Many hotels have feel-good corporate social responsibility programs that support charitable causes. But those that take a sound sleep one step further – operating purely to fund initiatives that make the world a better place – are harder to find.
From a social enterprise hotel running training programs for young people with disabilities, to a bush camp run by a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy, these places offer getaways that keep on giving.
Mornington Wilderness Camp, Western Australia
Managed by not-for-profit organisation Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Mornington Wilderness Camp welcomes nature-loving visitors to enjoy an isolated, down-to-earth escape in one of Australia’s most precious wilderness areas.
Visiting this 3,000 sq km sanctuary in the Kimberley helps to support the protection of threatened species such as the rainbow-hued Gouldian finch and the small-yet-feisty northern quoll.
A remote spot only accessible by 4WD during the dry season, the camp is open from May to September and is beloved by birdwatchers (200-plus species have been recorded at the sanctuary).
Whether you stay in a safari tent or roll out a swag at the unpowered creek-side campground (no fires, pets or drones allowed), all guests are welcome to perch themselves at the camp’s bush bar to share an ale and a tale as the sun sets.
• Campsites at Mornington Wilderness Camp cost $26.50 per adult ($12.50 per child) per night. Safari tents start at $325 per night and include a two-course dinner, buffet breakfast and lunch hamper.
Hotel Etico, New South Wales
Heritage charm meets modern social enterprise at Hotel Etico, a 15-room hotel that occupies the stately Mount Victoria Manor in the Blue Mountains.
Modelled on a program that began in Italy, Hotel Etico supports young adults with intellectual disabilities to gain training and experience that will open up career paths within the hospitality industry.
Whether you’re passionate about supporting disability inclusion or just looking for a cosy fireplace to relax by after a day of hiking, Hotel Etico is open to guests from June 2021.
• The full rate for a standard room at Hotel Etico is $199 a night, breakfast included.
Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Queensland
From fishing for barramundi to day tripping to Thursday Island (Waiben) aboard a ferry, there are many reasons to visit Cape York Peninsula Lodge, a community-owned hotel located in the remote Queensland township of Bamaga, Cape York. The multilingual community here speak Kala Kawa Ya, Torres Strait Creole and English, so a visit is a chance to pick up a few new phrases too.
Whether you fly into Northern Peninsula airport or drive there in a 4WD (don’t forget to check weather conditions beforehand), every stay at this lodge benefits the Bamaga community.
Run by not-for-profit Indigenous company Bamaga Enterprises, the lodge and other associated businesses help to finance community infrastructure and needs such as school uniforms, playgrounds and education scholarships.
After a challenging year in 2020, the lodge is expecting the upcoming dry season to be busy, so book well in advance.
• Simple cabins at the Cape York Peninsula Lodge start at $145 per night, while deluxe rooms with views of Mosby Creek start at $279 per night.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, NSW
Rise and shine with the koalas and support the rehabilitation of sick and injured native wildlife, by booking a stay at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary’s new glamping tents.
With an aim to support the long-term sustainability of koalas in the wild, the glamping tents were opened at the council-operated koala hospital and sanctuary in September 2020.
Set within bushland located at the edge of One Mile Beach and Worimi Conservation Lands sand dunes, the four-star glamping tents feature en suites, kitchenettes and an outdoor deck for stargazing.
• Glamping tents at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary start from $460 per night.
Djilpin Arts, Northern Territory
Beswick (Wugularr), 112km from Katherine, is the home of the Jawoyn people, who received native title to their lands in 1991.
Nowadays, Beswick has around 500 residents from all over the Northern Territory and beyond, including many talented artists who show their work through the not-for-profit Aboriginal corporation, Djilpin Arts.
Founded by late actor, musician and community leader Balang TE Lewis, Djilpin Arts is home to a museum, gallery, cultural centre and four National Architecture award-winning pavilions featuring queen beds, air-conditioning and verandas to kick back on.
As a community enterprise, all profits help to support local artists who make prints, carvings, jewellery, fibre art and contemporary textiles.
Alcohol is restricted in this community so don’t expect champagne on arrival, and before you go, be sure to apply for a visitor’s permit from the Northern Land Council.
• The pavilions at Djilpin Arts sleep up to four people and cost $165 per night.
Renmark Hotel, South Australia
Legend has it that Harry “Breaker” Morant once rode his horse into the bar of the Renmark Hotel, a grand, old pub that has been owned by the farming community of Renmark since 1897.
As Australia’s first community-owned hotel, this Murray River stalwart has generated funds for the town for more than a century, with donations and sponsorships supporting everything from flower festivals to sporting teams.
Overseen by an elected board of locals, the handsome building was given an art deco makeover in the 1930s. These days, the hotel has a laid-back bar and bistro, museum and accommodation options ranging from simple motel-style rooms to spa suites with Murray River views.
• Motel-style rooms at the Renmark Hotel start from $115 per night, while rooms with a river view start at $160.
