This Thing Called ‘Glamping’

 

WHO SAID CAMPING COULDN’T BE GLAMOROUS?

 

 

Goodbye, blow-up mattress and spidery tent. Hello, luxury!

 

Well, that’s what a lot of people are saying these days, anyway. Companies offering luxurious camping experiences in the wilderness – complete with room service, king-sized beds and sparkling ensuites – are rapidly growing in popularity.

 

Are you an old-school camper who prefers the traditional down-and-dirty approach to roughing it? Or have you experienced this thing called ‘glamping’?

 

Here’s a rundown of some Australian glamping companies:

 

1. NIGHTFALL WILDERNESS CAMP – LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK, QLD

 

 

Just 45 minutes from the Gold Coast, this carbon-neutral rainforest retreat features three architect-inspired safari tents which truly define ‘sustainable chic’. Only six guests can stay at any time (so you better book early!). It offers rain showers, vintage-tin baths, organic toiletries, a rotating in-tent fireplace (now that’s pretty awesome), and “sumptuous fire-cooked cuisine” by candlelight.

 

Visit nightfall.com.au for details.

2. THE ESCAPE – BAWLEY POINT, NSW

 

Situated on the Clyde River in southern NSW, The Escape calls itself a “quintessentially Australian bush luxury experience”. It features 5-star custom-designed luxury tents that overlook the river, kayaking and bushwalking experiences, and (of course) spectacularly gourmet food. Each tent includes extra-long day-beds and luxurious seating areas, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the great outdoors without actually – er – leaving your tent.

 

(Yes, I can hear the camping purists shuddering. But admit it – it sounds pretty nice, right?)

 

Visit the-escape.com.au for details.

 

3. IKARA SAFARI CAMP – FLINDERS RANGES, SA

 

 

This camp boasts of the “ultimate outback camping experience” with “a few of life’s modern luxuries included”. Located in the Flinders Ranges National Park, it features fifteen premium safari tents (so book fast!) complete with luxury amenities, room service, air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.

 

Visit ikarasafaricamp.com.au for info.

 

4. TANJA LAGOON CAMP – TANJA, NSW

 

These fully-equipped luxury safari tents (yes, they include their own kitchens) let you truly immerse yourself in the glamping experience. Situated in Tanja, NSW, each tent has lagoon views (well, would you expect anything else?) and luxuriously comfortable décor.

 

Go to tanjalagooncamp.com.au for details.

 

Have you got a good glamping story? Share your experience with us via Facebook, Instagram or in the comments below!

 

By Hannah Begg

 

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