Top 5 eco-friendly escapes
Since the very beginning, YHA Australia has been a keen proponent of environmental sustainability. From our humble roots facilitating nature walks through the forests of Victoria, to our 1967 constitution, which dared to call for the preservation of native flora and fauna, respect and care for our natural world has always been at the core of everything we do.
Today, it's become our mission to make travel as sustainable as possible (so that future generations can enjoy it just as we have), and we've gone to great lengths to kit out our properties to reduce their ecological impact. For environmentally-conscious travellers, whether they prefer private rooms or co-living spaces, these 5 sustainable YHA getaways might just hit the spot – so if that sounds like you, read on...
YHA Blue Mountains
While still in the early stages of its sustainable evolution, YHA Blue Mountains is fast becoming a fantastic option for the ecologically responsible traveller. Situated right in the centre of Katoomba and surrounded by the vast Blue Mountains National Park, this heritage-listed guest house weaves sustainability into the guest experience. A new veggie garden is taking shape at the back (soon to be ready for picking), complemented by a fishpond, water-saving shower heads, and timed lighting and heating systems that help reduce consumption. In summer, guests can even enjoy pumpkins growing around the carpark. During your stay, explore the wilderness on foot, buy locally made art and produce, or take a tour of the area with an Indigenous guide.
Book your stay: YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
YHA Grampians Eco
Set against the backdrop of the ruggedly beautiful Grampians National Park, YHA Grampians Eco has sustainability in every fibre of its being. Whether it's collecting rainwater, utilising renewable energy or recycling and repurposing, YHA Grampians Eco is a fantastic example of the small but significant difference even a tiny boutique lodge in regional Victoria can make. As a guest, you can explore the beautiful nature of the Grampians at your leisure.
Book your stay: YHA Grampians Eco (Halls Gap)
YHA Pittwater Eco
One of the best kept secrets of the Greater Sydney region, YHA Pittwater Eco offers a tranquil experience for nature lovers and anyone hoping to escape the bustle of city life. This retreat makes heavy use of solar power, operates entirely off on-site rainwater, composts organic waste and utlises only power-conserving fixtures. Yep - they're pretty serious about sustainability! If you're lucky enough to stay here, there's kayaking, bushwalks and much more on offer to get you close to nature and quiet your mind.
Book your stay: YHA Pittwater Eco
YHA Apollo Bay Eco
YHA Apollo Bay Eco is an environmentally sustainable gem that provides the perfect halfway point for travellers tackling the epic Great Ocean Road. Nestled among the trees in the eponymous seaside town, the YHA has been built entirely to have as little impact on the local ecosystem as possible, featuring solar panels, energy-efficient lightbulbs and water saving fixtures to name but a few. The region provides incredible hiking and biking, and is rich with leafy rainforests, rolling hills and the iconically dramatic coastlines. Plus, there's Koalas climbing all over everything vertical and green!
Book your stay: YHA Apollo Bay Eco
YHA Byron Bay
YHA Byron Bay is a shining example of modern, sustainable design, located in the heartland of eco-conscious Australia. Featuring more solar panelling than you can shake a stick at, efficient fixtures and fittings and thoughtful touches like bike storage and a rainwater-fed native garden, it's a refreshingly guilt-free place to stay for those looking to reduce their footprint. As mentioned, the Byron Shire is a bit of a mecca for eco-tourism as well: Spot whales, kayak with dolphins, visit vegan-friendly eateries in town, wander the Hinterland's subtropical rainforests or peruse the nearby hippie havens of Mullumbimby and Nimbin.
Book your stay: YHA Byron Bay
Want more? Here's some more great sustainable travel ideas!
