Glamping in NSW: Sleep Under the Stars in 2024
- Family
Preschoolers
Kids
Teens
Ever wondered what the difference is between camping and glamping? We're glad you asked! Welcome to the world of glamping in NSW: the glamorous, comfortable and alternative way of camping and really the only way to sleep outdoors (in my opinion).
Much like camping, glamping sees you sleeping in the great outdoors but just from way more luxurious accommodations (and pampering is sometimes involved!). And if you've ever wondered where you can go glamping in NSW, we’ve uncovered the top spots in Sydney and beyond for those who've tried but sadly have not loved camping.
Glamping in NSW: Sleep Under the Stars in 2024
1. Zoofari Lodge, Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Glamping where the G stands for giraffes! Take the family on an African-style safari in Dubbo, nestled in a vast savannah where giraffes, zebras and rhinos roam. Or to be where the lion sleeps tonight, check out Billabong Camp where you'll camp under the stars and by the roaring lion's den. Included in your Zoofari Lodge glamping stay is dinner, breakfast, tours, zoo entry and bike hire. A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits!
Location: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
2. Lane Cove National Park
You only have to travel 10 kilometres north of the CBD to experience true glamping in NSW.
Lane Cove National Park offers glamping sites right in the heart of the stunning national park. Their safari tents sleep a maximum of two guests and are positioned on the edge of a sandstone shelf with uninterrupted views across the Lane Cove Valley - stunning.
Location: Lane Cove National Park
RELATED:
NSW's Best Caravan Parks
3. Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo
Roar and Snore is a one-night treat that allows guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo! You’ll get to have animal encounters that you’ve never had before.
Snacks, a buffet dinner and breakfast are included. Accommodation is in an award-winning glamping set-up equipped with a double bed and a single pop-up trundle bed. Bathrooms and showers are in a separate block nearby.
Children must be at least five years old to attend Roar & Snore, and a maximum of three children per adult is allowed.
Location: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
4. Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
It goes without saying that Cockatoo Island is a lovely place to visit for the day, but did you know you can stay overnight too?
We suggest you opt for the Two-bedroom Accommodation Package, which is perfect for families and sleeps up to four people.
For a romantic getaway without the kids, try the Deluxe Waterfront Camping Package, which includes everything you need. You can bring your own food, but BBQ packs and other food can also be purchased on the island.
Location: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
5. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay
Just two and a half hours drive south of Sydney is a paradise for nature lovers near the clear waters and white sand beaches of Jervis Bay.
Paperbark Camp offers a unique blend of fine food and wine, cosy accommodation in luxurious safari tents and a peaceful bush setting. The tents have gorgeous timber decks, rooms with a view and deluxe en-suite bathrooms.
There are some easy walking trails for the kids that take you through the mangrove forests and are perfect for a stroll before breakfast (a great time for spotting kangaroos too). Families can also enjoy a bike tour or canoeing, and there are some excellent spots for a picnic and a swim on the banks of Currambene Creek. Head out for a night-time adventure to look for possums and other nocturnal animals.
Children under six are only permitted by special arrangements, and a maximum of three children per room is allowed.
Location: 571 Woollamia Road, Jervis Bay
6. Flash Camp at Coolendel
Flash Camp has set up its tents at beautiful Coolendel on the Upper Shoalhaven River. They have two sites in the South Coast hinterland at Camp Hollow and Camp Nest, each with six spacious six-metre bell tents featuring full-size beds, a camp kitchen and a chill-out area.
There are also individual campfires for sitting around under the stars! Ideal for those really looking to connect with nature, this serene wonderland can be as relaxed or adventure-filled as you like. Kids will love splashing in the river amid the light rapids.
Location: Grassy Gully Road, Burrier
7. Kings Creek Retreat, Great Lakes Hinterland
Kings Creek Retreat, just over three hour's drive from Sydney, is by far the most cost-effective spots for glamping near Sydney, with all the facilities to keep you satisfied and entertained.
The tents are gorgeous Indian-style tipis, and it’s perfect for group bookings of up to 20 people. Booking with a few families would be ideal, and you can even book the whole place out if you're bringing extended members of family/friends.
Take the kids on a creek walk and then feed the barn animals, make use of the games room, hot showers and the undercover campfire! They also offer wheelchair and easy stroller access for most of their facilities.
Location: 84 Kings Creek Road, Krambach
8. Safari Palm Tents, Central Coast
Safari Palm Tents in the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort on the Central Coast may not be as private or extravagant as some other glamping in NSW options, but it offers the perfect location for beach lovers.
The spacious tent sleeps up to four people and has an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette, as well as an undercover verandah with your own private BBQ. The whole family will love the kayak tour and can ride a ferry or watch the pelican feeding. If you’re lucky, the kids may spot Coral the mermaid princess who hangs around the waterpark to share her underwater adventures with the kids.
Location: Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach
9. The Escape, South Coast
*Currently not taking bookings*
The ultimate combination of luxurious camping amid beautiful natural surroundings is waiting for you just three and a half hour's drive south of Sydney at The Escape in Clyde River.
The Studio is the bush luxury 'Penthouse' with pure riverfront views, space to stretch out inside or out on the deck, and its own bathroom, kitchenette and heater. It’s great for families and accommodates two adults and two kids, though kids do need to be five years or older. They also have Luxury Tents with well-appointed bathrooms and amenities.
Horse riding is a popular activity here – perfect for beginners and experienced riders, as well as on-site kayaking and fishing. And forget cooking, they’ve got gourmet lunch packs ready for you! You can even book massages and facials- now that’s luxury in the bush! Catering for groups of up to 12 people, you can have the entire property to yourself!
Location: The River Road, Shallow Crossing
10. Tanja Lagoon Camp, South Coast
Tanja Lagoon Camp is situated about five and a half hours' drive from Sydney and boasts the most stunning water views. You’ll be tempted to kayak or canoe all day long or take a bushwalk through the Mimosa Rocks National Park Forest.
The luxury safari tents have a large deck, a bed with a view, an ensuite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.
Families can book the Family Tent 'Buru', which is separate from the other tents and allows for up to three bush swags (with luxury bedding) to be rolled out on the floor. The authentic swags can also be rolled out on the deck or even out under the stars! Immerse yourself in nature, and as their motto goes, "do nothing or everything". Infants and toddlers under the age of three are not catered for.
Location: 142 Haighs Road, Tanja
11. Wollemi Wilderness Treehouse, Blue Mountains
Did you have a treehouse as a kid? Well, now, you can stay in one. Get ready for exceptional glamping in NSW in the trees of the Blue Mountains!
Wollemi Wilderness Treehouse might be a romantic one for when you're child-free, as it is for a maximum of two guests. Wollemi House, however, sleeps up to eight and kids are welcome.
You can set out into the Australian wilderness for adventure and be sure to check out the Blue Mountains' most famous attractions: the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and the Jenolan Caves. You will be utterly secluded, amongst nature and loving life.
Location: Mountain Lagoon and Berambing, Blue Mountains
More Family Holiday Ideas
Family Day Trips & Drives in Sydney
Australia's Most Beautiful Campsites
Glamping in Mudgee
Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
Reviews
Sky
Feb 07 2022
These is also a nice glamping location at Hillview south of Gundagai