Daylesford, Victoria
Rain water, green power, eco-friendly lighting, wood fires, and recycled materials make this romantic cottage, originally a stone and timber workshop, a guiltless indulgence. Spa tub for two and hamper of wine on arrival, for $134 a night? Yes, please!
Bellingen, New South Wales
This century-old house has been renovated to feature solar hot water, a composting system and even its own veggie patch. Just a two-minute walk from the beach and local shops, and with downtown Bellingen a ten-minute amble down the road, this house accommodates six ... as well as your pets, who are also welcome here.
Bream Creek, Tasmania
If your way of 'going green' includes not just environmentally friendly accommodation, but accommodation in the middle of a gorgeous environment, Wielangta's the place for you. Set on 40 acres of bush, you can spot falcons, eagles, kookaburras, quolls, bandicoots, wombats, potoroos, wallabies and pademelons from the comfort of one of your three decks. Three creeks pass through the property, and as its set on a hillside you've got awesome views of Marion Bay and the Tasman beyond.
Mount Beauty, Victoria
If you're looking for eco-friendly accommodation when you head to the snow, check out Dreamers Eco Apartments, a 30-minute drive from Falls Creek in Victoria. The three-bedroom units have rammed earth walls and are set on a tranquil trout lagoon. Light a log fire and relax after a long day off piste.
Apollo Bay, Victoria
Horseback riding along the beach, bushwalking and fishing await at Gwinganna, a restored market garden that sits on three hectares of the Otway rainforest. Up to eight people can stay here comfortably, and after you get into the laid-back groove, you might find it hard to leave.
Hepburn Springs, Victoria
Recycled timber, hot water on demand, excessive natural light and energy-efficient appliances and bulbs can make you feel a little bit less guilty about enjoying a soak in your Hydro spa for two. Don't worry — Dead Sea rock salts, natural oils and organic provisions will all come provided. You just have to lay back and relax.
Suffolk Park, New South Wales
'Miyabi' is Japanese for "grace, elegance, and refinement", which you'll definitely come to understand after a stay near enough to the myriad options of Byron Bay but a world away at this retreat. Solar hot water and recycled rain water make this place green, and the gobs or natural light make it a cheery place suitable for two couples.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Just two hours' drive from Sydney is Wollombi Valley, and on 20 acres of bushland, the private retreats at 'Somewhere Unique' are a great (and green) place to escape.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
This two-bedroom house is set on 50 acres of wild bushland, full of walking tracks and direct access to Pennington Bay, where nine times out of ten you'll have the beach all to yourself and can busy yourself fishing, surfing, dolphin spotting or just kicking back. Solar-generated power and fresh rainwater collection make this a green place that also accepts your four-legged friends.
Carrickalinga, South Australia
This house runs on rainwater and solar hot water, uses solar blinds and maximum natural light to keep environmental strain to a minimum. It sleeps nine adults and a child, and is also pet-friendly, so bring the whole gang.
