But what if we told you a holiday on the Sunshine Coast can be both good for you, and good for the planet?
As the only place in Australia where three UNESCO Biospheres sit side-by-side we see sustainability as a way of life, and one of the easiest ways you can tread lightly here is with an eco-escape.
From rainforest retreats to Insta-worthy farm stays, we’ve compiled a list of sustainable getaways for you to enjoy a holiday with heart on the Sunshine Coast.
Starry Nights Luxury Camping
Starry Nights Luxury Camping
For those who enjoy the back-to-nature appeal of camping – combined with the considered comforts of a hotel - this eco-glamping experience delivers in spades.
Located in the foothills of the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland – just 10 minutes to the main street of Montville, Starry Nights has a near zero carbon footprint.
The interiors of the two luxe safari tents have been crafted from natural materials, and boast king-sized beds with organic linen, a fireplace and an Instagrammable freestanding tub with views of the native eucalypts and rolling hills.
As well as producing its own water and electricity from solar cells, the owners have established a Vegetation Protection Covenant over the property in a bid to create a fauna corridor to connect Petrie Creek to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Triunia National Park.
Offering absolute privacy, there are only two bookings allowed at any one time so guests can relax, reset and reconnect with nature and each other. Bliss.
Mayan Farm Luxe Villas
Mayan Farm
Perched atop the rolling hills of the charming and artistic hub of Kin Kin in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this earthy farm stay is the epitome of ethical luxury.
Designed and built to be environmentally low-impact but high in style and design, the bespoke pavilion-style stay was constructed from rammed earth and repurposed railway sleepers.
Set on 100-acres, Mayan Farm Luxe Villas consists of a central living and dining pavilion with a queen bedroom and two separate self-contained villa suites – one with access to an outdoor bath tub for a luxurious soak with a vino in hand.
There are alfresco entertaining spaces, a plunge pool, pizza oven and a firepit where guests can end their day under a blanket of stars.
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
Habitat Noosa
So you’ve surfed First Point, wined and dined on Hastings Street and walked the Noosa National Park, but just 25 minutes north from the bustle of Noosa Heads you’ll find a tucked-away, immersive eco escape.
Set amongst 65 acres of natural bushland and perched on the edge of Lake Cootharaba, the award-winning Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp is a veritable playground for nature and adventure lovers as well as those who want an escape from the frenetic pace of daily life.
Guests can swim, kayak, wave ski, hike, fish, stand-up paddleboard, hire a tinnie or take part in a range of water activities like a wilderness canoe experience.
There are powered or unpowered campsites, Wilderness Safari Tents or the Paperbark Glamping Tents for a more upscale stay.
Sustainability is at the heart of this eco-conscious stay, which is 80 percent sustainable with power and 100 percent sustainable with water.
Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Australia Zoo
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge
Inspired by Steve Irwin’s life, legacy and love for wildlife and wild places, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is offering luxury accommodation surrounded by wilderness and native fauna, helping guests reconnect with the natural world.
Nestled into the Australian bush near the Glass House Mountains, the luxury accommodation – originally Irwin’s long-time dream - was inspired by the Wildlife Warrior’s passion for conversation.
The two-bedroom cabins, built from timber from the Australia Zoo’s old viewing grandstands, ooze rustic charm whilst the hideaway’s 25-meter infinity pool is the perfect place to cool off and relax.
In true Irwin style, protecting wildlife and maintaining a low environmental impact are key priorities for the lodge, a multi-species habitat for red kangaroos, emus, echidnas and koalas and home to Australia’s Zoo’s southern koalas, victims of the summer bushfires.
More than 3000 native trees have been planted on the grounds whilst initiatives have been implemented to reduce its carbon footprint. Crikey, that’s impressive.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spicers Clovelly Estate
Swinging in the gardens at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny
High-end comfort and eco-friendly practices come together in perfect - and oh-so-dreamy - harmony at these eco-aware retreats.
Given the staggering natural beauty of the region, it’s hardly surprising relaxed luxury brand Spicers Retreats have two properties in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland where nature is the hero, and guests can escape the fast-paced digital world and relax.
With an east-meets-west aesthetic, Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa Anise day spa - go on, treat yourself - is located in Maleny whilst the French provincial-style Clovelly Estate is tucked away high above the deep rolling valleys of Montville.
Showing sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, guests can indulge guilt-free knowing Spicers are striving to become Australia’s most sustainable organisation.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast
Holiday Inn
This stylish newcomer opened its doors in May and is the perfect base to enjoy all that the much-loved hub of Maroochydore has to offer.
Taking pride of place in Maroochydore’s new central business district, Australia’s first Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel is close to surf beaches, cafes, restaurants and boutiques as well as the nearby seaside villages.
There are 181 guest rooms and 41 well-appointed one-bedroom suites as well as buzzing communal spaces and a heated rooftop pool boasting views of Maroochydore.
Guests can rest easy as there is a true commitment to sustainability with the property targeting a high NABERS Energy and Water rating and a Net Zero 2030 target and opting against single-use plastics.
