South East Queensland is a treasure trove of natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine beaches to vibrant hinterlands and charming towns. But beyond its scenic appeal, the region is also leading the way in sustainable travel. From eco-friendly accommodation to nature-based tours and supporting local businesses, there are many ways that you can minimise environmental impact and maximise benefits to local communities when you travel in Queensland. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or planning a longer eco-conscious escape, here’s how you can explore responsibly while still indulging in comfort and adventure.

Eco-friendly stays

Eco-friendly accommodation focusses on preserving the environment with practices such as recovering and using rainwater, installing solar panels and energy saving lights, and recycling a significant portion of waste. South East Queensland travel offers lots of accommodation options for nature and eco stays, and there’s an increasing number of places that have official ecotourism certification which demonstrates they have met global standards and best environmental and professional practices.

Stand-out nature and eco stays in SEQ include:

• Spicers Retreats, various locations – Spicers leads the way with their four SEQ retreats receiving the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Certification. Their accommodation in Maleny, Montville, Scenic Rim and Grandchester have integrated numerous sustainability initiatives including sourcing local produce, repurposing food waste and providing accessible rooms for guests.
• Nightfall Camp, Lamington National Park – This glamping site is zero-carbon, runs entirely off solar par and dishes up organic cuisine.
• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park – A pioneer in ecotourism, O’Reilly’s has villas built from recycled materials and offers treetop walks and guided nature tours.
• Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge – This lodge uses rainwater, composting and low-energy lighting, plus guests can stay in a restored train carriage or timber church for a unique sustainable experience.
• Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island – The beachfront resort implements initiatives like on-site worm farms and veggie gardens for kitchen supply, recycling stations and recycling of all water.

Eco-friendly attractions and experiences

SEQ is home to a growing number of eco-certified tours and experiences that let you explore responsibly. From marine safaris and rainforest hikes to wildlife encounters and cultural journeys, these activities are designed to protect the environment while deepening your connection to it. 

Top eco-friendly attractions and experiences to build into your sustainable travel itinerary include:

• David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads – This conversation-focused park is home to aniamls that live in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
• Glow Worm Caves, Tamborine Mountain – Visit a purpose-built cave that protects native glow worms, with educational tours and a free frog and insect exhibit.
• Brisbane Whale Watching – Cruise aboard the catamaran for an Ecotourism Australia certified chance to see humpback whales during their migration season, with educational commentary focussed on marine conservation.
• Nyanda Cultural Tours, Brisbane – Led by First Nations guides, these tours explore Nudgee waterholes and bush food gardens, sharing Indigenous stories and cultural insights.
• Bushwacker Eco Tours, various locations – Set off on nature-based walks and hikes to World Heritage Rainforests through Springbrook, Tamborine Mountain and Moreton Island, with eco-conscious itineraries that showcase natural beauty while preserving it.
• See Moreton, Moreton Island – The eco-friendly snorkeling tour around the Tangalooma Wrecks offers a marine adventure with minimal environmental impact and the chance to see dolphins, turtles and dugongs.

Airtrain’s commitment to sustainable travel

Sustainable travel in Queensland is gaining momentum, with more travellers seeking ways to reduce their footprint while enjoying the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. At Airtrain, we’re dedicated to providing transport that’s affordable, efficient and environmentally conscious. Here’s how we help you travel greener:

• Low-CO2 train services connecting Brisbane Airport to the city and beyond.
• No additional fees for bringing your bike on board, helping to reduce road congestion and your carbon footprint.
• Paperless ticketing – simply purchase your ticket online, tap on with a go card card or use Smart Ticketing to pay with your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit or credit card.
• Water-refill stations to curb the consumption of single-use plastic

By choosing Airtrain, you’re choosing a cleaner, smarter way to travel in Queensland. Whether you’re heading to work, exploring Brisbane, or catching a flight, you can reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience. Learn more about environmentally travel to Brisbane Airport.