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Slowing down and being kinder to the planet is everyone’s resolution for the new year – and if it’s not, it should be! Give your legs and lungs a good workout by walking or cycling, support initiatives that care for the environment, and choose eco-friendly experiences that reward with nature’s restorative embrace. Here are three destinations to add to your list of new year resolutions.

Perth: Flora, Fauna & Indigenous Heritage

Perth is blessed with bushland in the heart of the city. A 10-minute walk from Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central and even closer for Vibe Hotel Subiaco, Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. It’s an important conservation reserve with bush covering two-thirds; it’s also home to a botanic garden with more than 3,000 species of flora. 

Hire a bike, follow a walking trail or join a free guided walk in the park. Visit Beedawong, a special meeting place for Indigenous people, learn how to live off the land, and see a 750-year-old boab tree. Enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline and Swan River.

Head across to Rottnest Island, taking the Rottnest Express from the jetty terminal, a 20-minute walk from the Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central. Hire a bike or hop on the island bus to see quokkas and other wildlife, explore the beaches and walking trails, or do a boat trip around the island to spot whales and dolphins. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at Pinky’s Beach Club, newly refurbished to strict eco standards.

Half an hour south of Perth, Penguin Island is a great spot for viewing dos, sealphin lions and the world’s smallest penguins. 

Going Green In Melbourne

For more penguin encounters, visit the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, an easy day trip from Melbourne. Bask in the good vibes that come from knowing your entry fee goes towards world-leading research. 

Take a small, personalised eco tour along the Great Ocean Road with Go West Tours. It’s a long day but worth it as you see spectacular scenery, the Twelve Apostles, and koalas in their native habitat. Echidna Walkabout offers one, two and three-day eco-tours, all of which involve planting koala food trees in the morning, followed by wildlife-spotting walks in the afternoon. 

Put your feet up at the eco-savvy ‘clean and green’ Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank. A fifth of the weight of concrete, it is believed to be the world’s tallest engineered timber extension, cleverly built on top of an existing office building.

Pure New Zealand On Auckland Harbour

Auckland’s harbourside location is perfect for experiencing the great outdoors. Base yourself at the Travelodge Hotel Auckland in the vibrant Wynyard Quarter. Start the day with a workout by walking or riding a bike or scooter along the promenade to the Harbour Bridge.

Take a full-day eco-tour with Bush and Beach to experience untamed rainforest, black sand beaches, Maori carvings and coastal views, or sail to the outer Hauraki Gulf on board the Pacific Star catamaran with Terra & Tide.

Combine luxury and style with eco-sensitive travel in a Love My New Zealand luxury escape. Its day trips include offroad 4WD tours, beach and rainforest experiences, and luxury yacht charters.

Kick back at the Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart and explore the best of Auckland from the Britomart precinct to nearby Queen Street. The Adina is also perfect placed for any events at nearby Spark Arena.