Time Out Australia Travel Awards 2026: Best Eco-Tourism Nominees

One of the most accessible – and stylish – ways to experience the ancient Flinders Ranges is at Arkaba Homestead. Covering 63,000 acres of sacred Adnyamathanha land, the former 1851 sheep station is now a thriving private wildlife reserve, with a historic homestead sleeping up to ten guests. Travellers who make the 4.5-hour journey from Adelaide to this all-inclusive retreat come for many reasons: to disconnect in nature, sleep under star-filled skies, spot native wildlife on twice-daily safaris, and witness real conservation in action.

With minimal light pollution and high elevation, Alice Springs offers some of the best, darkest night skies on Earth. You can witness the wonders of the incredible cosmos at Earth Sanctuary, an award-winning astronomy park run by Joe Falzon and his three sons. Their engaging 90-minute Astro Tour is a perfect taster for budding stargazers, where you’ll marvel at the moon through powerful telescopes, learn to find your zodiac in the eclipse, hear celestial stories about the Milky Way, and maybe even catch a shooting star. 

Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost coral cay of Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. The 45-hectare island lies within a highly protected Marine National Park 'Green Zone' and flourishes with a diverse range of flora and fauna, including manta rays, turtles, humpback whales and red-tailed tropicbirds. The island is also home to an award-winning eco-retreat that hosts up to 100 day guests and 150 overnight guests, offering units, tents and cabins. Overnight stays also include a full buffet breakfast and dinner, snorkel hire and lessons, a glass-bottom boat and guided snorkel tour, and a range of other free activities. Wi-Fi on the island is limited, but that’s all part of Lady Elliot's charm. 

You don’t have to be a green thumb to visit this sprawling 250-hectare tree museum in Canberra. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Arboretum is home to more than 44,000 rare and endangered trees that were planted after the Christmas 2001 and 2003 Canberra bushfires. You can wander through 20 kilometres of multi-purpose tracks that wind through the mosaic of greenery or explore the smallest of trees in the National Bonsai Collection. Good luck stringing the kids away from the nature-themed Pod Playground featuring giant acorn cubbies, nest swings and banksia pods.

There’s no better way to soak up the magic of Mooloolaba than with a Sunset Cruise aboard Saltwater Eco Tours’ beautifully restored 114-year-old sailing vessel. As you glide along the glistening Mooloolah River, local artists set the mood with live acoustic tunes. When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll be treated to a seasonal grazing box featuring native bush tucker ingredients. If you’re keen to sample more native ingredients, Saltwater Eco Tours’ Bushtucker Cruise serves up native bush tucker-inspired canapés that beautifully connect culture to coast. For a deeper connection to Country, the relaxed 1.5-hour River Cruise weaves in fascinating commentary on local First Nations history, local ecology, and river ecosystems.