Discover the sustainably focused destinations we're lusting over. At Public Figure our travel bucket list consists of all things eco. Whether your desire is to explore or relax, we’ve got your next conscious holiday sorted with our sustainable travel guide.
Ecotourism is on the rise - it's becoming increasingly achievable to minimise your overall impact as a traveller. It’s all about experiencing natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people. Now is the perfect time to be supporting our local economy. Explore all that Australia has to offer; skip the plane and take a road trip to one of these must-see destinations. Get back to nature, soak up the wilderness, bask in the sun and breath in the fresh air.
Local Destinations
Unyoked – Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane
For an off the grid style escape, Unyoked is the perfect online destination for planning your next outdoor adventure. Providing easy access to the wild in secluded cabins surrounded by nature, Unyoked offers an abundance of tranquil escapes perfect for a romantic getaway or to simply unwind, recharge and get back to basics. In a generation that’s increasingly dislocated from the outdoors, Unyoked aims to meaningfully connect people with the environment by sparking our desire to ditch our screens and get lost in nature.
Partnering with landowners, Unyoked unlocks the wilderness on otherwise under-utilised areas of existing properties and helps people reconnect with the natural world. The hideouts are handcrafted with local, sustainable materials and built to be 100% off the grid with solar panelling for a minimal footprint but maximum chill. They’re designed with love to make you feel part of the landscape, slow down and focus on what matters. Whether you’re looking to wander the wilderness, liberate yourself from the concrete jungle and your commitments, reach a new level of creative and productive focus or kickstart your wellness journey; Unyoked has you covered.
One&Only Wolgan Valley – Greater Blue Mountains
An ultra-luxurious resort stay, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is the perfect bushland sanctuary for your next relaxing retreat. This conservation-based resort occupies just one percent of a 2,800 hectare nature reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Located on Australia's Great Dividing Range between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park, the resort offers panoramic views of the wilderness.
Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery and bustling wildlife, One&Only Wolgan Valley is the perfect serene escape to refresh and revive. Featuring secluded villas with spacious living areas, cosy fireplaces, private pools and picturesque verandas designed to immerse you in the atmospheric Blue Mountains surroundings. Embark on an adventure in wildlife-spotting expeditions, bushwalks, colonial heritage tours or roam the reserve on horseback. Practice the art of slowing down through signature spa treatments, wellness activities, sound therapy and yoga classes.
One&Only Wolgan Valley is eco-conscious in their environmental and social sustainability philosophy. Some of their important eco-friendly initiatives include recycling and waste minimisation programs, energy conservation, sustainable and local food purchasing, water conservation through recycling 100% of used water, revegetation and bushfire regeneration in the surrounding bushland.
Little Valley Farm - Hunter Valley, NSW
A rustic alpaca oasis; Little Valley Farm in Laguna, Hunter Valley is perfect for the animal obsessed. A charming off the grid stay for your eco-travel list, Little Valley Farm is all about minimising your environmental footprint while relaxing, enjoying the farm’s own fresh produce, wine-drinking, exploring and stargazing. The owners of this old lavender farm are registered alpaca breeders with the Australian Alpaca Association aiming to leave the natural environment in its original state.
You can up the alpaca antics by glamping for a few nights at the farm. Stay in the farm’s 1950’s Sydney Train carriage, the famous Red Rattler, or a petite Shepherd's Hut that can be moved about the farm for the best seasonal location and prime day-long alpaca viewing. Satisfy your craving for the outdoors and your desire for a good meal and wine pairing. Recline in a hammock or enjoy an outdoor bath to bask in the serene landscape.
Paperbark Camp – Jervis Bay, NSW
Paperbark Camp is a family operated business at the forefront of ecotourism and luxury camping in Australia. Near the pristine clear waters and white sand beaches of Jervis Bay (a breathtaking sight to behold in itself), the camp offers a unique blend of fine food and wine, cosy canvas accommodation and a peaceful bush setting. It’s the perfect paradise for any nature lover. Paperbark Camp has been recognised for its work in the area of sustainability by receiving Advanced Eco Accreditation from Ecotourism Australia and is proud to be part of the Eco Lodges of Australia group.
