A sustainable stay in Lilydale, Tasmania has been crowned Australia’s Best Nature Stay in Airbnb’s second annual Host Awards. The Container is an innovative example of how the rise of eco-tourism is seeing the production of sustainable stays for eco-conscious travellers.

The Container is powered by the sun and a hydro system, created from an up-cycled shipping container with its additional build repurposed from recycled and found materials. It is also a closed-looped system.

Airbnb hosts for 12 years, Susie and Gordon wanted to ensure their Airbnb encompassed nature from the outside in and lead the way in sustainable travel.

“Be the change you want to see is our philosophy at The Container,” Susie said. “Nature is your host, guests won’t meet us but expect a visit from the kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and chooks.

“The Container is a closed loop system, which means we can bring an authentic sustainable experience to our guests’ stays. For example, firewood is sourced from the mountain, all food waste is composted for our garden or fed to the chooks who in turn lay eggs for our guests. We hand-knit our dishcloths from organic cotton, and when they wear out we re-purpose them for mulch on our garden beds, knitting needles and the pattern are provided for guests to knit their own to take home. Being an Airbnb host is a fine way to live.”

“We aim to demonstrate that living sustainably doesn’t mean without style or that luxe experience.”