6 Environmentally Conscious Destinations to Visit in Oceania

There is no doubt that one of the most beautiful regions in the world is Oceania. With thousands of beautiful islands and Australia as the centerpiece, everyone is guaranteed to find something here that they will want to come back to as soon as possible.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday imbued with luxury at one of the outstanding resorts or you want to explore the natural beauties of the unbeaten path, you won’t make a mistake by making Oceania your next destination. Here are some of the top places in the region that are not only beautiful but can offer an eco-friendly experience as well.

Daintree Rainforest

Starting our journey in Australia, on the northeastern corner of the continent you will find the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest spans about 1,200 square kilometers, and you can learn about it and see it up-close by visiting the Daintree Discovery Centre.

There are plenty of natural attractions nearby, such as the Mossman Gorge, but a recommended activity here is certainly taking a leisurely cruise on the Daintree River, enjoying the beautiful deep greens all around and listening to nature sounds – perhaps even spotting a few animals if you’re lucky. And the best thing of all is that you can find unique, luxury accommodation that is also eco-friendly at the same time, embedded among the trees, overlooking the river.

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New Zealand

Perhaps as far away from the rest of the world as it gets, there is no doubt that the land of Kiwis is a unique country that surprises all its visitors with its fantasy-like landscapes. Needless to say, fans of the Lord of the Rings series made New Zealand somewhat of a pilgrimage destination, but you needn’t be interested in fantasy literature to enjoy a trip to this country to the fullest.

If you are intrigued, you can take one of the charter flights from Sydney and be in New Zealand in no time, from where you can start your journey through both of the amazing islands. For a truly picturesque destination, make your way to Milford Sound, where the beautiful fjords and mountainous views will take your breath away. Here, too, you can take a cruise and enjoy the fresh air, or if you’re into active traveling, you’ll be happy to know that there are quite a few walking tracks to choose from.

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Fiji

We can hardly leave out Fiji when talking about the best destinations in Oceania – this archipelago is dubbed by the Lonely Planet as one of the best in the Asia Pacific, and it is also a rising eco-friendly destination with more and more eco-tours available for visitors to see the natural beauties of the islands in the best manner possible.

Find a local guide in Fiji here.

Your hardest decision will probably be choosing which island you want to stay on, but regardless of your decision, island hopping is recommended to see as much as possible during your vacation. For stunning white beaches, visit the Mamanucas or for beautiful waterfalls, consider Vanua Levu. If you’re an animal lover, you might want to consider Turtle Island, a private island among the Yasawa islands that prides itself in sustainable luxury resorts and the conservation of sea turtles.

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Blue Mountains

Taking a turn back onto the continent of Australia, you should know that there are plenty of amazing places to travel to while at the same time, remaining in the close vicinity of the city. For instance, the Blue Mountains are located just a stone’s throw from Sydney but they offer a feeling of untouched nature, the opportunity to hike and explore beautiful views, and there is even sustainable accommodation to cater to the needs of modern tourists. A treehouse accommodation will bring you close to nature and give you a relaxing time for sure!

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Vanuatu

It comes as no surprise that many of the more popular islands in Oceania come with a fair share of crowds. While that is all fine, if you want to avoid that, consider Vanuatu as your next destination. Made up of about 80 islands, there is plenty to do and see here, including an active volcano that is certainly a sight you’ll never forget.

Other, less extreme-sounding sights include, for instance, the Mele Cascades, which is a beautiful collection of pools and waterfalls located just 10km from Port Vila. For more laid-back activities, you can consider relaxing at a spa that will rejuvenate you and make you feel fresh and ready for your next stop.

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Moorea

Finally, a picture-perfect island destination in the South Pacific is Moorea. Its volcanic mountains give a unique view that will sweep you off your feet, while the beaches lined with palm trees are the epitome of a relaxing exotic holiday. You can take part in eco-tours that support marine wildlife conservation in Moorea, and there are even activities that allow you to contribute to the preservation of coral reefs. Swimming, snorkeling, and all kinds of water activities are available, while on the dry land, hiking up to the Belvedere Lookout is simply a must.

Find a local guide in Moorea, here.

Since Oceania is so expansive and so diverse, it is impossible to highlight each and every place worthy of your visit. The previously mentioned ones, nevertheless, won’t disappoint, and you can even rest assured at the same time that your visit is not harming our precious environment. By visiting some of these places and seeing all the beautiful sights in person, you will certainly feel even more compelled to support eco-friendly tourism in the future. For now, have fun on your next trip!

Have you been down under or in the Polynesian Islands? What did you like best? Are you planning to visit someday? Please leave a comment below.