Eco Retreats in Australia

Travelling to Australia and wondering where to go? Why not experience Australia's wildlife up close and personal?

Australia’s eastern states: Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria (not forgetting the tiny Australian Capital Territory surrounding the capital, Canberra) offer one of the world’s most diverse landscapes.

From the northern tropics and south along the Great Dividing Range, to the alpine regions and onto the scenic and wild southern coastline – Australia offers a landscape like no other.

It makes sense then to surround yourself with unique wildlife and scenery when staying in Australia. So, why not go 'eco'?

Australia offers a range of eco retreats as diverse as the wildlife that surrounds them. And depending on your love of cold night air, the humid tropics, mountain views, or picturesque lakes, there is sure to be an eco retreat to suit most travellers.

The word ‘eco’ is often overused, so much so that in some cases it has lost its real meaning. That’s why Ecotourism Australia was formed to ensure travellers had a true eco-experience, whilst staying in places that actually do reflect high levels of sustainability and wildlife preservation.

Following is a list of eco retreats selected as an example of some of the best from far-north Queensland to the wilderness of Tasmania.

Note: All retreats mentioned have Ecotourism Australia accreditation. Price ranges are not mentioned as they can vary over time, however the websites listed contain prices or contact information.

Daintree Wilderness Lodge

State: Queensland

Where? – North of Cairns, North Queensland.

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Tropical, warm all year with a wet season from November – May.

Description: Described as “the most natural hideaway ever created”, this retreat is located within the palm-fringed rainforests of Northern Queensland. Other information.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

State: Queensland

Where? Fraser Island, north of Brisbane

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Sub-tropical

Description: Located on the western side of the world's largest sand island - Fraser Island.The resort has received awards for development, architecture and environmental tourism. Offers a choice of accomodation from hotel-like rooms to cabins. After staying here on several occasions I'm always impressed with how well the resort blends in with the surrounding environment.

EcoPoint Myall Shores Resort

State: New South Wales

Where? Myall Lakes, about 200 kilometres north of Sydney

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Temperate, steady temperatures due to the big lake but has cool winters.

Description: Based on the shores of the Myall Lake within the Myall Lakes National Park. The National Park offers a rare environment, matched only by the Cooloola National Park in Queensland. Has a range of accomodation options from the more luxurious to camping.

Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge

State: New South Wales

Where? The Blue Mountains, west of Sydney

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Temperate – cool in winter and can get hot in summer.

Description: Plantation Pine pole-framed cabins and lodges. The cabins are self-contained while the lodges offer accommodation for bigger groups. The historic town of Blackheath is a short drive away and so are the Blue Mountains biggest natural attractions - Three Sisters, Mt Wilson and Jenolan Caves.

Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology

State: Victoria

Where? On the southern tip of Australia, south of Melbourne

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Cool Temperate – climate influenced by the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.

Description: Offers an opportunity to see Australian native wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos and take in the views of the local beach and forests. Other information. Also of interest is the Great Ocean Road.

Cradle Mountain Lodge

State: Tasmania

Where? “Cradle Mountain Lodge is set on the northern edge of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park in north-western Tasmania”

Where is it on the map?

Climate type: Cool – can snow in summer.

Description: This is one of the premium resorts. Set high in the mountains it offers a rare Australian experience of snow in summer (sometimes) and ancient forests set in the Tasmanian wilderness.