Six of the best: Queensland’s top eco-friendly getaways

Holidaymakers looking for both unique and eco-friendly destinations are spoiled for choice in Queensland. Here are six of the best.

Holidaymakers looking for both unique and eco-friendly are spoiled for choice in Queensland, with recent data revealing a significant increase in bookings in the wake of the pandemic.

Data released by Hipcamp, the world’s largest provider of unique outdoor getaways shows that holiday makers searching for an eco-friendly trip away have increased by 51 per cent on last year, but even more significantly, the overall number of eco-friendly holiday bookings are up by 62 per cent.

Jasmine Halley recently holidayed at an eco-friendly site on the Sunshine Coast and said that the increase in eco-conscious bookings was not surprising.

“I think after the last two years in lockdown we all just want to reconnect with nature,” she said.

“Really we just wanted to get out there and experience what Queensland has to offer.”

The Scenic Rim, Brisbane and Fraser Coast areas were the most popular regions for the eco-minded, with lakefront Bushywood at Woodford on the Sunshine Coast the most popular site in the state.

Nature based activities and holidays contribute around $10 billion every year to Queensland’s $23 million tourism industry – $3.7 billion from national park patronage and a further $6.4 billion from visitors to the Great Barrier Reef.

Jasmine Halley, 23, and Bridie Dwyer, 24, explore Queensland’s great outdoors at Sunshine Coast Hipcamp. Picture: Lachie Millard

TOP 6 ECO-FRIENDLY SPOTS

Bushywood – Woodford – 170 acre lakefront water ski park; dog-friendly; amenities; caters to large groups.

Mushroom Valley Eco Camp – 70km north of Mackay; 15 sites, mix of tent and RV; pet friendly; campfires permitted; amenities provided.

HillBilly Permaculture Farm – Inland from Townsville – Quiet with 5 sites, 21 guest capacity; potable water, toilet available but no other amenities; not suitable for pets.

Kelaime Eco Camp – Tewantin – 10 sites, 15 guests per site; campfires and pets allowed; no amenities.

Bellbunya Eco Resort – Mapleton National Park – Cabin and campsite; campfire allowed; no pets; full amenities including Wi-Fi.

Mirimbi Eco Retreat – Kuranda (near Cairns) – 6 sites; campfires/pets allowed; toilet and water available but no other amenities.