Best Glamping On The East Coast Of Australia 

Lily Kerley

May 23rd, 2023

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8 minute read

Glamping in Australia: what is it and where to find it

Glamping. A splice of two seemingly polar opposite concepts: glamour and camping. Yet, it’s a trend that’s populated festivals, accommodation platforms and girly weekends all over the world. Juxtaposing stunning interior design with naturally tranquil locations, you really can get the best of both worlds with a glamping experience. Designed to allow travellers to disconnect on a low-key getaway without sacrificing that barista-quality coffee and soft french linen, it’s undoubtedly a unique bucket list item for many.

So, before you tick it off, get cosy with a cup of tea as we answer the question on everybody’s lips: is your decked-out yurt worth it, or is it simply a bit… extra? And, where are the best, hidden glamping spots (golden yurts, if you will) to stay in during your sun-soaked Australian road trip?

Quick Links:

• Unique glamping experiences in Australia
• Best glamping in the bush in Australia
• Best glamping on the beach in Australia
• Australian festivals with glamping
• The verdict: to glamp, or not to glamp?

Unique Glamping Experiences in Australia

Glamping on the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, QLD

Want to experience glamping with a little more oompf while you’re in Airlie Beach? Waking up to sunrise over the Great Barrier Reef should do it! Reefsleep is an unmatched experience in the Whitsundays, where guests stay in deluxe, canvas swags, actually on the Great Barrier Reef! Your days are spent snorkelling, learning to dive and spotting turtles, fish, clams and whales! With a divine menu included (oysters & champagne anyone?), immerse yourself in natural wonders day and night!

Glamping in the Noosa Everglades with kangaroos, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Spend your days kayaking through winding river systems of Everglades, your arvos hanging out on your deck with your local kangaroo neighbours and evenings snuggled into your cosey glamping tent! The Noosa Everglades are one of just two everglade ecosystems in the world, with lush wetlands, rainforest and birdlife at every turn. There is also a local microbrewery and bistro to tantalise those tastebuds... as we said, camping certainly doesn't mean sacrificing the finer things in life! During your stay, we recommend a guided kayak adventure to learn about the rich biodiversity and history of this hidden gem less than an hour from Noosa Heads.

Photo: Noosa Habitat

Best glamping in the bush in Australia

Freaks of Nature Retreat, Jindabyne, NSW

Reconnect and replenish your battery with a slow stay at Freaks of Nature Retreat. Centring their sustainable ethos and love for their lush environment, local Jindabynians Nonie and Stu have cultivated a gorgeous, off-grid glamping experience from upcycled materials. Following a day of trail-chasing in the Kozioscko National Park, take a starlit soak in the outdoor tub accompanied by the babbling of the Jindy river. Then, settle down fireside with a glass of vino in hand. It's due time to bask in the wilderness with an ever-so-deserved dash of luxury!

Photo: Freaks of Nature Retreat

Kanimbia Luxury Glamping, Obi Obi, QLD

A stunningly deluxe glamping getaway, Kanimbia Luxury Glamping is adorned with those little touches that lather guests in relaxation! Linger longer in the clawfoot bathtub, indulge in nibbles and a glass or two of bubbly at sunset and take long walks by the nearby creek. With spaciously-designed yurts, Kanimbia is a lot of glam, with just the right amount of camp.

Photo: Kanimbia

Wild Wishes, Archer River, Far-North QLD

Discover Queensland like never before with a Wild Wishes glamping experience. Your thoughtfully-furnished yurt is nestled amongst eucalypts on a freshwater spring, which you can explore with the kayaks provided right on your doorstep! Located on a secluded cattle property, you can get the peace and quiet you’ve been dreaming of while discovering the rugged magic of our Australian landscape.

Photo: Wild Wishes

Anant Cabin, Central Gippsland, VIC 

While not quite a yurt, we couldn’t write this article without mentioning Unyoked’s glamping-esque concept. Featuring an array of tiny homes and cabins across Australia, your stay is designed to slow you down, disconnect you from the busy and reconnect you with nature. From incredibly remote towns to cosy cabins just a couple of hours out of the city (see their Anant Cabin), immerse yourself in wild tranquillity and breath easy amongst the gum trees… plus hot showers, steaming cups of tea and buttery-soft linen. 10/10 would recommend.

