Eco-friendly travel in Brisbane
It may come as a surprise that Brisbane is abundant in rainforests, striking beaches, pristine islands, hinterland escapes, and unique wildlife. And, with these eco-friendly travel tips for exploring Brisbane, you can ensure you’re treading lightly and taking care of this environmentally diverse corner of Australia – from its scenic landscapes to the animals that call Brisbane home.
Step (lightly) into nature
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re respecting the land you’re visiting is to take a guided tour of the landscape with a well-informed, nature-loving, local guide. An eco-tour or eco safari allows you to step into the natural environment, without causing harm to any of its precious ecosystems.
On North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, Quandamooka woman and knowledgeable guide Elisha Kissick of Yura Tours presents a considered opportunity to learn about the flora, fauna and cultural history of Quandamooka Country.
Take to the skies and gain a bird’s eye view of the rainforests of Tamborine Mountain as part for the eco-friendly Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Cross steel bridges that sit high among the tree canopies in this lush destination. Whilst you’re on Tamborine Mountain, why not take a deeper dive into its natural setting? Guided tours of The Glow Worm Caves at Cedar Creek Estate is part of a conservation initiative that makes sure these glowing creatures are taken care of.
If meeting the dolphins of Moreton Bay and changing your time zone to ‘island time’ sounds like the leisurely reprieve you desire, take one of the many guided tours of Moreton Bay with eco-travel operator See Moreton.
Whether you’re eager to see wild animals at play, chase waterfalls, traverse national parks, or perhaps unwind on the beaches that surround Brisbane, planet-friendly, environmentally minded Eco Safaris has a tour to suit your travel style – be it a day trip or a stay-a-while trip. Better yet, their earth-conscious guides can share some eco-friendly travel tips of their own along the way.
Stay a while, in eco-friendly style
Brisbane City offers a diverse range of ecofriendly stays, catering to travellers with sustainability in mind.
Crystalbrook Vincent prides itself on responsible luxury having received a silver level certification from EarthCheck, this hotel ensures sustainability is front of mind through sustainably-led designs and amenities.
Novotel Brisbane South Bank combines modern amenities with a commitment to environmental responsibility, to offer you an eco-friendly holiday. From removing all single-use plastics to controlling food waste, the Novotel does all of the hard work for you.
Lastly, The Calile Hotel boasts a stylish and environmentally conscious design, offering a chic urban oasis with sustainability top of mind. With innovative open-air hallways and lobbies to minimise the amount of air-conditioning used, solar power panels on the roof, waste initiatives and more, you can be sure that your stay at The Calile is sustainable.
Regional Stays
Embrace the art of slow travel and stay a while at one of Brisbane’s neighbouring regions where eco stays dapple the landscape.
Sprawled over 12,000 acres, with a paddock-to-plate restaurant, luxurious lodgings and an eco-friendly ethos, Spicers Hidden Vale is only one hour’s drive from the centre of Brisbane. Take an immersive nature walk, get up-close with koalas, tour the on-site market gardens, and rest easy knowing your accommodation prioritises conservation.
Wake up surrounded by World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest at Binna Burra Lodge. Amongst Lamington National Park, nestled within the Scenic Rim, visitors can get a plentiful dose of nature when they stay in the Sky Lodges, Safari Tents, Tiny Wild Houses, and camp sites.
Feeling the need to flee the daily grind? Connect with nature at Wongari Eco Retreat. An hour-and-a-half from Brisbane, you’ll find forest cabins surrounded by creeks, waterfalls, and wildlife. While you’re there, book a guided walk of Lamington National Park, and a massage to further unwind.
Shop, eat and sip locally
Take up the locavore lifestyle and support local growers, producers, and makers in Brisbane and beyond. The simplest way to embrace this eco-friendly travel tip is to visit local farmers markets where locally grown produce is sold. Learn about how the fresh produce is grown and discover how local creatives employ sustainable practices to create their wares. Here are some sustainable businesses you can visit in Brisbane City.
A short drive south of Brisbane City in Redlands Coast lies an unexpectedly lively patch of earth known as Indigscapes. Alongside the Environment Centre, walking tracks and turtle pond is a native nursery, Indigicafe. Centred on locally sourced bushtucker ingredients, the menu at Indigicafe features native bush spices, lemon myrtle, bush tomato chutney, Ruby Creek Mushrooms and organic teas.
