14 of the best glamping sites in NSW for a back-to-nature stay
Sierra Escape, Mudgee - Credit: Sierra Escape
Escape the ordinary with a glamping experience, the glamorous alternative to traditional camping. From starlit getaways to luxurious safari-style tents nestled in lush bushland – discover these soul-soothing glamping sites in NSW.
- 5 min read
Wilderluxe - Lake Keepit
Location: Lake Keepit
Distance from Sydney: 5hr (450km)
Amenities: Barbecue, outdoor bath, breakfast pack, stargazing
Why book: Just 30 minutes’ drive from Gunnedah, luxury glamping retreat Wilderluxe - Lake Keepit is home to eight architect-designed tents with large skydomes for stargazing, outdoor bathtubs and sweeping views of Lake Keepit and the Great Dividing Range. Guests can enjoy sunset drinks, toasting marshmallows on the communal fire pit and cultural storytelling.
Wilderluxe - Lake Keepit, Keepit - Credit: Reflections Holidays | Paul Lojszczyk
Outback Almonds
Location: Wentworth
Distance from Sydney: 11hr 30min (1,080km)
Amenities: Canvas bell tents, fire pit, camp oven, stargazing
Why book: If camping with your four-legged friend is your number one priority then consider the glamping experience at Outback Almonds, a working almond farm in The Murray. Set next to the Darling River, Outback Almonds’ large canvas bell tents facilitate a mostly off-grid stay with modern decor and a queen bed, plus communal bathroom and kitchen amenities. For an even more special experience, lock in your stay in August to witness the 9,000 almond trees in blossom.
Glamping at Outback Almonds - Credit: Outback Almonds
Myall River Camp
Location: Hawks Nest
Distance from Sydney: 2hr 45min (230km)
Amenities: Four-poster beds, barbecue, water views
Why book: Myall River Camp’s off-grid and eco-certified glamping experience will be one to remember. Each of the three tents is custom made and features a unique layout and decor. Find upcycled furnishings, local art, a well-equipped kitchen, four-poster bed, a sunken outdoor lounge and barbecues in each. The glamping area of camp offers private river access, ideal for a meandering paddleboard sojourn or for throwing a line in.
Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest
Paperbark Camp
Location: Huskisson
Distance from Sydney: 2hr 30min (180km)
Amenities: Safari-style tents, wraparound verandahs, open-air ensuite, bath
Why book: Paperbark Camp offers a luxury, eco-certified glamping experience in the bushland of the Shoalhaven. The 13 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 onsite treetop restaurant The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, spotting native wildlife along the way with your torch.
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Location: Port Stephens
Distance from Sydney: 2hr 30min (210km)
Amenities: Sanctuary access, pool, heated spa, outdoor deck
Why book: At Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary marvel at the unique experience of staying onsite at a koala oasis. Here, there are Glamping and Glamping Plus options (these sleep up to four guests, ideal for families). Either booking offers a deluxe experience with ensuites, kitchenettes, access to the onsite pool and spa, and the chance to wake up with the koalas. Included in your stay is an exclusive guided morning tour of the sanctuary and skywalk.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
Scribbly Farm Premium Geo Dome Bush Retreat
Location: Southern Highlands
Distance from Sydney: 1hr 45min (130km)
Amenities: Fireplace, stargazing, barbecue, outdoor deck
Why book: Nestled on 40 hectares of gumtrees and bushland, Scribbly Farm Premium Geo Dome Bush Retreat offers cosy glamping near Sydney. The two dome retreats are an idyllic romantic glamping escape for two: there’s a plush king-sized bed, log-burning fire, generous skylight revealing views of the starry nights, plus an opportunity to participate in a cooking class or have food delivered right to you.
Scribbly Farm Premium Geo Dome Bush Retreat, High Range - Credit: Bodhi Photography
Tanja Lagoon Camp
Location: Tanja
Distance from Sydney: 5hr 45min (410km)
Amenities: Outdoor deck, barbecue, water views, fire drum, canoes, local breakfast items (for the first morning)
Why book: Situated between Tathra and Bermagui, and surrounded by Mimosa Rocks National Park, is eco-certified coastal glamping site Tanja Lagoon Camp. The camp, as its name suggests, sits on the fringes of a lagoon and is a short walk to stunning Middle Beach. Its four safari tents have well-equipped kitchens, a lounge area and ensuites, as well as decks to sit and soak up the silence. Here, enjoy a breakfast of local produce, then head out onto the lagoon with one of the canoes.
