Travel the green way too: Nine eco-friendly stays in Queensland, Australia

Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

Traveling while learning to coexist with nature—that’s the true value of a trip. Around the world, some hotels have embraced green living and invite guests to “love the Earth.” The Queensland Tourism & Events team has recommended nine eco-conscious accommodation options for Taiwanese travelers, making your trip greener, reducing carbon emissions.

1. Emporium Hotel

▲ Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel boasts a stylish exterior and an eco-conscious soul. (Photo / Provided by Queensland Tourism & Events Team, the same below)

Located in the bustling heart of Brisbane, the fashionably elegant Emporium Hotel has a “green” heart at its core. In addition to being awarded multiple times as Australia’s best boutique hotel, it also holds EarthCheck certification. The hotel is known for using locally sourced organic ingredients, and uniquely, it even keeps bees on its rooftop for honey and grows herbs for its own use.

2. Nightfall Wilderness Camp in Lamington National Park

▲ Lamington National Park offers wilderness camping experiences.

Lamington National Park is the largest national virgin forest park in the Gold Coast region, just an hour and a half’s drive from the capital city of Brisbane. Covering more than 200 square kilometers, the park’s central and eastern parts contain large areas of subtropical virgin rainforest, making it the world’s largest remaining area of subtropical rainforest. Visitors can join the camp hosts to search for locally edible foods, learn various camping skills, and the hosts also have special gardening expertise that helps restore once-damaged rainforest, bringing the land back to life.

3. Thala Beach Lodge
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, with 145 acres of forest nearby. This area was once a sugarcane plantation. The owners of Thala Beach Lodge spent 30 years planting thousands of plants to transform the once damaged site into a resort covered in greenery. Eighty-three wooden treehouses are surrounded by coconut trees and other plants, and free natural experiences are offered. Wildlife experts guide guests through the jungle, and elders from local Aboriginal communities share the history and culture of Australia’s first indigenous people. Activities include coconut exploration, birdwatching, stargazing, and native plant tours.

4. Silky Oaks Lodge

▲ Silky Oaks Lodge hidden within the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

This lodge is nestled in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest—the Daintree Rainforest—built along steep mountain terrain. There are 50 treehouses among the trees, with 37 scattered throughout dense jungle and another 13 situated over the Mossman River. Each room is named after a unique Australian animal, such as koalas, kangaroos, brolgas, and lesser-known Aussie creatures. Guests can explore the rainforest with guides or cruise along the Mossman River. In the early morning, you can also enjoy outdoor yoga with the breeze.

5. Kingfisher Bay Resort
▲ On the west coast of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Kingfisher Bay Resort is located on the west coast of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. It’s a perfect place to escape urban noise and return to a pristine natural environment. Though the resort rooms are modern treehouses, exploring the local history offers rich rewards from nature. Whether visiting the seven must-see scenic spots or joining guides into the deep jungle to learn survival skills, it’s a fun holiday experience.

6. Bungalow Bay Koala Village
Hidden deep in the jungle of Magnetic Island, this resort is highly eco-conscious and uses solar photovoltaic power for dinner, making it a favorite among environmentally aware backpackers. The 25 comfortable private holiday cabins are built with eco-friendly architectural designs, featuring high ceilings that let gentle breezes flow through. The team behind the resort is also well known for saving endangered animals.

7. Spicers Peak Lodge
A non-luxurious stay but with the rewarding experience of hiking through the Main Range National Park. Spicers Peak Lodge is located in the peaceful Southern Queensland Country, where you’ll find lush hills, award-winning wineries, farm stays, and luxury camping.

8. Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat

The owner of Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is an advocate for promoting local resource use. Through the resort’s facilities and services, guests can see its sustainable and responsible approach. Nearby fast food and breakfast shops all use local ingredients, and locals take pride in the area’s abundant natural resources.

9. Hidden Valley Cabins in Paluma Range National Park
Hidden Valley Cabins is not only Australia’s first resort to achieve zero carbon emissions, but it is also largely built using recycled or locally sourced heavy timber that is hard to transport. At dusk, searching for the elusive platypus is one of the most fun activities. The resort also features a solarium for guests to enjoy.