Sustainable accommodation: Australia's best eco escapes

THE LOWDOWN

This retreat in the Noosa hinterland is designed solely for solo women. It's a place to work on that novel or to just have a break from the kids for one peaceful night. A place to heal, to sleep, to sink deep into the outdoor copper bath and listen as whipbirds punctuate the rustle of the breeze through the trees. You'll feel completely comfortable and at ease before you even arrive, having discussed your stay with owner Lisa Williment. She'll personally welcome you and make sure you're settled in. It's simple but so beautiful. Made almost entirely of salvaged and upcycled materials, concrete floors, mismatched doors and a menagerie of foraged and found second-hand furniture and curiosities, the overwhelming feeling is one of simplicity. A fire. A bathtub. Something for coffee-making There's fresh bread on the counter. Gooey cheese and fresh dates in the fridge. There's paint, books and magazines, too. But it's the stillness that's the main attraction here.

DON'T MISS

The main part of Atelier34 is the Creative Space, where regular workshops in arts and crafts are held.

ESSENTIALS

Rates from $195 a night; one-guest, single-night stays only; ph 0403 265 196; See atelier34space.com

THE GLAMP STAY

THE PLACE

Bubble Tent Australia, Capertee Valley, NSW

THE LOWDOWN

You'll find these impressive transparent tents three hours north-west of Sydney halfway between Lithgow and Mudgee in a secret location revealed to you only after your booking is confirmed. Apart from overlooking the spectacular Capertee Valley, the location is also one of Australia's 50 "Important Bird Area" sanctuaries, making birdwatching and wildlife appreciation a world-class experience. Privacy and anonymity are key here. Named after star signs, the tents sit at different sites on the property and each bubble has its own unique feature. Beside Virgo there's a love seat for you to perch on and feel like you own the entire valley. Leo, positioned the highest on the property, has a hammock, while Cancer, which is in the gully between two gigantic cliffs, has a floating day bed where you feel like you are levitating, just like Aladdin. Inside, you'll find only the absolute necessities to keep the experience low-light and low-key. There's an indescribable feeling when the sun shield comes off and you're ready to settle down for the night. You are completely exposed, but at the same time cosy and cocooned. And since you're surrounded by one of Australia's best wine regions, you can also enjoy day trips to nearby vineyards.

DON'T MISS

While there are basic telescopes in each tent for connecting with the night sky, specialised stargazing tours are also available during your stay.

ESSENTIALS

From $695 a night, minimum two-night stay; no phone, address supplied on booking. See bubbletentaustralia.com

THE SHACK STAY

THE PLACE

Drift Beach Shack, Weymouth, Tas

THE LOWDOWN

Drift Beach Shack cuts a delightfully retro figure with her aquamarine paint job, facade of floor-to-ceiling windows and approach blanketed with coastal natives and succulents. You'll find the shack in Weymouth, home to 129 residents and about 60 kilometres from Launceston on the Pipers River – close to Tasmania's best sparkling wine. Sensitively transported into the 21st century, Drift Beach Shack is now filled with earthy fabrics, fibres and furnishings. Eclectic vintage pieces are worked in with rattan light shades and open timber shelving, which holds handmade ceramics. Sunlight floods the space where old fishing rods hang on the wall and oars lean, awaiting their next trip to the river. And while the outdoor shower provides an invigorating experience as you bathe under the stars next to gardens lit by copper outdoor lighting, there's also a pretty bathroom with Leif body products inside. In a world that can feel increasingly fast-paced and catastrophically mass-produced, being able to travel back in time and appreciate the design and vibes of a 1950 beach holiday is not a privilege to be taken lightly. After all, we could all do with a little of those low-tech times.

