Chris AshtonIf your idea of camping involves king size beds and hot running water (like mine), you’ll understand just how amazing a glamping holiday is. It’s like a treat. Something indulgent that offers all the joy of the great outdoors, but with no assembly required – and there are some seriously spectacular glamping options across our beautiful home state of NSW.
Australia’s first glamping retreat, Paperbark Camp, is one of them.
Camouflaged within the beautiful bushland of Jervis Bay, and frequented by curious kangaroos and a stunning array of native birdlife, it’s delighted glampers since way back in 1999. A recent upgrade, which saw five of its original tents converted to larger and oh-so-stylish ‘Deluxe Plus’ tents, has made it even better.
Sleeping up to four, each of the gorgeous new tents features a stargazing deck with outdoor seating and a private, open-air ensuite with freestanding tub and shower, together with organic cotton linen is from Ecodownunder and handmade soaps from Dindi Naturals.
All 13 tents at the famous camp now boast Insta-worthy bush-view bathtubs and comfy day beds where you can relax, enjoy a wine, and listen to the sounds of the Aussie bush. When you’re hungry, gourmet dinners, breakfasts, drinks and snacks are served in the camp’s award-winning Gunyah Restaurant and lounge, nestled high in the treetops.
Want to know some of the other incredible glamping sites in NSW? Here are our picks.
Evamor Valley
Love is in the air at Evamor Valley, a romantic glamping escape set on 80 acres alongside the Cudgegong River near Mudgee. Each of its beautiful safari tents offers a chance to get back to nature, without sacrificing creature comforts.
While you’re there, you can explore the property on a self-guided walk, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy some of the legendary wine produced within the region. There are now over 35 local cellar doors to choose from.
Boydell’s
Holidays are always better when they involve great food and sensational wine, am I right? That’s Boydell’s in the Hunter Valley to a tee. Looking like a luxury safari tent plucked from the golden grasslands Serengeti, with a deep copper bath and chic timber furnishings, this glamorous rural retreat sums up everything that’s great about a glamping holiday.
Zoofari Lodge
Dialling up that African experience a notch, Zoofari Lodge at Taronga Western Plains Zoo makes you feel like you really are in the middle of the Savannah, complete with giraffes, zebra and rhinos roaming past your door. The African safari-style experience includes one night accommodation, dinner, breakfast, exclusive tour, two-day zoo entry and bike hire.
Sangoma Retreat
Spicers Retreats are synonymous with luxury and indulgence, which makes the idea of a glamping tent at one of their hotels really exciting. The Tent Suite at Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains comes with a glittering chandelier, stunning open plan bathroom with two-person bathtub gazing out to the bush, wood fireplace and minibar replenished daily.
Got another favourite we should know about? Let us know.
