Top 5 Eco-Friendly Road Trips in Australia

Dreaming of exploring Australia? Road trips are a great way to experience Australia’s stunning landscapes while keeping your environmental impact low. From Victoria’s coastal cliffs to Queensland’s rainforests, here are 5 top eco-friendly road trip tips to travel sustainably. Pack your bags (and your reusable bottle) for a trip that’s as kind to the planet as it is exciting!

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Spanning 240km from Torquay to Allansford, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is a masterclass in coastal sustainability. Start with an eco-certified tour at Wildlife Wonders near Apollo Bay, where guided walks through native habitats fund the Conservation Ecology Centre. 

Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles—limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean—or the rainforest trails of Great Otway National Park, where marked paths protect delicate ecosystems. For stays, book Apollo Bay Eco YHA, a solar-powered hostel with rainwater systems and ocean-view decks.

Local SEO Tip: Search for “eco-certified Great Ocean Road tours” or “sustainable stays near Twelve Apostles” to find vetted options.

2. Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Just 90km west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer UNESCO-listed valleys and eco-adventures. Join Tread Lightly Eco Tours for solar-powered bushwalks to the Three Sisters rock formation, learning about Indigenous heritage and rare wildlife. 

Visit Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary to observe wombats and kangaroos ethically, then unwind at Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, built from recycled timber. Refill reusable bottles at free stations in Katoomba to cut plastic waste.

Local SEO Tip: Look up “ECO Destination Blue Mountains” or “sustainable hikes near Katoomba” for curated itineraries.

3. Coral Coast, Western Australia

Stretching from Perth to Exmouth, this route dazzles with Ningaloo Reef’s coral gardens and Kalbarri’s rust-red gorges. Snorkel responsibly with eco-certified operators who avoid reef damage, or hike Kalbarri National Park’s skywalks with guides who emphasise trail preservation. Stay at Karijini Eco Retreat, a solar-powered, Indigenous-owned retreat nestled in the Pilbara. Rent an e-bike in Carnarvon to explore coastal trails emission-free.

Local SEO Tip: Search “sustainable Ningaloo Reef tours” or “eco stays Coral Coast WA” for ethical operators.

4. Tasmania’s East Coast

From Hobart to the Bay of Fires, Tasmania’s 300km coastal drive pairs secluded beaches with carbon-neutral stays. Hike Freycinet National Park’s Wineglass Bay circuit with Freycinet Adventures, which provides plastic-free tours, or join Parks Tasmania rangers on Maria Island to spot wombats and historic sites. Sleep at Bay of Fires Lodge, where solar power and timber construction minimise environmental impact. Offset your drive via Greenfleet or carpool using Tasmania’s Ride Share groups.

Local SEO Tip: Try “Tasmania East Coast eco-lodges” or “sustainable hikes Freycinet” for tailored options.

5. Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland

This 140km rainforest journey connects Cairns to the Daintree, where ancient ecosystems meet Indigenous wisdom. Cross the Daintree River via a solar-powered ferry, then join Walkabout Cultural Adventures to forage bush tucker with Kuku Yalanji guides. Stay at Daintree Ecolodge’s rainforest villas or Silky Oaks Lodge’s treehouse suites, both leaders in sustainable design. Volunteer with Rainforest Rescue to plant trees or remove invasive species.

Local SEO Tip: Search “Daintree eco-certified tours” or “solar ferry Cape Tribulation” for low-impact experiences.

Sustainable Travel Tips for Road Trips 

Make your next adventure kinder to the planet with these practical, easy-to-follow strategies—designed to minimise your environmental impact while exploring Australia’s iconic routes.

1. Map Your Journey Wisely

Efficient route planning cuts fuel use and supports communities. Use Google Maps’ “eco-friendly routing” to find fuel-efficient paths or apps like A Better Routeplanner for electric vehicles (EVs). Cluster stops in towns like Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road) or Katoomba (Blue Mountains) to reduce backtracking. Pre-book eco-certified attractions, such as Wildlife Wonders in Victoria or Maria Island Guided Walks in Tasmania.

Local SEO tip: Search “eco-certified Great Ocean Road stops” or “sustainable attractions near Cairns.”

2. Choose Greener Wheels

Transport accounts for 60% of travel emissions. Rent an EV (Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona)  hybrid—Chargefox stations now span routes like the Great Ocean Road and Tasmania’s East Coast. For petrol/diesel cars, maintain optimal tyre pressure and use cruise control on highways to boost efficiency.

Local example: Chargefox’s “NRMA Wauchope” station (Pacific Highway) offers ultra-rapid charging between Sydney and Brisbane.

3. Back Local Eco-Heroes

Your spending empowers grassroots sustainability. Stay at eco-certified accommodations like Bay of Fires Lodge (Tasmania) or Karijini Eco Retreat (WA). Dine at farm-to-table cafes (e.g., The Agrarian Kitchen in Tasmania) or Indigenous-owned tours like Walkabout Cultural Adventures (Daintree). Look for the Ecotourism Australia logo—a guarantee of genuine green practices.

Local SEO tip: Search “Indigenous tours Northern Territory” or “eco-certified stays Margaret River.”

4. Leave Nature Pristine

Protecting ecosystems ensures they thrive for future travellers. Pack out all waste—even biodegradable items like apple cores harm wildlife. Stay on marked trails in fragile areas (e.g., Kalbarri Gorges or Daintree boardwalks). Use reef-safe sunscreen (like SunButter) near Ningaloo or the Great Barrier Reef. Observe wildlife quietly—keep 10m from kangaroos and never feed animals.

5. Pack Light, Pack Right

Reusables slash single-use plastic, and lighter cars use less fuel. Here is an essential checklist:

• Reusable bottles (refill at Big Esso water stations in cities).
• Bamboo cutlery and containers for roadside picnics.
• Solar-powered gear (e.g., LuminAID lights for camping).
• Avoid overpacking—extra weight increases fuel consumption.

Final Pro Tip: Offset unavoidable emissions via Greenfleet (plants native trees in Australia) or ClimateCare. By blending smart planning with mindful choices, you’ll protect the landscapes you love—one kilometre at a time.

Discover Australia the Eco-Friendly Way 

Explore Australia’s incredible landscapes the eco-friendly way with Popcar! Whether it’s the Great Ocean Road or the Daintree Rainforest, Popcar makes road trips simple and sustainable—no car ownership required. Choose from a range of vehicles, pay only for what you use, and skip the hassle of car payments, registration, or maintenance.

Here’s how it works: become a member, book your car via our app or portal, unlock it with Bluetooth, and hit the road. When you’re done, just return the car to its original spot. Save money, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy stress-free travel. Ready to go? Apply now and start exploring with Popcar!