If you love the great outdoors but aren’t quite keen on pitching a worn-out old tent for your romantic getaway or honeymoon, take to the wilderness in style with these incredible Australian glamping experiences.
Whether it is a weekend away, a honeymoon in Australia or just a short break, relax … we’ve done the hard work for you! From ecclectic Tasmanian campsites to adventure-packed outback hideaways, we’ve found the 10 best Australian destinations to escape to for an utterly unique romantic getaway.
For… a rainforest retreat
nightfall – Lamington National Park, Queensland
Beside the crystal-clear waters of Christmas Creek and hidden deep in Queensland’s ancient Lamington National Park rainforest, nightfall is an oasis of privacy just under an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast’s sun-kissed beaches.
Hand-built and architect-inspired, nightfall’s permanent safari tents make for the ultimate romantic getaway. A fireplace creates a warm atmosphere for winter, while the canvas walls bring the outdoors in when lifted in the warmer months. Nightfall’s hosts themselves designed this perfect glamping escape themselves and clearly had privacy in mind. The three tents include special touches you won’t find anywhere else, such as hand-carved stone basins.
Luxurious touches: Wire-brushed old timber floor, ensuite bathroom with rain-head shower, outdoor vintage bath, fireplace, comfortable bed, micro-camp kitchen, private BBQ, flyscreens. Fully catered, there’s also complimentary Champagne and gourmet platters in your in-tent fridge for a lazy afternoon snack.
Don’t miss: A massage by the creek in the depths of the rainforest is an uber-luxe way to spend the afternoon, but trekking through the rainforest is an absolute must.
Related article: Top 5 Places in the World to Go Glamping
For… Australian icons
Longitude 131° – Uluru, Northern Territory
It doesn’t get much more Australian than Uluru. Synonymous with the red centre, Longitude 131° celebrates indigenous Australian culture and showcases the very best views that the outback has to offer.
With only fifteen tents, the site is a place of privacy and serenity, yet boasts exceptional facilities. A white dome roof and flowing fabric draped from the centre create the illusion of camping, but here you have all the creature comforts – from the reverse cycle air-conditioning to the switch operated blinds that reveal the big rock.
See the region and learn about its fascinating heritage when you go on one of Longitude 131°’s tours, designed exclusively for guests. You’ll learn about the ancient cultures and stories of the traditional owners of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, taking away memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Luxurious touches: World-class restaurant, spa, king-sized beds, ensuite bathroom with rain shower, iPad with entertainment, music system, WiFi, telephone and all-inclusive drinks.
Don’t miss: Watch the constellations shine from your table at Table 131° for a romantic wine-paired dinner. Of course, you also can’t visit this region without seeing Uluru and the Kantju and Walpa Gorges, as well as indulging in a pamper session at Red Ochre Spa.
Related: From Banks to Barns – Introducing Australia’s Most Unique Converted Accomodation!
For… the animal-loving couple
Taronga Zoo Roar & Snore – Sydney, New South Wales
How does postcard-ready views of the Sydney Harbour sound for your New South Wales romantic getaway? What about getting up close and personal with Australia’s most amazing wildlife? World-famous Taronga Zoo offers couples all this and more with their incredible Roar and Snore experience.
When you book this experience you’ll be treated to refreshments and nibbles at the harbour-side campsite before meeting some of the Zoo’s friendliest creatures and spending the night in your own safari tent, complete with double bed, electricity and quality linens. An on-site bathroom block is a welcomed convenience, while luxuries like a buffet dinner, continental breakfast and behind-the-scenes animal encounters make the Roar and Snore experience like no other.
Luxurious touches: Purpose-built safari tent, timber floors, electricity, double bed, quality linen, on-site bathroom block, disabled access facilities, buffet dinner, continental breakfast and drinks and nibbles on arrival
Don’t miss: Everything. Absolutely everything about this experience is a highlight. From sipping on sparkling and taking in the Sydney Harbour views from your deck to meeting the Zoo’s adorable residents, Roar and Snore is a romantic getaway you won’t soon forget.
