When the dazzle of nature meets luxury camping, it’s glamping!

If you’re looking to soak up the great outdoors and pitch a tent under the stars, camping is the first thing that comes to mind. But what if you’re looking to switch off your phone and immerse yourself in nature, without all the mosquitos, lack of electricity and public toilets? Enter glamping.

When is the best time to go camping in Australia?

Depending on your destination and preferred climate, the best time to camp (or glamp) in Australia is between October and April.

A portmanteau of glamour and camping that fuses the basic ideas of camping with five-star living. This style of luxury camping has become extremely popular, and it’s no wonder with its ability to suit those with both a penchant for the great outdoors and the luxuries of resort living. Whilst we all might like the idea of going back to basics, who doesn’t love a fluffy hotel robe and a ridiculously oversized bath?

Thankfully, Australia is home to some of the best glamping spots the world has to offer!

So, to help you for your next outdoor adventure, we’ve found Australia’s best luxurious glamping experiences for you to indulge in. Check in for a night or two for an unforgettable nature getaway, in style.

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

Burrowed amongst the dunes in Australia’s heart awaits 16 tented pavilions offering an immersive experience like none other. One of Australia’s best glamping experiences, here you’ll wake up to unparalleled views of Australia’s iconic Uluru and you’ll also get a front seat view to a dazzling light show at night from a swag by the fire (nightcaps complimentary). With fine dining, Indigenous-inspired spa treatments, a plunge pool, complimentary champagne and rooms fitted with original Indigenous artworks, this is truly the only way to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of our beautiful country. If you’re looking for one of Australia’s most luxurious glamping spots, this is it.

Longitude 131 | Yulara Dr, Yulara, NT 0872

Bubbletent Australia, Capertee Valley, New South Wales

Get out of your bubble and immerse yourself into this one. If you’re looking to get closer to nature more than ever before, you can now spend the night in a fully transparent bubble. One of the most unique glamping experiences in Australia, the team at Bubbletent will take you off the grid and place you in the heart of nature in one of their three bubbles overlooking the untouched Capertee Valley. Ensuring your stay is nothing short of first-class, Bubbletent have thought of just about everything: from the spacious bed to the eco-friendly bathroom, fully equipped BBQ-style kitchen and even to the wood-fired hot tub. Plus, if you’re stuck on things to do, all Bubbletent’s also come with a telescope for star gazing – what are you waiting for?

Bubbletent Australia | Capertee, NSW 2846

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

If you’re looking for a destination where the outback meets the reef, we must introduce you to one of the top bucket list glamping sites in Australia: Sal Salis – they’re the team that have expertly crafted 16 wilderness tents amongst the white dunes of the world heritage listed Cape Range National Park. Spend the day in the pristine Ningaloo Reef with whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and dolphins. Or, if you’re more of a land creature, spot red kangaroos, goannas, echidnas, and emus amongst the coastal dunes. Return to the camp at night and indulge in the best of Australian bush cuisine whilst sipping on a selection of Western Australia’s finest wines. Sleep in style at one of the best luxury glamping spots in Western Australia!

Sal Salis | Yardie Creek Rd, Cape Range National Park, WA 6707

Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, New South Wales

If you’re looking for a luxury glamping spot in New South Wales, we must introduce you to the pioneers of the glamping scene in Australia: Paperbark Camp – a family owned and operated campsite which is a must-visit for any glampers. Just a short two-hour drive south of Sydney, hidden amongst the eucalypts and paperbarks in the world-famous Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp offers guests a haven of tranquility with crisp white linen and fluffy slippers to match. You won’t want to leave your elevated safari-style tent, with its wrap-around deck, queen-size bed and open air en suite. But you should, for one reason: The Gunyah. At the heart of the camp, this breathtaking treetop dining space boasts a fine dining menu abundant with locally sourced produce. 

Paperbark Camp | 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia, NSW 2540

Nightfall Camp, Lamington National Park, Queensland

Why go regular glamping when you can now go super-intimate-exclusive glamping? Be one of the just six guests allowed at a time at the serene Nightfall Camp, located near the lush Lamington National Park in the aptly named Lost World Valley. Here guests are invited to enjoy natural spa-pools, personalised yoga sessions, wilderness massages, an open bar, and lazy afternoons in their own freestanding bath. And if you’re not sold on this luxurious glamping spot just yet, here the evenings are capped off by the campfire before heading back to one of three architect-inspired, hand-built safari tents kitted out with rotating fireplace, rain-head shower, hand carved stone basin and luxurious organic bedding.

Nightfall Camp | 3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington, QLD 4285

Balgownie Estate, Bendigo, Victoria

If there’s one thing we like better than glamping, it’s wine. So when Balgownie Estate announced that they would be pitching 15 luxury bell tents amongst their vineyards, we just about lost our minds. Thanks to the long summer days ameliorated by cool overnight temperatures that are combined with the superb alluvial soil, these are just some of the reasons why the region is considered as an optimal condition for premium grape growing. The beautifully styled tents offer all the luxuries of a hotel, plus a private deck to sip copious amounts of their famed cabernet sauvignon, and a plush queen sized bed to rest on after a full day of tastings. Pro-tip: book the safari tent and relax in your own eco-friendly hot-tub overlooking the picturesque Bendigo wine region. One of the best luxury glamping experiences in Victoria!

Balgownie Estate | 46 Hermitage Rd, Maiden Gully, VIC 3551

Roar and Snore, Sydney, New South Wales

Take a walk on the wild side and get up close and personal with the wildlife at Taronga Zoo on this once in a lifetime glamping experience. Also making our list as one of the Best and Most Unique Boutique Hotels in Sydney, Roar and Snore is glamping with a difference, offering an exclusive guided night safari and a rare behind the scenes tour of the zoo. Not only are their luxury tents award-winning, they have one of the most stunning backdrops of them all: the immaculate Sydney Harbour including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (a view that the giraffes wake up to every day, mind you). This one-night unmissable experience is the perfect inner-city solution to any long-held African safari dreams. Lions and tigers and all-you-can-eat-buffets, oh my!

Roar and Snore | Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088

Twilight Glamping, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The duo behind Twilight Glamping spotted a niche in the camping market and ingeniously turned it into a living. The pair offer beautiful bell tents for hire along Victoria’s stunning Great Ocean Road. But here’s the best bit: they set up the whole glamping site for you (bohemian chic styling included) at the location of your own choosing, and then pack away your entire mess afterwards. This wouldn’t be glamping without a touch of luxury, and Twilight Glamping has you covered with a range of seasonal packages. Why not try their Moonlight Package ($80) which includes a locally-sourced bottle of wine, cooking utensils, dinnerware, esky and ice packs and even an outdoor table and chairs – all you need to pack is yourself and a set of clothes!

Twilight Glamping | 4/12 Castles Dr, Torquay, VIC 3228

Wingtons Glamping, Clarence Point, Tasmania

The team at Wingtons Glamping are all about transporting you back to a time when going on safari was as glamorous as it got. Think majestic bell tents, queen-sized beds dressed in the finest Egyptian cotton linen, luxurious Persian style carpets and a roaring fire under the stars. Located in the heart of the Tamar Valley, spend the day hunting down the finest wines along the region’s famed wine route, return home, relax in your plush Turkish bathrobe and enjoy an abundance of fresh Tasmanian produce in your own private outdoor kitchen. Don’t worry, you won’t have to leave the 21st century entirely: electric lighting, Bose Bluetooth speakers and chargers are all available for your convenience.

Wingtons Glamping | 41 Sunset Blvd, Clarence Point, TAS 7270

Ikara Safari Camp, Wilpena Pound Resort, South Australia

Head five hours north of Adelaide and you just might stumble across the beautiful Flinders Ranges. You are unlikely, however, to stumble across the 15 luxurious tents tucked away in a secluded part of the Wilpena Pound Resort. One of the most secluded glamping retreats around Australia, these safari tents are equipped with king-sized beds, tiled bathrooms and timber decks are dotted between breathtaking red river gums and native pines to help you enjoy the expansive and breathtaking views of the rocky surrounds. With fluffy towels, fresh coffee, a mini-bar and room service, we won’t blame you for accidentally thinking you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up at a luxury hotel. 

Ikara Safari Camp | Wilpena Rd, Hawker, SA 5434

For some more travel inspiration, check out our Ultimate Guide to the 13 Best Luxury Winery Stays around Australia. Or, fall head over heels in love again at these Top 9 Romantic Getaway Destinations around Australia.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Feature image: Glamping tent. Photographed by Moise Sebastian. Image via Shutterstock.
This article was originally published on March 01 2018. It was edited and updated by Hunter and Bligh on June 08 2023.
Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.