Sustainable luxury down under: We pick 6 of the best Australian lodges
Guests in need of a break far from their hectic city lives will find an abundance of activities and tours in natural surroundings to revive their spirits
Celebrating World Nature Conservation Day, STYLE looks at Australia and how some luxury hotels combine care for their natural environments, sustainability and bespoke living.
Many of the luxury lodges in the country are located in National Parks, and there is often an element of conservation and education as part of the guest offerings.
Those who want to unplug from their busy city lives and celebrate sustainable luxury need not look any further. We look at several luxury lodges that have made a living out of conservation.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Located in a 7,000 acre conservancy reserve in the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains, about a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney (or a short journey via helicopter), the One&Only Wolgan Valley is based in Australia’s Great Dividing Range between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park.
Based on traditional homesteads from Australia’s Federation period, there are 36 free-standing villas, three for families or honeymooners, and a luxury villa which can sleep six people. Activities on the property range from horseback riding, archery and guided nature walks to joining their signature wildlife and “sundowners” tour and conservancy participation. The latter is a “hands-on” morning activity that contributes to the restoration and protection of the reserve with the One&Only team to give you insights into the ecology of the Blue Mountains. This may include tree planting, wildlife surveys, testing of water quality, habitat assessments, feral animal monitoring and wombat surveys.
Based on traditional homesteads from Australia’s Federation period, there are 36 free-standing villas, three for families or honeymooners, and a luxury villa which can sleep six people
Arkaba
Flinders Ranges in South Australia once had a working sheep station but it has been converted into a private wildlife conservancy. Arkaba offers wild bush luxury that is fully hosted and guided with only five guestrooms to ensure a tranquil stay. The property allows exploration of an ancient landscape with wide geological varieties. The land contains the country’s three largest macropods, the Red kangaroo, the Western grey kangaroo and the common wallaroo. Australia’s most endangered macropod, the Yellow-footed rock wallaby has returned since Arkaba introduced active conservation programmes.
Arkaba celebrates its 10th anniversary of conservation this year and is introducing a conservation levy that does not increase the price of a guest’s experience but guarantee that a minimum amount of the stay goes to biodiversity protection initiatives in Australia.
Guests get to stay in the 1851 homestead that has retained its original layout. Four are located in the homestead, but the fifth which is in the coachman’s cottage provides a private corner that is ideal for honeymooners. There is no Wi-fi, telephones, televisions, minibars or other distractions, allowing guests to immerse themselves completely into the bush experience.
Bamurru Plains
