Sustainability at YHA
YHA was founded on a desire to support the exploration of our planet with minimal ecological impact. Not only have we led the way for over a decade in embracing sustainable travel through our sustainability program; we also aim to be leaders in regenerative travel for the future. Whether you're donating directly to our Sustainable Properties Fund, staying at one of our dedicated eco properties or simply choosing YHA over a hotel, you're making a difference and investing in a not-for-profit organisation with sustainability woven into its very fabric.
What we do
Our sustainability projects
Learn more about our past and recent sustainability projects to reduce the impacts of our properties on society, ecology and the economy.
Saving energy & water
From solar power to rainwater tanks and key card activated air-conditioning, YHA Australia is committed to saving energy and conserving water.
Recycling & waste minimisation
With properties recycling, composting, setting up worm farms and focusing on minimising waste, we continue to find ways to operate more sustainably.
Certified properties
YHA Port Elliot
YHA Port Elliot, with Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification, demonstrates its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement, providing guests an eco-friendly stay that supports local preservation.
YHA Adelaide Central
YHA Adelaide Central, holding Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification, highlights its dedication to sustainability, conservation, and community support, providing guests with an eco-friendly and culturally enriching experience.
YHA Sydney Harbour
YHA Sydney Harbour, certified for HI Quality & Sustainability, features solar panels and rainwater tanks, and holds Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification. It focuses on environmental care, community benefits, and cultural sensitivity, offering guests an eco-friendly stay with stunning Sydney Harbour views.
YHA Grampians Eco
Right on the doorstep of Grampians National Park, this ECO Nature Certified YHA was custom-built to be kind on the planet and hosts a herb garden and worm farm.
YHA Apollo Bay Eco
This scenic stop on the Great Ocean Road boasts ECO Nature Certification for its commitment to solar energy, power-saving devices and rainwater tanks.
YHA Byron Bay
YHA Byron Bay, proudly certified by Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification, shows its dedication to protecting the environment and engaging with the local community, offering guests an eco-conscious stay that supports the preservation of this iconic coastal region.
YHA Cape Byron
YHA Cape Byron, holding Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification, reflects its strong commitment to sustainability and community care, providing guests with an environmentally responsible stay that helps conserve the natural beauty of Cape Byron.
YHA Cairns Central
YHA Cairns Central, certified by Ecotourism Australia for sustainable tourism, is dedicated to environmental care and community support, offering guests an eco-friendly stay that helps protect the unique tropical surroundings of Cairns.
Sustainability at YHA properties
YHA Pittwater Eco
This leafy bush lodge hosts bush regeneration weekends for volunteers to help protect the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park by tackling invasive species of weeds.
YHA Byron Bay
This property is brimming with eco-friendly features including solar hot water and a lush internal courtyard surrounding the pool made up of water-efficient native plants.
YHA Fremantle Prison
What's more impressive than recycling an entire building? Built in the 1850's, this property is the only accommodation in WA with UNESCO World Heritage Status.
YHA Cape Byron
The centrepiece of this Byron backpackers is the huge pool, and the roof-mounted solar heating system powers the swimming spot as efficiently as possible.
YHA Cairns Central
This tropical property's air-conditioning system is controlled by a building management system to reduce energy waste and keep you cool.
YHA Port Elliot
This gorgeous sandstone beach house enjoys panoramic views of Horseshoe Bay and supports the serene environment of with a veggie garden and a composting site.
YHA Sydney Central
Right in the heart of Sydney, you might spot the solar array if you’re looking from above. This property is also a proud member of the local tourism body.
How you can help
Sustainable Properties Fund
You can help YHA’s sustainability projects by choosing to donate $2 to the Sustainable Properties Fund when you book your next adventure. We'll match your contribution and use the accumulated funds to upgrade our properties to make them cleaner, greener and better.
Responsible Travel
There's more to travel than just seeing the sights, and at YHA, we believe that we as explorers and globetrotters can not only travel lighter, but in many cases, leave a positive impact on the places we visit! If you're sustainably minded and want to learn how you can make a difference, check out some of the links below!
Sustainability Stories | YHA Sydney Harbour
Watch and share the extended cut of the 'Sustainable Travel: Where Next?' short film featuring YHA Sydney Harbour, our cutting-edge property in The Rocks built brick-by-brick with sustainability in mind.
Sustainability Stories | YHA Pittwater Eco
Watch and share the full version of the 'Sustainable Travel: Where Next?' short film featuring YHA Pittwater Eco, our eco retreat in the heart of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park.
Projects funded by the Sustainable Properties Fund
*This property is no longer in the YHA network.
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YHA Australia is a member of Hostelling International (HI) – the world’s largest network of hostels. HI, along with YHA Australia, is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices, governed by the HI Sustainability Charter, implemented at both a grassroots and global scale.
