In light of the devastating fires that have plagued Australia this year, many Aussies have become increasingly concerned about the climate crisis. As a result of increasing awareness, sustainable living has become an essential characteristic of many people’s lives. One important area where people are starting to change their habits is in tourism; how they explore the world in their time for relaxation. Australian tourist destinations are recognizing this and starting to make changes geared towards sustainability. If you are looking for a sustainable destination in Australia, be sure to look into the following places.
Brisbane
Brisbane had a tough job moving towards sustainability as it is the third-largest city in Australia; however, it has repeatedly ranked in the top 5 most sustainable cities in Australia in recent years due to its massive transportation changes. It has invested $120 million into promoting cycling, and in 2014 won the Dame Phyllis Frost prize – an annual award for a city with sustainable actions. A terrific place to visit if you have never been.
Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills
Hahndorf is in the Adelaide Hills and is home to some of the most sustainable forms of enjoying nature: camping. However, accommodation in Hahndorf has also been supported by the Sustainable Tourism Business accreditors. It is the perfect place for a family to enjoy the beautiful hills of South Australia while having a BBQ and playing mini golf.
Canada Bay in Sydney
If you are looking to enjoy the sustainable side of Sydney, the City of Canada Bay should be your point of interest. It is a new town, only 20 years old, but it is one that focuses on sustainability and social values. It has a strong commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and its council’s commitment to making it an eco-friendly place to live makes it the perfect place to enjoy the bustling city that is Sydney in a responsible way.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a city relatively far inland and close to the stunning Karlkurla park. It makes this list due to its recent innovations in renewable energy: it has managed to reduce its reliance on natural gas by 70% in the past few years by combining solar energy with thermal energy. It should also be noted for its commitment to support Aboriginal Australians, with a social initiative that involves the natives guiding tourists around Karlkurla, educating them about its history, plants and cultural significance.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a small town on the island of Tasmania, a must-visit island if you have never been. It has been in the sustainability press for creating a community that is focused on recycling, with kids spending days collecting beer-can rings and recycling composts from food waste. The town itself has also found a way to capture all its rainwater and recycle it for industrial reuse, a project that saves not only almost half a billion liters of water annually, but all the energy involved in its piping. If you visit Tasmania, make sure you do so in a place that cares about the environment.
