Travel
12 fantastic glamping experiences in Australia and NZ
These incredible glamping stays offer all the beauty of the outdoors with none of the discomfort – just luxury beds, hot showers and unforgettable views.
By Bron Maxabella
I used to love camping with the kids when they were young. There was something magic about bundling everyone into the car, cranking up the playlist and setting off with half the house in the boot. We’d spend days swimming, bushwalking, cooking over the fire and falling asleep to the ebb and flow of frogs and crickets.
It was big, messy, chaotic joy – but also completely devoid of comfort. I don’t know about you, but as I’ve gotten older, slipping into a comfy bed at the end of the day simply isn't negotiable for me. Or a hot shower… and definitely a flushing toilet.
What I don’t want to give up is waking up to birdsong, spending copious amounts of time outside and feeling that deep, grounding calm that only comes from sleeping under canvas. Which means, while the old family tent has long been packed away, it’s glamping all the way for me. I reckon you’ll love it too. Here are the standout glamping experiences across Australia and New Zealand that deliver big on comfort, charm and views for days.
1. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay NSW
Sleep among the eucalyptus trees in luxury safari tents just minutes from the white sands of Jervis Bay. Paperbark Camp is my favourite and I can guarantee that one night in this place and you’ll be a convert to glamping forevermore. Think outdoor tubs, candlelit dining at the award-winning The Gunyah and possum chatter at night. A favourite for romantic escapes with a strong eco-focus.
Paperbark Camp: 571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia NSW 2540
2. Nightfall Camp, Lamington National Park QLD
This adults-only retreat offers just a handful of luxury tents by a tumbling creek. Each tent has a fireplace and outdoor stone bath, perfect after a rainforest hike. Organic meals are served under the stars.
Nightfall Camp: Christmas Creek Road, Lamington QLD 4285
3. Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, WA
Beachfront safari tents meet coral reef adventures at this bucket-list destination. Swim with whale sharks, snorkel in clear waters and fall asleep to the sound of the Indian Ocean. Sal Salis is as remote as it appears and truly spectacular.
Sal Salis: Yardie Creek Rd, Cape Range National Park WA 6707
4. Sierra Escape, Mudgee NSW
High on a hill overlooking Mudgee’s rolling vineyards, Sierra Escape’s luxe tents feature freestanding tubs (that’s one of them in our feature image above), king beds and fire pits. You can sip local wine from your deck while watching kangaroos bounce by. If you haven’t been to charming Mudgee for a while, book this one sooner rather than later.
Sierra Escape: 1345 Lower Piambong Rd, Piambong NSW 2850
5. Cosy Tents, Daylesford VIC
Set on a private property near spa-country’s favourite town, Cosy Tents has bell tents with proper beds, wood stoves and communal fire pits. It’s glamping with country charm and access to excellent massages and mineral springs. There’s plenty to do around Daylesford, including a visit to nearby Hepburn Springs.
Cosy Tents: 6A Kanga Rd, Yandoit VIC 3461
6. Longitude 131°, Uluru NT
This is glamping at its five-star best. Your luxurious ‘tent’ offers uninterrupted views of Uluru and a front-row seat to the stunning sunrises of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Fine dining, guided experiences and Indigenous culture round out this iconic stay. Plus a price tag to match (but I promise, you won’t mind!).
Longitude 131°: Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872
7. Discovery, Rottnest Island WA
We already know how much you love quokkas, but there’s more to Rottnest Island than cute lil’ smiley critters. Like the eco-conscious glam tents at the Discovery Resort, just behind the dunes at Pinky Beach. Tents range from simple to indulgent, and you’re never far from a swim, a quokka selfie, or a sunset cocktail at Pinky’s Beach Club.
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island: Strue Rd, Rottnest Island WA 6161
8. Kanimbia, Sunshine Coast Hinterland QLD
Surrounded by the lush Obi Obi Valley, Kanimbia’s beautiful bell tents offer a secluded escape with mountain views and nearby waterfalls. Solar lighting, plush bedding and a deck for sunset drinks (or reading to your heart’s content) seal the deal.
Kanimbia: 27 Inalls Rd, Obi Obi QLD 4574
9. Unyoked, Multiple Locations AUS + NZ
Part of a new wave of minimalist escapes, Unyoked offers off-grid tiny cabins in wild locations. While not technically glamping, they scratch the same itch: nature immersion with all the creature comforts (plus excellent coffee).
Unyoked: Various faraway locations
10. Te Wepu Intrepid Pods, Akaroa NZ
Te Wepu’s architect-designed pods sit high above Akaroa Harbour with views to the Pacific. Private hot tubs, fire pits and a short drive to the charming French-settled town make this a dreamy New Zealand escape.
Te Wepu: Top Of Bantry Lodge Road French Farm, Akaroa 7582
11. Valley Views Glamping, Waitaki Valley NZ
Set on a working farm in the South Island, these geodesic domes offer clear-roof stargazing, cosy beds and dramatic high-country scenery. Solar power, eco loos and resident alpacas complete the off-grid experience.
Valley Views Glamping:161 Domett Road, Otiake 9494
12. The Round Tent, Waiheke Island NZ
This beautifully designed tent sits in the bush just minutes from vineyards, beaches and boutiques. Think spacious boho-luxe interiors, an outdoor tub under the stars and that laidback Waiheke vibe.
The Round Tent: 38 Matakotea Road, Raglan 3295
Feature image: Sierra Escape Mudgee
More ways to travel well: