It’s been a challenging few months as the world around us changes dramatically every day, but there have also been some positives. After all, every cloud does have a silver lining, or should we say green? Nature is finally getting a much deserved break and the environment is showing signs of recovery from its long years of hard work in our service.

Even before the pandemic, a collective consciousness around safety and sustainability was on the rise. From dining out and packing, to activities and accommodations, sustainability and conscious tourism is finally in vogue.

After staying home all these months, if you are seeking a re-energising break that is also kind to the environment, then you’ll love this selection of eco-retreats hidden in Australia’s wilderness. From off-grid glamping and eco-resorts, to energy-efficient tree houses and lodges, there’s something for everyone.

1) Discovery Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Discovery Rottnest Island is Australia’s newest eco-retreat, a short ferry-ride from Perth in the beautiful surrounds of Rottnest Island. Nestled behind the dunes of Pinky Beach is a poolside beach-club, a restaurant and 83 sustainably sourced eco-tents awaiting the new generation of eco-conscious traveller.

Nature-bound boardwalks connect the coastal properties, entwined throughout the secluded coves and white-sand beach which aim to strengthen the precious sand dunes and provide improved beach access. As the island’s first low impact Glamping experience and first new accommodation in over 30 years, Discovery Rottnest Island is eco-resort with a difference.

2) Sal Salis, Western Australia

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Happy #internationaldarkskyweek! Dark sky tourism is a small, but growing trend. Statistics say 85% of people have never seen a dark sky or the Milky Way. ✨According to some scientists, in some places in the world, we will not be able to see the stars by the year 2025. The effects of light pollution are getting so bad that UNESCO now wants to include the sky at night as part of our human heritage because it is such a wonderful sight to behold. 💫🌟 Sal Salis is located in a designated Dark Sky area, where uninterrupted views of the milky way will astound you. Seriously, the stars here are something that our guests say will stay with them forever. Find out more over on our blog. 📸 Pic 1 @_markfitz Pic 2 @phlipvids Pic 3 @wethefoodsnobs Pic 4 @rhitaylor

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If you’re planning a trip to Ningaloo Reef, then you should include this epic eco accommodation in your itinerary. Sal Salis is one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury lodges. This beachside safari camp is so close to the ocean that you can step out the door and start snorkelling right off the beach.

Hidden in the sand dunes of Cape Range National Park, the retreat offers comfortable stays in 16 semi-permanent glamping tents including an en suite bathroom and handmade timber bed. Sal Salis is about an hour drive along the coast from the town of Exmouth on Western Australia’s Coral Coast.

3) Sanctuary by Sirromet, Queensland

Nestled around the paperbark trees and giant native gums is Queensland’s first winery Glamping experience. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Sirromet’s eco-tents run completely off solar power and recycled water and are thoughtfully fitted with biodegradable toiletries.

Offering more than just wine and wallabies, 55 safari-style glamping tents reside on the 20-acre property amongst the natural flora and wildlife, with fully furnished amenities making guests feel right at home. Only a 30-minute drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the tranquil bushland setting is the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature.

4) Truffle Lodge, Tasmania

Truffle Lodge is situated on the banks of the Derwent River just 39-kilometres from Hobart, found in the heart of one of Australia’s first ever truffleries.

With nature at its heart, the lodge was consciously built to ensure minimal impact on the natural landscape, with bathrooms made from recycled water-tanks and boardwalks that simply ‘sit’ above the earth. Styled to resemble an Aussie bush camp, luxury Glamping tents decorated with rustic Australian character are decked with deep wooden bathtubs, large beds and premium furniture.

5) In2TheWild, New South Wales

Scattered across regional New South Wales, In2TheWild have designed luxury eco-friendly cabins and dropped into gorgeous and secluded nature-bound locations. These tiny ‘off-the-gird’ cabins not only offer a private escape to disconnect but are originally designed to help rural landowners and farmers capitalise on their beautiful properties.

In2TheWild have recently added new locations to their growing regional portfolio with their exclusive escapes now found in seven locations including Lake Macquarie, Hunter, Shoalhaven Coast, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Wollongong.

6) Ikara Safari Camp, South Australia

Hidden in the heart of South Australia’s Flinders Rangers National Park is Ikara Safari Camp, offering a taste of luxury in the outback. Here, 15 high-quality eco-tents on Wilpena Pound Resort are powered by Australia’s largest off-grid solar electricity system in Australia, with water, energy and climate change initiatives at forefront of the business.

Part-owned by the traditional and indigenous owners of the land, Ikara Safari Camp aims to ensure that the incredible rock formations and picturesque mountain gorges of Wilpena Pound can also be enjoyed by future generations of holiday- making this uniquely Australian stay extra special.

With prime access to nature-bound experiences like bushwalking and stargazing and educational indigenous tours, Ikara Safari Camp is the perfect stay for travellers looking to connect with both land and culture.

As travel restrictions around the world slowly start to ease, Australia looks forward to welcoming you with open arms. Small changes in the way we travel and live can make a huge big difference in the environmental footprints we leave behind. Here’s to reigniting that wanderlust again. To plan your post-covid holiday to Australia, click here.

This is a partnered post.