If shopping at Kathmandu, wearing hiking boots (not the fashionable sort), tripping over pegs and poles, or sleeping on the floor inside a cramped one-man tent are all absolutely not your vibe—but you do want to reconnect with nature and disconnect from crazy city life—this list is for you.
Whether you are planning a romantic vacation, a long weekend with your crew, or a family adventure, we have dug up some of the best glamping, AKA fancy camping, getaways located in Sydney and throughout NSW. Think sweeping properties, bubble tents with uninterrupted views of the night sky, waterfront safari tents, and giant open-air baths.
Here are the best glamping spots near Sydney and throughout NSW.
Paperbark Camp
Jervis Bay
Paperbark Camp is one of Australia's best glamping experiences, mixing luxury tent accommodation and delicious food and wine within a peaceful bush setting. Here, you can embrace a safari-style camping experience amongst the beautiful eucalypts and towering paperbarks. Shower in an open-air private ensuite while watching kangaroos, watch the Milky Way from an open-air stargazing deck, and be lulled into a peaceful sleep in a king-deluxe bed without the fear of literal bed bugs biting. Forget canned beans and other regular camping snacks, Paperbark's onsite restaurant, The Gunyah has you covered for fancy chef-prepared three-course meals (market fish, duck, lamb rump and more are regular features on the seasonal menu). Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 40 minutes
Donnybrook Eco Retreat
Maitland
Set on a 100-acre farm near Maitland and the Hunter Valley, this two-person glamping tent is an idyllic country escape for two. It's set up beside a dam with ample views across green rolling hills, paddocks, and bushland. As well as being close to the region's famous wineries and high-octane activities like hot air ballooning, sky-diving, and flying lessons, here you've also got the best of both worlds with the op to read a book beneath the tree or catch the sunset over the farm with a glass of wine. Book here.
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours
Bangalay Retreat
Bawley Point
For a beachside glamping experience, Banglay Retreat features five luxe African safari-inspired tents just 90 metres from the sand of Racecourse Beach in Bawley Point. It's adults-only here, with accommodation available for couples looking to do a romantic getaway or friends doing an intimate group getaway. The tents offer true privacy and seclusion and each is kitted out with an ensuite, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious deck facing the morning sun. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 4 hours
Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent
Lemon Tree
Sustainability is key at Jilliby Creek. This glamping tent is totally solar-powered and set up on an up-cycled deck on a tranquil property in the Dooralong Valley. Enjoy a slower pace as you unwind on the deck, snooze in the hammock, or tell ghost stories by the fire pit at nighttime. Shared amenities of note include a rain shower, fast WiFi, coffee machine, fridge, and freezer. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marramarra Lodge
Hawkesbury River
Framed by the stunning Marramarra National Park, this newly-built luxury lodge is only accessible by boat from Mooney Mooney and Brooklyn and is just one hour from Sydney. At Marramarra, you’re in for two different types of accommodation—the high-end Hawkesbury Bungalow, or the ultra-luxurious Peninsula Tent. Each room features a balcony with river views where you can scheme your grand kayaking adventure down the Hawkesbury. There's also a mini day spa and luxe add-ons like private helicopter charters to wine tastings in the Hunter Valley. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 1 hour
Currajong Retreat
Burragate
Not too far from both Merimbula and Eden on the stunning Sapphire Coast is Currajong Retreat, a spectacular hideaway with a stunning outdoor tub. Located on the Currajong Commune farm, the luxury tent is perched high on a cliff, overlooking the Towamba River and an expanse of peaceful bushland. As well as outdoor bathing, the spacious deck is perfect for stargazing, and surrounding the tent you'll find quiet swimming holes and perfect picnic spots. This one is an ideal romantic getaway. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 6 hours
Nashdale Lane
Orange
