ECO CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION
Tropical QueenslandECO CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION TROPICAL QUEENSLAND
Did you that Tropical North Queensland has the highest concentration of Ecotourism Australia certified experiences in Australia?
Queensland is an absolute haven for ecotourism. It boasts five World Heritage areas, along with more than 450 other national parks, marine refuges and state forests.
Responsible Travel in Queensland
Environmentally responsible accommodation and ecotourism work hand in hand for the benefit of people, wildlife and the planet.
Plan your next getaway to Queensland by booking accommodation that is making an effort to minimise its impact and give more than it takes from the environment.
There is a great selection of excellent travel operators in Queensland with eco-accreditation.
The most important eco certification for travel experience companies in Queensland is Australia’s own Ecotourism Australia. Highly regarded throughout the world, travel companies certified with Ecotourism Australia can assure travellers that the experiences being offered are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
There are three levels of eco certification in the Ecotourism Australia certification program: nature tourism, ecotourism and advanced ecotourism. The program assures travellers that these products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
Ecotourism Australia also certifies accommodation which shows a strong commitment and practical, quantifiable actions to preserve the environment in which they are located.
Other accommodation groups have their own self-accreditation systems, such as Crystalbrook Collection’s sustainable luxury program and Accor’s global eco-accreditation, Planet 21, as they tackle the impact of climate change on tourism. These are programs which have been put in place to ensure their impact on the environment is less than it would be otherwise.
Check out some fabulous ecotourism accommodation options below:
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
A member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is recognised as among the best sustainable properties in the world.
Only 15 minutes’ drive south of Port Douglas, the retreat is best known for its stunning coconut plantation and private beach – you’d barely believe this was the site of a former sugarcane plantation.
In the early 1970’s Rob & Oonagh Prettejohn purchased the 145 acre Peninsula. At the time Thala only had 45 acres of the original forest. The balance of 100 acres had been cleared and was a degraded, unsustainable sugar cane plantation. Environmental sensitivities were not as they are today and planning approval at the time would have allowed for a 700 bedroom hotel to be built. Fortunately as locals with a feel for a low impact on this wonderful environment, this was not their style. They planted many thousands of indigenous plants to rehabilitate the area and start its return back to a wild natural state. The lodge is built out of natural sustainable materials in a low impact style that does not set out to dominate the surrounding landscape.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve has been granted the highest level of Advanced Eco Certification for connecting guests to the landscape, minimising environmental impact and supporting local communities. While you’re here, take an expert-guided nature walk.
ADVANCED ECOTOURISM CERTIFICATION
Canopy Rainforest Tree Houses
These treehouses nestled in the heart of the Atherton Tablands, offer luxury Queensland ecotourism accommodation. Luxury riverfront Treehouses perched on the banks of the Ithaca River and set in 100 acres of a rare, old growth, high country tropical rainforest.
Canopy Rainforest Tree Houses and Wildlife Sanctuary is a Green Travel Leader. The treehouse accommodation is set in 100 acres of pristine ancient rainforest, with lush tropical waterfalls.
ECO CERTIFIED ADVANCED CERTIFICATION WITH ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA
Daintree Wilderness Lodge
Nestled deep within World Heritage Listed Rainforest, Daintree Wilderness accommodation at Daintree Wilderness Lodge offers guests the true rainforest experience.
Daintree Wilderness Lodge has a strong belief in the protection and restoration of all-natural environment but is especially committed to that of the Daintree Rainforest. Being situated in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, they are acutely aware of the exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance of the region.
For these reasons they choose to support and publicise the work of Rainforest Rescue, Daintree Life and Rainforest 4 Foundation. They have also chosen to be a signatory of the Future of Tourism Coalition and align their practices with their set of Guiding Principles.
Nature lovers will appreciate the cassowaries, birds, thousand year old Hope’s Cycad and other wildlife found at the Daintree Wilderness Lodge.
ECO CERTIFIED ADVANCED CERTIFICATION WITH ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA
Elysian Luxury Eco Resort
The most secluded all-inclusive island retreat in the Whitsundays, Elysian is nestled into a private cove surrounded by national park rainforest and the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. A blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of every-day life where the small personable team passionately deliver 5 star award winning service.
Elysian Retreat is the first 100% solar powered island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. With a passion for sustainable travel, projects and initiatives include pursuing pathways to a zero waste kitchen, revegetation and reforestation initiatives, native edible gardens to supplement restaurant and inform guests, organic spa treatments and chemical free practices.
With just 10 free standing private villas and a maximum of 20 guests (Adults Only), your needs are catered for from the moment you step off the stunning 10 minute helicopter transfer from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach or a 30 minute boat ride from Hamilton Island and Shute Harbour.
