Glamping: Australia’s Best Luxury Camping Experiences To Try

Longitude 131 has possibly the best view from any bed in Australia. Imagine waking up in sacred Anangu country and watching the sun rise over the majestic Uluru. Longitude 131 has 15 luxury tents atop Outback dunes at the gateway to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre.  

Gaze at stars like never before, then head to your king bed with organic linen for a blissful night’s sleep. The tents have cabin-like bases and a deck, with a sweeping canopy floating above. The central Dune House has a restaurant with views of Uluru, as well as lounging areas and Indigenous artworks. You can also dine under the stars with Table 131, complete with a resident astronomer to tell stories of the heavens. 

For extra luxury, spend a night in the premium, two-bedroom Dune Pavilion which has a private deck and plunge pool, which is the only accommodation in Australia offering views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. 

In the dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park, on the shores of Ningaloo Reef, safari camp Sal Salis awaits. It has 16 eco-luxe wilderness tents that sit on raised platforms to offer views of the ocean, making it the perfect place to watch whales breach over breakfast, or catch kangaroos grazing on the beach. 

One of the things that makes this glamping experience so special is that you can get to view  the sun setting over the Indian Ocean, which is something you can only do in Western Australia. Meals are served in the main lodge, which also has a library, board games and self-service bar. There is no mobile phone network or Wi-Fi, so be ready to unplug. This is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks, which migrate past Ningaloo Reef between April and July. 

Paperbark Camp at Jervis Bay in New South Wales is the perfect glamping experience for nature lovers. With African Safari inspired tents placed carefully amongst the towering eucalyptus and paperbark trees, the camp will make you feel at one with nature. 

They have private open-air ensuites, so you can shower with the birds and the deluxe tents have their own bath. To really get back to nature, the sustainable property has no air-conditioning or heating, no TV, and no bar fridge, although there is Wi-Fi in the Gunyah dining room, reception and lounge. Take a walk along the easy walking trails, take advantage of the complimentary bikes and canoes, and book a massage or beauty treatment. 

Pink skies and a thousand stars await at Ikara Safari Camp at Wilpena Pound in South Australia. Here you’ll find 15 safari tents with king beds, ensuite bathrooms, power, air conditioning – even a fridge – among river red gums, native pines and abundant wildlife (including emus and kangaroos) within Flinders Ranges National Park.  

Enjoy sundowners on your deck as you watch the sun set and see the Milky Way start to sparkle from above. In winter, each tent has a fire pit out the front to keep you toasty. The Pound itself is a natural amphitheatre in a landscape that has been home to the Adnyamathanha people for tens of thousands of years. Aboriginal cultural tours are available and there is a welcome to country every night. 

Spicers Canopy offers an all-inclusive back-to-nature glamping experience. Their eco-site, which is completely gas- and solar-powered, features luxury safari-style tents. Each features king or twin beds with fine linens, polished timber floorboards, luxurious armchairs, a covered deck and Spicers branded bathrobes (perfect for a selfie on the deck, champagne in hand). 

The permanent luxury tents offer luxurious spaces that exist in harmony with nature, looking towards Mount Mitchell, Spicers Peak and Mount Cordeaux. With no cars, computers or TV and limited mobile phone reception, it’s truly a tranquil oasis, with no need to compromise on comfort. 

From the moment guests arrive, they’ll find everything is taken care of, from arrival champagne and the stacking and lighting of their fire to private guided nature walks and gourmet dining experiences. 

Bonus tip, the sunset over the escarpment will leave you breathless! 

Located in a relatively untouched pocket of forest in Lamington, Queensland sits the luxurious of Nightfall. With a fireplace, timber floors, a hand-carved stone basin, a vintage bath, a double bed with plush linens, and views in every direction – these are not just any tents.  

The crystal-clear tumbling waters of Christmas Creek offer a fitting backdrop and natural soundtrack for Nightfall’s 62-square-metre safari tents. Enjoy sumptuous organic cuisine cooked over the fire and rejoice in stepping away from modern life. Only six guests are allowed at any one time. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll find Champagne and a gourmet platter in your fridge. Try a wilderness massage by the creek or in the forest for the ultimate indulgence. Book well in advance.