A formal commitment to sustainable travel and tourism has uniquely rewarded Port Macquarie's The Observatory Hotel on the NSW North Coast.

A 10-year program introducing environmentally-sound practices to the hotel's operations has seen it attract a swag of awards including, most recently, international recognition for its green principles and achievement.

The Observatory has been named Australasia's best sustainable hotel in the 2014 World Boutique Hotel Awards announced in London this month. The accolade adds to a list that, this year alone, includes the NSW Premier's Award, 2014 Green Globes, as the most outstanding overall among all 25 category winners recognised for environmental innovation, and winner of both the Sustainability and Service Excellence categories in the 2014 Australian Business Awards.

The hotel was one of the early few in the Australian accommodation industry to become 100 per cent carbon neutral, a status audited and verified by its government-endorsed environmental consultants.

Among numerous original initiatives by the management operators, Southern Cross Resorts' Chris and Trish Denny, was retrofitting of power-hungry systems and installations throughout the then newly-built property to cut carbon-emitting energy use without compromising guest comfort. Over the past decade, water usage and waste production have also been substantially reduced while retaining guest amenity.

Conscious of the growing number of eco-minded travellers, the hotel also created O-Zone packages. For a nominal $20 a booking, guests wanting to do a little extra for the planet will have a tree planted by Observatory staff and receive a certificate recognising their contribution to the local environment. Other package inclusions are in-room fitness equipment, a “green library” with works such as the biography of award-winning environmentalist David Suzuki, green tea and other organic refreshments and a fresh sushi welcome plate.

 The Observatory claims the best hotel location on NSW's North Coast, directly overlooking Port Macquarie's picturesque main beach. A year ago it capitalised on its perfect north-east aspect to install hundreds of solar panels on its rooftop. Ideally orientated, the panels generate what authorities say is the power consumption of 5,000 guests a year. In the intervening years the Dennys'  staged “Green Future” program has seen numerous progressive environmental innovations ranging from rubbish recycling to staff- and guest-engagement projects and extending to protection measures dedicated to the welfare and preservation of local fauna and flora.

MEDIA: The Observatory Hotel is an image-friendly destination in itself with Norfolk Pines-lined beach, pool, spa, sauna, day spa, cycling, free iPod audio-visual tours, picnicking, dining and more on offer right from Reception. EOIs and pitches are invited from mainstream print, TV and radio media to enjoy an extended famil stay at our resort hotel, including both meals and self-catering provisions; family are welcome to accompany you in our oceanfront apartment-style guest rooms. There's plenty of content on offer, e.g: a specialised feature on how going green has successfully made Planet & Profit benefits mutually achievable – and even sees guests volunteering to pay a premium to support local community food recycling, koala care and beachside plant regeneration schemes. Or: (b) a story on - lists are so popular - 10 Ways to Walk Softly on holiday, including farm tours and strawberry picking, whale watching and horse riding. Ask us for an outline.

“Port” is the biggest centre of population between Newcastle and the Queensland border and The Observatory is the North Coast's most awarded hotel for both sustainability and service excellence. We are around four hours' drive from Sydney (Wahroonga) and two hours from Newcastle and served daily by Qantas and Virgin ex Sydney and Brisbane.

We welcome media coverage that informs audiences on the Port Macquarie region as an ideal holiday, wedding, conference and events destination, and can arrange a comprehensive familiarisation itinerary. Southern Cross Resorts' Chris Denny, available for interview, is a long-time president and vice-president of Port Macquarie Tourism and on the board/executive of national hospitality organisations. He is a founding member of the Port Macquarie Sustainability Network. 

Contact: Susie Boswell, PORT TOURISM PR E: sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au T: 0411 040 888