Beyond the well-trodden paths of conventional travel, glamping emerges as a sanctuary for travellers who want the balance of remote adventure and luxury comforts. Picture this: a canvas tent nestled under a canopy of stars, a gentle breeze weaving through its flaps, and the distant call of nocturnal creatures serenading you to sleep. Sounds great, right? Welcome to the world of glamping.
When it comes to glamping in Australia, travellers can expect to inject themselves into rugged stretches of the outback to pristine coastal havens and lush hinterlands. Each escape is a unique tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations, making for an extraordinary nature experience. Whether you’re looking for the creme de le creme of glamping tents worthy of the royals or a more under-the-radar spot, here are Australia’s best glamping experiences.
Longitude 131
Uluru
It doesn’t get much more lavish than Longitude 131, an award-winning glamping site with enviable unobstructed views of Uluru that even the royals fell in love with. Combining the best of both worlds, this extraordinary retreat features curved timber viewing decks and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that seamlessly blend with the vast tent canopy ceilings of its 16 decadent tents. Imagine witnessing the changing light over the landscape from your private balcony or even from the cosy comfort of your bed. At night, the stargazing is some of the best in the country, with little to no light pollution.
Sal Salis
Ningaloo Reef
Situated within Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis offers a unique experience on the shores of Ningaloo Reef. Stay in eco-luxe wilderness tents, steps away from the famous coral reef, where you can snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays. Each tent is complete with an ensuite bathroom and a handcrafted timber bed. For adventurers, grab a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and hit the shore early morning when the marine life is buzzing. Whether you embark on a picturesque 13-hour road trip along the Coral Coast from Perth or opt for a short, direct flight to Exmouth, this idyllic paradise awaits.
The Bubble Tent
Capertee Valley
Have you always wanted to sleep in a bubble under the stars? At The Bubble Tent, you can. Perched on a cliff above Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world, guests will find uninterrupted views and incredible stargazing opportunities. The tents are completely off-grid yet have the comforts of an ensuite, a cloud-like bed, and a day bed on the deck. However, the best part of the experience is the outdoor wood-fired bathtub overlooking the valley, which is particularly magical at sunset or under a sky ablaze with stars.
Paperbark Camp
Jervis Bay
Escape to the bush at Paperbark Camp, hiding inside a classic Australian bushland landscape. Only a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney, this secluded, peaceful bush retreat is the perfect base to explore the breathtaking white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, including Hyams Beach, where you can find the whitest sand in the world. Indulge in local food and wine, relish in the comfort of cosy accommodations, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, all right at your doorstep. Whether you’re travelling with a family or as a couple, there are several tent options, including a supersized tent with a floor tub.
Ikara Safari Camp
Flinders Ranges
Heading to the Flinders Ranges? Stay in one of 15 glamping tents at Ikara Safari Camp within Wilpena Pound Resort, a mere five-hour drive from Adelaide. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the majestic rock formations, mountains, and gorges surrounding Wilpena Pound, where nature’s grandeur takes centre stage. As the sole resort within the national park, this experience is unparalleled. Explore the region via a scenic flight over the Pound or a 4WD tour led by an Aboriginal guide to witness the landscape’s sunset transformation.
Nightfall Wilderness Camp
Lamington National Park
Tucked away in the ancient Gondwana Rainforest, enjoy exclusive glamping in tents with hand-carved stone baths and delicious organic meals prepared for you. With a maximum capacity of eight guests, you’re not likely to bump into anyone, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle of life. Each tent has timber floors, private bathrooms and rotating fireplaces for the cooler weather. You can even book a riverside massage or hike to waterfalls and swimming holes.
Bamurru Plains
Kakadu National Park
Wake up to front-row seats to the awe-inspiring Mary River floodplain, nestled near Kakadu National Park, where a diverse array of Australian wildlife thrives. Bamurru Plains offers a rare chance to witness buffalo, wallabies, and various bird species in their natural habitat from the comfort of one of ten luxurious safari bungalows. Inside, enjoy your own private ensuite bathroom with a rainfall shower, plush cotton robes and Australian-made personal care items. Part of the magic of this stay is the nearby experiences, which include helicopter safaris, private tour guides through the marsh, and fishing expeditions.
Related: Have You Ticked Off These 35 Quintessential Australian Food Experiences?
Related: These Are The 10 Most Wishlisted Airbnb Stays in Australia
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.