The 18 best glamping experiences in Australia

Where: Woollamia, Jervis Bay, NSW

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 the 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).

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

Where: Byron Bay, NSW

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 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.

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? Yes

Where: Capertee, Central Tablelands, NSW

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. 

Is there Wi-Fi? Not guaranteed

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Fingal, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

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.

Is there Wi-Fi? No

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Werribee Open Range Zoo, Greater Melbourne, VIC

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that giraffes, lions, hippos and meerkats live peacefully just 45 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. What’s more, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers animal lovers the chance to have a sleepover in a tented safari lodge. Get up at dawn and head out to your own private balcony – the perfect vantage point to watch beautiful beasts wake up on the African savannah. Your accommodation includes dinner and drinks, a guided night walk and marshmallows by an evening campfire. 

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Trafalgar South, West Gippsland, VIC

This adults-only oasis in Gippsland is set in a lush location of densely wooded eucalyptus forest punctuated by laughing kookaburras and warbling magpies. This is glamping as it should be – that is, as far removed from camping as possible (it features a luxe freestanding bathtub, expansive deck, fire pit and pizza oven). Arrive while there's still enough daylight to check out the impressive six hectares of gardens that feature everything from glassy secret lakes, curious donkeys and spectacular views over Mt Baw Baw.

Is there Wi-Fi? Only in The Cottage; not in the glamping tents

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Petermann, Kings Canyon, NT

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 Uluṟu, 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 a 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 69m-tall towers that change colour in tune with sound. 

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).

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

If you're after glamping with a capital G, you can't look past the otherworldly wonder of Longitude 131 in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa 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 Tjuṯa and Uluṟu. Priceless.

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? No 

Where: Kakadu, NT

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!

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

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Binalong Bay, TAS

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 the 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.

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Lake Cootharaba, Boreen Point, QLD

Known as the ‘River of Mirrors’ for its glassy reflections, the Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems on Earth. The best way to immerse yourself in this untouched labyrinth of calm waterways and forests is by basing yourself at Habitat Noosa. Set across 65 acres of quiet bushland, this spacious eco camp offers everything from old-school campsites to comfortable Wilderness Safari Tents and upscale Paperbark Glamping Tents. The property also houses a restaurant and microbrewery, plus is the launchpad for the spectacular daily Everglades Eco Safari cruises. Keep an eye out for grazing eastern grey kangaroos around the glamping tents!

Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, in select areas, including the Wilderness Tents, CootharaBar and reception building

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Lamington National Park, Scenic Rim, QLD

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. 

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

Is it dog-friendly? No

Where: Within Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges, SA

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 other glamping spots on this list, Ikara is perfectly positioned 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, laid-back and the ideal choice for those who want to feel intrepid – but without all the uncomfy bits. 

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

Is it dog-friendly? No