The best glamping destinations across Australia

Glamping is a great way to experience all the good parts of camping, without sacrificing the modern conveniences of a hotel. Whether it’s safari-like accommodation, or a luxury version of Glastonbury, there are glamping options for all visitors, budgets and requirements around Australia.

Paperbark Camp, NSW

Within a eucalyptus and paperbark forest on the banks of Currambene Creek, Paperbark Camp provides the ultimate immersion in nature.

“Originally we were very much a couples’ escape, but over the years the market has really expanded and we often have friends getting away together, many families from Europe travelling together who require a few tents for their group and we also have weddings, birthday celebrations and corporate retreats, which tend to book the entire property,” says Camilla Hamilford, owner of Paperbark Camp in NSW.

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Irina and Jeremy Hutchings started Paperbark in the mid-1990s after staying on-site in safari camps in Africa and becoming convinced the luxury tents were the ideal accommodation for those seeking a quick break. Now offering 12 safari tents, guests are treated to polished hardwood floors, solar lighting, high quality bed linen and an on-site restaurant offering gourmet meals.

“We share the space with various native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, possums, gliders and many bird species,” says Hamilford. “It’s not exactly lions and elephants, but as close to safari as we can offer on the South Coast of NSW!”

Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

Deep in the gorges of Karijini National Park, beyond the jaw-dropping beauty of waterfalls, soaring red rocks and eucalypts as far as you can see, lies Karijini Eco Retreat where glampers can trek in after a lengthy day of exploring and collapse into crisp sheets and fluffy pillows rather than spend another hour trying to pitch a tent.

The eco-tents have en suite bathrooms, fans, fixed flooring and each has an outdoor deck to soak in the sunset and stars. There are two options, allowing for a single king-size bed for two or various alternatives from two single beds through to the deluxe with a king and bunk beds to suit a family or small group.

Longitude 131, NT

If a lazy $1300 per night doesn’t faze you, Longitude 131 is one of the rarest experiences in Australia. Each of the 16 temperature-controlled tents overlook Uluru in the heart of the Northern Territory. In each tent is a king-size bed, balcony and artwork by local Indigenous creatives. There’s WiFi, music system, in-suite bar and some of the tents have a fireplace.

King’s Canyon, WA

More affordable is the recently launched King’s Canyon glamping site. King’s Canyon opened in June this year, offering six new Australian homestead-style glamping tents. The tents, made by EcoStructures based in Western Australia, have been designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Three of the tents are for couples, with the others featuring a king bed and two single beds for families. With more than 85 square metres of space, the tents are furnished by Temple & Webster.

The lounge and dining suite adhere to a rustic and natural palette while there are hammocks for additional lounging space. An open-air cinema and sunset viewing platform overlooking Carmichael’s Crag have just opened this month.

Nightfall, QLD

Secluded, hand-built tents deep within the Lamington National Park provide access to the scenic rainforest surrounds via 360-degree views from the tents at Nightfall. In winter, the tent walls can be dissembled to provide a truly immersive experience without the cold thanks to a rotating fireplace.

Twice winners in the Queensland Tourism Awards, Nightfall is an eco-friendly destination with rain-head showers, vintage baths, seasonal and organic food and organic bedding. Each 62-square tent has wire-brushed timber floors, hand-carved stone basins and en suite toilet. Owners Steve and Jaide cut and welded the tent frames and sewed the canvas coverings, respectively.

For more options, see Ikara Safari Camp in Wilpena Pound, South Australia near the Flinders Ranges, Mile End Glamping on Margaret River in Western Australia  or the beautiful, bedecked tents at Tanja Lagoon Camp in Tanja, NSW.