The 15 best glamping experiences in Australia

This eco-luxe retreat on the NSW South Coast first opened in 1999 – popping up on the banks of the Currambene Creek, deep in the paperbark-studded bush. It's close to the sparkling white sand of Hyams Beach and sapphire waters of Jervis Bay. What started as a few safari-style tents has grown into an extensive retreat, complete with an architecturally designed restaurant, on-site massage therapists, regular yoga classes and a total of thirteen tents. Each one is elevated from the ground and complete with linen-draped beds, solar-powered lighting and private ensuite bathrooms (bathtubs included).

Where: Woollamia, Jervis Bay, NSW

Is there Wi-Fi? Limited Wi-Fi is available in the tents, but free wifi is available in the on-site restaurant.

Is it dog-friendly? No

Ingenia Holidays sits on one of the most coveted addresses on the NSW North Coast. Spread across 28 acres of lush parklands fronted by the famous Tallow Beach, it’s Byron Bay’s largest accommodation provider, with options for every type of traveller. Their stylish new Hideaway Tents are our pick of the bunch, each boasting plus queen beds, air conditioning and a private deck for soaking up the Byron Bay vibes. On top of that, you’ve got a communal kitchen, jump pad, games room, playground, retro-style pool – and you’re just a five-minute drive from downtown Byron.

Where: 5/37 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? Yes

Generally, things that look incredible on Instagram underwhelm in real life. Australia’s first bubble tent – aptly named Bubbletent Australia – is not one of those things. In fact, like the moon, fireworks and big stadium pop shows, the bubble tent is actually a lot more impressive in the flesh (well, polyurethane membrane). There are five tents to choose from, each overlooking a different aspect of NSW's immense Capertee Valley – the largest valley in the world. All five tents offer total seclusion, which is not only pleasant but needed, since the central chamber of each one has a 360-degree view out and in. 

Where: Capertee, Central Tablelands, NSW

Is there Wi-Fi? Not guaranteed

Is it dog-friendly? No

Peninsula Hot Springs is a wonderland of geothermal baths. You pretty much need a compass to navigate the maze of springs and saunas, and bushland and hill tracks. This place puts the 'glam' into glamping. Whatever they saved by erecting tents instead of building the accommodation from scratch, they reinvested in the tents' interiors. Better yet, when all the day bathers head home for the evening, you get the place to yourself, with 24-hour access to hot springs by starlight (with a drink in hand, if you want), and dinner and breakfast at the lovely restaurant. How good.

Where: Fingal, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Is there Wi-Fi? No

Is it dog-friendly? No

Situated mere minutes from Phillip Island's Hutchinson Beach, the Sheltered Glamping Co has set up a number of beautiful bell tents and safari tents for visitors to kick back in. They’re furnished with plush bedding as well as heating and fans for the colder months. The Phillip Island Winery is close by, as is the famous Penguin Parade, so you’re not too far from the island’s main attractions. This one's best for every glamper who believes that their trip into the wild should include direct beach access.

Where: Phillip Island, VIC

Is there Wi-Fi? No

Is it dog-friendly? Yes

With minimal light pollution and an extraordinary natural backdrop, this remote holiday park is the ultimate place to go ‘starbathing’ in the Northern Territory. Perfectly positioned between Alice Springs and Uluru, Discovery Park’s superior glamping tents let you unwind in style while immersing yourself in the red, rugged landscapes. Each plush tent sleeps four and comes with daily buffet breakfast, air conditioning, comfy beds, a modern lounge and dining space, a private ensuite and a spacious deck to take in the desert views. Plus, don’t miss Light-Towers – an immersive, outback maze at the Discovery Resort, featuring two 69-metre tall towers that change colour in tune with sound. 

Where: Petermann, Kings Canyon, NT

Is there Wi-Fi? Limited free Wi-Fi is available at the property.

Is it dog-friendly? The glamping tents aren’t dog-friendly (however, dogs are welcome at the campground).

If you're after glamping with a capital G, you can't look past the otherwordly wonder of Longitude 131 in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory. Direct private view of Uluru? Tick. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the desert stars? Tick. Five-star lodgings fit for an earthy rockstar? Tick. Although this glamping experience edges more on being a five-star resort than a humble tent, a tent it still is, and a pretty epic one at that. If you pitch up in one of their 16 raised tents, you'll get an incredible view of Uluru, spa treatments and free-flowing artisan food and liquor. If you're feeling very fancy, you can book the 'Dune Pavilion', an immense luxury suite with deep rainwater bathtubs and a private plunge pool that has a view of both Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru. Priceless.

Where: Yulara, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, NT

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? No 

Cooinda Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park, including Maguk and Jim Jim Falls. There are 20 lavish Outback Retreat safari tents on offer, featuring plush beds that sleep up to four guests, air conditioning and unspoiled wilderness right at your doorstep. The lodge as a whole is like a mini village with a petrol station, mini-mart, two swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Welcome to glamping’s wild side – Aussie Outback edition!

Where: Kakadu, NT

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, in the common areas.

Is it dog-friendly? No

Tassie is a place that knows how to expertly wed wild terrain with smooth luxury in a way that feels very natural – and this is epitomised at the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat on the northeastern tip of Tasmania. If comfortable but luxe camping is your shtick, you'll love their cosy canvas bell tents. Fitted out with king-sized beds, each tent is elegant but simple, making it a great in-between option for those who want their camping with a little extra shine. You'll have access to warm showers in their bespoke bathroom block, get to cook in their lush kitchen, have an option of an in-house delicious breakfast and (best of all) be located just minutes' drive away from the wonders of the Bay of Fires. Think normal Aussie campground – but extremely elevated.

Where: Binalong Bay, TAS

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? No

If you're looking for a deeply romantic and seriously secluded escape in the middle of Queensland's tropical heart, you can't look past Nightfall Camp in the Scenic Rim. Just four permanent hand-built luxury safari tents with hardwood floors are pitched next to a tumbling creek in Lamington National Park, meaning maximum serenity. Each tent comes with twin bathtubs and a private, rotating fireplace. You'll be plied with organic fresh food, pampered with hot baths in the rainforest and given the space to reconnect with romance – and yourself in a pristine slice of Australian rainforest. 

Where: Lamington National Park, Scenic Rim, QLD

Is there Wi-Fi? Free Wi-Fi is available only in the main lounge

Is it dog-friendly? No

The age-old catchphrase of 'location, location, location' rings particularly true at the Ikara Safari Camp in the heart of South Australia's Flinders Ranges. While perhaps not as bougie as some of the other glamping spots on this list, Ikara (which is located within the Wilpena Pound Resort), is in the perfect position for exploring the dramatic rock formations and sweeping wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The safari-style glamping tents come with their own king-sized beds (you can get a double or two singles), en-suites, aircon and an outdoor fire pit. This one's relaxing, laidback and the ideal choice for those who want to feel intrepid – but without all the uncomfy bits. 

Where: Within Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges, SA

Is there Wi-Fi? Only in the restaurant and bistro 

Is it dog-friendly? No