Our commitment is to help visitors enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Australian bush without compromising on comfort, and to manage a sustainable small business that contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Our commitment to our guests

• A unique holiday choice that contributes to environmental sustainability and biodiversity .
• Privacy for guests and respect for wildlife.
• Friendly service – your host lives on site and is available to help you discover this diverse region.
• An opportunity to experience and learn about Australia’s amazing natural environment.

Our commitment to conservation

From the early 1980’s to current day – work on improving biodiversity continues with annual plantings of indigenous flora and ongoing pest, plant and animal control.

2014  Mae Adams, owner/manager of Venus Bay Eco Retreat, was recognised for her contribution to biodiversity conservation in the Trust for Nature bulletin, Issue 61, November 2014.

2014  Venus Bay Eco Retreat was selected as one of three finalists in the Victorian Sustainability Awards.

2013-2018 Venus Bay Eco Retreat won a competitive tender to conserve Coast Salt Marsh and Coast Banksia Woodland habitats at Venus Bay, Victoria.

2012  Venus Bay Eco Retreat was selected as one of three finalists in the Sustainable Business category, Bendigo Bank Business Awards.

Climate Action

2.75 Kw grid connected roof top solar with power lines underground. We have rainwater collection that provides all domestic water.  We support certified organic producers and we use and provide earth friendly and ethically produced products that are not tested on animals. We compost, re-use and recycle and ask our guests to support these initiatives during their stay.

Green Travel Leader 2018 – 19

From 2018 to 2019 Venus Bay Eco Retreat was a Green Travel Leader with Ecotourism Australia, recognizing ten years of sustainable business practice.

Trust for Nature covenant from 2009

Venus Bay Eco Retreat actively conserves 5.6 hectares of wildlife habitat with Coast Banksia Woodland and Coast Salt Marsh ecological vegetation classes or EVC’s. These EVC’s are significantly depleted in Victoria and classified as threatened and vulnerable ecosystems.

Venus Bay Eco Retreat 2009

We hosted our first guests in January 2009.  Owner/manager Mae enjoys hosting responsible travellers from all over the world seeking to experience the unique beauty of the Australian bush land,

Advanced Ecotourism certified from 2008 – 2019

What is Advanced Ecotourism?

“ Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities”

Community volunteering 2006 – 2020

2006 – 2020 Mae was a committee member and at times President of Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula Inc., a volunteer group working to conserve and protect biodiversity on Venus Bay peninsula. After 15 very active years, the group closed in 2020.

Land for Wildlife registered 1990

Land for Wildlife is a voluntary network of landowners active in wildlife habitat restoration on private and public lands.

Early beginnings

From 1983 Venus Bay Eco Retreat’s owner and host Mae lived on the property for a decade with a basic campsite.  Mae says “Living with few creature comforts in the bushland allowed me to closely observe the annual seasons and wildlife. I now enjoy sharing this interest with visitors to the eco retreat.”