15 eco-friendly Gold Coast experiences

Being eco-friendly doesn’t have to stop on holiday. Especially here in Queensland, a state famous for its eco-experiences and breathtaking natural wonders - we are after all home to 5 of the 16 World Heritage sites in Australia. Celebrating and preserving these astounding surroundings is important in these parts, which is why Queensland boasts plenty of opportunities to travel more sustainably. Like these 15 eco-friendly experiences on the Gold Coast.

1. Escape the city at Binna Burra Lodge. The rainforest retreat sits 800 metres above sea level among the canopy of beautiful Lamington National Park and offers glamping safari tents to help you spend a night out under the stars in style.

2. Immerse yourself in nature at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The owner’s family pioneered ecotourism back in 1926, and it’s here you can nestle amongst the canopy on the famed Tree Top Walk.

3. Grab breakfast at Commune Cafe, a Burleigh Heads resident. The much-loved cafe which straddles the highway has gained a reputation for its hearty brunch, made from local, organic ingredients.

4. Use your own paddle power to explore the waterways with Australian Kayaking Adventures. Join the Half-Day Dolphin And Stradbroke Island Tour and you'll paddle out for breakfast on Wavebreak Island, before snorkelling with hundreds of sub-tropical fish right off the beach. 

5. Greet local fauna at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best eco-friendly experiences to enjoy on the Gold Coast. Take a look at the not-for-profit’s collection of local and exotic fauna, before a visit to its adjoining animal hospital.

6. Learn about the Gold Coast’s original inhabitants and their relationship with the environment with a guided tour led by Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre around Burleigh Headland. Hear the dreamtime stories and learn more about bush medicine and traditional hunting along the way.

7. Take a break at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, the multi-award-winning wellness escape that sits on 200 acres in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Eco-tourism certified, the calming space boasts extensive facilities including a popular day spa, and an eatery which celebrates organic cuisine.

8. Lace up your hiking boots for an adventure where luxury meets nature. Wander among the undiscovered beauty of Queensland's Gondwana Rainforest on the multi-night Spicers Scenic Rim Trail - days clocking up steps end with gourmet meals and retiring to your own remote eco-cabins.

9. Pick your own produce at Currumbin Valley Harvest. The biodynamic farm is a must-visit eco-friendly experience on the Gold Coast - passionate about sustainability the property provides the finest, premium grade fruit, veg, herbs and even coffee to the public.

10. Get off the grid at Gold Coast Tree Houses in Austinville. Powered by solar and electricity, the green accommodation option is a great option for those after an eco-friendly experience on the Gold Coast.

11. Tuck into some plant-based fare at Greenhouse Canteen and Bar. The Miami resident is a 100% vegan establishment with menu options that include smoked jackfruit enchiladas and mushroom burgers, alongside kombucha options aplenty.

12. Take a walk among the region’s many waterfalls. Near O’Reilly’s sits the Morans Falls Waterfall Walk, which is an easy 4.6 kilometres return. Mirror Falls, Natural Bridge and Coomera Gorge are also worth a visit.

13. Make a visit to the tranquil Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. Well-known for the bountiful population of kangaroos and koalas that call the 1200 hectares of important wetland and eucalypt forest home.

14. Submerge yourself in the waters of Echo Beach, at the northern side of Tallebudgera Creek. This hidden gem is one of the best swimming spots on the Gold Coast. You can reach it by following the Ocean View Track on the southern side of Burleigh Headland.

15. Join Southern Cross Tours for a guided foray through the luscious Gold Coast Hinterland. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with iconic local landmarks like Natural Bridge and Tamborine Mountain along the way.