainable tourism best-practice. Awarded for its entry in the Destination Management category, the Central Coast showcased its region-wide commitment to building a thriving ecotourism community known as ECO advocates, that offer unique natural and cultural experiences with the aim of inspiring other Australian and international destinations to follow in their (lighter) footsteps.
9. Into The Wild
Into The Wild Escapes offers over 50 off-grid, sustainable tiny homes that are escape-distance from the city and strategically located across Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. Each escape offers a place to head out to nature, to rediscover creativity and reclaim rest, whilst adopting the pace of nature.
Designed to provide an intimate connection to the wild whilst maintaining premium comforts, the tiny homes are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat without straying too far from creature comforts. Each tiny home includes everything you need and nothing you don’t. Think: St Ali Roasted Coffee, luxe French linen, Leif bathroom products, firepits and solar heating and cooling – so you can be comfortable regardless of the season. Some of the tiny homes include outdoor bathtubs for an extra luxurious touch.
Each tiny home is located in nature and amongst seclusion, offering a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a book, enjoy a slow morning, or simply to have dinner under the stars, Into The Wild Escapes has a perfect off-grid spot for you.
10. Brae Restaurant, Birregurra, Victoria
As GT’s Readers’ Choice Icon Award winner for 2023, Brae has consistently straddled the line between dazzling innovation and sustainable sophistication. Helmed by Chef Dan Hunter, the hospitality heavyweight has just become the first restaurant in Australia to achieve a three-star score from The Sustainable Restaurant Association – a remarkable accomplishment that recognises the iconic institution’s outstanding eco credentials and commitment to shaping the future of Australia’s considered culinary offering.
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