Take an eco retreat in Victoria: 10 great green options
Fancy embarking on an eco retreat in Victoria? From off-the-grid tiny houses to luxury cottages, there are plenty of options to choose from. Read on to discover eco-friendly accommodation in Victoria, perfect for your next green getaway.
Victoria is filled with the most gorgeous landscapes. Mountain ranges, dense bushland, sprawling desert and one of the prettiest coastlines in the world.
It makes sense that when we travel through these pristine environments, we want to do what we can to protect them.
Fortunately, it is possible to tread lightly and enjoy a green getaway in this small state. Choose from cute cottages, luxury lodges, tiny houses and off the grid glamping spots.
Here are some of Victoria’s best eco retreats, to suit every budget.
Read on to find the perfect place for you.
Sustainable sleeps: Find the perfect eco retreat in Victoria
Luxury eco accommodation in Victoria
These top line eco retreats are perfect for friends or couples wanting to escape the city, to boutique accommodation with seriously green credentials.
Eco-Luxe at Mount Avoca
Looking for a little luxury?
Escape to an organic vineyard, located in one of Victoria’s most underrated wine regions.
Mount Avoca’s three eco-lodges are architecturally designed and constructed with eco-friendly materials.
Each lodge has its own water tank and sewage treatment.
The winery provides a complimentary continental brekky. In addition, you’ll receive a bottle of their award-winning wine on arrival.
This cool-climate wine is perfect to sip on, while overlooking the ranges and nearby vineyards. Sounds like bliss to me.
Moreover, meal and picnic hampers can also be arranged in advance and each lodge is equipped with a Weber BBQ.
Location: Pyrenees, in Victoria’s Goldfields region (on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People)
Address: Moates Lane, via Vinoca Road, Avoca, Victoria.
Venus Bay Eco Retreat
This adults-only nature retreat consists of a self-contained cottage, surrounded by bush views.
The boutique accommodation connects to a solar-powered grid and you can compost food scraps on-site.
In addition, the rainwater collected is safe to drink straight from the tap, just as nature intended.
The eco retreat is situated on 5.6 hectares of bush land, which is a conservation spot flush with local wildlife.
Keep an eye out for cute and curious critters.
Location: Gippsland
Address: 802 Lees Road, Venus Bay
Aquila Eco Lodges
You’ll find this nature retreat in the southern end of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, at the foot of Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug).
These four lodges collect their own water and generate their own power. All waste is dealt with on-site.
Two of the lodges (the single bedroom treehouses) are designed for two adults, making them ideal for a couples eco retreat in Victoria.
The other two (double bedroom lofthouses) are a bit larger, perfect for families, friends or a set of couples.
Best of all, this peaceful retreat has its own 3 kilometre walking track. Look out for birdlife, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna, lizards… and even emu!
Location: Grampians (on the lands of the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara peoples)
Address: 586 Victoria Valley Road, Dunkeld
Sustainable hostels in Victoria
If you’re looking for affordable eco-friendly accommodation in Victoria, check yourself into one of these hostels.
Grampians Eco YHA
This hostel is not only conveniently located in the town centre of Halls Gap – it boasts some seriously green credentials.
Solar is used for the hot water system and low energy lighting used throughout the hostel.
In addition, the hostel employs the use of rainwater tanks and tends to its gardens with recycled greywater.
There’s also recycling stations around the building. Food scraps are put to good use, providing feed for the on-site chickens and worm farm.
Free-range eggs are sometimes made available for guests to use in their cooking, along with a herb garden.
Location: Grampians region
Address: 14-16 Grampians Road, Halls Gap
Apollo Bay Eco YHA
Looking for somewhere to put your feet up for the night as you journey along the Great Ocean Road?
Apollo Bay’s Eco YHA throws their all into reducing their environmental footprint.
Most importantly, passive solar design is used throughout the building, which conserves power through thermal storage banks. This warms and cools the hostel, without any need for air-con.
Recycling stations are located throughout the building and food scraps line the belly of the local worms happy.
Likewise, co-friendly cleaning products are also used to keep the building spick and span.
Best of all – the hostel is located only minutes from the town’s beautiful beach! Good for the environment and the mind.
For more, check out our extensive guide to the Great Ocean Road.
