6 Eco-Friendly Hotels Around Queensland That Really Nail The ‘Back To Nature’ Vibe

Name a more romantic state than Queensland – go ahead I’ll wait. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular parts of Australia for Honeymooners and it has a lot to do with its ancient rainforests, World Heritage Listed nature sites, stunning beaches and abundance of wildlife. Whether you and bae bond over adventure, indulgence or pure luxury, there’s a place for you here.

Not only that, but there’s a place for you that is actually conscious of its footprint on the environment you came to see. Yes, mates, you can have your dreamy vacay at these eight eco-friendly hotels and feel good about it too.

1. Nightfall Wilderness Camp, Lamington National Park

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Right in the middle of the gorgeous mountain-fringed wilderness of Lamington National Park is the completely sustainable and romantic AF eco-accommodation delight that is Nightfall Wilderness Camp, a mere 90 minutes out of Brissy.

There are only five beautifully designed safari tents for total seclusion in the middle of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest – one of the richest in ancient and primitive Australian flora and fauna.

The best part is your whole stay – from the organic local produce you dine on to the regeneration program of the land you’re on – won’t generate a single carbon point. Side note: The Veronicas are spotted here a LOT, so you may even get a brush with fame.

2. Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree National Park

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An easy 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, sits Silky Oaks Lodge – the perfect balance of boutique luxury and sustainability in the middle of the rainforest.

The land it was built on was actually a farm, but their commitment to regeneration and sustainability has long since seen the natural vegetation return. It’s a commitment they continue to this day.

Spend your days exploring nature – from ancient plants to fresh-water swimming holes – or at their spa. When you’re feeling peckish, Treehouse Restaurant is ready with the dishes of your dreams made from fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region.

3. Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, LEI

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Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay on the southernmost point of the iconic Great Barrier Reef. So it makes sense that Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort was designed with the vision of getting people up close and personal with this natural wonder in a completely carbon-neutral way.

In fact, they’re committed to being 100% sustainable by next year. They already use hybrid solar power stations and provide safari-style tents designed to have as small an environmental impact as possible.

The surrounding waters are part of a protected ‘green zone’ and are home to literally thousands of different marine life species, including giant loggerhead turtles, colourful fish and manta rays.

4. Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas

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The rehabilitated former sugar cane plantation that is now Thala Beach Nature Reserve is bloody impressive for many reasons. It’s stunning, for one. From the iconic but short drive from Port Douglas, to the 58-hectares of native forest on this private headland.

Then there’s the fact it’s received the highest level of Advanced Eco Certification, which it’s earned by being crazy good at connecting guests to the landscape with minimal impact on the stunning environment it’s set in.

It was very intentionally built using sustainable materials and continues that practice with its amenities. Seriously, sleeping in these bungalows feels a lot like you’re sleeping in the treetops. Oh, and it supports local communities – from fostering local employment to working closly with the elders of the Kuku Yalanji community.

5. Hidden Valley Cabins, Paluma Range National Park

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About two hours from Townsville, hidden amongst the Paluma Range National Park, sits Australia’s very first carbon-neutral resort – Hidden Valley Cabins. They’re also the country’s first resort to be 100% solar powered.

They’re so carbon-neutral even the cabins and furniture are mostly made of recycled and selectively-logged hardwood – and they’ve planted more than 2000 trees.

You’re right in amongst the natural action, with over 130 species of birds recorded in the area and a bunch of mammal sightings. There’s even the occasional platypus spotting.

6. The Riley, Cairns

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The Riley is so luxe you wouldn’t even realise it’s also sustainable. The views are also incredible, looking directly out over the Esplanade and the island-dotted ocean beyond. Just you wait for that sunrise.

There are three restaurants onsite including a bar at the top of that tower. All of them serve as much local produce as possible, all sourced within a three-hour radius of the hotel. They’ve done away with disposable plastic and even made your room key 100% recyclable.

If you two lovebirds do feel like venturing out there, it’s an easy walk to helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef with a stop on Vlasoff Cay for lunch, or to the ferries that will take you out to the local islands. It’s also an easy drive to the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas.

If this has all got you in a romantic mood, I strongly suggest sending your partner a not-so-subtle link to this article. Or just book it yourself and find a partner later.

Either way.

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