Prefer not to leave the comforts of home behind when you go camping? Check out these picturesque glamping stays in Australia, from cosy winery escapes to safari-style bush luxury, and plan the ultimate camping trip for when travel opens again.
1. Bubbletent Australia, Blue Mountains
Stargazers and romantics will fall in love with these magical clear domes overlooking the Capertee Valley in the Blue Mountain, a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney. The three waterproof transparent spheres named after zodiac constellations — Leo, Virgo and Cancer — sit atop raised wooden decks and give guests a spectacular view of the stars at night and the vast valley during the day.
Inside your Bubbletent you'll find a chic setup with a queen bed with goose-down pillows and a hidden sliding cabinet for storage underneath. The bathroom has a luxury vanity and composting toilet, and don't worry — while the bathroom is also spherical, it's not transparent. Outside, stairs lead to a lower deck, which boasts an outdoor kitchenette and a seating area, an ideal spot to enjoy local wine and drink in the spectacular views. All three Bubbletents also come with the romantic addition of a wood-fired outdoor hot tub.
Your host supplies binoculars and an iPad loaded with a bird-watching app, a USB charger, a sun shield, deck slippers, headlamps, an emergency torch, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. For cooking, you'll find a pan, a kettle, serving utensils and cutlery, along with your very own herb garden.
2. Sierra Escape, Mudgee
A five-star glamping outfit just 20 minutes from Mudgee (or around four hours' drive northwest from Sydney), Sierra Escape is a magical place to unwind and recharge.
There are three unique luxury tents for two to choose between — Carinya, Dulili and Uralla — all with plush big beds for two, luxe linens, power for charging devices, expansive windows and decks to take in the spectacular views, indoor bathtubs, and other thoughtful touches. Dulili and Uralla also have outdoor tubs, and in 2021 Carinya is due to get one too.
The Sierra team have also partnered with local providers to offer a range of local experiences, from in-tent massages to wine tasting. Looking to glamp in winter? This is a great time to visit, when the sturdy canvas tents fully insulate you against the elements, and you can toast marshmallows over your private fire pit.
3. Nashdale Lane, Orange
Nestled in 24 hectares of fertile grape-growing land in the highlands of Orange, around four hours northwest of Sydney, the family-owned Nashdale Lane winery offers two glamping tents. The wooden, steel and canvas tent structures are have a distinctly Aussie flavour and are rustic yet luxurious.
Finished to the highest standard, there is hardwood flooring throughout, a comfy four-poster queen bed and sunken outdoor lounge. The kitchen with custom-made joinery is well stocked with utensils, and owners Nick and Tanya will supply you with a lovely welcome hamper, complete with one of their signature wines, for stays of two nights or more.
With sweeping vistas of the leafy green canopy of the vines, crisp mountain air and a range of Nashdale wines to sample, this is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxed Australian country experience. One of the must-visit wine tasting spaces in the Orange region, the cellar door building is a 60-year-old apple packing shed with a wood fire, cosy tasting nooks and beautiful views.
4. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay
Inspired by the tented-style safari accommodation its owners experienced in South Africa, Paperbark Camp has established itself as a premier eco-tourism experience at the forefront of Australian glamping since it opened in 1999. You'll find it in the beautiful Jervis Bay region of the NSW South Coast, three hours' drive south of Sydney. Hosts Jeremy and Irena Hutchings have created a remarkable stay with 13 spacious canvas tents placed strategically among native eucalypts, less than 10 minutes' drive from the seaside town of Huskisson.
All tents have five-star hotel-quality linen and amenities, hot showers, a wrap-around deck and full insect screening — with a bathtub in the deluxe tents. You can canoe, cycle, read a book on the beach and later head to dinner at on-site tree-top restaurant The Gunyah, and then meander back to your tent, spotting native wildlife along the way with your torch.
5. The Woods Farm, Jervis Bay
Located on a picturesque 16-hectare farm in Jervis Bay, just a 2.5-hour drive south from Sydney, The Woods Farm has 10 canvas bell tents among its range of accommodation options. Tents come fully fitted out with king size beds, rugs, tables and deck chairs as well as extra little touches the farm is loved for.
There is a shared space with a chill-out area including fire pits and log stools, tables and chairs and barbecue and camp kitchen facilities where you can cook your own food. When the sun goes down, fairy lights and lamps create a beautiful ambient setting from which to gaze at the stars, eat, drink and be merry with family and friends. If you have little campers in tow (the glamping tents can accommodate a maximum of four), they'll love the swimming pool, bikes, farm animals and outdoor games.
