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I grew up camping with my dad and brother – weekends spent doing treasure hunts at the Basin, wrapping our arms around the ancient, fragrant blue gums in the Blue Mountains National Park, and kayaking down the Tumut River. While fun and adventurous, our tents never came with in-built rain showers. Nor a fire-heated bathtub, white robes and sweeping hinterland views. But that and more is what greets us at Cicada Luxury Camping.
To be fair, camping is a bit of a stretch. This adults-only retreat in Jerrara, located 90 minutes to two hours from Sydney, depending on how you time your drive, is more glamping than usual roughing-it camping. Founders Nick and Jen Currie, who opened the retreat back in 2022, have thought of everything to create a secret escape for those wanting to unplug and reconnect with nature and each other. The countryside, lush and green after rainfall and dotted with cows, is reason enough to come.
There are six accommodation options, ranging from two safari-style tents with private ensuites and two deluxe bell tents to two domes. Both domes are solar-powered, with rainwater systems throughout, and have a clear front so you can take in the countryside surroundings from your comfortable king bed. The tents have access to The Brood, a communal kitchen, lounge, alfresco area and accessible bathroom.
We’re staying a couple of nights in the Silver Knight dome, which comes with a hammock, private deck, outdoor barbecue, firepit and wood-fired outdoor bath. It takes a while to heat, so factor that into your arvo plans. I’m not kidding about the rain shower, either.
We spent our days chatting to the chubby and cheeky resident chicken (we called him Bill), playing cards, reading our books and enjoying cheese and wine at sunset. You could spend the whole weekend here, but Kiama – which has got to be up there as one of the cutest and most charming villages in the state – is a six-minute drive away. Coastal walks, morning coffee, ocean dips, one big blowhole, arvo beers and boutique hopping are all at your fingertips.
Rain was softly falling on our visit, but next time I’d be keen to lace up and check out the new walking trail leading through rainforest to a secluded seasonal swimming hole.
Keen to take your relaxation to the next level? The team offers in-tent spa and massage treatments featuring Australian native botanical ingredients.
A few good things to note: there's no Wi-Fi, but phone reception wasn't an issue for us. You'll park your car at the top of the property, and some of the tents require a walk down a slope. If mobility is a concern, chat to the team about the best accommodation option for you. Coffee, tea and milk are provided, but you'll need to bring your own food to cook or head into town for meals.
“People come here exhausted and leave restored. The views, the fire, the fresh air – it all plays a part. You follow the trail through the rainforest, the swimming hole appears, and then the valley opens up in front of you. It’s a moment that stays with you,” said Nick Currie, co-founder and director of Cicada Luxury Camping.
Maybe I should send my dad here next time. He's partial to a fluffy robe and nature views.
Cicada Luxury Camping's rates vary depending on the accommodation type and season. Bell tents start at $265 per night, safari tents at $495 and the luxury domes at $610. You can find out more and book yourself in on the website.
Note, I was hosted by Cicada Luxury Camping, but our editorial recommendations are always honest. Find out more, here.