5 Eco-Friendly Australian Getaways That Don't Cost The Earth

Travelling is such an important part of life. It allows us to experience different cultures and see all of the natural beauty the earth has to offer. But, we can't forget the environmental impact that travel has. I'm not saying that we need to stop travelling, but we just need to be mindful of how we do it.

A great way to see and experience some of the natural attractions around us is through retreats and resorts that provide guests with experiences based around the natural environment. I've compiled a list of 5 resorts and retreats around Australia that will give you the relaxing holiday you need without a large carbon footprint.

Back 2 Earth Farm Stay in Berry, NSW

This farm stay is a fully vegan retreat that offers massage packages, raw vegan workshops and a fruit and veggie co-op. You get to experience the beauty of the hills and landscapes that surround Berry while relaxing, cooking, and picking your own fruit and veggies. Their basic principles are sustainability, environmental awareness, zero waste, and self-sufficiency. The aim of this retreat is to give guests a break from urban life while demonstrating the simplicity of a vegan, environmentally conscious lifestyle.

[Image: Back 2 Earth]

Hidden Valley Cabins in Townsville, QLD

Hidden Valley Cabins is Australia's first solar powered resort and relies on 100% renewable energy. Guests can go on a free tour of the Hidden Valley solar plant to see exactly how the resort runs. The cabins were built with primarily recycled timber, or timber that was specifically selected to minimize the environmental impact. Over 2000 plants, mostly native, have been planted throughout the resort. The Hidden Valley region itself is one of Australia's most diverse habitats, and the surrounding area has many natural attractions for travellers to see and experience

[Image: Hidden Valley Cabins]

Bamurru Plains in Kakadu, NT

This getaway aims at providing visitors with a natural experience that inspires a greater awareness of Australia's natural environment. Each suite is designed to give the traveller the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. It uses 75% renewable energy and has a surcharge for any extra electrical amenities (e.g. air conditioning, hair dryer, etc.). All of the linens are made from organic cotton, soaps are locally made and incorporate native plants, and detergents are eco-certified. Their prime goal is to open the minds of guests through the way they interact with the environment.

[Image: Bamurru Plains]

Faraway Bay Resort in Kimberley, WA

This resort is located in the stunning Kimberley region of Western Australia and is one of the most remote wilderness retreats in the world. Its aim is to teach guests about the environment through the natural attractions and sustainability practices. The resort uses solar heaters to generate hot water and uses solar lighting. They only allow bookings by a small number of guests at a time to conserve energy and to minimise the impact on the habitat. All products provided to guests are biodegradable and locally sourced. Guests can bird watch, walk through the bush, relax on the beach and stargaze.

[Image: Faraway Bay]

Freycinet Eco Lodges in Coles Bay, TAS

These lodges were built following environmentally sustainable design principles. All accommodation is water self-sufficient and uses low energy light bulbs and appliances. Each night that the resort has visitors the CO2 emissions are monitored and measured with the aim of lowering them over time. Their philosophy is do not harm, minimise waste, repair, reuse, recycle and inculcate harmony with nature and fellow mans. Guests can relax while surrounded by the Hazards Mountains, Great Oyster Bay, and the Tasman Sea.

[Image: Freycinet Eco Lodges]

All of these resorts and retreats show off the beauty of Australia and allow guests to have these experiences with a small carbon footprint. You can have a peaceful, relaxing experience with the peace of mind that you are supporting the environment that surrounds you. And don't forget that when travelling it is important to offset the footprint of your car or air travel.

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