Imagine a much-needed sleep in, a long lazy breakfast on the veranda, a couple of hours on the beach with a good book before heading back for an afternoon snooze. It’s all made possible at Paperbark Camp in one of their canvas safari-style tents built above the ground for an escape amongst the eucalyptus and paperbarks. Enjoy the sea breeze from the nearby Huskisson Beach. The ‘Gunyah’ (Aboriginal for meeting place) is the heart of the camp has an established restaurant renowned for its fine food and unique atmosphere. Paperbark Camp encourages you to do it all or nothing at all; relax or explore at this eco-friendly escape.
Blackbird - Byron Bay
Blackbird offers luxury accommodation in the Byron Hinterland. A boutique ‘home from home’, Blackbird is the perfect getaway for relaxing amongst the waterfalls, experiencing the local flora and fauna or exploring the region on foot, kayak or mountain-bike. In an iconic reference to the native black cockatoos that inhabit this land, Blackbird is a return to nature for those who crave to escape the ordinary.
An innate attention to detail in this design driven accommodation is showcased throughout the property. Featuring a Magnesium Salt and Mineral Pool to provide you with the most pure and natural way to relax. It is beautifully framed by acres of green rain forest, with spectacular views to Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean. The Blackbird offers private concrete pavilions fitted out with the latest environmentally sustainable energy saving 20kW solar system with Tesla Batteries to provide air-conditioning, hot water and other services.
Overseas Destinations
These dreamy overseas destinations are on our list for future travel. In the meantime, we’ll be lusting over a time when we can visit these places. If you're travelling to any destination by plane, an eco-friendly option is to offset your miles. Most airlines offer carbon offset at checkout; make sure to keep an eye out next time you consider flying!
The Datai Langkawi - Malaysia
Set against a wilderness backdrop of primordial mountains, The Datai Langkawi on the Langkawi Island in Malaysia is surrounded by the pristine 10 million-year-old rainforest home to a wealth of flora and fauna. At The Datai Langkawi you can nurture your well-being amidst the island’s mesmerising waterfalls, idyllic paddy fields and mangroves, and a labyrinth of secret waterways. The estate’s award-winning architectural rooms, suites and villas are fit with stunning panoramic views and luscious green surroundings.
Nature is an integral part of The Datai Langkawi’s DNA; its breath-taking surroundings provides the foundations for their offerings of nature-related experiences. The Datai Langkawi is committed to creating a mutualistic relationship between the ocean, the land and the people by integrating sustainability into all aspects of operations. Their 'Datai Pledge' is a ground-breaking program of conservation and sustainability initiatives designed to preserve the environment, ecosystems, culture, heritage and the local community in order to enrich the uniqueness for future generations of visitors and Malaysians.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge - New York
1 Hotels is one of the pioneers in sustainable hospitality, with a range of green innovations across its properties around the world. The group’s current flagship property, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge was particularly designed with sustainability and luxury in mind. The hotel captures an ‘outside-in’ ethos offering wide-ranging views of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan from the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood in natural light and open the rooms to the outside space.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge considers eco-friendly and local alternatives in every aspect of their operation. With a 54% ratio of regional and reclaimed materials, the hotel's structure incorporates reclaimed woods, bricks, marble, stone and locally-sourced glass. A LEED Certified Project, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge uses wind-power, filtered water in all taps and showers, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, a rainwater reclamation system, low-energy lightbulbs and green cleaning solvents for cleaning the rooms and linens. The hotel also donates a percentage of sales from in-room dining and mini bars to Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organisation. 1 Hotels are more than a place to stay; they are a philosophy and a platform for change.