Sustainable Travel Experiences In Australia
Admit it. The one thing you are really looking forward to right now, is a holiday. A break from work and the humdrum routine of daily life. A getaway that refreshes, recharges and allows you to discover new places, new experiences.
But something has shifted, subtly, in the last few months. Just as we have become more mindful of diet, fitness and work-life balance, we have become more mindful of the way we view the world. No longer is the Earth a cornucopia of places all ours to enjoy at will on holidays. Thereâs also a longing to connect with it at a deeper level and give back to the planet that we call our own.
Luckily, we seem to have woken up in time to heed Earth's call. Away from the madding crowds of touristy destinations, there are still spots where you can combine self-indulgent holidays with enriching, sustainable experiences. Tucked away in the island continent of Australia are an array of such destinations, unspoiled and uncluttered, waiting to be discovered when borders open up again, even if you are homebound for now.
The road less travelled
Think pristine, ancient bush landscapes dotted with wildlife. And then think of exclusive lodges that are set into this canvas, allowing you to soak in the luxury. Part of a private wildlife conservancy, Arkaba in South Australia's Flinders Ranges allows you to engage with the land and conservation work of native animals even as you enjoy an exotic holiday in the lap of nature. Or if you prefer to spend your holiday in the first carbon neutral hotel in the world, relaxing in a villa amid stunning cliffs and valleys, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley might just be destination for you.
Think Local, Eat Local
Sustainable travel is not just about saving on the carbon footprint anymore. It now has a broader connotation and includes the social, cultural, economic, and physical aspects of a destination. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley isn't the only destination where you can relish locally produced foods. The world's tiniest continent is also known for an abundance and variety of locally grown produce. Luxe lodges like Lake House, a mere 1.5 hours from Melbourne, boasts a restaurant that is a genuine example of paddock to plate dining, sustained over 30 years, with menu sourced from organic farms around the verdant property. If that doesn't get your taste buds alight, there are numerous eateries like Nomad in Sydney where the mindful traveller can feast on foods raised ethically, enjoying water that's carbonated on site and charcoal that's sourced responsibly!
Explore your wild side
What's Australia if you can't get up and close with the native wildlife, in the wild? If snorkelling, diving and boating in the worldâs largest reef system can get your adrenaline pumping, Lizard Island, the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef is where you should head. If you want to watch kangaroos lounge on the beach, wombats waddle across grassland and marine life dart and dash around coral reefs, you can join operators like Australian Wildlife Journeys which offer unique animal encounters in the wild, underpinned by strong conservation activities. There's a range of activities to explore, that ensures the safety of the fauna while allowing guests to see them in their majesty in the wild!
Are you a culture vulture?
You cannot visit the world's oldest living culture and come away untouched. Did you know that the history of the Aboriginal people stretches back over 50,000 years and has some truly fascinating art practices, traditions and stories? What better way to discover the fascinating world of the indigenous peoples and delve into their stories and culture than to visit the oldest continuously-running Aboriginal art centre while you holiday at Longitude 131, a luxury lodge located near the sacred monolith of Uluru in the Northern Territory.
Or if you prefer a walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru, you can have an immersive Aboriginal art experience that combines a connection to land, ancient culture and unique insight into art of a continent that still remains to be explored with new eyes. And while you are guided on how these stories are expressed through art, you are free to join a hands-on painting session, where you get to learn the meaning behind the art!
A complete immersive experience
Several of Australiaâs luxury experiences are designed not just for a regal getaway, but for affirmative inclusion in the local flora and fauna. Whether you are helping extract honey from a beehive or searching for vegetation that's critical to endangered animals, you immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with the planet that we have all regretfully neglected for a while. You could actually start planning for your next Aussie trip and make up for all those lost holidays of 2020!
This content was produced in partnership with Tourism Australia
