Enjoy the finer things in life with the best glamping in Australia.
Glamping is all the good parts of camping, without any of the “not-so-great” parts. It’s listening to the waves crash gently on the shore as you drift off to sleep, without the stress of actually having to set up the tent or the discomfort of sleeping on a thin mattress. It’s letting the fire warm your soul as you sit around the fire pit with your favourite people, without the hassle of finding and chopping the wood yourself. It’s waking up to birdsong, it’s feeling the sand between your toes and it’s enjoying those little comforts from home while still experiencing the best of the great Australian outdoors.
Perhaps now is the time to spoil yourself and take in one of Australia’s best glamping experiences.
Queensland
Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mt Cotton
Glamping at a winery estate sounds divine, right? Nestled around giant scribbly gums and paperbark trees, Sanctuary by Sirromet at Mt Cotton is an experience not to be missed. Just 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD in sunny Queensland, the glamping pavilions surround a billabong on the winery estate.
The premium pavilion glamping tent offers all the comforts of home, featuring a private balcony, air-conditioning, coffeemaker, microwave, mini bar and your own ensuite.
Glampers can book into the Ultimate Winery Experience for a behind the scenes tour where they will enjoy a private wine tasting of a selection of Sirromet’s most awarded wines. There is a 9-hole Supagolf course, 560 acres to explore on foot and it’s close enough to the action to jump on a tour to Moreton or Stradbroke Island.
Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
Mitchell Grass Retreat offers luxury glamping in Queensland’s amazing outback. Set against the stunning and expansive backdrop of the Mitchell Grass plains bushland, this low impact accommodation is the perfect base to explore Longreach and its surroundings. Guests will enjoy features such as a deep bath, air-conditioning, outdoor deck, ensuite and European appliances.
For a town with less than 5,000 residents, Longreach packs a punch when it comes to star attractions. Explore the Qantas Founders Museum, take a private tour of Camden Park Station with Outback Dan, enjoy an outback dinner and show, take a scenic flight or a sunset cruise, visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame or just enjoy the views as you relax in your glamping tent.
New South Wales
Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay
Paperbark Camp opened in 1999 and was Australia’s first glamping property. Located just a five-minute drive from the blue-sapphire waters and white sands of Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp can be used as a base for adventure, a hub for relaxation or both.
Glampers can choose from the Original Safari tent, Deluxe Safari or King Deluxe Safari, each more luxurious than the next. The deluxe tents boast bathtubs while they all feature open campfires, luxury bedding, contemporary furnishing, insect screening, hardwood flooring and a deck.
Don’t miss dining at the onsite restaurant in the heart of the camp, The Gunyah, which takes the concept of bush tucker to another level with delicious food and specially selected regional wines served among the treetops.
The Hideaway, Tweed Coast
The Hideaway is a boutique outdoor resort located right next door to the beachside village of Cabarita Beach. Voted the best beach in Australia for 2020 by Tourism Australia, Cabarita Beach is home to iconic surf breaks, untouched open beaches and Norries Headland, with its amazing views of the valley and Mount Warning beyond.
Glampers can choose from a Classic Bell tent, Plush Deluxe or the Bigger is Better tent. Features include Koala beds, floor rugs, lighting, soft furnishings and plush bath towels. The communal entertaining areas are uniquely built into shipping containers.
Western Australia
Swell Lodge, Christmas Island
Swell Lodge is one of the world’s most exclusive eco-lodges, a state-of-the-art luxury eco glamping operation situated in the heart of the Christmas Island National Park. A stay here is like nothing else on earth with glampers enjoying a one-of-a-kind location perched on the sea cliffs.
Your stay at Swell Lodge is fully inclusive, with all meals cooked by a private chef, drinks, transport and flexible daily guided tours tailored to your interests. The chalets are 100% solar-powered and feature jungle views from the shower, luxurious ensuites, stone benchtops, king-sized beds, huge zip-down meshed windows and more.
Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park
Nestled in pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge in the heart of Karijini National Park, Karijini Eco Retreat is an environmentally friendly retreat and campground. The tents incorporate ecologically sustainable principles and feature spacious interiors, quality bedding, a private ensuite and a deck with tables and chairs.
Glampers will love retiring to their tent after a day of exploring the many stunning sites within Western Australia’s second-largest national Park, Karijini. The park is famous for its spectacular gorges, dramatic creeks and towering sheer-sided chasms up to 100 metres deep.
Victoria
Tidal River Wilderness Retreats, Wilsons Prom
Tidal River Wilderness Retreats Glamping Tents are located in the heart of Wilsons Promontory National Park, just a short stroll away from Norman Beach. The contemporary safari-style tents have built-in ensuites, queen-sized beds, a two-seater sofa, gas heating, a small fridge, a deck and more. For those who wish to self-cater, an exclusive communal kitchen and BBQ area is available.
Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is a nature lover’s paradise both below and above the water. Home to Victoria’s largest marine protected area, the underwater world here is spectacular with granite cliffs plunging below the surface, giving way to colourful sponge gardens and unique marine life.
Tasmania
Stargazing Safari Tent, Port Arthur
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, the Stargazing Safari Tents at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park offer luxury style glamping accommodation set among the trees. The tents feature a fireplace, kitchenette, bathroom, veranda with BBQ, lounge area and even an outdoor bath.
Glampers can enjoy retiring to the comforts of their glamping tent after a day exploring the seriously under-rated Port Arthur region of Tasmania. Visit the world-heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site, set out on foot along the Coal Mines Historic walking trail, visit the Port Arthur Lavender Farm or spend a day sightseeing its natural features such as the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen.
Northern Territory
The Top End Safari Camp, Darwin
The Top End Safari Camp is an overnight tour that offers an all-inclusive package for a memorable outback glamping experience. Situated in a private location off the Finniss River system, this experience showcases some of the best the Top End has to offer while retiring for the day in a deluxe lotus belle tent.
Glampers will enjoy the thrill of an airboat while spotting wildlife, birds and crocodiles, experience a 10-minute helicopter flight over floodplains, see the amazing Top End sunset followed by a gourmet BBQ dinner and will stargaze around the firepit before heading into the glamping tent to finish off the day.
Kings Canyon Resort Glamping Tents, Watarrka National Park
Kings Canyon Resort offers luxurious glamping tents on the red sand of Central Australia within the Watarrka National Park. The glamping tents feature premium linen, modern lounge areas, dining space, outdoor decks with seating, air-conditioning, ensuites, Nespresso machines, fridges, and designer furnishings and amenities.
With close access to Kings Canyon, glampers can experience the famed Rim Walk or if they’re not feeling up to it, one of the shorter, less challenging hikes.
South Australia
Ikara Safari Camp at Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges
Wilpena Pound Resort is the only accommodation located within the dramatic Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. The glamping tents feature an ensuite, air-conditioning, tea and coffee, bar fridge, hairdryers and more.
Glampers can head out on a guided walking tour, 4WD into outback gorges or embark on the popular Sunset Tour, which sees guests enjoying canapes while watching the sunset over Wilpena Pound. A scenic flight is a great way to appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding area!
Further Australia travel inspiration on SoWhereNext.com.au.
