Australia is a dream destination, but its vast landscapes and remote wonders come with a challenge, travelling here can rack up a serious environmental footprint.
Luckily, there are ways to get around and explore the country while keeping your impact low. Whether you’re planning a road trip, flying between cities, or heading off the beaten track, here’s how to travel Australia sustainably.
Choose Low-Emission Transport
Opt for Trains and Buses Over Planes
Flying is often the fastest way to cover long distances in Australia, but it’s also the most carbon-intensive. When possible, choose trains and buses instead.
- Train services like NSW TrainLink, V/Line, and The Ghan offer scenic journeys with a fraction of the emissions.
- Bus services like Greyhound Australia and Integrity Coach Lines connect major cities and remote areas with lower emissions than flying.
- For short distances, cycling and walking are the most sustainable options and allow for a deeper connection with the surroundings.
- Apps like Rome2Rio and Moovit can help you plan routes and compare transport options.
Drive Smart
If you’re road-tripping, opt for fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. Australia’s EV charging network is growing, making it easier to travel sustainably.
- Companies like Europcar and Avis offer electric or hybrid rental options.
- Use apps like PlugShare to find charging stations across the country.
- Services like Coseats help travellers share rides to reduce emissions.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Look for accommodations that prioritise sustainability. Eco-lodges, tiny houses, and solar-powered retreats are popping up all over Australia. Certifications like EcoTourism Australia’s ECO Certification can help you find genuinely sustainable stays.
- Camping is the lowest-impact option, for accomodation, but stick to designated sites and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Eco-lodges offer renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction programs.
- Sustainable hotels that offer green initiatives like composting, recycling, and local sourcing. Apps like EcoHotels can help you find verified sustainable stays.
- Farmstays and eco-retreats offer sustainable living experiences while supporting local communities and regenerative agriculture.
Support Sustainable Tours and Activities
Choose tour operators that respect the environment and work with local communities. Look for those accredited by EcoTourism Australia or that follow responsible tourism practices.
- Pick ethical operators that don’t disrupt natural habitats.
- Support Aboriginal-owned businesses for authentic, sustainable experiences.
- Kayaking, cycling, and hiking are great ways to explore without emissions. Use apps like AllTrails to find routes.
- Participate in conservation programs such as tree planting or wildlife rehabilitation.
Pack and Travel Light
The heavier your luggage, the higher the emissions (especially on flights). You can reduce your impact by: 1) packing only what you need; 2) bringing reusable items (water bottles, shopping bags, utensils); and 3) choosing eco-friendly toiletries and reef-safe sunscreen.
Offset and Give Back
Carbon offset programs aim to reduce climate change by allowing people and companies to pay for projects that reduce or capture carbon emissions. However, their effectiveness is debated. One big concern is “additionality,” meaning the carbon savings should only count if they wouldn’t have happened without the project. Sometimes, offsets are given for reductions that would have occurred anyway, which makes them less effective.
When done right, carbon offset programs can provide extra benefits, like helping wildlife or improving local economies. But not many people participate in voluntary programs, which limits their impact.
To make these programs work, they need careful planning, honest reporting, and more community involvement. If done well, carbon offsets can be a helpful part of the fight against climate change.
Best Carbon Offset Options for Australia
Carbon offset programs in Australia aim to reduce the impact of climate change and help achieve carbon neutrality. Here are some programs you can support to reduce carbon emissions:
- Agricultural Carbon Storage: Farming can help store carbon in the soil, especially with grazing animals. By improving soil health and using eco-friendly farming methods, farmers can reduce greenhouse gases. Carbon farming programs reward farmers with credits for using these practices.
- Blue Carbon Initiatives: Coastal areas like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses can store carbon. Restoring these areas not only helps reduce carbon in the air but also supports wildlife and protects coastal communities from storms.
- Forest Management: Looking after forests, including planting new trees and protecting old ones, helps store carbon. Forests in Australia can provide carbon credits, but it’s important to have different types of forests to reduce fire risks and keep the environment healthy.
Avoid Greenwashing in Tours and Stays
With so many businesses claiming to be “eco-friendly,” how do you know if they truly are?
- Check for certifications like EcoTourism Australia or EarthCheck.
- Look at their practices, not just their marketing. Do they use renewable energy, compost, and limit plastic waste?
- Read reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor to see if guests mention real sustainability efforts.
- Inquire about sustainability initiatives before booking to ensure businesses are genuinely eco-conscious.
Traveling sustainably in Australia means choosing low-emission transport (trains, buses, and EVs), staying in eco-friendly accommodations, supporting ethical tours, packing light, and offsetting carbon when necessary. Use resources to make informed choices. Thoughtful travel decisions can reduce your impact while still letting you explore this incredible country.
