Updated for 2024

Ah, the great outdoors! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of fresh air filling your lungs, the sound of birds chirping, and the sight of a beautiful sunrise to start your day. But let’s be honest, not everyone is cut out for the ruggedness of traditional camping. Enter glamping, a luxurious alternative that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of a five-star hotel. So, what is better, camping or glamping? Well, if you’re someone who loves the idea of being in nature but can’t part with your creature comforts, glamping is the answer. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 glamping spots in Australia, a country that offers a plethora of options for this trendy form of “luxury camping.” So pack your designer luggage; we’re going on a “glamping holiday!”

What is Glamping?

Glamping, a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping,” is a travel trend that has been gaining traction over the years. Unlike traditional camping, where you might find yourself struggling with tent pegs and sleeping bags, glamping offers a more refined experience. Think comfortable beds, air conditioning, and even private bathrooms. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do people prefer glamping?” the answer is simple: it offers the best of both worlds—nature and luxury. There is a more thorough explanation of Glamping here.

Why Australia?

Australia is a land of diverse landscapes, from the rugged Outback to pristine beaches, making it a perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But what sets Australia apart as a glamping destination is its unique blend of natural beauty and luxury amenities. Whether you’re looking to explore the iconic Uluru or relax by the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has a glamping spot that’s just right for you.

Why Do People Prefer Glamping?

The allure of glamping lies in its ability to offer a unique blend of nature and comfort. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, stepping out of a plush bed, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee brewed in your private kitchenette. No more fumbling with tent zippers or trekking to communal bathrooms in the middle of the night. Glamping provides a hassle-free way to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the luxuries you’re accustomed to. It’s no wonder that glamping holidays are becoming increasingly popular among those who seek a balance between adventure and comfort.

Top 10 Glamping Spots in Australia

1. Longitude 131, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Nestled among the dunes in the heart of Australia, Longitude 131 offers an immersive experience like no other. Wake up to unparalleled views of Australia’s iconic Uluru and enjoy a front-row seat to a dazzling light show at night. With amenities like fine dining, Indigenous-inspired spa treatments, and a plunge pool, this is truly one of Australia’s most luxurious glamping spots.

Amenities

• Fine dining options
• Indigenous-inspired spa treatments
• Plunge pool
• Complimentary champagne
• Rooms fitted with original Indigenous artworks
• Private balconies with Uluru views
• Guided tours available
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• In-room climate control
• Nightly turndown service

Activities

• Uluru Sunset: Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below the horizon.
• Field of Light: Experience Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art installation.
• Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta: Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta and the walls of Walpa Gorge.
• Mala Walk & Kantju Gorge: Learn about the history of the Mala people and view cave paintings.
• Mutitjulu Meander: Discover peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti.

For more information, you can visit Longitude 131’s official website.

See our review of Longitude 131.

2. Bubbletent Australia, Capertee Valley, New South Wales

Step out of your bubble and into this one! Bubbletent Australia offers a unique glamping experience, placing you in the heart of nature in a fully transparent bubble. From spacious beds to eco-friendly bathrooms, they’ve thought of just about everything to make your stay first-class.

Amenities

• Fully transparent bubble tents
• Spacious bed with luxury linens
• Eco-friendly bathroom
• Fully equipped BBQ-style kitchen
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Telescope for stargazing
• Solar-powered lighting
• Board games and books
• Complimentary toiletries
• Privacy blinds

Activities

• Watch the sun set over Capertee Valley
• Snuggle on the daybed by the fire
• Stargazing with the telescope
• Use the Luminous app on the iPad to identify constellations
• Take photos of the moon crater with the telescope

For more information, you can visit Bubbletent Australia’s official website.

3. Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Where the outback meets the reef, Sal Salis offers 16 wilderness tents set amongst the white dunes of the world heritage-listed Cape Range National Park. Spend your days exploring the pristine Ningaloo Reef or spotting native wildlife, and return to indulge in the best of Australian bush cuisine.

