LADY ELLIOT ISLAND, QLD
Paradise awaits on a 42-hectare coral cay situated at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Lady Elliot Island lies within a Marine National Park ‘Green Zone’ and their eco resort offers sustainable accommodation. Guests are shown how to enjoy the island’s fragile ecosystem with minimal impact. A haven for marine life, it’s regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations on the Great Barrier Reef.
If you prefer not to get wet, there’s a glass-bottom boat tour, and on land you can walk around the island in just 45 minutes. Visit ladyelliot.com.au.
ECO BEACH RESORT, BROOME, WA
Set among pristine sands on the Kimberley coastline, Ramada Eco Beach Resort includes 25 villas interlinked by elevated wooden boardwalks (ensuring minimal impact on bushland), and 30 luxurious safari-style tents. The resort uses solar power and recycled water to maintain the property’s expansive landscaped grounds. There’s an infinity pool, free yoga classes and an on-site day spa. Visit ecobeach.com.au.
GRAMPIANS YHA ECO HOSTEL, VIC
Using rainwater tanks and solar power, this architecturally designed hostel offers extreme comfort while remaining committed to reducing its carbon footprint. It’s on the doorstep of the Grampians National Park, which has hiking trails to MacKenzie Falls and is close to the cultural centre at Brambuk and the Halls Gap Zoo. There are two self-catering kitchens, plus a herb garden. See yha.com.au.
GUM CREEK LODGE, SA
Nestled in the Flinders Ranges, Gum Creek Lodge, part of Gum Creek Station, offers a view of 200 square kilometres of nature. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, heating and even a deck with a wood-fired pizza oven. Powered by a solar/wind system, it’s a truly green escape. See gumcreekstation.com.au.
PAPERBARK CAMP, NSW
Eco-accredited and a pioneer of ‘luxe camping’ in Australia, Paperbark Camp offers raised safari tents nestled in tranquil bush land. Situated in Jervis Bay, this is glamping at its best with double canvas roofs and outdoor deck seating. There are private outdoor ensuites where guests can watch the wildlife as they bathe. Energy is solar powered and use of canoes, paddleboards and bikes is free. At night, gather at the communal campfire after dining at treetop restaurant The Gunyah. Visit paperbarkcamp.com.au.