Photo: Unyoked

Best glamping on the beach in Australia

The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach, NSW

With sand, sun and waves literally at your doorstep, you can’t go wrong! Fairy lights adorn your stay in a little community of eclectically-furnished yurts, which is just minutes from the gorgeous coastline. Just out of Byron Bay, you can rent a bike and ride into the trendy town, or spend your time swimming and sunbaking at Cabarita. Prepare a cheeseboard at dusk, or head to one of the many eateries - either way, it’s the beach getaway of any mermaid's dreams!

Photo: The Hideaway

Little Beach Co, Chain of Lagoons, TAS

Don’t forget about lutruwita (Tasmania) on your Aussie adventures, with its breathtaking rugged coastlines and abundant wilderness. If you do head south to the vast island, the perfect place to reconnect with nature is at Little Beach Co. Nestled in the grassy dunes of the Chain of Lagoons, your yurt overlooks the sweeping Tasman Sea. Hosts Lynne & Paul have a real knack for cosy-yet-stylish decor and quality food, with homemade breakfasts, dinner, cakes and local wines available. Rug up on their deck with sea views, and let soft sunset colours provide the perfect accompaniment to your evening. Ahhh, this is living!

Photo: Little Beach Co

Festivals in Australia with glamping tents

Want to ditch the cheap, leaky Kmart tent for a hassle-free “glamping” experience during your next festival? We don’t blame you. The mud, the rain, the constant partying PLUS set up and pack down can be a lot (although even glampers should still bring those gumboots… it’s tough out there in the elements of live Australian music).

But, if you’re keen to be welcomed into a festival with a bed, esky and charging all setup, here are a few festivals down under that will have you living it up like festival royalty in no time!

• Woodford Folk Festival, Sunshine Coast, QLD (Dec 27th - Jan 1st)
• Beyond The Valley Music Festival, Yarra Valley, VIC (Dec 28th - Jan 1st)
• Falls Festival, Melbourne, VIC (Dec 29th - 31st)

To glamp, or not to glamp?

Pros

• Relax in nature without the effort

If you’re craving a wild getaway without the neverending checklist of stuff to bring (from tent to bedding, all the way down to knives and forks), glamping is such an easy option. All you need is an overnight bag, food if you’re cooking for yourself, and a good book really.

• Romantic & unforgettable

Unlike any other kind of accommodation, there’s a certain magic in escaping to nature, while knowing you’ll stay totally comfortable! Whether a birthday, anniversary or group getaway, you’re bound to make warm, exceptional memories.

• Meet locals

A lot of glamping stays are designed by locals in the area, and each has its own unique style and ethos fused into the experience! Learn about your host’s story through your cultivated and bespoke stay every time.

• Sustainable accommodation 

A lot of glamping tents are totally off-grid, utilising solar power and tank water, as they are often remote. If you do stay in an off-grid, sustainability-minded property, take great satisfaction knowing you are minimising your footprint while getting back to nature.

• Awesome ‘gram content

Capture moments in which nature and luxury meet for some FOMO-inducing snaps (don't forget to tag us!). Need I say more?

Cons

• Higher costs

While you’re staying in essentially a fancy tent, it’s not as cheap as regular camping, with a night in a glamping tent ranging from $60 - $300 plus. So, if you’re on a tight backpacker budget when travelling Australia, it may not be your jam on the regular. Check out our cheap camping guide if you’re looking to save your dollars on the road instead! 

• Busy in the summer

Much like regular camping, glamping experiences do tend to fill up during peak times like in summer and school holidays. Booking in advance means this isn’t always the best go-to accommodation for a spontaneous traveller.

The verdict

We're not going to sugarcoat it; glamping is usually for the luxe traveller with a bit of money to spare. However even the most frugal of backpackers deserve a little treat every now and then! And as far as luxury accommodation goes, it's quite an affordable choice! Either way, glamping is an awesome experience to try at least once, so you can put your feet up and decide for yourself. I mean, really, how much could you hate an outdoor bubble bath under the stars with a charcuterie board awaiting your arrival?

Ready to get your glamp on with a dreamy road trip down under? 

Explore our backpacker blogs and itineraries to get inspired with more unique ways to travel! Don't hesitate to chat to our local travel experts with any questions!