Glamping in NSW

Southern NSW 

Paperbark Camp offers a luxury sustainable glamping experience in a bushland setting in the Shoalhaven region, a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney. The 12 safari-style canvas tents sit strategically among native eucalypts, have lovely decks and feature hotel-quality linen and amenities. You can canoe, snorkel, cycle or swim in the crystal-blue waters of Jervis Bay, and later head to dinner at on-site treetop restaurant Gunyah, spotting native wildlife along the way with your torch. 

Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay - Credit: Vanessa Levis

You can also experience glamping in Jervis Bay at The Cove, which offers bell tents alongside more traditional cabins. The tents feature a king-size bed and outdoor furniture to take an alfresco perch, and there’s a very schmick communal kitchen and communal bathroom (think timber and black corrugated iron). 

In the sleepy village Bawley Point, wake up to stunning coastal sunrises at the Bangalay Retreat. Situated on beachfront land, this boutique retreat offers ultra-luxurious African safari tents nestled behind sand dunes and surrounded by native flora and fauna. 

The Cove, Jervis Bay. Image credit: Sam White - The Cove Getaway

Down the coast among the lush green hills of Tilba, let the sounds of the country lull you to sleep at Tilba Lake House. Stay in the luxurious Frankie tent and take in spectacular views of Mt Gulaga and the beautiful rural landscape, while enjoying your own private en suite and Wi-FI. 

Further south, between Tathra and Bermagui and surrounded by Mimosa Rocks National Park, is Tanja Lagoon Camp. As the name suggests, the camp sits on the fringes of a coastal lagoon and is a short walk to stunning Middle Beach. The four safari tents have well-equipped kitchens, a lounge area and en suites, as well as decks to sit and enjoy the silence. Enjoy a breakfast of local produce and then canoe or kayak on the lagoon. Batteries recharged? Tick. 

Tanja Lagoon Camp, Kalaru - Credit: David Rogers

Country NSW 

Sierra Escape, just 20 minutes from Mudgee in central west NSW, is a magical place to unwind and recharge. The five luxury safari tents are set on 110 hectares of rolling countryside, which you can take in as you loll on your deck, sipping a great local wine or toasting marshmallows if the weather is cool. Soaking in your indoor or outdoor freestanding bath is about as good (and rejuvenating) as it gets. 

Dulili at Sierra Escape - Credit: Cameron D'Arcy

On the other side of Mudgee, Glenayr Farm offers a glamping experience that’s completely off-grid. The 130-hectare sheep farm is home to four luxurious bell tents with queen beds, as well as a comfortable communal area with a kitchen and fireplace, plus a picturesque wood-fired hot tub. The sunsets here are legendary. 

Further west in Dubbo, a truly unique experience awaits at Zoofari Lodge in Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where you can wake up to the sights and sounds of the African savannah, surrounded by majestic giraffes, rhinos and antelopes. Or if you prefer star gazing, Faraway Domes offers a luxurious outback experience in the Glen Innes and Inverell region of north-west NSW. Relax with unparalleled views of rolling hills and grazing livestock, an indulgent outdoor bath, luxurious comfort and a coveted line-up of gourmet treats. 

Glenayr Farm, Mudgee

Or opt for an eco-tent at Evamor Valley, set on an 80-acre farm property alongside Mudgee's Cudgegong River. While away the hours enjoying a self-guided walk, relaxing by the fire pit, sipping on sunset drinks on your private deck, picnicking on the jetty, or simply cosying up in your plush king bed and taking in the bushland views.

Nashdale Lane Glamping is part of the Nashdale Lane Winery, which occupies 25 hectares of fertile grape-growing land in the highlands of Orange, also in the central west. The wooden, steel and canvas tent structures have a distinctly Aussie flavour and are rustic, yet luxurious. With sweeping vistas of the leafy green canopy of the vines, crisp mountain air and a range of Nashdale wines to sample, it's relaxation personified.