If you think glamping and drinking wine go hand in hand, then this one is for you. Nashdale Lane is one of Orange's fully-fledged vineyards (and one of our favourites). Here you’ll be glamping right beside the vines and Nashdale Lane's incredible cellar door, pitched on the rolling green hills that rise up to the mysterious Mount Canobolas. Each tent is decked out with a verandah, kitchenette, couch and dining area plus there’s a BBQ area where you can cook up your own dinner. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 4 hours
Turon Gates Mountain Retreat
Blue Mountains
Turon Gates Mountain Retreat is a 6,000-acre property in the beautiful Blue Mountains where self-catering glamping tents are dotted beside 15 km of crystal clear trout stream. Tents come with a four-poster bed, lounge area and a fully-fledged contemporary bathroom and kitchenette. Only a two-and-a-half-hour trip outside of the city, this pet-friendly retreat offers its guests a myriad of outdoor and indoor (no judgement) activities, like horse riding, bushwalking, canoeing and in-tent massages. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 30 minutes
Faraway Domes
Warialda
Set on a sprawling 9,000-acre working beef and sheep property in the region of Warialda, Faraway Domes is a literal world away. Created by the property’s owners, the Munsie family, you’ll be able to lap up a little luxury while taking in the serene, rolling hills and crystal-clear skies of Warialda.
These geodesic domes are the first of their kind in NSW and bring a whole new level of luxury to NSW's glamping scene. Featuring a super comfy four-poster bed, open plan living and kitchen area, a private bathroom and a four-metre-high elevated deck with a private outdoor bath—you couldn't be any closer to actual heaven here. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 8 hours
South Coast Retreat
Greenwell Point
Located in the Shoalhaven region just south of Batemans Bay, you won't need to pitch a tent or unravel a sleeping bag at South Coast Retreat's glamping set-up. Your stay here has the added bonus of sparkly waterfront vibes and sea breeze, as the property's six African safari-style tents front up to the shores of the Crookhaven River. Inside your tent, you'll find a Tasmanian Oak queen or king bed, warm alpaca blankets and twinkling fairy lights. Fully equipped with all kitchen appliances, a large modern bathroom and a BBQ fire pit, this is an ideal home away from home when you just want to escape Sydney. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 2 hours 50 minutes
Roar & Snore At Taronga Zoo
Mosman
Ever fancied waking up to the sound of a lion’s roar or having a sleepover with a giraffe? Taronga Zoo's glamping experience lets you get up close and personal with the zoo's exotic animals as well as their incredible native Australian residents, as you relax in award-winning tents, complete with the spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner, an exclusive night safari and two fabulous behind-the-scenes tours of the zoo. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about Taronga's extensive conservation programs, including their Australian wildlife appeal and the work they are doing to help our native animals recover from the recent bushfire disaster. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 20 minutes
Bubble Tents Australia
Capertee
For one of the best novelty getaways around, Capertee’s insane "bubble tents" are an absolute must. There are only three tents to choose from, but each tent gives you panoramic overviews of the second-biggest canyon in the world. Aside from lapping up all the luxury of outdoor baths and a transparent tent made for all the midnight stargazing, you’ll be in the prime spot to watch the sunset, go on a number of hikes, use the on-site telescope to spot your favourite constellations or take a helicopter tour. Book your stay here.
Distance from Sydney: 2 hrs 50 minutes
Cockatoo Island
Sydney Harbour
Don't want to travel too far? Only have one night to spare? No worries. Cockatoo Island, the largest island in Sydney Harbour, offers some pretty spectacular, award-winning glamping options. With full views of one of the world's most famous harbours, you're in for a real treat. Tents come furnished with Appellees Apothecary toiletries included. Obviously, New Year's Eve on the island would be life-changing (front-row seats for the fireworks), but with lots of events being hosted on the island, it pays to check what's on to see if it's worth adding in a stay-cay. Book here.
Distance from Sydney: 25 minutes
For more getaway ideas, check out:
Image credit: Airbnb, Destination NSW
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