Sleep soundly at these Queensland eco resorts

With passionate environmentalist Peter Gash OAM at the helm, it’s little wonder this coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef is one of Queensland’s biggest eco success stories – achieving 100% sustainability in 2020. Tirelessly regenerated from a degraded mine site to a thriving ecosystem, Lady Elliot Island boasts an eco-resort perfect for an island getaway, marine encounters that’ll thrill you, and sunsets that are as good as it gets.

Nestled within a highly protected ‘green zone’, this is home for thousands of nesting boobies and terns, and a sanctuary for over 1,200 marine species. Grab your snorkel and dive in to meet manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and unspoilt coral reef.

Whether you’re staying in the safari tents, eco-cabins or family-friendly units, take the behind-the-scenes tour to see all the hard work that goes into the island’s low impact operation. There’s the hybrid solar power station, water-desalination plant, waste management, single-use plastic free ethos, carbon-neutral flights and ongoing island restoration that’s already seen over 5ha revegetated and 3,000 coral cay native trees planted. This is a special spot that walks the walk, so sign the kids up to be Reef Rangers or discover the ongoing reef research programs based here. 

2. Nightfall, Lamington National Park

Want to generate zero carbon points on your next holiday? Stay at this off-the-beaten-track luxury campsite in Lamington National Park, 90 minutes south-west of Brisbane.

Less is more here: switch off your phone and let the babbling creek and native birds be your soundtrack. You’ll still have every comfort at your fingertips in these hand-built safari tents, so settle in for a bath or read a book by the fireplace. What we love even more? Nightfall really is a back-to-nature experience; solar power, water-and-waste management, regeneration of the surrounding forest, organic locally-sourced menus and minimising soil erosion has earnt it Advanced Eco-Tourism Certification. 

3. Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas

There’s no better spot for a digital detox then sleeping in a treehouse bungalow that sits between two UNESCO World Heritage areas: the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. 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. Thala 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 and when you get hungry, just wander over to Osprey’s.

4. Elysian Retreat, The Whitsundays

Explore the Great Barrier Reef, but leave only footprints in the sand when you check into Elysian Retreat – known as the Great Barrier Reef’s first 100% solar powered island resort. Barefoot and barely connected to the outside world is how you’ll spend your time at this soulful oasis, tucked away on a 3ha private cove on Long Island in The Whitsundays.

Surrounded by rainforest and on the edge of a vibrant coral reef system, spend your days exploring nature at its finest. Or find balance at a daily yoga class, nourish your body with gourmet meals, and indulge in an organic spa treatment. The resort’s commitment to minimising its impact and conserving the environment has been acknowledged through recent Advanced Eco Tourism Certification & Climate Action Business Certification.

5. Mount Mulligan Lodge, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

It may be located in Queensland’s tropical north, but Mount Mulligan Lodge offers an outback wilderness experience like no other. You’ll start to feel its spirit of this 28,000-ha heritage site long before you arrive – a 2.5 hour 4WD adventure from Cairns or 35-minute scenic heli flight is the perfect introduction to this captivating landscape, steeped in nearly 40,000 years of Indigenous history.

Be one of 16 guests and you’re moments from an ATV adventure, feasting on gourmet picnic hampers, hiking, barramundi fishing and the unique chance to experience life on a cattle station. What you won’t see? Single-use plastics. Sustainability is at the core of Mount Mulligan Lodge – it’s primarily solar powered, minimises waste with composting, water recycling and a nose-to-tail kitchen philosophy, and is dedicated to supporting locally sourced goods and services. Sustainability spares none of the finer details – this is one of the newest additions to the Luxury Lodges of Australia – and one of Australia’s best designed hotels too.

Icing on the cake? $50 per guest stay is donated to the Reef Keepers Fund, carbon emissions of guests’ helicopter flights to the lodge are offset in a partnership with Greenfleet, while local community support is offered through Indigenous school to work transition program Ganbina. 

6. Hidden Valley Cabins, Townsville

Australia’s first carbon-neutral resort pays homage to its surroundings in the Paluma Range, a cool mountain respite north of Townsville.