Nashdale Lane Wines, Nashdale

North Coast & Central Coast 

There are a number of beachside glampsites along the North Coast near Byron Bay including a handful of holiday parks such as Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park and Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North, where you can choose between safari tents, en suite caravans and luxury cabins. 

Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North, North Coast

Glamp by postcard-perfect Cabarita Beach at The Hideaway. The bell tents here come in two versions – the Deluxe, which sleeps two in a king-size bed, and the Family Deluxe, with a queen bed and two singles. The tents also feature lovely soft furnishings, an air-conditioner and a mini-fridge.

The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach

The Mid-North Coast has options for both romantic stays or a trip with the kids: Amaroo Escape is an adults-only luxury riverfront eco-glamping experience on a lush valley in the Barrington Tops region; Hunter Valley winery Boydells offers a premium African safari tent overlooking their vineyard; and the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary has deluxe four-star glamping tents that sleep up to four people.

Amaroo Escape, Barrington Tops

On the Central Coast, a 90-minute drive north of Sydney, In2thewild’s Kookaburra Ridge glamping site features two well-fitted-out bell tents, each with a large deck and bath, and a ‘tavern’, a covered communal space with a bar and barbecue. 

Thirty minutes south is Glenworth Valley, an outdoor adventure centre that offers horse riding, quad biking, kayaking and more, as well as accommodation and camping. You can sleep in a little luxury in one of the beautiful glamping tents, with soft mattresses, solar-powered lights and cooking equipment provided.

Glenworth Valley Campground, Glenworth Valley - Credit: Glenworth Valley Horse Riding Pty Ltd

Blue Mountains & beyond

There are few better places in NSW to watch the world slow down than Bubbletent Australia, which comprises three clear inflatable domes on a 400-hectare working farm overlooking the Capertee Valley, between Lithgow and Mudgee, 200 kilometres west of Sydney. 

Bubbletent Australia, Blue Mountains

The three transparent spheres sit atop raised wooden decks and provide a spectacular view of the stars at night and the vast valley during the day (Capertee is one of the world’s largest canyons). Inside, you’ll find a chic set up with a queen bed, while outside, stairs lead to a lower deck with an outdoor kitchenette and seating area, an ideal spot to drink in the views. To make your stay even more rejuvenating, opt for the tent with a wood-fired outdoor hot tub. 

Bubbletent Australia, Blue Mountains

Twice a year, stylish glamping tents pop up in the grounds of the sublime Mayfield Garden in Oberon. Hosted by Simple Pleasures Camping Co, the 15 bell tents are available for a month in spring and autumn. Enjoy dinner and drinks, stargaze by Obelisk Pond, relax around the fire pit and then sleep soundly in a queen-size bed.  

Simple Pleasures Camping Co, Forster - Credit: Simple Pleasures Camping Co

Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat has an enviable location on 2,400 hectares of unspoilt bushland – including a gurgling stretch of the Turon River – in Capertee. The solar-powered tents are all about indulgence, with king-size beds, a sitting room, log fire and en suite, and a 25sqm balcony with barbecue and fire pit. 

With no mobile reception nor Wi-Fi, it’s a real opportunity to disconnect from the world, reconnect with yourself and feel life really slow down. Your only neighbours? The kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and possums which call Turon home. 

Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, Blue Mountains

Sydney  

Experience glamping in the middle of Sydney Harbour at Cockatoo Island Waterfront Glamping. You can camp right by the waterfront in pre-furnished tents, with access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen with barbecues, fridges and more.

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

At Discovery Parks - Lane Cove on Sydney’s north shore, couples can enjoy a romantic weekend getaway just 10 kilometres from the city. Stay in the luxurious Tandara Glamping Tent and take in the beauty of Lane Cove National Park, with easy access to activities like kayaking and bushwalking.  

Across the harbour at Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore, you can wake up to the roar of a lion or a trumpeting elephant while soaking in stunning water views. Feed a giraffe or pat a seal as you go behind the scenes to learn the secrets of this famous and fascinating zoo. 

Roar and Snore Taronga Zoo, Mosman - Credit: Roar and Snore Taronga Zoo