The sustainable projects worth taking a drive to this summer

Next time you’re looking for a fun day out, consider taking a drive to these five projects around Australia that offer you the chance to experience our beautiful country while protecting it for future generations.

Brisbane’s environment centres are beautiful natural settings that invite visitors to learn about native flora and fauna through immersive activities, take guided walks through protected environments and join workshops on sustainable living, forest bathing yoga and permaculture. With flat bike paths and expansive boardwalks, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family.

With three unique areas, Boondall Wetlands, Downfall Creek and Karawatha Forest, it's worth making the drive to visit all three.

After the devastating bushfires in 2020, Kangaroo Island in South Australia is undergoing a massive regeneration. Take the 45-minute vehicle ferry across the straight and join a tour to walk the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. It's one of the best ways to witness the regeneration of Flinders Chase National Park, as an experienced local guide shares stories of resilience and nature’s incredible.

While you’re there, meet the 700+ furry friends at The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, the epicentre of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts during the fires.

With much of rural Australia battling drought and other hardships, life in small towns can be tough. So an innovative project has seen many regional communities turn their water towers or grain silos into incredible, monolithic artworks. Taking a drive off the beaten track to check out these artworks is a fantastic way to see more of rural Australia. And stopping for lunch at the local pub or grabbing a coffee at the country bakers is the simplest way to support the local economy and help keep these small towns afloat.

With more than 125 painted water towers and grain silos scattered across the country, check out the Australian Silo Art Trail to start planning your trip.

Take part in the nation's largest community-based environmental event, and help keep Australia clean on Sunday 6th March. You can head to the website to find organised events in your area, or take a drive to your favourite beach or national park further afield. If there’s nothing in your area, it’s easy to create your own clean up event and get the local community engaged.

Wildlife Wonders is a wildlife sanctuary in Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, purposefully created to showcase the ecosystems and wildlife unique to the local Otways region. Only one year old, the Wildlife Wonders walk guides visitors through lush fern gullies, eucalypt forests and incredible ocean views.

You can spot koalas and kangaroos, potoroos, bandicoots and a diverse array of birdlife. Since opening, it has been named as one of the world’s best places to enjoy nature in 2022 by National Geographic Magazine. With all entrance fees being used to fund vital conservation work, this is one day trip that will leave you with a renewed focus on protecting our beautiful environment.

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