For… a coastal escape
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – Cape Range National Park, Western Australia
Can’t decide between an outback escape or a coastal getaway with amazing reefs for your next Australian romantic getaway? You won’t have to at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. The award-winning coastal camp offers some seriously wild bush luxury, with nine spacious wilderness tents hidden in the white sand dunes of Cape Range National Park, on the edge of the world’s greatest fringing coastal coral reef (and one of Australia’s best-kept secrets!), Ningaloo Reef. How’s that for scenery?
The resort’s high ecological principles ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental impact. Comfortably fitted with plush beds and an ensuite bathroom, the tents offer exposure to local wildlife – you can spot everything from grazing red kangaroos in the dunes outside your door, to breaching humpback whales just beyond the reef (you can even swim with a whale shark!).
Luxurious touches: Handmade jarrah beds, quality cotton linen, raised platforms, ensuite bathroom, snorkelling equipment, kayaks for guided excursions, library, three-course chef-prepared dinner each night on the deck or at the nearby lodge.
Don’t miss: Swimming with humpback whales and whale sharks are two bucket-list items that Sal Salis will help you tick off. For humpbacks, visit between August and October or for whale sharks – otherwise known as the world’s largest fish – between April and July is the best time to visit.
For… whimsical charm
Wintons – Clarence Point, Tasmania
If it’s an Australian glamping experience with plenty of unique touches you’re after,Wingtons in beautiful Tasmania ticks all the right boxes. The divine tents are decked out with fascinating decor and paraphernalia reminiscent of a 1930s safari expedition, and look out onto the Tamar River. Persian-style carpets and vintage steamer trucks add a little opulence, while queen size beds dressed in the finest Egyptian cotton linen promise a very comfortable night’s sleep.
Tasmania – especially the Tamar region – is world-renowned for its food and wine, so be sure to wind your way through the many surrounding vineyards and pick up a bottle to share by your roaring fire. If beer is more your drink of choice, take a day-trip to the nearby Boags Brewery and enjoy a cheeky tasting tour.
Luxurious touches: European wood fires, queen size beds, quality Egyptian linen, ensuite with gas-powered showers and flushing toilets, BOSE Bluetooth speakers, ice box, phone and laptop charging capabilities, Weber Baby Q barbeque.
Don’t miss: Fit in plenty of time for exploring the foodie heaven that is the Tamar Valley. An impressive list of fantastic restaurants dots the region, while Wingtons itself boasts white sandy beaches just a short ten minutes away.
For… foodie heaven
Paperbark Camp – Jervis Bay, New South Wales
If an eco haven with luxury safari tents on raised timber platforms sounds like your cup of tea, book yourselves a stay at Paperbark Camp. Situated on the New South Wales’ south coast, this romantic escape is home to a magnificent paperbark forest in the unspoilt natural beauty of Jervis Bay. Scenery? Tick. Glamour? Tick.
With all the amenities you’d expect of a glamping experience – private bathrooms and full timber beds with linen, amongst others – Paperbark Camp’s cabins are lovely. Their small decks are the ideal place to take in the views, but if it’s an all-out getaway you’re dreaming of, book one of the four Deluxe Safari Tents with a claw foot, cast iron bath.
You’re in a designated National Marine Park here, and the camp offers plenty of packages for day trips that connect you to the surrounding environment. After a day of exploring, enjoy a meal at the onsite Gunyah restaurant, perched high in the first in the bush canopy.
Luxurious touches: Polished hardwood floors, full insect screening, solar powered lighting, high-quality linen, open-air private ensuite, handmade soaps, free standing baths, restaurant, WiFi.
Don’t miss: Look out for possums and kangaroos from your complimentary canoe or cycle your way to the nearby bayside town of Huskisson. Whatever you do, make sure you book a table at the Gunyah restaurant and leave plenty of time for a massage.
For… creating your own adventure story
Bamarru Plains – near Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
When it comes to an authentic Australian bush experience for your honeymoon or romantic escape, there is no other place quite like the Northern Territory. Located to the west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River flood plains, Bamarru Plains offers individual safari bungalows that have been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding savannah. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the scene from an old bush ballad when you leave civilisation behind and surround yourselves with incredible sights and the sounds of the resident wildlife.
From your deck, you can spot native Whistling Kites and the buffalo of the flood plains. And there’s no distraction from nature here – no telephones, TVs, CD players or any of the typical features of a hotel room. Bamarru Plains is nestled in one of the most significant ecosystems in Australia, one that’s dominated by the climatic extremes of tropical monsoon to create an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Guests can enjoy airboat tours, bird watching, sessional river cruises, 4WD safaris and scenic helicopter flights.
