Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
7 eco-friendly day trip ideas
Go green with these sustainable experiences.
Tread lightly on a day hike
Tread lightly on a day hike
Powered by your legs, lungs and nature’s embrace, there’s no lighter mode of travel than hiking, and Australia has some of the world's best trails. Climb mountains, trek along beaches, wander through the rainforest or hike through the desert; no matter which you choose, you'll be met with our diverse and dazzling natural landscapes.
Go stargazing
Go stargazing
There’s no quicker way to be humbled by the universe than by looking up into a crisp night sky. With so many beautiful dark sky areas located far from the city lights, Australia is a brilliant place to gaze up. Learn about the significance of astronomy to Aboriginal communities, spot the iconic Southern Cross, sleep under an uninterrupted sky or try your luck at seeking the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
Ride a scenic cycling trail
Ride a scenic cycling trail
There’s no carbon to be offset on a cycling trip, which is all the more reason to jump on one of the old rail trails or scenic cycleways snaking across the country. You might find yourself rolling through farmland in Victoria's High Country, spotting kangaroos in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales or cycling around calm lakes in Canberra. The best part? Hopping off the bike and exploring everything from cocktail bars to regional art galleries.
Go on a mini adventure by train
Go on a mini adventure by train
Kick back, peel open a book and watch the views blur by as you let someone else do the driving. There's plenty to love about rail travel, and that's before you consider its eco-friendly status. Australia might be best known for its epic multi-day train journeys like The Ghan, but you'll be rewarded for lacing your sneakers and hopping on board a one-day rail adventure too, like the famed Puffing Billy Railway in the Dandenong Ranges.
Experience wildlife responsibly
Experience wildlife responsibly
Australia's wildlife experiences are some of the best in the world. There are moments that will take your breath away, whether you watch (from a distance) baby sea turtles scramble toward the sea or swim with whale sharks responsibly. Make unforgettable memories as you give back to nature by experiencing one of many incredible eco-certified experiences and wildlife journeys on offer.
Reef repair within reach
Reef repair within reach
As the largest coral reef ecosystem on the planet, our Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. People and communities along the reef prioritise its conservation, and every traveller that enters the Marine Park by boat pays a 'reef tax' of a few dollars, used to protect the islands, coral and marine life. Go a step further by learning about reef protection on guided tours, or get involved with programs like Eye on the Reef to track the ecosystem's health as you experience its wonders.
Forage a feast
Forage a feast
From native berries to ocean-fresh seafood, Australia is one big supermarket. You can 'shop' the forests, coasts, deserts and farmlands and experience ingredients only found in Australia. Join First Nations bush food tours to sample flavours used for millennia, let dogs' noses lead you to prized truffles or pluck oysters straight from the sea.
