A country famed for offering natural adventures in remarkable landscapes, the phrase ‘leave no trace’ is becoming increasingly important in Australia. As travel starts to return to pre-pandemic levels, the country has seen a massive spike in ecotourism as travellers seriously consider their impact on the environment. Alongside Port Douglas Daintree – where rainforest meets reef and which is the first in the world to be awarded ECO Destination Certification – Australia has introduced eight new ECO-certified destinations in 2023. We take a look at some of the eco-friendly destinations Down Under.
Port Douglas Daintree, Queensland
The only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – there are few places as special as Port Douglas. However, this jungly corner of Australia has a fragile ecosystem and choosing eco-friendly tours and accommodation is important for its preservation. Luckily, we’re spoiled for choice. There are more than 20 eco-certified experiences in the area, including Solar Whisper, which offers quiet wildlife spotting tours along the Daintree River on an electric boat. Alternatively, book a marine biologist eco tour with Passions of Paradise in Cairns, a one-of-a-kind tour which allows snorkelers and divers to help scientists with reef monitoring.
Spot the croc: Solar Whisper runs wildlife spotting tours along the Daintree River on an electric boat
Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Stay overnight at the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa in one of the bayans (treehouses), which are built into the vines of the oldest rainforest in the world, and wake up to a cacophony of tropical birdsong.
Sustainable Sydney, NSW
For guilt-free good times there’s no better place than Sydney. The NSW government has just announced a $5 million initiative to expand the green canopy by planting hundreds of new trees. In the meantime, you can sail more sustainably around Sydney Harbour on La Belle Verde, the city’s only solar-powered charter yacht. Or head for a sundowner in Daintree Sydney, a new zero-waste bar in the old Sailor Home in The Rocks. Named after its Unesco-protected namesake in Queensland, 50 per cent of all its profits go to saving the rainforest. Try the Karkalla Collins with river mint, cucumber juice, karkalla vodka and spritzed albarin. Save even more of the forest by having coffee in their new Canopy Cafe on Circular Quay West.
Nature walk: explore the plants and wildlife of the Blue Mountains with Tread Lightly Eco Tours
Credit: Destination NSW
Just 90 minutes west of Sydney is the Blue Mountains, the Unesco World Heritage Site that also achieved eco-destination certification in 2023. Tread Lightly Eco Tours offers a Glow Worm Night Walk that explores the geology, plants and wildlife in the mountains as you search for electric blue glow worms.
Margaret River, WA
Certified as an official ECO destination in 2022, the Augusta Margaret River Region in Western Australia is best known for its incredible food, wine and wildlife scene. Take a Coastal Wildlife Eco Tour and see dolphins, whales, kangaroos and reptiles as you walk the Cape to Cape track around Geographe Bay. Stay off-grid in one of Heyscape’s South West cabins on a private winery near Busselton. After a tasting tour, kick back and enjoy a picnic in Heyscape’s wine sensory garden, the only one in Australia.
Go wild: keep an eye out for bearded dragons on the Cape to Cape track around Geographe Bay
Credit: South West Eco Discoveries
Canberra, ACT
Named the world’s most sustainable city by Uswitch, Canberra is a must-see for all horticulturalists. After breakfast at Capital Region Farmers Market, with more than 100 stalls from local producers, head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Showcasing one-fifth of Australia’s weird and wonderful flora, take a guided tour on the Flora Explorer electric bus and tick off the highlights, including Rainforest Gully and the Red Centre Garden.
Horticulture heaven: marvel at the wonderful flora at the Australian National Botanic Gardens
Credit: Visit Victoria
Alternatively, enjoy some sustainable pampering at the garden’s Jindii Eco Spa, which offers Indigenous spa treatments using wild native ingredients. Spend the night stargazing across the southern skies from one of the solar powered bell tents at The Naked Cubby Collective at Mount Majura Vineyard.