The 11 best glamping sites in Sydney and NSW

Best for: An eco-luxe glamping experience

This eco retreat on the NSW South Coast is Australia's original glamping site, and it's only getting better with age. Hidden between the eucalypts on the banks of Currambene Creek, the stunning escape has been run by the same family since 1999, and their care and passion shines through. The safari-style tents are kitted out with super-comfy beds, freestanding bathtubs looking out onto the bush and heating to keep you cosy on winter nights. The location – a short drive from the stunning shores of Jervis Bay – is another major draw card here, as is the restaurant. 

Best for: Super-luxe nature immersion

Situated around 25 minutes north of Mudgee, Sierra Escape is an off-the-grid, camping-style experience serving up all the comforts of a five star hotel. Emphasis should be placed on ‘escape’ here – the dirt road from the centre of Mudgee means it's a bit out of the way – but the journey is a small tradeoff for its secluded location. Wildlife around the camp is abundant: small green tree frogs hop along gravel roads, crimson rosellas perch in the trees just metres away from the tent, kangaroos bounce over fences and sheep, and llamas and cows graze in neighbouring paddocks and fields. And it's not just us who love it here – this luxe, adults-only glamping won gold at the Tourism Awards for Best Unique Accommodation.

Best for: Stargazing under the mountain sky

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 a handfull of slightly different tents to choose from, each overlooking a different aspect of the Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world. All 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. The two latest additions even feature rotating beds so you can look up at a spinning constellation of stars.

Best for: A gourmet glamping trip

If the gastronomic element of your glamping experience is high priority, Nashdale Lane’s canvas clad, timber floored tents are your perfect base. Hidden in the vineyards, the two tents are both fitted out with well equipped kitchens and alfresco decks complete with BBQs and far reaching views across the vines. Stock up on gourmet goods from local Orange and grab a bottle from the cellar door on your way to your magical open-air home.

Best for: A group glamping trip

This glamping escape set in a 320 acre working farm just 30 minutes out of Mudgee feels totally remote, yet is still close to the cellar doors of the region's vibrant wine country. Take a walk around the fields, which are covered in rich scatterings of wildflowers, take a seat by the dam as the sun sets, and have a yarn around the bonfire. A couple of gentle, free roaming cows may even let you approach them for pat.

Best for: An actvitiy-packed escape 

Turon Gates Country Resort is such a well-kept secret, not even Google Maps knows where it is. It sits on the western foothills of the Blue Mountains, just northwest of Wolgan Valley, on the road between Lithgow and Mudgee. Look up, and you might catch a white bellied Australian kestrel hovering above you. Look behind you as you gain altitude and you might see a wedge-tailed eagle winging across the plain below. And while watching nature do its thing is magical enough, Turon Gates also offers guests a heap of different opportunities to get amongst it – with horse riding, canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching and wild swimming among the actvities available.

Best for: An indulgent couples escape

Only available to book via phone, there’s a certain IYKYK energy about The Jackson Ranch’s glamping suite. And though booking it might not be as easy as jumping online to book a stay at one of the ranch’s cabins, it’s worth the additional effort. Designed for couples, the private retreat is hidden deep in the 37 acre grounds, and comes complete with an outdoor bathtub and floor to ceiling windows that open up to the forest.

Best for: An affordable, truly unique Sydney experience

The Premium Deluxe Waterfront Camping packages on Sydney Harbour’s largest island will score you a furnished dome tent right on the water, decked out with a comfy double bed, a fold-out dining table, bean bag chairs and a welcome pack including perfect camping snacks (cookies and giant marshmallows) and some (non-alcoholic) drinks on ice. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay, cook a barbecue dinner overlooking the water, then spend the night exploring this fascinating, heritage-listed island. The campsite also screens movies every night, free for all guests.

Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime city staycation

There are a lot of magical places to stay in the Harbour City, but we’re happy to argue on good authority that there’s nothing quite like Roar and Snore. The glamping experience is Taronga Zoo’s long-running overnight offering, and it’s a sleepover you’ll remember forever. Starting once the gates have closed on daytime visitors, Roar and Snore is an immersive overnight stay with dinner and guided zoo tours included.

Best for: A family glamping trip

The cavernous glamping tents at this countryside retreat are sizable enough to house a family of four for a very high-end camping weekender. Both tents are home to bunk beds, a king size bed, and a full sized bathtub with views across the Dorrigo Mountains. You’ll also find a kitchenette, BBQ and outdoor dining facilities, but might find yourself dining at the on-site restaurant: a sustainability-focused eatery brought to you by the people behind Three Blue Ducks.

Best for: A secluded beachside stay

If you’re a deeply entrenched city slicker then there is no softer landing into a camping experience than a stay at Tanja Lagoon Camp. If you're accustomed to roughing it a little, prepare to experience camping luxury – all the good bits with no inconvenience. They’ve set up four expansive safari tents on permanent timber platforms ringing the lagoon in a manner that guarantees absolute privacy. This is especially good news given there is a full-sized bathtub next to the window for soaking with a view.