Chris AshtonFull disclosure: I’ve never been the biggest fan of camping. Sure, it’s fun and I always enjoy myself whenever I go, but I just don’t have that ever-present itch to load up the car, roll out the swag and tell stories around the camp fire. Glamping, however, is a different story. I’ll be first out the door. Which brings me to my current adobe for the next two nights: the Belle Tents at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay.
Growing up in and around Byron Bay, there was always a bit of ‘glamping’ around town — teepees filled with eclectic rugs and decor; yurts fashioned as spiritual havens festooned with Moroccan cushions. But it’s only in the last decade or so that real glamping has taken off, with the Belle Tents at Ingenia Holidays (the caravan park across the road from Byron Bay Golf Club, on the way to Suffolk Park) the latest addition to the scene.
Six bell-shaped canvas tents sit in a crescent moon around an intimate lawn area, divided by plantings. Each tent is double skinned for insulation and to keep any creepy crawlies.
While the double layer makes it a slight process to get in an out, it does have its merits. (You’ll also be very familiar with the sound of zips once you’re done staying here. But that’s part of the joy of camping, isn’t it?)
A queen-size bed with motion sensor lights around its base, twin bedside lamps perched on metal tables and an air conditioner working overtime in the balmy summer heat dominate the centre of the tent. And alongside the entrance flap? Timber armchairs draped in soft, rust-coloured leather.
I admit I was a little curious how private the tents would be, given lamps within could very easily make the walls akin to an Indonesian shadow puppet show. Pleasingly (or maybe not, depending on your point of view), there’s none of that to be seen.
Rounding out the amenities, fluffy white towels, toiletries, tea/coffee, mozzie repellent and an assortment of cutlery and crockery are supplied in baskets at the foot of the bed.
It’s all pretty luxurious, making it an inviting base to settle into for a day or more. Just note that the tents aren’t exactly secure, with additional access flaps on the sides.
The shared amenity block (which could do with a bit of love) feels like a step down from the highs and luxury of the tent, although it is conveniently located.
The camp kitchen — open only to Belle Tent guests — with BBQ, microwave and mini fridges restore a lustre to the overall experience. As do the comfy cane chairs dotted around the lawn. This was the social heart of the Belle Tent area.
Beyond the Belle Tent area, the park’s facilities include EV chargers (BYO cable), a jumping pillow and swimming pool. Sadly, the once popular cafe out front is closed, thought it likely won’t be long until some entrepreneur decides to move into the empty space. In the meantime, a small mix of snacks and drinks can be purchased from reception.
There are a wide range of accommodation options too, including powered camping sites, self-contained cabins, studios and even pet friendly cabins, with a dog agility park onsite for those bringing their faithful companions along for the holiday.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. Did it scratch the glamping itch? You betcha. All up, I’d rate this as a worthwhile base for a couple of nights, with rates ($169 to $199 per night, at the time of writing) cheaper than booking a hotel in town. It adds a bit of novelty too.
If there’s one element lacking, it’s drying racks for your towel or swimmers. A few guests draped towels across the outside of the tent, which isn’t the most practical or pleasing to the eye. Lightweight timber ones would be a great addition, while still fitting with the overall aesthetic of the tent.
What’s nearby?
Byron Bay Golf Club is directly across the road, with a short walk to the restaurant. Left your clubs at home? Not to worry – equipment hire is available.
Tallows Beach is accessible in around 5 minutes walk, with a track at the rear of the park leading you alongside Tallow Creek and across the sand dunes.
Suffolk Park is around 3-4 minutes drive from the park entrance. Here you’ll find The Park Hotel (home to a pub, restaurant and bottle shop), alongside a handful of dining options: Vietnamese, pizza, Indian and an always-popular bakery.
Byron Bay town centre can be reached in around 5 minutes drive.
What else is there to do in Byron Bay?
Visit Cape Byron Distillery – home of Brookie’s Gin.
Take on the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk (best at sunrise and sunset).
Eat, dive, snorkel and repeat. More things to do in Byron Bay.
The writer stayed as a guest of Ingenia Holidays.
