For travel that doesn’t hurt the environment
Sleep like a baby knowing the accommodation you’re staying at on your travels has the environment as high a priority as your comfort. Ecotourism Australia’s ECO-certified experiences are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices, so travellers are sure to find high-quality nature-based tourism experiences no matter what their interests are. Here are some of our favourite ECO-certified accommodation options in Australia.
We’ve also covered the top ECO-certified attractions and tours in another article to help you round out your sustainable travel options.
1. Tarkine Wilderness Lodge Meunna, Tas
Escape to the magnificent Tarkine Wilderness Lodge. Located on the North West Coast of Tasmania, this unique lodge is nestled at the edge of the largest temperate rainforest in the southern hemisphere, The Tarkine.
Tarkine Wilderness Lodge is constructed from beautiful Tasmanian timber, nestled on 200 acres of privately owned land within the majestic wilderness of takayna/Tarkine. (Image: Pete Harmsen)
2. Wilpena Pound Resort, SA
A haven of outback hospitality, the Wilpena Pound Resort is an Adnyamathanha-owned resort located within the spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The property complements its resort, glamping and camping accommodation offerings with 4WD tours, Aboriginal cultural experiences, bushwalking, cycling and scenic flights. Often referred to as Australia’s unknown icon, a visit to Wilpena Pound is a wonder to behold.
Wilpena Pound Resort complements its accommodation offerings with 4WD tours. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
3. Lorne Bush House Cottages + Eco Lodges, Vic
A unique bush and beach experience with an abundance of native birds and wildlife on the property plus magnificent beaches and walks to waterfalls and lookouts just minutes away. The cosy Lorne Bush House Cottages + Eco Lodges are a wonderful base from which to enjoy and explore Lorne, its hinterland and The Great Ocean Road.
4. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, NT
Cooinda Lodge is located beneath a canopy of trees beside Yellow Water Billabong, home to world-renowned Yellow Water Cruises, where crocodiles and birds are seen on the flood plain amongst Paperbark, Pandanus and Fresh Water Mangroves.
5. Enjoy the lagoon swimming pool at Cooinda Lodge. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Cicada Lodge, Katherine, NT
Cicada Lodge is a unique luxury lodge overlooking the Katherine River within the Nitmiluk National Park. Cicada Lodge gives the opportunity to explore the cultural and natural landscapes of Nitmiluk National Park.
Overlook the Katherine River within the Nitmiluk National Park at Cicada Lodge. (Image: Tourism NT and Peter Eve)
6. Broger’s End, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Set on 160 acres of varying landscape, Broger’s End provides eco-eclectic accommodation for romantic retreats or family fun. An old milking shed, and massive farm shed has been lovingly restored using reclaimed and recycled materials.
The Shed at Broger’s End has been lovingly and creatively transformed using recycled and reclaimed materials. (Image: Broger’s End)
7. The Cove, Jervis Bay, NSW
The Cove offers gorgeous little beach shacks nestled in the National Park and surrounded by the beauty of Jervis Bay. Just 2 hours from Sydney it is the perfect place to escape for the weekend and enjoy! It also made our list of the best Jervis Bay accommodation.
8. Tanja Lagoon Camp, NSW
Tanja Lagoon Camp sits on the edge of a wild coastal lagoon, surrounded by the Spotted Gum forests of Mimosa Rocks National Park on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. Featuring four self-contained luxury safari tents, two eco-cabins and a meeting place.
Stay in one of the luxury safari tents for an unmissable view. (Image: Tanja Lagoon Camp)
9. Noonaweena, Kulnura, NSW
Noonaweena is a sixteen-room boutique resort sitting high on an escarpment overlooking Mt Yango National Park. The aboriginal translation of Noonaweena means Resting Place in the Bush and it lives up to that name.
10. Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat, Dunbogan, NSW
The Treehouse Retreat is a boutique award-winning experience located on the mid-north coast of NSW. There are just two private and secluded Treehouses on a 13-acre property that has 400 metres of riverfront and is just a short walk to the beach.
Stay in a treehouse! (Image: Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat)
11. Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge, Margaret River, WA
Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge has natural beauty, a native forest setting and is within close proximity to the Margaret River wine region making it the perfect landscape for a truly relaxing adult retreat with all the personal touches of a privately owned and operated business.
