Sustainability

We’re privileged to live and work in the pristine natural environment of South Australia’s Riverland. As retreat owners, it’s vital that we strive to preserve and protect the natural beauty of this region, which is why we are Tourism Eco Certified, Green Leaders and have an approved Environmental Action Plan.

Sustainable Design

From the get-go, a sustainable approach was taken to the design and building of The Frames. Our retreats are thermally efficient, with double glazed windows, screen shades to control sunlight, and highly insulated walls and floors. Each retreat has compartmentalised, independently controlled air conditioning, and we encourage guests to take advantage of the fresh air that flows through our louvered windows. We have a system to control appliances remotely which reduces energy consumption while rooms are not occupied. Our swimming pools are filled with rainwater and are solar heated, and our lighting systems are LED. We use the Found-Space infrared sauna systems, which are made from wood sourced from renewable plantations and are more energy efficient than a traditional steam sauna.

Sustainable Practises

We pride ourselves in our environmentally friendly practises. We provide a Tesla charging station for electric vehicles, and an electric cart for our staff. We have chosen to appoint the retreats with appliances that are energy and water efficient. Our property captures and stores rainwater, and our bio sewerage system allows us to recycle greywater for irrigation. Our low-maintenance gardens feature hardy native plants that are fed by under-surface drippers, and we have minimised the use of traditional lawns to reduce water usage. To nourish our gardens, we use grape marc – a waste product from winemaking - from our own property. All rubbish is sorted, and recycling is separated, right down to our coffee pods which are collected for special recycling. We use biodegradable and compostable garbage bags and packaging where possible, and rather than supplying single-use crockery and cutlery, our tableware is sterilised by dishwasher, allowing it to be hygienically reused.

Sustainable experiences

The Riverland region is the star of the show, and we encourage you to experience it on foot, by complimentary e-bike, or on one of our eco-friendly water-based tours which use a combination of electric and four-stroke outboard motors to minimise emissions. Our guides are proud Riverland locals, so sharing the region’s sustainability story comes naturally to them. On the rare occasion that we encounter litter on our tours, we collect and dispose of it and encourage you to do the same.

Owners Cathy and Rick are third generation citrus and grape growers so it’s natural that our culinary offering incorporates produce grown on our own property, which helps to reduce our food miles. You’ll be treated to home-grown chocolate-coated dehydrated oranges, freshly squeezed orange juice, seasonal citrus and dried fruits from the property as well as complimentary hand-crafted shiraz, exclusive to guests of The Frames. Cathy hand-makes our sauces and chutneys using home-grown produce. We partner with hyper-local businesses for the supply of our food and beverages; our chefs cook with seasonal local produce such as saltbush lamb and Murray cod, and the in-room food and beverages are majority locally sourced – from locally made almond milk and muesli to boutique local gins with native botanicals. On our Flavour Safari experience, we showcase the flavours of the Riverland – fondly known as ‘the food bowl of Australia’ – by taking you to local breweries, wineries and food producers. We actively encourage you to sample and appreciate our diverse local produce, and to take a little taste of the Riverland home with you.

Our local culinary suppliers and partners include: