IN NATURE, BUT IN STYLE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS HAS NEVER BEEN SO COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT THANKS TO GLAMPING.
SKYHAVEN SANCTUARY Tallebudgera Valley
You may have to keep a close eye on Airbnb to snag a night at Skyhaven Sanctuary, but this panoramic pitch is worth it for the view alone.
The Tallebudgera Valley eco-luxe bell tent is perched on one of the Gold Coast hinterland’s highest acreage retreats, offering ocean views that stretch from Burleigh to North Stradbroke Island.
Spend the day soaking up the scenery from the deck chairs or double hammock and cuddle up by the fire when nature’s twinkle lights come out.
Plush bathrobes and towels, blankets, cushions and a steady supply of fresh firewood cater to the comfort-hungry.
A bathroom with a hot shower and kitchen with a barbecue are just steps away.
KOOKABURRA PARK Cambroon (Sunshine Coast hinterland)
Sleep in a deer sanctuary and toast marshmallows in your own firepit at Kookaburra Park.
While the Sunshine Coast menagerie of adopted and rescued animals offers a choice of cute cabins and conventional camping, its collaboration with Vintage Glampervans is proving hot property.
Parked overlooking the dam and grazing deer, the two vans share an undercover area with hammocks, games, books and outdoor seating.
Take your pick from Willow, a vintage beauty with bluetooth built-in speaker, filtered water and organic bamboo sheets, or the family-friendly Frankie
The park is on the banks of the Mary River – where platypus are often spied – and animal feeding is included with accommodation.
HABITAT NOOSA
Elanda Point (Sunshine Coast)
Ensuited glamping changes the getaway game at Habitat Noosa, a nature-wrapped ecocamp on the doorstep of the Everglades.
Picture a big timber bed dressed in crisp, white sheets and piled with warm blankets, snuggly robes and a bar fridge.
Detail in the premium Paperbark Tents extends to vases of flowers and cushionpimped wicker chairs, and an abundance of zippable windows that usher the outdoors in.
While campfire cuisine has its charms it doesn’t hold a candle to the onsite bistro and boutique brewery.
The tents are a short stroll from Lake Cootharaba, which you can explore by boat, canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
But you don’t have to rely on paddle power to unlock one of the region’s greatest natural assets – the Noosa Everglades, one of only two true everglades systems on Earth (the other’s in Florida).
Recognised as a Wetland of International Importance, this protected pocket harbours more bird species than Kakadu in an area 25 times smaller.
Tours get you out on the water in “untippable” Canadian-style canoes so you can appreciate the flawless reflections.
A swim in these waters is said to be as good as any spa, thanks to the tea-tree infusion from surrounding trees.