DON'T MISS

Jansz, the birthplace of Tasmanian sparkling wine, is also home to endangered plants and wildlife including Tasmanian devils. It's a 20-minute drive from Weymouth. See jansz.com.au

ESSENTIALS

From $280 a night; no phone. See driftbeachshack.com.au

THE (STATIONARY) TRAIN STAY

THE PLACE

Steam Carriage, Forrest, Vic

THE LOWDOWN

Set in the former logging town turned mountain-biking mecca of Forrest in Victoria's Otway Ranges, Steam Carriage harks back to a golden age when any kind of travel was a luxury and an occasion. Sitting forgotten in the backyard of a now-popular holiday home, this carriage – once responsible for transporting passengers between Melbourne and Sydney – went through a nine-month renovation and opened to guests in 2015. In 2020, a steampunk theme gave way to the elegance of the roaring '20s with fresh paint, chandeliers and beautiful soft furnishings. There are three bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom within the space, though the double-compartment master offers the true first-class experience, with twin mahogany armchairs and a sliding door that opens to a private outdoor bath, surrounded by greenery. After you explore the nearby mountain-bike trails and waterfalls and try your luck at spotting platypus at Lake Elizabeth, return to the wood fire and pour yourself a glass of port from the crystal decanter, or relax in the double hammock keeping watch for the echidna who lives under the train. It's an unconventional and undeniably romantic stay, whisking you away to a bygone era of slow travel many wish we could return to for good.

DON'T MISS

Forrest Brewing is a fine small-batch brewery in town. Everything is brewed and hand bottled on site. See forrestbrewing.com.au

ESSENTIALS

Sleeps up to six. From $335 a night with minimum-night stays of three or five nights applying, depending on season. No phone. See airbnb.com.au

THE A FRAME STAY

THE PLACE

Aframe Kangaroo Valley, Kangaroo Valley, NSW

THE LOWDOWN

Aframe Kangaroo Valley feels a million miles from anywhere yet you're only two hours from both Sydney and Canberra. Wedge-tail eagles soar overhead and wombats amble out from their warrens alongside Shuffles, the resident echidna. Tucked away in the south-western corner of a six-hectare block that tumbles to a creek, in its short lifetime, the A-frame has become a life buoy for travellers seeking a reprieve from city life. It may have something to do with the level of detail and care that seeps from every timber knot and brass light switch. Re-milled telegraph poles became the bones of the structure while Australian grown, highly regenerative spotted gum and reclaimed timbers were used for the flooring, wall linings and decking. An antique claw-foot bath was restored to its former glory, sitting atop 150-year-old terracotta roof shingles reborn as bathroom floor tiles, and the fireplace hearth is made of recycled bricks from an old path found buried on the property. Take full advantage of the cedar hot tub – but you'll want to have prepped that soak in advance. It takes several hours to heat up – perhaps the epitome of a slow travel experience.

DON'T MISS

While it's hard to tear yourself away from the storybook setting, just beyond your door the villages of the Southern Highlands beckon for adventure. See visitsouthernhighlands.com.au

ESSENTIALS

From $595 a night for two. No phone. See airbnb.com.au

THE CREATIVE CONVERSION STAY

THE PLACE

Larnook at Sherbrooke, Kallista, Vic

THE LOWDOWN

Larnook sits in a private corner of a 64-hectare flower farm in the Dandenong Ranges. High-end but low impact, the tiny home is split between two shipping containers, with kitchen and indoor living space inside one, and king-size bed and ensuite bathroom in the other. While minimalism is at its core, what sets this hideaway apart from other tiny homes is that it doesn't feel that tiny. The inviting lounge and kitchen area is anchored by a roaring gas log fire that heats the space beautifully in the cooler months. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors blur the line between indoors and the outdoor deck where you'll find an alfresco shower, and an oversized picture-window alongside the bed makes you feel connected to nature while wrapped in buttery linens. The pavilion roof is covered in solar panels, rainwater is harvested and greywater treated and used to water the surrounding plants. A composting toilet fits in seamlessly with the luxe ensuite design, with its large hexagonal tiles and brushed brass fittings. Everything is locally sourced, including the complimentary tea and bottle of wine, and the artwork.

