Visiting Australia’s Most Eco-Friendly Cities

Australia is a popular destination for eco-tourists, with its unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Yet for those interested in seeing the real Australia, it’s important to remember that nearly 90% of the population live in urban areas. The population is swiftly growing in many of these cities, which makes it more important than ever to enact sustainability programs and keep the quality of life high. Visiting Australia’s most sustainable cities allows travellers to not only gain insight into the country’s green-friendly policies, but also provides a wealth of memorable sights and attractions to enjoy. The following are a few top picks.

Darwin

Ranked the most sustainable city in Australia in 2010 by Australian Conservation Foundation, Darwin earns top marks in air quality and biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy the numerous protected national parks in the area like the East Point Reserve and Crocodylus Park and Zoo, along with sites of interest such as the Aviation Museum. One interesting project that puts Darwin at the top of the list is the Shoal Bay Waste Disposal Site. This uses waste as a means of producing methane gas, which is then converted into a renewable power source by the Darwin Renewable Energy Facility. Currently, this project is powering 1,000 Darwin residences.

Brisbane

Home to attractions such as the Queensland Museum, Story Bridge, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane is a top destination for tourists. This coastal city is not only popular with visitors, but it’s one of the top spots for investors thanks to its affordable housing and rapid population growth. When you find Brisbane real estate investments, you can think about enrolling in green-friendly programs such as the EzyGreen Energy Reduction Program. This provides financial incentive to switch over to low-cost solar power systems and energy efficient appliances, using vouchers. Another reason to visit or invest in this booming Queensland city is the new electric car charging station situated in King George Square car park. This pilot program is designed to glean information about electric vehicle use in the city, in order to make improvements for the future.

Hobart

With a remote location set amidst gorgeous natural beauty, this Tasmanian capital boasts excellent infrastructure to encourage sustainability. The government offers rebates for solar hot water systems, along with vouchers for insulation and energy efficiency development projects. There are plans in the works for a local wind farm, and a sound recycling program is already in place. Residents of Hobart are some of the top recyclers and composters in Australia, putting this picturesque city ahead of the curve.

Adelaide

Visitors to Adelaide may be interested in the Christie Walk architectural installation, which showcases homes built from green materials. These properties have shared outdoor spaces and use fully sustainable local power sources. This provides a glimpse of what the future could hold for modern, bustling Adelaide. Already well known for its lush green spaces and botanic gardens, Adelaide also has launched the first solar-powered bus in the world. The Tindo is free of charge and relies entirely on solar power, making it a unique and eco-friendly way to get around town when you’re seeing the sights.

Whether you’re interested in investing in Australian property using listings sites such as Homesales or simply want a green-friendly urban respite, Australia’s cities have stepped up to the plate. This trend is expected to continue into the future, as new city initiatives are designed and technologies embraced.

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