A Conscious Traveller's Guide to Exploring Melbourne, Victoria

Amid the rising concerns for the environment and eco-system, sustainable travel is quickly becoming a trend-to-watch in the tourism and hospitality industry.

People who embraced the art of conscious travel are eagerly looking to visit destinations that offer enjoyable eco-centric wellness experiences and fill their itinerary with such places and activities that share the same passions. This has led to more cities and organizations ramping up their investments in ESG initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and expanding their offerings to include wellness experiences that suit the tastes of today’s mindful travelers.

The charming state of Victoria is one such destination that attracts tourists from all over the world for unique sustainability-conscious experiences. It’s capital city, Melbourne, is considered as one of the world's most sustainable destinations. With rich wildlife, exciting coastal and forest trails and stunning natural landmarks, the city has grown and evolved to live in harmony with nature.

Conscious Food and Drinks

As a place renowned for its food and drinks culture, Victoria’s many restaurants, cafés, vineyards and other local eateries have all adopted ethical, environmentally-conscious menus and services. For example, The Lake Moodemere Estate is North East Victoria’s first Sustainably Certified vineyard where all wines are made with minimal intervention. The vineyard is in the lowest 15 per cent for fuel use, and the lowest 33 per cent for water use. The Hub Dinner Plain is a fun café and social enterprise driven to foster social change by improving the health, social and mental wellbeing of the community

Animal and Wildlife Enthusiasts

Victoria is home to several endangered species of animals. The state houses several award-winning conservation reserves and parks like the ecotour operation and Social Enterprise - Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours, the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park housing more than 60 Australian species, and Sea All Dolphin Swims which is a unique marine experience where you can snorkel with wild dolphins, seals and colorful reef fish

Sustainable Accommodations

Visitors seeking eco-friendly accommodation can choose from the numerous self-sufficient tiny houses, off-the-grid eco-lodges, farm stays and low waste glamping options in and around Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Places like the Tuki Trout Farm and Tuki Retreat, Alkina Lodge, Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm and many others offer beautifully designed hilltop homes, stoned cottages and more close to the native wildlife and natural attractions like the enchanting vineyards, orchards, the must-see Great Ocean Road, and many others

Eco-friendly Commute

Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a network of trams. Trams share road space on most Melbourne thoroughfares and are operated by Yarra Trams. For any eco-savvy traveler, the city's iconic trams are the perfect way to get around the city. The trams offer free travel across city sights and attractions, with audio commentary on points of interest along the route. Melbourne’s tram network is now 100 per cent linked to renewable energy thanks to Victorian solar farms

Wellness and Rejuvenation

For those who enjoy relaxing spa vacations, Melbourne’s famous Alba Thermal Springs & Spa and Peninsula Hot Springs offer a variety of luxury wellness experiences including natural thermal hot springs, day spas, massaging bamboo showers and more, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation

Victoria’s ever evolving landscape continues to attract all kinds of travelers while offering enriching experiences and a plethora of beaches, greenery, wildlife, adventure, culture and beyond.