Do you like the idea of camping, but hate going without life’s comforts? Glamping opens up a whole new world, making camping accessible to even the most tent-shy of adventurers.
For many Queensland families, camping is a cherished activity. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, for others it is an experience quickly discounted due to the lack of basic creature comforts and the hassle factor of organising.
Combining luxury with the great outdoors, ‘glamping ‘ (glamorous camping) opens up a whole new world of adventure to non-campers.
A hassle-free, comfort-focused approach to camping, glamping provides a back-to-nature holiday where the kids can experience camping but the parents don’t have to worry about cramming the gear into the car. You can be happily toasting marshmallows and relaxing in the fresh air within moments of arrival, without any of the stress of setting up camp! And providing all the fun experiences of camping without any of the discomfort, glamping is fast becoming a favourite holiday choice amongst many families.
There is a huge range of glamping options and packages available — from basic pre-erected tents to luxury yurts with log fires and on-site swimming pools (some of the tents seem better than a hotel!). Some sites also offer vege gardens, communal cooking and on-site restaurants.
Here are some of the best glamping spots around Australia.
Rivershore Resort, Maroochydore, Qld
With 15 spacious, 5-star safari tents available, the Rivershore Resort on the Maroochy River offers a private setting with nature right outside your door. Each self-contained tent has an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette and a four-poster bed, and there is a fully licensed bar and restaurant on site.
Super kid-friendly, the resort has a playground, heated pool with waterslides, and mini golf. It also has a wide range of activities and equipment. Kayak up the Maroochy River, try your hand at SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or hire a bike and explore the surrounding area. On the doorstep, there are also many Sunshine Coast outdoor activities, including stunning beaches, water sports, and myriad treks through the national parks and hinterland.
There is also free Wi-Fi available, but shh, don’t tell the kids!
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Paperbark Camp, Woollamia, NSW
Roughly 2.5 hours drive south of Sydney, near the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay, is Paperbark Camp. This collection of 12 canvas safari tents is thoughtfully placed among the soaring eucalypts.
Perfect for families, the King Deluxe safari tent accommodates up to six people and has an en suite bathroom, a separate outdoor bush shower, hotel amenities (slippers, soaps and gowns), solar-powered lighting and a large wraparound timber deck. There is also an on site restaurant and communal lounge built high off the ground among the treetops (keep an eye on little ones, as it really is high!).
There are three national parks in the area that are home to a plethora of walking trails, idyllic beaches and wildlife.
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Taronga Western Plain Zoo, Dubbo, NSW
For an amazing Aussie safari experience, the Zoofari Lodge at Taronga Western Plains Zoo comprises of 15 luxurious African-style lodges. Nestled behind the African Savannah that overlooks a paddock where the giraffe and zebra roam.
Each with a king-size bed, mini-bar, fridge and ensuite bathroom, there are lodges for either for four or six people. There is also a guesthouse nearby, with a saltwater pool, restaurant and bar.
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Ramada Eco Beach Resort, Broome, WA
Travel 120 kilometres north of Broome to Ramada Eco Beach Resort. This award-winning eco resort, comprises of 30 luxurious safari-style eco tents nestled amongst the untouched Kimberley backdrop.
The family eco-tent has a shower, free toiletries, outdoor furniture, toilet, fan, and outdoor furniture. If you want something even more luxurious, there are also family eco-villas available with a full kitchen, dining area, refrigerator and sofa.
There are plenty of tours and activities available — whale watching, turtle monitoring, and complimentary yoga each morning, as well as yoga retreats held throughout the year. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar where you can indulge in the finest cuisine overlooking the stunning ocean views.
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Karijini Eco Retreat, WA
An environmentally friendly site in the heart of the world-class Karijini National Park, the Karijini Eco Retreat offers a huge range of accommodations, from basic campsites to upmarket eco tents with en suite bathrooms and king beds. There is also an alfresco restaurant on site.
The park itself is an iconic unspoilt landscape, offering dramatic landscapes, spectacular gorges and home to a huge variety of wildlife — red kangaroos, rock wallabies, goannas, snakes and more.
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