Eco is the word of the decade. We’re all trying to do our part in keeping our planet clean and healthy, and what better way to do so than by staying in one of the best eco-lodges in Australia?
Eco lodges are designed with a special focus on minimizing their impact on the environment, all while positively impacting local communities. And it doesn’t hurt that they are typically located in some of the most beautiful destinations.
Australia is a prime example of this. Scattered with miles worth of endless outback, bush, jungle, and coastline, it’s no surprise this outdoorsy country is packed with some of the world’s best eco-lodges.
Sounds dreamy. So, what’s the catch?
Well, eco-lodges tend to be more expensive than your average B&B or hostel. They are trying to make the world a better place, after all. But not to worry; even a backpacker budget can fit some of the eco-lodges on this list.
If you’re looking to have an exceptional holiday, experience nature in a way you’ve never experienced it before, and do good for the planet at the same time, here are some of the BEST eco-lodges in Australia.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Woodbridge Hill Hideaway
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Indoor fireplace
- > Private balcony with forest views
Wooli River Lodges
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Air-conditioned cabins
- > Well-located for hiking and swimming
Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Breakfast served daily
- > In Purnululu National Park
Staying in an Eco Lodge in Australia
Staying in an eco-lodge offers an immersive embrace of the natural wonders of Australia. Set amid diverse bush landscapes, from rainforests to coastlines, you can expect a relaxing and peaceful stay in Australia.
The experience is curated to highlight our coexistence with the surrounding environment, all while preserving Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Eco lodges can range from five-star treetop lodges to glamping tents to even more basic tented structures with an eco-friendly commitment – one true common feature that might even inspire your own conservation efforts one day.
Sustainable travel isn’t just about protecting the environment. By staying in eco-friendly accommodation, you’ll also uplift the communities by supporting local businesses through your visit.
Especially in a natural wonderland like Australia, this is a big reason why staying in eco-lodges is an epic idea. Not to mention the gorgeous views, unique architecture, and sustainable amenities that come with it.
What to Look For in an Eco Lodge in Australia
You guessed it: eco-lodges are known for boasting a selection of sustainable amenities and services that blend in with the surroundings. For example, you can expect to use locally produced soaps and products made with plants endemic to the area. These products will typically be in reusable bottles that minimize waste on the environment.
When it comes to amenities and services, try to find an eco-lodge that offers guided nature experiences and educational programs – especially if you’re traveling to Australia with kids.
Committed eco-lodges will also serve food that showcases the flavors of the area while supporting local farmers. Find an eco-lodge with a nearby restaurant, or with a self-catering kitchen for a more low-key vacation.
On top of that, amenities like pools, yoga studios, and spas should incorporate eco-friendly elements. This includes chemical-free water and locally inspired treatments. Generally speaking, make sure you stay in a lodge that conserves its energy and water, say using solar power and rainwater catchment systems.
Booking.com is no doubt your top source for finding the best eco-lodges in Australia. You can filter your search to include only ‘Travel Sustainable Properties’ and browse the vast selection from campsites to five-star lodges.
The Top 15 Eco Lodges in Australia
There are plenty of eco-lodges to choose from in Australia, a country highly embedded in the beautiful nature that surrounds it.
If you’re looking to travel off-the-beaten-track and dive into a vacation that will revive you with nature, here are fifteen eco-lodges for every type of eco-traveler in Australia.
Kings Creek Station – Overall Best Value Eco Lodge in Australia
If it is simple yet stylish accommodation that you want, Kings Creek Station is the best eco-lodge for every type of budget. Choose from luxury to basic tents and enjoy luxuries like a swimming pool, breakfast, and onsite bar.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
- Watarra National Park
- Kings Canyon
Is there anything better than waking up to the sound of birds chirping in the Australian bush? Surrounded by seemingly never-ending bushland, Kings Creek Station offers glamping accommodation suitable even for budget backpackers.
The tents range from basic bush tents to luxury tents, each with its own kitchen, BBQ, and outdoor shower. Wake up and head to breakfast, where you can enjoy a full English breakfast with gluten-free options at the lodge. When you aren’t out exploring the bush, you can catch some rays by the outdoor swimming pool.
