With the panic surrounding the coronavirus threat, staying in a hotel full of other travellers might not be the best place to be right now. But glamping – i.e., getting in touch with nature in the most glamorous of ways – isn’t a bad idea.
With luxuriously styled interiors and a touch of rustic charm, sleeping in a tent has never looked so appealing. Plus unlike normal camping, you’ll still have access to hotel-type amenities. It’s the perfect option for a weekend away with friends or a romantic date night with a loved one.
If you’re looking to go local, there are a number of glamping places you can choose in New South Wales that vary from the bush to the beach. But to help you choose – and plan that getaway before the weather gets too cold – we’ve rounded up our top seven camp set-ups in New South Wales (no particular order).
1. Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, Blue Mountains
Launched only last year Turon Gates glamping getaways offer a stylish, adults-only bush retreat. Perched by the river on their 6000-acre Blue Mountains property, the spacious 50 sqm tents come with a large outdoor deck and comfy day loungers to enjoy the tranquility. Inside, the decor features sophisticated neutral-toned teak and canvas materials, a sumptuous four-poster bed, an elegant bathroom and a kitchenette with Nespresso coffee machine and a Danish wood burner stove for cosy nights.
Activities to keep you entertained while you’re there include horse riding along the bush trails, an in-tent massage, canoeing, or exploring local towns like Katoomba, Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow. Otherwise, simply chill out and enjoy nature’s beauty as well as friendly neighbours like kangaroos, wombats, platypus and echidnas.
Rates start from $174 per night. Find out more: turongates.com
2. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay
As Australia’s first ‘glamping’ retreat, Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, certainly knows how to turn the idea of camping into something luxurious and special.
Nestled among spotted gums and paperbark trees, 2½ hours south of Sydney, these canvas safari-style tents come with hardwood floors, outdoor deck seating and a private ensuite with hot showers or baths overlooking the bush. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the camp’s restaurant and a bar or visit the communal lounge area before meandering back to their own private sanctuary. During the day you can explore the nearby walking trails and the local town of Huskisson or go mountain biking, canoeing and swimming. It’s the perfect base to explore the scenic South Coast and return to a blissful fine camping experience.
Rates start from $468 per night. Find out more: paperbarkcamp.com.au
3. Sierra Escape, Mudgee
Sierra Escape in Mudgee won gold for ‘Unique Accommodation’ at the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards and it’s not hard to see why. This place is about as luxurious as it gets when it comes to glamping; and being a 20 minute drive from the centre of town, it comes with plenty of privacy.
There are three tents to choose from which are insulated for all seasons. Each one features floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor deck, freestanding bathtub and five-star quality. If your idea of a relaxing getaway is to relax in bath surrounded by breathtaking views,
toast marshmallows on an open campfire or simply sit back with a good book and a heavenly glass of Mudgee wine whilst the sun goes down, then Sierra Escape is ideal for you.
Rates start from $350 per night . Find out more: sierraescape.com.au
4. The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach
If you would rather camp by the sea than in the bush then the Hideaway at Cabarita, Tweed Coast Northern NSW, is right up your alley. This boutique glamping site blends the glamour of the Gold Coast and the bohemia of Byron Bay. Their luxe bell tents Koala beds, lighting, floor rugs, tripod fans, soft furnishings, plush bath towels, air-conditioning (in selected tents) and contemporary ensuite bathrooms. The resort grounds offer guests plenty of open space, communal entertainment areas, kitchen facilities and direct beach access.
Rates start from $159 per night. Find out more: hideawaycabaritabeach.com.au
5. The Cove, Jervis Bay
Nestled in Booderee National Park, The Cove offers self catering accommodation for guests looking to escape the stresses of everyday life. Their glamping set-up features gorgeous canvas bell tents already set up for you and furnished with a king-size bed, plush cushions, outdoor table, daybed and other little touches that make it utterly insta-worthy.
On site there is a communal bathroom and outdoor living spaces with a BBQ and camp-style kitchen. Everything is very relaxed at The Cove. Guests can enjoy the beachfront location or bush walks through the National Park.
Rates start from $320 for two nights. Find out more: thecovejervisbay.com.au/glamping
6. Tandara Glamping Tent, Lane Cove
Nice and close to Sydney-siders is the Tandara Glamping Tent, a one-off tent surrounded by the native wildlife in Lane Cove National Park. The safari-style canvas tent is elevated among the trees and comes with a large outdoor deck to capture views across the valley and keep you cool during the summer. Inside is hardwood floors, a deluxe queen bed and small lounge area as well as a small kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom, complete with bath, hot shower and separate toilet.
If you fancy whisking your loved one away for a one-night stay, you’ll need to book in early as there is only one glamping tent at the holiday park.
From $250 per night. Find out more: lanecoveholidaypark.com.au/stay/luxury-glamping
This article forst appeared at Vacations and Travel written by ELIZA VELK
Of course if you are backpacking then safety is paramount and read here for tips on backpacking safety