Enjoy a grazing platter and wine by the fire. (Image: Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge)
12. Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, WA
Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge is exclusive to APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures’ guests and is the only permanent accommodation located on the Mitchell Plateau, close to the famous Mitchell Falls. Featuring just 24 tented cabins, the lodge offers truly intimate, small-scale accommodation in the wilderness.
13. Eco Beach Resort, Broome, WA
One of the world’s most remarkable destinations, Eco Beach is a unique eco-resort set in a pristine landscape just one hour drive south of Broome. Accommodation is provided through a variety of beautifully appointed, self-sustaining eco villas and safari-style eco tents. The centrepiece of the retreat is Jack’s Bar on the oceanfront featuring a restaurant and pool deck with an alluring infinity pool.
Swim at the Infinity Pool at Eco Beach Resort (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
14. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a beach-side safari camp nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park. Each of the fifteen wilderness tents offers views of the surrounding bush and beach. At Sal Salis, you will discover the magic of true eco-luxe camping.
Camp beachside at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
15. Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, WA
Spend a night in the heart of Purnululu National Park. Walk through 350-million-year-old gorges and amongst striped sandstone domes, then enjoy the Bungles Bar at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge.
16. Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, WA
The Swell Lodge resort is the national park’s only accommodation, and probably the island’s most famous. Not only is it highly luxurious and exclusive, but it’s also a fully-inclusive stay in one of two glass-fronted eco-chalets.
Swell Lodge is luxurious and exclusive.
17. Daintree Ecolodge and Spa, Qld
Daintree Ecolodge and Spa, situated in the heart of the magnificent Daintree Rainforest, offers sustainable luxury in a breathtaking location. The tropical retreat is the only boutique accommodation in the World-Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, boasting 15 eco-friendly bayans in an awe-inspiring setting that will revitalise all your senses.
The eco-friendly bayans in an awe-inspiring setting will revitalise all your senses. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
18. Pumpkin Island, Yeppoon, Qld
Pumpkin Island is a private island escape for couples, families or groups. This tiny gem – just 6 hectares in total – offers eco-friendly accommodation for up to 34 guests in 7 self-catering units powered by the sun. All offer private decks and barbecues overlooking the sunset.
For privacy and luxury all in one. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
19. Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari, Qld
Kingfisher Bay Resort is a fully integrated eco-tourism hotel designed to give guests an enjoyable nature-based experience on World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) while creating minimal impact on the environment.
The whole family can enjoy Kingfisher Bay Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
20. Habitat Noosa, Qld
Habitat Noosa is an eco-based tourism business located within 65 acres of the Great Sandy national park and perched on the edge of stunning Lake Cootharaba. With an array of accommodation options from camping to glamping, on-site bistro and microbrewery, water activities, walking treks, and daily tours to Australia’s only everglades it provides the ultimate accessible wilderness experience.
Habitat Noosa brings all the vibes. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
21. Heron Island Resort, Qld
Heron Island Resort is a PADI 5-star Dive Resort, situated on a natural coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Marine Park boasting some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Get your dive on at Heron Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
22. Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays, Qld
The most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays, Elysian is a soulfully crafted oasis ecologically designed to inspire a serene sojourn. A blissful escape from the crowds on the southern point of Long Island with an emphasis placed on exclusively tailored experiences for a maximum of 20 guests.
Relax at the ecologically designed island retreat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
23. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Canungra, Qld
Located in World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the perfect nature escape. Discover a world of lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.
Relax in a spa on the balcony at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
24. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley, Qld
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is a multi-award-winning wellness destination to help guests refocus on health. With innovative fully inclusive programs from two to seven days, this dedicated low-tech retreat provides spacious natural surrounds on 200 hectares, specialty spa treatments, organic cuisine and key wellness seminars.
Take a swim in the heated infinity edge lap pool at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
25. Orpheus Island Lodge, Palm Island, Qld
Orpheus Island Lodge is an unspoilt tropical paradise stretching across 11km of turquoise coastline surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Marine Park. Conservation is at the very heart of the Orpheus mission which is to safeguard the incredible natural surroundings.
Take an outdoor bath at Orpheus Island Lodge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
