General News
29 August, 2024
The rise of ecotourism and getting back to our roots | Eat Play Stay spring 2024
Eat Play Stay magazine looks at travel's eco-friendly shift.
Special publication
Off grid holidays are no longer about squished two-man tents and ant colonies holding food supplies hostage - with Australia's renowned ecotourism industry showcasing how getting back to nature may include creature comforts.
Eco stays, also known as eco-friendly accommodations, are home to destinations that prioritise sustainability, environmental conservation, and responsible tourism practices all while delivering unique and memorable experiences for visitors.
Ecotourism extends the experience to include responsible travel to natural areas while protecting the environment, the wellbeing of local people, and also educating and engaging visitors in the values and importance of the area.
According to Ecotourism Australia, people are increasingly seeking transformative, feel-good travel experiences that rejuvenate and offer the opportunity to connect with nature, support local communities and recognise and value culture.
Across Victoria's spectacular western end of the Great Dividing Range, ecotourism plays a central role in celebrating culture and natural beauty. Located in the Southern Grampians National Park near Dunkeld, Aquila Eco Lodges provide a unique off-the-grid experience.
With architecturally designed treehouses, each lodge features red gum floors, wood fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and outdoor patios with barbecues.
Accredited by Eco Tourism Australia, Aquila operates sustainably using solar energy and rainwater.
It's an ideal spot for weekend retreats or romantic getaways. Aquila Eco Lodges is widely recognised for its low environmental impact approach to development and sets a benchmark for ecotourism.
Covenanted with Trust for Nature and accredited with Advanced Ecotourism Australia, it is a must stop while touring the Great Southern Touring Route.
"Staying with us offers people a higher level of awareness of their living environments," Aquila site manager and ranger Paola Mutis says.
"Many of our guests are interested in sustainability and understanding how to most effectively use our energy and resources. Living in this way teaches us how to be patient, persevere and be active participants in our own lives.
"Not only is an eco-stay an opportunity to disconnect (from technology) and reconnect (with the natural world around us) it is a way in which we begin to feel more equal with our environment - more present."
This story is from the spring edition of Eat Play Stay magazine. Click here to read the entire publication online.
For those seeking to experience an eco-stay on a budget, YHA Grampians Eco - located on the outskirts of the stunning Grampians National Park at Halls Gap - is an eco-certified hostel.
While visiting the heritage-listed Grampians National Park take a hike to the base of the incredible MacKenzie Falls, enjoy an eco-tour to learn about vital conservation efforts and finish a day's adventures through the farm-to-restaurant degustation, which showcases local produce.
To find out more about your immersive eco experience in the Grampians visit:
parks.vic.gov.au
visitwimmeramallee.com.au
visitgrampians.com.au
grampianstourism.com.au