BLUE MOUNTAINS GLAM
WD’S KATIE GARSIDE goes bush to enjoy the calm, luxe life
Feel like you need to get away from it all, but roughing it in a tent isn’t on your list of must-do holidays? I suggest you give glamping a go. It’s the easiest way to enjoy all the fun of camping without giving up any creature comforts.
That’s why I jumped at the chance to check out Turon Gates (turongates.com), a perfect getaway spot that’s just a threehour drive north-west of Sydney.
Established and run by Soren and Sonya Lunoe, the bush retreat has rustic log cabins, campgrounds and, most recently, glamping tents – all nestled in the tranquil countryside of the Blue Mountains.
LUXE COMFORT
Driving down the long dirt road to the tent grounds, it seemed we were heading into the middle of nowhere! However, upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised at how wrong we were.
Our tent – cutely named Gumblossom – was a glam open-plan living area that comfortably held a king-size bed, couch and fireplace. With a spacious bathroom – including a huge tub – plus a small kitchenette complete with a fridge and stove, there was more than enough space to spread out and relax.
And forget having to unzip your way out. Glass sliding doors led onto a large deck with sunlounges and a barbecue. There were even comfy camping chairs to help you soak up the serenity by your own fire pit.
TIME A DIGI DETOX
If you’re anything like me, you’ll know how hard it is to stay off your phone and social media. At Turon Gates, you have no choice but to go off the grid – there’s absolutely no phone reception. It was the ideal way to switch off, have a muchneeded digital detox and indulge in endless conversations, laughs and activities that didn’t involve technology.
Plus, is there anything better than ditching your phone alarm and being gently woken by the sounds of nature?
A weekend away glamping is also the perfect chance to ditch the cocktails and have a tall glass of fresh air. We spent our weekend enjoying wholesome activities such as hiking through the surrounding bushland, walking along the picturesque Turon River and discovering secret watering holes.
ECO-TOURISM TREND
Being a green traveller is all the rage, and glamping is a great example of how you can enjoy five-star accommodation while
being eco-conscious. Lodged amid natural settings, the tents are sustainable structures that use reusable materials and operate on eco-friendly services such as solar power and woodfired heating.
R&R CENTRAL
Have you ever come back from a holiday feeling like you need another one? Utter peace and quiet is guaranteed in the bush, and I was able to totally reset before heading back to the city.
The sweet sounds of birds chirping, the river flowing and the crackling of a good fire all made for a calming stay.