Amenities

• 16 wilderness tents
• Proximity to Ningaloo Reef
• Australian bush cuisine
• Selection of Western Australia’s finest wines
• Snorkeling equipment
• Guided wildlife walks
• Hammocks
• Solar-powered facilities
• Beach towels provided
• Private eco-friendly bathrooms

Activities

• Sea kayaking to secret spots on the reef
• Drift snorkeling just a few meters offshore
• Wildlife and bird spotting
• Guided gorge walks at Mandu Mandu Gorge
• Whale Shark swim experiences (mid-March to August, extra cost)

For more information, you can visit Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef’s official website.

See our review of Sal Salis.

4. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Meet the pioneers of the glamping scene in Australia: Paperbark Camp. Just a two-hour drive south of Sydney, this family-owned campsite offers a haven of tranquility. With elevated safari-style tents featuring queen-size beds and open-air en suites, you’ll find it hard to leave this slice of paradise.

Amenities

• Elevated safari-style tents
• Queen-size bed
• Open-air en suite
• Fine dining menu with locally sourced produce
• Canoe and paddleboard rentals
• Birdwatching tours
• Yoga classes
• Bike rentals
• Complimentary breakfast
• Campfire storytelling

Activities

• Canoeing in the Currambene Creek
• Paddleboarding adventures
• Birdwatching tours with local guides
• Yoga classes in a natural setting
• Cycling to nearby beaches

For more information, you can visit Paperbark Camp’s official website.

See our review of Paperbark Camp.

5. Nightfall Camp, Lamington National Park, Queensland

For those who seek exclusivity, Nightfall Camp allows only six guests at a time. Located near the lush Lamington National Park, guests can enjoy natural spa pools, personalized yoga sessions, and wilderness massages. The evenings are capped off by a campfire, making it a perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Amenities

• Natural spa pools
• Personalized yoga sessions
• Wilderness massages
• Open bar
• Freestanding bath
• Organic bedding
• Rotating fireplace
• Rain-head shower
• Hand-carved stone basin
• Gourmet picnic baskets

Activities

• Immersion in nature walks
• Personalized yoga and meditation sessions
• Wilderness massages by the creek
• Gourmet picnic baskets for forest dining
• Stargazing with provided telescopes

For more information, you can visit Nightfall Camp’s official website.

See our review of Nightfall Camp.

6. Balgownie Estate, Bendigo, Victoria

Wine lovers, rejoice! Balgownie Estate offers 15 luxury bell tents set amongst their vineyards. With a private deck to sip on their famed Cabernet Sauvignon and a plush queen-sized bed, this is one of the best luxury glamping experiences in Victoria.

Amenities

• Luxury bell tents
• Private deck
• Vineyard setting
• Queen-sized bed
• Eco-friendly hot tub
• Wine tasting tours
• Outdoor seating area
• Complimentary breakfast
• In-tent mini-fridge
• Yoga and meditation classes

Activities

• Champagne Breakfast: Start your day with a glass of Balgownie Premium Cuvee and a barista-made coffee.
• Wine Tasting: Experience the estate’s award-winning wines.
• Vineyard Tours: Explore the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process.
• Regional Dining: Enjoy contemporary regional dining at the estate’s restaurant.
• Local Attractions: Visit nearby attractions, wineries, and restaurants.

For more information, you can visit Balgownie Estate’s official website.

7. Roar and Snore, Sydney, New South Wales

Ever dreamed of waking up to the view of Sydney Harbour? Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo offers just that, along with an exclusive guided night safari and a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo. It’s an inner-city solution to any long-held African safari dreams.

Amenities

• Luxury tents with Sydney Harbour view
• Guided night safari
• Behind-the-scenes zoo tour
• All-you-can-eat buffets
• Animal feeding experiences
• Complimentary welcome drink
• Souvenir gift
• Free parking
• Children’s activities
• Photo opportunities with animals

Activities

• Exclusive Taronga night safari led by passionate keepers and guides
• Close encounter sessions where you form a special bond with the animals
• Enjoy canapés and beverages upon arrival to the harbour-side campsite
• Dine in style with a delicious dinner and breakfast
• Spend the following day exploring the zoo with complimentary admission

For more information, you can visit Roar and Snore’s official website.

