Sustainable Living

Sustainability at Aquila Eco Retreat

Sustainability is not a slogan or a marketing trend. It is part of how the retreat was designed, built and continues to operate every day

Set among the rolling hills of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, Aquila was created as a low-impact, nature-connected retreat where guests can enjoy luxury accommodation while treading more lightly on the land. From our off-grid solar power system to native revegetation, recycled materials, e-transport and guest conservation initiatives, we are committed to making thoughtful choices and continuing to improve.

We do not claim to be perfect. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are always learning. What we can do is share clearly what we are doing, measure our impact where possible, and invite our guests to be part of the story.

Off-Grid Living

Aquila Eco Retreat is powered by a sophisticated off-grid solar power system, supported by generous battery storage. This system provides power across the retreat, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful, comfortable and luxurious stay while reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity.

Since opening, Aquila’s solar power system has helped reduce carbon emissions by approximately 15.5 tonnes – the equivalent of planting around 1,247 trees.

Our off-grid system powers the retreat’s accommodations, guest facilities, EV charging and operational needs, while also supporting our commitment to low-impact tourism. Behind the scenes, we continue to monitor our energy use and make improvements to ensure the retreat runs as efficiently as possible.

For guests, this means enjoying a stay that feels indulgent and deeply comfortable, while knowing that the energy supporting their experience is being generated right here on the property.

Regenerating the Landscape

When Aquila was created, much of the land had a long history of grazing. One of our most important sustainability goals has been to help restore native habitat and increase biodiversity across the retreat grounds.

More than 1,000 native trees, shrubs and flowering ground covers have been planted throughout the property. These plantings are designed to provide food, shelter and habitat for local wildlife, including native birds, insects and small animals.

As the gardens mature, we are already seeing encouraging signs of change. Birdlife such as Honeyeaters, not previously seen on the property, are now being observed among the native plantings. These moments remind us that even small, carefully considered actions can help bring life back into the landscape.

Guests are warmly invited to wander the retreat grounds, enjoy the gardens, and observe the changing wildlife that now calls Aquila home.

Aquila’s Plant-A-Tree Conservation Scheme

Our guest-sponsored tree planting scheme allows guests to contribute directly to conservation at Aquila.

Through this initiative, guest contributions support the planting of Eucalyptus morrisbyi, one of Tasmania’s most endangered tree species. Native to south-eastern Tasmania, Eucalyptus morrisbyi has a very limited natural range and is considered an important species for conservation.

Each sponsored tree becomes part of Aquila’s broader revegetation and habitat restoration work. For us, this initiative is not only about planting trees. It is about giving guests a tangible way to contribute to the future of the land they have stayed on.

We are deeply grateful to the sustainability-conscious guests who have chosen to be part of this project. Their names are proudly displayed beside the trees they have helped plant, and we consider them part of Aquila’s conservation story.

Carbon-Free Guest Transport

Aquila offers a range of low-impact transport options for guests who want to explore the Coal River Valley more sustainably.

Guests can hire e-bikes, e-touring bikes and e-scooters to visit nearby wineries, distilleries, historic Richmond, local producers and other small businesses in the region. These carbon-free transport options allow guests to slow down, experience the landscape more closely, and reduce the need for car-based travel during their stay.

Our team is always happy to share local tips and suggested routes, especially for visits to like-minded businesses that value quality, creativity, sustainability, and a connection to place.

For Aquila, e-transport is about more than reducing emissions. It also supports local tourism by encouraging guests to explore, spend locally and discover the people and places that make the Coal River Valley so special.

Recycled, Reused and Upcycled Materials

Creativity and sustainability are woven throughout the Aquila experience. Across the retreat grounds, along the walking track and inside the accommodations, guests will find materials that have been recycled, reused, repurposed or given a second life.

At the entrance to Aquila stands our magnificent eagle sculpture, created by a local Tasmanian sculptor. The sculpture sits proudly atop recycled timber beams from Hobart’s iconic Macquarie Wharf, transforming industrial history into a striking symbol of place, wildlife and renewal.

Along the walking track to Richmond, guests will find the Aquila Hay Shed, created using recycled materials and filled with Aquila-made treasures. Inside the accommodations, guests will also find beautiful recycled Tasmanian timber bedheads, crafted from timber that was once destined to be burnt and has instead been given new life.

These details are part of Aquila’s identity. We believe sustainability can be practical, creative and beautiful.

Conservation in the Guest Experience

At Aquila, sustainability is not hidden away behind the scenes. It is gently folded into the guest experience.

Each accommodation includes thoughtful storytelling connected to the Tasmanian environment. Even the bathroom towels have been chosen to reflect endangered Tasmanian birdlife, with a different bird story shared across each accommodation.

Aquila also supports local small businesses wherever possible. Guests will find unique Tasmanian-made homewares throughout the retreat, from coasters, tea towels and cushions to locally made crockery and outdoor Adirondack chairs. We made a conscious effort to buy hyper-local where we could, helping to reduce transport impacts, support small businesses and avoid mass-produced goods.

Throughout the retreat grounds, guests can wander among Tasmanian-made sculptures, read interpretive signage, and learn more about the land, wildlife, local history and conservation stories that shape Aquila.

Our aim is not to lecture, but to invite curiosity. We hope guests leave not only rested and restored, but also more connected to Tasmania’s natural environment, local creativity and the small businesses that help make this region so special.

Reducing Waste and Single-Use Plastic

Aquila works to reduce unnecessary waste wherever possible.

Guests and staff are encouraged to separate waste, with both general waste and recycling bins provided. Within the accommodations, we keep single-use plastics to a minimum by using refillable bathroom products rather than individual disposable amenity bottles.

We know waste reduction is an area that requires constant attention and improvement. Aquila continues to learn and strengthen its practices through participation in programs such as Plastic Free Places, helping us identify practical ways to further reduce single-use plastic across the retreat.

Our approach is simple: reduce what we can, reuse where possible, recycle responsibly, and keep improving.

Recognised Sustainability Standards

Aquila’s sustainability commitments are supported by recognised national accreditation programs, including Sustainable Tourism Accreditation and Eco Star Accreditation.

These accreditations help ensure that our environmental practices are not just self-declared, but are assessed against established tourism sustainability standards.

For guests, this provides reassurance that Aquila’s sustainability claims are backed by real action, continuous improvement and external recognition.

Our Ongoing Commitment

Sustainability at Aquila is a long-term commitment.

We are proud of what has already been achieved: operating off-grid, saving carbon emissions, planting native habitat, supporting endangered species, offering carbon-free guest transport, reducing waste and creatively reusing materials throughout the retreat.

But we also know there is always more to do.

As Aquila grows, we will continue to measure, improve and share our progress honestly. Our goal is to offer guests a luxurious, memorable and deeply Tasmanian experience; one that supports the land, local wildlife, the regional economy and future generations of travellers.

When you stay at Aquila Eco Retreat, you become part of that story.