DON'T MISS

There are several great community markets run in the Dandenong Ranges, including the Upwey Seed of Life Farmers Market held every fourth Sunday of the Month. See solfarm.com.au

THE DETAILS

$445 a night, two-night minimum stay; ph 0417 777 351. See larnook.co

THE FARM STAY

THE PLACE

Petit Eco Cabin, Yallingup, WA

THE LOWDOWN

Petit Eco Cabin sits on the edge of certified organic winery, Windows Estate in Margaret River. Every piece of furniture within this architecturally designed timber pavilion was made locally, including the bed, which lays beneath a stunning waterfall window where you can drink in starry nights and soaring gum trees. The timber in the building was milled by the owner's father from fallen trees on a family farm. Sustainable by design, the cabin has a northerly position that takes advantage of the sun and cooling sea breezes with rain and grey water harvested and solar power in use. The coffee is from Margaret River Roasting Co, the shampoo and conditioner from local olive oil producers Vasse Virgin, and the Windows Estate cellar door is a short walk from your door. You won't find TV or Wi-Fi here, which allows you to appreciate the fresh flowers, sustainably themed books and the plethora of birdlife instead.

DON'T MISS

Quinninup Falls is beautiful in winter and close by. See margaretriver.com

ESSENTIALS

$395 a night week nights, $495 a night on weekends; minimum three-night stay; ph (08) 9756 6655. See windowsestate.com

THE EARTH HOME

THE PLACE

Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA

THE LOWDOWN

Set within a registered wildlife sanctuary on Kangaroo Island, find these two rammed earth villas – designed and built by hand – amid a 60-hectare wilderness retreat at the epicentre of the island. Armed with a supplied map, you're free to wander trails, spot the proliferation of birdlife and even take a special torch for night-time exploration. Planned for as light a footprint as possible, the carefully considered solar passive design almost negates the need for the wood heater, while vents in the floor cool in the warmer months. The villas operate with solar panels and rainwater, and deep thought was given to the impact of every practical detail. With a bounty of gourmet produce available on the island, a welcome pack invites you in with sticky figs, fudge, olives and a bottle of local wine. Add on an eat-and-drink package, filled with 100 per cent local supplies, or organise a chef to come in and cook for yoGu. Linen bedding and towels along with eco-friendly, bush medicine–infused body products and bath salts for soaking in the deep bathtub are all at hand.

DON'T MISS

Visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park Rescue Centre to see the continuing work helping animals injured and orphaned during the bushfires of summer 2019-2020. See kangarooislandwildlifepark.com

ESSENTIALS

From $750 a night; two-night minimum stay; ph 0414 475 733. See ecopiaretreat.com.au

This is an edited extract by Julietta Jameson of Life Unhurried by Celeste Mitchell, Krista Eppelstun and Katie Gannon, published by Hardie Grant Explore (RRP $50). See hardiegrant.com; lifeunhurried.com

ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR STAYING SUSTAINABLY

PLAN WITH ECO IN MIND

Sustainable travel starts in the planning phase. Can you travel off-peak to reduce the strain on the locals (and likely save yourself money)? Can you "batch" this trip with another to reduce back-and-forth travel?

PACK LIKE A SUSTAINABLE TRAVELLER

Given every kilogram of luggage contributes to more carbon emissions, packing lightly is a no-brainer (and it also makes getting around a heck of a lot easier too).

GET THE TRANSPORT RIGHT

Tourism is responsible for roughly eight per cent of the world's carbon emissions. You can greatly reduce our impact offsetting flights and by making a conscious choice to walk or cycle once you're there.

EAT FOR THE PLANET

Lighten your footprint by eating local and reducing your meat intake, even if only for a few days. Seek out family-run restaurants and cafes. Get to know your (temporary) local barista.

BUY LOCAL

Skip mass-produced souvenirs and instead shop for meaningful pieces at local galleries, markets and thrift shops. And always take your own bag.

EXHIBIT MODEL BEHAVIOUR

Be conscious of how you interact with locals and how you use precious resources during your stay. Keep showers short. Only turn on the lights you need. Minimise single-use anything and re-use or recycle everything possible.