Tanja Lagoon Camp, Sapphire Coast - Credit: Tanja Lagoon Camp
Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Distance from Sydney: 8hr (760km)
Amenities: Outdoor deck, four-poster bed, barbecue
Why book: At Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay your glamping experience can go one of two ways: in a premium Studio Safari Tent or a Hideaway Tent. While both are surrounded by scrubby bushland, sleep two, offer stunning views and boast a queen-sized bed, the Safari Tent has a bathroom and outdoor bath, while the Hideaway Tent utilises communal bathroom amenities.
Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay, Byron Bay - Credit: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay
Sierra Escape
Location: Mudgee
Distance from Sydney: 4hr (290km)
Amenities: Outdoor deck, firepit, outdoor bath, fireplace
Why book: Sierra Escape, less than 30 minutes’ drive from Mudgee, 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.
Sierra Escape Luxury Glamping, Mudgee - Credit: Sierra Escape
Discovery Parks - Dubbo
Location: Dubbo
Distance from Sydney: 5hr (395km)
Amenities: Barbecue, outdoor deck, pool
Why book: Just two minutes from Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Discovery Parks - Dubbo is an ideal escape for those embarking on a safari-style animal adventure. Here the glamping tents sleep either two or six people and come equipped with kitchenettes, ensuites/bathrooms, private barbecue areas and a front deck.
Discovery Parks - Dubbo, Dubbo - Credit: Tom Woods | Aspen Parks
Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North
Location: Pottsville
Distance from Sydney: 8hr 15min (795km)
Amenities: Heated swimming pool, barbecue, basketball and volleyball court, playground, outdoor deck
Why book: Cudgera Beach is only a 200m walk from the life-is-breezy-at Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North. While the available accommodation types vary from cabins to tents, the glamping sites are particularly eye-catching. Book into a Hideaway Glamping Tent and bask in leafy surroundings while enjoying comfortable amenities including a balcony with an outside cooking area (including a barbecue), a spacious bathroom, plenty of spaces to lounge and access to the park’s extensive amenities.
Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North, Pottsville - Credit: Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North
Reflections Bonny Hills - Holiday Park
Location: Bonny Hills
Distance from Sydney: 4hr 15min (385km)
Amenities: Outdoor bath, barbecue, outdoor deck, four-poster bed
Why book: While Reflections Bonny Hills' glamping offering spans three different styles – Deluxe Beach Glamping Tents, Junior Safari Glamping Tents and Safari Glamping Tents – it's the latter that’s particularly appealing. Accommodating up to four guests, a Safari Glamping Tent includes a covered verandah, complete with an outdoor bath; a barbecue; ensuite; kitchenette; a four-poster bed and bunks.
Reflections Bonny Hills, Bonny Hills - Credit: Reflections Bonny Hills
Mirumiru Bubbletent
Location: Tenterfield
Distance from Sydney: 8hr (670km)
Amenities: Stargazing, outdoor deck, outdoor bath, barbecue
Why book: Mirumiru Bubbletent is situated on a private farm just outside of Tenterfield in the New England high country. It boasts three tents: a kids’ bubble tent campsite, where a tent is suspended between two trees; the nearby Captain Thunderbolt, an adults’ two-person tent where you can enjoy mesmerisng Milky Way views from your bed; and Captain Moonlite, a third tent that’s similarly positioned to maximise privacy and the relaxing rural panorama. Whichever you choose, ease into a restorative soak in your tent’s vintage outdoor tub after an invigorating day exploring Bald Rock National Park.
Mirumiru Bubbletent, Tenterfield - Credit: Krista Eppelsten - Life Unhurried | Mirumiru Bubbletent Pty Ltd
The Lodge Bellingen
Location: Bellingen
Distance from Sydney: 5hr 20min (520km)
Amenities: Bathtub, heated mineral pool, mountain views, barbecue, fire pit
Why book: Wake up to mountain views, misty countryside and dew-blanketed grass at The Lodge Bellingen. While there are 27 luxe hotel rooms, a two-bedroom retreat, and a Three Blue Ducks restaurant onsite, the property’s two glamping tents are hard to pass up. Both sleep two adults and two kids, have a bathtub and incredible views of the Great Dividing Range. Throughout your stay be sure to explore the expansive property, make use of the mineral spa and pool, and find and pat the resident alpacas.
The Lodge Bellingen, Bellingen - Credit: The Lodge Bellingen
