Australia is big. Really big.
The kind of place where a ‘quick drive’ can take an entire day and where each region feels like a different country. Planning a trip here means making choices – exploring this magnificent country in a way that keeps your footprint in check.
This guide will help you navigate Australia with care – where to go, how to get there, and how to make sure your next adventure gives back as much as it takes.
1. Fly Smart: Direct Routes and Carbon Offsets
If you’re flying to Australia from abroad, a direct flight is your best bet for minimising emissions. The take-off and landing phases of a flight produce the most carbon, so skipping unnecessary layovers is key. Airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia are investing in more fuel-efficient fleets, and some carriers allow you to offset your emissions when you book.
Once you arrive, domestic flights might seem like the fastest way to get around, but there are greener (and often more scenic) alternatives…
2. Take the Scenic Route: Trains and Buses
Once you get here.
Train Travel
Australia’s long-distance trains may not be high-speed, but they make for an unforgettable experience. The Sydney to Melbourne XPT lets you take in the scenery without the stress of airport security. If you’re heading west, The Ghan and The Indian Pacific are legendary journeys that showcase the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
If your train arrives in Melbourne too early for check-in, stow your bags at luggage storage at Southern Cross Station and explore the city hands-free.
Bus Travel
Australia’s famous Greyhound buses have evolved beyond backpacker basics, offering a hop-on, hop-off pass. If you want a bit more comfort, premium services like Firefly Express and V/Line offer upgraded coach experiences. Buses are a great way to explore off-the-beaten-path towns and coastal gems.
3. Set Sail to Tasmania
Flying is faster, but why rush when you can sail? The Spirit of Tasmania ferry is the perfect way to cross the Bass Strait, offering an overnight trip that’s scenic and sustainable.
Recently, the ferry operator joined the Green Marine program, committing to lower emissions and better environmental practices. Plus, taking the ferry means you can bring your car – perfect for your island road trip. Wake up in Devonport, well-rested and ready to explore.
5. Rent an EV for the Road Trip of a Lifetime
When it comes to rentals, Hertz and evee offer sleek Teslas and plug-in hybrids, perfect for long, open-road cruising.
Gone are the days if range anxiety. Apps like PlugShare, which show real-time charger availability, user reviews, and even the best coffee stops nearby. More good news: plenty of hotels, wineries, and eco-lodges now have on-site charging, so you can plug in overnight while indulging in a long lunch or settling in for a slow morning. Road trips, but smarter.
5. Sleep Green: From Glamping to Carbon-Neutral Hotels
Not all eco-stays mean composting toilets and cold showers. In Australia, sustainable accommodation ranges from off-grid luxury lodges to dreamy glamping spots that swap four walls for canvas and uninterrupted nature views.
Glamping in the Wild
If pitching a tent isn’t your thing but you still want to wake up to birdsong and fresh air, glamping is your answer. Australia does it well—think solar-powered bubble tents in the Blue Mountains, treehouse retreats in the Daintree Rainforest, and beachfront eco-pods where the only alarm clock is the sound of waves. It’s nature, but with plush bedding and an actual bathroom.
Luxury Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Hotels
For those who prefer sustainability with a side of indulgence, Daintree Ecolodge offers rainforest cabins where you can sip your morning coffee surrounded by 180-million-year-old trees. Over in the Blue Mountains, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a conservation-focused retreat where ‘remote’ doesn’t mean ‘roughing it’. Think private plunge pools, locally sourced gourmet dining, and a zero-carbon footprint.
Prefer a city stay? Look for hotels with Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge, which highlights accommodations committed to reducing their impact without sacrificing comfort
6. Choose Eco-Certified Tour Operators
Seeing Australia’s landscapes up close is incredible—but not all tours are created equal. Eco-certified tour operators ensure you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, hike the ancient cliffs of Kakadu, or kayak through Noosa’s everglades without damaging the very places you came to see. Look for tours that don’t just minimise harm, but they actively contribute to conservation efforts, funding reef restoration, wildlife protection, and Indigenous-led tourism experiences that connect you with Country in a meaningful way.
7. Stay Somewhere That Gives Back
Hotels have come a long way from ‘hang up your towels to save the planet’ signs. Now, truly sustainable stays actively regenerate the environment.
Take Eco Beach Resort in Broome, where solar panels power the resort, rainwater is harvested for everyday use, and a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy keeps the pristine coastline exactly that. Or Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest, where you can sip cocktails on a treetop deck knowing the entire retreat runs on renewable energy and sources all its food locally.
