BUSTING THE MYTHS ABOUT ECO ACCOMMODATION
MYTHBUSTERS: it’s the show that uncovers the truth behind popular myths and legends. Whilst we can’t give you crazy special effects or eccentric presenters, we can bust some of the myths that you might still be believing about environmentally friendly accommodation. What gives us this authority, you ask? Well, we happen to know a few people on the inside…
MYTH #1: Eco-accommodation doesn’t cater to my needs
BUSTED: Eco-accommodation caters for EVERYONE. If you’re thinking of booking a romantic getaway try Somewhere Unique. Looking for a somewhere to take the family? RAC Busselton Holiday Park has lots of fun activities for kids and Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park has mini golf and a pool in addition to direct beach access. The Old Leura Dairy offers farm style cottages for groups of all sizes from a quaint 1-bedroom studio room to the huge 5-bedroom Straw Bale House, perfect for family getaways or group holidays. Backpacking? Check out Magnums in Airlie Beach for dorm rooms or cabins. It’s safe to say eco-accommodation is suitable for all types of trips, no matter what you’re looking for.
Left: Magnums Hostel, Right: Old Leura Dairy
MYTH #2: I’ll have to rough it
BUSTED: If a cabin in the woods without power is the only thing that comes to mind when speaking of eco-accommodation, you couldn’t be more wrong. Luxury eco resorts are dominating the eco-accommodation scene and there are countless 5-star resorts which value the environment as much as your comfort. Silky Oaks Lodge have their very own spa offering facials and massages so you can be completely pampered in a tranquil rainforest. For something different, Queensland Yacht Charters allows you to hire and sleep on board your very own yacht! Sal Salis offers beachside glamping in their luxury tents so you can experience all the fun of camping on the beach with the added comfort of hotel room facilities. We can’t think of a better way to show support for our eco-accommodation operators than with a relaxing massage in the middle of the rainforest…
Silky Oaks Lodge
MYTH #3: I will have to be in the middle of nowhere
BUSTED: If escaping deep into a national park where lack of phone reception forces you to switch off is your ideal holiday, then eco-accommodation definitely has you covered! However, it’s good to know that you don’t have to take a week off work and leave civilisation completely to enjoy nature and tranquillity. Many of our certified accommodation operators are close enough to major cities to stop in for a weekend getaway. Mount Cotton Retreat specialises in luxury accommodation for couples only 40 minutes out of Brisbane, perfect for a romantic escape or anniversary. Spicers Sangoma retreat will have you feeling miles away, nestled in the Blue Mountains just an hour out of Sydney. Habitat HQ is a carbon neutral hostel located in the heart of Melbourne and they contribute to some amazing conservation work. Alternatively, you could hire an EA certified campervan and road trip through as many towns as you please.
Britz Campervan
MYTH #4: It will be expensive
BUSTED: You can choose to travel sustainably even on a shoestring budget! Backpackers such as Grampians YHA Eco Hostel are Nature Tourism certified and provide affordable beds in dorm rooms where you can meet fellow travellers. Camping is an inexpensive way to take a trip, so if you’re in NSW, check out Euroka Campground in the Blue Mountains for campsites popular with both holidaymakers and kangaroos. From Brisbane, it’s just a short ferry over to Stradbroke Island where you can book a site with Minjerribah Camping - they have locations all over the island and offer beach camping as well as glamping facilities. BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park is a perfect spot to park the caravan and explore the beautiful Atherton Tablelands with the family and Mount Barney Lodge is a great mid-range option for the family which offers cabins, deluxe camping trailers and plenty of green space for setting up camp, under the watchful eye of beautiful Mt Barney (which you can climb, too, if you’re feeling energetic!).
Left: Big4 Atherthon Woodland Tourist Park, Right: Euroka campground, Blue Mountains
MYTH #5: It’s hard to find eco-accommodation
BUSTED: Here’s our time to shine: Ecotourism Australia has done all the hard work for you and listed all of our certified eco-accommodation on our Green Travel Guide. You can search for accommodation by location or by using the map. When looking for eco-accommodation elsewhere, always check for certification logos to avoid being greenwashed. Most operators provide information about their environmental incentives on their website, so we recommend taking the time to check out the great work their doing and learning more about what it takes to be eco-certified.