Location: Great Ocean Road region (on the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar people)
Address: 5 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay
Eco-friendly tiny houses in Victoria
Eco-friendly tiny houses offer the best of both worlds. They’re generally off-the-grid, or use very little power.
Moreover, these eco retreats offer a chance to get off the well-beaten path. Because they are usually located on people’s properties, they provide a sometimes much-needed income stream for farmers.
What’s not to like?
Shacky
The three tiny ‘Shacky’ houses promise a break from city life, in the most scenic locations.
Spread across Victoria, the self-sufficient and environmentally friendly tiny houses are perfect for a solo getaway or romantic couples retreat.
The houses run off solar power, with water heated by a generator. Indoor heating is provided by a portable heater, which runs on methylated spirits.
The toilet works via a composting system, where waste eventually breaks down, forming a mulch which can be used as fertiliser and closing the circle.
Best of all, the shower is located outdoors, at the back of the house. Strip nude, jump in and let hot water flow across your body, while you take in the beautiful views!
If you’re staying in the Yarra Valley, discover things to do in the surrounding area.
Location: Victoria’s High Country, the Grampians and the Yarra Valley
Address: Address is provided upon booking.
Jones Tiny House
Escape to a fully sustainable tiny house, perched on the edge of a family vineyard.
Amenities are powered by solar and bottled gas. But what about when the sun goes down, you cry. No fear – there’s a back-up battery, to keep things ticking along.
There’s also a compostable toilet and the property employs the use of waste water removal.
From the tiny house you can walk into town, or even bring your bike, to explore Rutherglen’s renowned food and wine scene.
Or spend time at Jones Winery & Vineyard, an award-winning winery and restaurant.
Location: Rutherglen, High Country (on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people)
Address: 61 Jones Road, Rutherglen
Off the grid glamping in Victoria
Want all the benefits of camping (in terms of treading lightly and leaving no trace), but don’t have the gear? Glamping – glamorous camping – may be the option for you.
Here are a few extraordinary eco-friendly glamping spots in Victoria.
Alpine Nature Experience
This eco retreat is located in Victoria’s alpine region and is something truly special.
It combines glamping with good food and adventure. What more can you ask for?
The experience sees you snowshoe your way to a hidden eco-village.
After check in, you’ll enjoy a glass of mulled wine around a fire.
This is followed by a delicious cheese fondue dinner in a heated tipi.
You’ll spend the night in a dome tent (or if the weather conditions are right, an igloo!) before taking a scenic skidoo ride back to Hotham’s car park after breakfast.
During the summertime, you can opt to go eco-glamping in one of the retreats’ tree tents.
Location: Mt Hotham, High Country (travelling through the traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai people)
Address: Precise location revealed upon booking
Mansfield Glamping
This eco retreat uses bell tents, which accommodate two adults, making this perfect for a couples getaway.
The glampsite uses solar panels for lighting, has eco friendly and recyclable disposables and upholds a minimal/zero waste policy.
You can also keep warm around the fire pit and fireplace, outside of fire ban season.
For convenience, you can add on a breakfast hamper of local produce, produce platters, BBQ packs and local wine.
In addition, local bikes are available for hire, along with on-site yoga sessions.
Most importantly, the site is accessible for wheelchair users, with spacious accommodation, toilet and showers.
Service animals are also allowed within the glampsite.
Location: Victoria’s High Country (on the traditional lands of the Taungurung people)
Address: Rifle Butts Rd, Mansfield, Victoria
The Yurt Alpine Retreat
Nestled within Victoria’ King Valley is a glamping experience with a unique twist.
It’s all in the name, really. Stay in a yurt, just outside of Victoria’s alpine region, on top of a mountain ridge.
This area has fantastic walks, stunning views and some of the best food and wine available within the state.
Location: High Country (on the traditional lands of the Taungurung people)
Address: 234 Evans Lane, Myrrhee
Well there you have it – plenty of options for an eco retreat in Victoria, no matter what your preference. If sustainability is your jam, learn how to travel zero waste and see our top recommendations for eco-friendly travel items, including the best reusable water bottles for travel.
Have you stayed at an eco retreat in Victoria? Are there any that you think should be added to this list? For more like this, check out our guide to the best weekend getaways from Melbourne. And here’s where you can find the best waterfalls in Victoria.
For more on Australia, see my Australia Travel Guide.
And you may want to learn how to integrate the 12 permaculture principles into your travels.