Wooli River Lodges – Best Budget Eco Lodge in Australia
If it’s money you’re worried about, Woolie River Lodges is one of the best eco-lodges in Australia on a budget. Set on the banks of the Wooli River in New South Wales, close to Woolgoolga and Grafton, the lodge includes nine self-catering cabins perfect for the penny-saving adventurer.
In your cabin, you can prepare a meal in the kitchenette, dine in your very own dining and living area, and enjoy refreshing air conditioning. There are family rooms, too, that include two bedrooms and two bathrooms each.
Perfect for families or adventurers in Australia, guests can spend time canoeing, bush walking, swimming, and even surfing in the area.
Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge – Most Luxurious Eco Lodge in Australia
Enter the dreamscape of Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge for a respite of normality. A haven where you can live amongst nature, surrounded by the sound of crickets and chirping birds.
The lodge is made up of private cabins, each with an en suite bathroom and living space, as well as a central guest area.
Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread at the breakfast buffet, and enjoy a delicious dinner feast prepared for you at your doorstep. This luxurious lodge is an absolute must for stargazers, hikers, and anyone looking to indulge in the beauty of Western Australia’s Margeret River region.
Woodbridge Hill Hideaway – Best Eco Lodge for Couples in Australia
Perched on the hilltop overlooking the surrounding native forest and Great Bay, Woodbridge Hill Hideaway offers disability-access bungalows with unparalleled views. The property is set within ten acres of gardens and includes a hot tub and a spa and wellness center.
If privacy is what you’re after, each bungalow is heated and comes with a spa bath, a self-catering kitchen, and a living area with a wood-burning fireplace overlooking the forest. It’s a dream come true for a winter vacation in Australia.
More Epic Eco Lodges in Australia
Here are a few more of my favorite Eco Lodges in Australia!
Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Nestled within the rainforest of Lake Eacham, Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges offer a range of private eco-lodges with access to a common guest space.
When you aren’t enjoying the peace of your unique accommodation in Australia, guests can socialize in the guest lounge, BBQ under the covered verandah, or cook up a family-style meal in the full kitchen.
There is also a wildlife library, a pool table, and a swimming pool. Aside from the shared kitchen, each bungalow comes with a basic kitchenette where you can stash your food and prep simple dishes with your mates.
Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Traveling with young kids with more energy than you thought possible? Discovery Parks at Cradle Mountain is the best eco-lodge in Australia for young families.
Located just a short drive from Cradle Mountain, inside the wildlife park, you’ll be within the belly of Mother Nature. The accommodation is comfortable and clean, with separate bedrooms and cooking facilities, as well as shared access to BBQs and laundry facilities.
The more luxurious cottages have a spa bath and an indoor gas fireplace – perfect for a family gathering during the cooler seasons.
Giants Table and Cottages
Why stay in an Australian hostel when you can stay in an eco-lodge with a similar price tag? Giants Table and Cottages is located in Maydena, straddled by the North Styx Forest Reserve and Mount Field National Park. As you might expect, there are a plethora of exciting hikes and trails to explore in the area.
The cottages are self-standing and private from one another, featuring a balcony or patio and a bathroom stocked with toiletries. Not only is it one of the more affordable on the list, but it’s also one of the most comfortable, clean, and social eco-lodges.
Heritage Trail Lodge
Consider Heritage Trail Lodge your go-to luxurious resort in Margaret River Town. While it’s located within a forest, it’s also just a short 400-meter walk from the heart of the town.
Check into your very own luxury suite at this unique accommodation in Australia, fitted with a two-person spa bath and gorgeous views of the surrounding forest and gardens.
Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, where you can also read the newspaper, lounge around on comfortable sofas, and browse a library of movies. Hiking is the main activity at the lodge, which is conveniently located at the start of a popular trail that winds through the region.
Riversdale Retreat
For a slice of peace in a modern ecological retreat, Riversdale Retreat is one of the most unique and beautiful properties in Chewton.
Surrounded by nothing but bluegums and humming cicadas, this contemporary Airbnb in Australia is built using recycled and eco-friendly materials, designed to leave little impact on its surroundings.
Relax by the indoor fireplace on a cool evening, or soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace. Cook up a feast in the sunny kitchen, and don’t forget to take in the wonderful views from every glass window as you go.