See our review of Roar and Snore.

8. Twilight Glamping, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Twilight Glamping offers a unique service: they set up the entire glamping site for you at the location of your choosing along Victoria’s stunning Great Ocean Road. With seasonal packages that include all you need for a luxurious stay, this is glamping made easy.

Amenities

• Customizable location
• Bohemian chic styling
• Seasonal packages
• Outdoor table and chairs
• Cooking utensils and dinnerware
• Locally sourced bottle of wine
• Esky and ice packs
• Lanterns and fairy lights
• Bluetooth speakers
• Beach access

Activities

• Choose your own adventure: Pick your site along the Great Ocean Road and let Twilight Glamping set up everything for you.
• Beachside relaxation: Enjoy the stunning beaches along the Great Ocean Road.
• Local Attractions: Explore nearby attractions, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
• Surfing: Catch some waves at the famous Bells Beach.
• Hiking: Explore the Great Otway National Park.

For more information, you can visit Twilight Glamping’s official website.

9. Wingtons Glamping, Clarence Point, Tasmania

Wingtons Glamping transports you back to a time when going on safari was the epitome of glamour. Located in the heart of the Tamar Valley, the camp offers majestic bell tents, queen-sized beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton linen, and luxurious Persian-style carpets. It’s a roaring experience under the Tasmanian stars.

Amenities

• Majestic bell tents
• Queen-sized beds with Egyptian cotton linen
• Persian-style carpets
• Private outdoor kitchen
• Turkish bathrobe
• Electric lighting
• Bose Bluetooth speakers
• Phone chargers
• Fire pit
• Wine and cheese platter on arrival

Activities

• Roaring fires: Enjoy a cozy evening by your own private fire pit.
• Wine and Cheese: Indulge in a complimentary wine and cheese platter upon arrival.
• Sauna and Plunge Pool: Experience relaxation with a complimentary sauna and plunge pool for guests staying 2 nights or more. (Seasonal)
• Local Wine Tours: Explore the heart of the Tamar Valley and its renowned wineries.
• Nature Walks: Take a stroll along the banks of the Tamar River.

For more information, you can visit Wingtons Glamping’s official website.

10. Ikara Safari Camp, Wilpena Pound Resort, South Australia

Tucked away in a secluded part of the Wilpena Pound Resort, Ikara Safari Camp offers one of the most secluded glamping experiences in Australia. With king-sized beds, tiled bathrooms, and timber decks, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a luxury hotel in the middle of the Flinders Ranges.

Amenities

• King-sized beds
• Tiled bathrooms
• Timber decks
• Mini-bar and room service
• Fluffy towels and fresh coffee
• Guided cultural tours
• Scenic flights (additional cost)
• Outdoor furniture
• In-tent safe
• Complimentary toiletries

Activities

• Scenic Flights: Take a scenic flight over the stunning Flinders Ranges.
• Guided Cultural Tours: Learn about the rich history and culture of the Adnyamathanha people.
• Bushwalking: Explore the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges on foot.
• Stargazing: Enjoy the clear night skies and identify constellations.
• Nearby Attractions: Visit nearby attractions like Wilpena Pound and Sacred Canyon.

For more information, you can visit Ikara Safari Camp’s official website.

See our review of Wilpena Pound Resort.

So there you have it, the top 10 glamping spots in Australia that offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Whether you’re an adventure junkie looking to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes or someone who simply wants to unwind in style, these glamping spots have something for everyone. So why choose between camping and glamping when you can have the best of both worlds? Pack your bags; your next luxurious outdoor adventure awaits!

Additional Information

For more travel inspiration and details on how to book these incredible glamping spots, check out Australia’s Official Tourism Website.