Certified as an Advanced Ecotourism operation, Hidden Valley Cabins thrives on 100% renewable energy, has implemented great recycling and waste management programs, offers educational resources for guests, and the team has planted over 2000 native trees and shrubs to support native wildlife in the area. Don’t miss the chance to head out on a platypus safari or night safari while you’re here. 

7. Spicers Canopy, Scenic Rim

Lace up your hiking boots for the two-day version of the Scenic Rim Trail and you’ll get to rest your legs at the end of the day at Spicers Canopy – luxury eco-tents nestle into the beauty of the Scenic Rim. Slow down: this is a journey all about appreciating nature rather than rushing through it. Wake up on the 2023ha private nature refuge, surrounded by World-Heritage listed national park to explore. 

8. Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari (Fraser Island)

Seeking sun and adventure on the world’s largest sand island? Soak up the best of K’gari and base yourself at one of the original Queensland eco-resorts: Kingfisher Bay Resort. This slice of paradise holds Advanced Ecotourism Certification for both its low-impact build and dedication to educational tours and programs – including the kids Junior Eco Ranger program and native bush tucker experience.

The resort also runs daily tours that’ll take you to the island’s most famous sites and quiet corners. 

9. Bedarra Island, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, Bedarra Island is a Great Barrier Reef sanctuary that’ll indulge all your senses. Only 10 kilometres offshore from Mission Beach, the family-owned resort pays more than lip service to sustainability.

There’s a focus on small guest numbers to limit the impact of tourism, an off-grid hybrid solar system replaced diesel generators, the use of low-power appliances, a move away from a diesel-powered desalination plant to freshwater springs and rainwater, and the employment of local suppliers who use minimal packaging. That’s just a few of the reasons to escape reality at this luxury resort. 

10. O’Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland offers the perfect nature-escape that’s an easy day trip from the coast or Brisbane. But if you’re seeking a little more time to unwind, book a stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Nestled into the hills of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s is a slice of history – encouraging travellers to reconnect in nature for nearly 100 years. Beyond the eco-friendly accommodation that includes a lodge, glamping and camping – the team here is dedicated to offering ‘green’ experiences to guests: take a treetop walk through the rainforest canopy, a guided bird walk or safari, meet the animals of Lamington National Park, or join the eco-rangers school holiday program. 

11. Haggerstone Island, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Want to get away from it all? We’ve got just the place.

For a holiday that’s equal parts wild adventure and rejuvenation, board a private charter flight and head 600km north of Cairns into the remote Cape York Peninsula. Haggerstone Island offers an exclusive island retreat, home to just five beachfront villas.

The Great Barrier Reef’s most magnificent, untouched coral gardens – along with one of the largest green turtle rookeries in the world – is just the beginning of what you’ll find once you drop your bags at your beachfront villa. You’ll also feast on sustainably caught fish and produce pulled from the owner’s orchard, grown organically right here on the island.

Holidaying with a group? You can rent the whole island. 

12. Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, Sunshine Coast

How many eco-resorts come with their own brewery? Sitting on 65 acres of natural bushland on the edge of the Noosa Everglades, Habitat is surrounded by the beauty of this UNESCO biosphere. Wake up to sunrise paddle on Lake Cootharaba, spend the day exploring the everglades via kayak or eco-cruise, then spend sundown sipping brews as the local kangaroos come out to play.

13. Wilson Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

You’ve probably never heard of Wilson Island, a tiny coral cay off the coast of Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef – but this Queensland eco-resort lets nature do the talking.

Whether you’re kicking back in the reef safari tent and making the most of the sea views, or diving right into all the action at your fingertips, from nature walks and snorkeling to SUP, you’ll be one of a maximum 18 guests – not counting the turtles that call this home, too. But you’re truly a guest of nature here. As a Marine National Park, Wilson Island is a ‘no touch, no take’ area: fishing and collecting isn’t allowed without a permit, so marine life is abundant.

Sustainable touches are everywhere you look: the island is 100% solar and battery powered, and uses eco and organic materials from the bed linen to the upcycled wine glasses, as well as biodegradable bathroom amenities. This is a low impact stay that’ll have a lasting impact on your life. 

Ready to escape? Here's some tips on sustainable travel in Queensland along with more eco-friendly experiences.