Luxurious touches: Ensuite with high-pressure showers, cold water thermos, supremely comfortable bed with organic cotton linen, pillow menu and a mesh screening to keep out insects.
Don’t miss: Also a working buffalo pastoral property, Bamarru Plains is where you’ll watch in awe as ‘Mad Max-like’ bull catchers corral the mighty beasts with the help of their trusty helicopters. Very impressive.
For… a weekend at the beach
Eco Beach Resort – Broome, Western Australia
Camp out by the ocean without forsaking any of life’s luxuries at the award-winning Eco Beach Resort, located amongst sensational wilderness a little over an hour’s drive from Broome – and a million miles away from anywhere you’ve been before!
Here, you’ll find stylish canvas tents that are positioned to take in the best of the Indian Ocean and natural surrounds – just perfect for couples looking for a unique honeymoon or holiday. Just sit back and relax on your private front deck and take in the views, or interact with the wildlife with everything from whale watching to turtle watching at your doorstep (Eco Beach attracts migrating humpback whales off the shoreline, while the sands provide a favourite nesting site for the flatback turtle). Included with all stays is daily free yoga in a charming sanctuary, ‘Dragonfly’, so you’ll be nourishing your body along with your spirit.
Luxurious touches: Ensuite bathroom with shower, complimentary WiFi, king-sized bed, flyscreen windows, day spa restaurant and bar.
Don’t miss: Whale watching is an absolute must-do, as is a scenic helicopter flight. When you take to the skies, your pilot will take you on a journey over the untouched coastline, red cliffs and the rugged mainland.
For… eco-tourism
Spicers Canopy – Scenic Rim, Queensland
Found high on a plateau in the heart of the spectacular Scenic Rim region just one and a half hours south-west of Brisbane, Spicers Canopy is a name that instantly strikes a chord with couples familiar with Australia’s luxury eco-tourism scene.
A small collection of safari tents features king-size beds, polished floor boards and lounge chairs that create a personal chill out zone, while covered decks lend themselves to lazy afternoons enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sun set over the surrounding bush scene. At night, if you can drag your eyes from the fire, look into skies so clear that you can see satellites tracking past stars – a blissful way to really switch off and enjoy a short break or weekend away from every day life.
If cooking is your passion, you’ll love the tents’ open-plan kitchen and outdoor wood fire, but if you prefer someone else to go to the effort, join Spicers’ chefs on the outdoor deck for an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. There’s also plenty to do for the adventure-loving couple, including mountain biking, archery and guided nature walks, while those who love the finer things in life will be impressed by the hot water bottle turn down service.
Luxurious touches: Private bathrooms with hot water at the nearby lodge, covered deck, fly-screen mesh windows, fire pit, outdoor hot tub and open-plan kitchen, leather amenities, complimentary WiFi.
Don’t miss: Listen to the surrounding Scenic Rim come alive with the sounds of kookaburras from your hot tub or see the Great Dividing Range on a great four-day walk along the Scenic Rim Trail.
For… luxury in the outback
Emma Gorge Resort – El Questro Wilderness Park, Western Australia
If you’re looking for something in-between a tent and a cabin for your honeymoon or romantic short break, book yourselves a Tented Cabin at Emma Gorge Resort in the fiery red Cockburn Ranges of El Questro. Palms and pandanus under a towering red sandstone escarpment and spectacular Kimberley sunsets complete the outback ideal here. Don’t be put off by the climate, though – there’s a large swimming pool and shady lounge area for that.
Sleep in comfort surrounded by the sounds of the bush and venture out into the scenic wilderness for a stay you won’t soon forget. You’ll stop in your tracks at the iconic gorge which the resort is named after, featuring a tranquil waterhole – another great spot for a cooling dip.
Luxurious touches: Private ensuite bathrooms, WiFi, beds with quality linen, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, electricity, coin laundry facilities, boutique and touring and activities desk.
Don’t miss: If you’re not busy sharing high tea or a picnic lunch, go on one of El Questro’s thrilling tours. Or for something a little more relaxing, enjoy a soothing massage under the permanent droplet waterfall, surrounded by unbelievable views.
