With one third of the year done and dusted, there’s no better time to hit pause and pencil in a well-deserved break. When it comes to recharging, few places deliver like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains/Colomatta. Cue the crisp mountain air, rolling mist, and spectacular scenery that will make you want to slow down and soak it all up.
Located under two hours from Sydney/Eora in Blackheath, Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges is an ideal base for exploring the iconic region. And now, with their Lakeside Canopies—a brand new style of luxe glamping tents—it's the perfect time to plan your next weekend escape.
What To Expect
If you love the idea of glamping, but aren’t quite ready to give up the plush perks of a hotel, Parklands’ Lakeside Canopies deliver the best of both worlds.
Hugging the banks of a serene lake and framed by manicured gardens, the glamping tents are more like luxury cabins, offering 53 square metres of refined living space for two—perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers.
Each canopy is kitted out with a deluxe queen-sized bed, a chic ensuite bathroom, an open-plan living and dining area, and a handy kitchenette with a coffee machine, plus reverse-cycle air conditioning keeping things comfortable year-round.
Indoors effortlessly spills outdoors onto a private deck overlooking the lake and a flickering fire pit for toasty evenings. But the real showstopper here is the freestanding outdoor bathtub, made for long, steamy soaks under the stars with a glass of wine in hand, of course.
Another major drawcard is Parklands’ hotel-style room service, where guests can opt for a continental breakfast delivered straight to their room or stroll over to the main house for a full hot breakfast, depending on how slowly you want to start your morning.
There are just three Lakeside Canopies available—including one with accessibility features—alongside a variety of accommodation options including 28 guest rooms alongside seven cottages across the property’s 28 acres.
What To Do While You're There
While you could easily spend your entire stay unwinding in your Lakeside Canopy, there’s plenty to explore within the Parklands resort, Blackheath, and beyond.
For total relaxation, Parklands’ on-site day spa offers everything from facials and massages to body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and private steam room sessions. Parkland’s peaceful gardens are also worth a wander, bursting with flower beds, fruit orchards, and sweeping green lawns reminiscent of a grand European estate.
In Blackheath, you’ll find charming local-run shops and cafes, plus a network of nature-brushed walking tracks. The nearby Govetts Leap Loop is a moderate 9.2km circuit that takes roughly 3 hours (when you factor in photo stops) with major wow moments like deep canyons, sparkly waterfalls and clifftop lookouts.
The Blue Mountains is also a renowned food-lover's destination, dotted with must-try restaurants. Enjoy a luxe high tea at the panoramic Hydro Majestic, authentic Vietnamese, Thai and Cantonese flavours at Asian fusion spot Miss Lilian, and elevated dinners at Echoes or Darley’s at Lilianfels—Parklands’ sister properties.
THE DETAILS
Address: 132 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
Price: Lakeside Canopies from $424 per night
Bookings: Online here.
For more on why you should book a trip to Parklands to check out their new Lakeside Canopy, visit here.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Salt Brothers Hospitality and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Urban List