The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses & Wildlife Sanctuary
Tucked away between the sub-tropical foliage of the Tarzali rainforest, on the banks of the Ithaca River, The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses and Wildlife Sanctuary might just be my favorite property on the list.
This unique accommodation in Australia is so beautiful it can be hard to leave the property. However, once you do, you can enjoy on-site leisure activities like hiking, swimming, and horseriding.
Return to the treehouse to indulge in a massage in the privacy of your own room. Now, this is how I like to spend a day in the rainforest!
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
I don’t know about you, but there is something extra special about staying in a luxurious lodge that gives back to the environment. Classified as a level two sustainable property by Booking.com, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is a four-star property on the slopes of Cradle Mountain.
You can find yourself dining at the lodge or preparing your own meals in your private kitchenette. Each cabin features a private veranda and a spa bath. For a more indulging experience, head to the wellness center, where you will find a steam room, cold plunge pool, sauna, and oversized hot tub.
Noah Creek Eco Huts
Seamlessly combining luxury accommodation with a basic tent, Noah Creek Eco Huts are rated as one of the highest travel-sustainable properties on Booking.com for a good reason. The camp is located in the Noah Creek Rainforest Reserve near Thornton Beach.
Each self-standing tent at this best eco-lodge in Australia comes with a full kitchen, a balcony overlooking the reserve and river, and outdoor showers. Staying here allows you to access a variety of private walks, hikes, and trails to explore the unique ecosystem of the park.
Aquila Eco Lodges
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder unless the beholder is looking at the Aquila Eco Lodges in Dunkeld. There is no denying the tranquil beauty of this lodge, decorated with minimalistic earthy tones designed to make you feel right at home.
At the foot of Mount Abrupt, guests stay in treehouses that feature scenic balconies, full kitchens, wood fireplaces, and natural heating and cooling systems. If adventure is your middle name, you’ll feel right at home in this lush environment crisscrossed with Australian hiking trails.
Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery
Organizing a convention or a group gathering of sorts? The Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery offers the perfect combination of a peaceful eco-lodge and a social environment.
Set within 30 acres of natural bush, yet just a short drive from Stanthorpe, the retreat features 19 cabins, a microbrewery and bar, and function facilities. Before meeting up with the group, guests can take advantage of the open fireplaces in each cabin.
There is even a restaurant open through weekdays and a bar serving local brews at this epic eco-lodge in Australia on a budget. Group events have never been so enjoyable.
Airlie Beach Eco Cabins
There is no place better suited for newlyweds than in the heart of nature. Located on Airlie Beach, close to the Whitsunday Plaza, these eco-cabins offer a unique wildlife experience in the tranquil Australian bush.
Tune into the rhythm of nature on the balcony and absorb the sounds of the bush, which include the odd cockatoo and kookaburra. The cabins are tastefully designed, with clean finishes, tons of natural light, and glass windows and doors opening into the lush bush outside.
Bonus: not only is this property a level-three ‘sustainable property’, but it’s also ‘travel proud,’ meaning all lovers are welcome!
Don’t Forget Your Australia Travel Insurance
You can spend days researching safety statistics, travel only to the safest destinations, or pay extra money to fly with the best of the best airlines. Still, you’re never totally safe from the unexpected.
Even though Australia is by and large a very safe place to stay, you should consider purchasing good travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Eco Lodges in Australia
Staying in one of the best eco-lodges in Australia is an immersive experience that will allow you to both relax and rejuvenate surrounded by nature, all while positively impacting the surrounding environment. You’ll literally be giving back just by staying in one of the eco-lodges on this list.
Other than supporting local communities and the surrounding natural scenery, eco-lodges are an incredible vacation destination for those who thrive in the great outdoors. Ranging from ultra-luxury lodges to low-key glamping sites, there is unique accommodation in Australia for every budget and type of holiday out there.
If you’re visiting Australia from abroad, be smart and travel with comprehensive travel and medical insurance. We’re all too familiar with the unfriendly beasts and bugs of the Australian outback, and this is one of those countries where insurance is paramount!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Our in-depth backpacking Australia guide has all the essential info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Australia guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the beautiful places to visit in Australia too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Australia.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around Australia.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
