PITCH PERFECT
SOME OF THE BEST GLAMPING SPOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST ARE WORTH PITCHING A TENT FOR (OR HAVING IT DONE FOR YOU)
WANT the romance of sleeping under canvas without roughing it? Pitch the idea of a glamping getaway for guaranteed happy campers.
Beechmont
Four firm walls may not be part of the promise at Clouds Safari, but here’s the silver lining — 180 degree panoramic views of Lamington National Park. This modern take on an African safari tent takes glamping to the next level with a queen-size four-poster bed, beautiful bath and giant movie screen.
“We are close to the Gold Coast yet present as a remote village,” says Clouds on Beechmont’s Jazz Gaythwaite. “After a favourite movie viewed on the big-screen projector, plan a day bush walking or a trail ride with the local equine group. An outdoor bonfire will round off a memorable stay beneath a canopy of stars.”
Sunshine Coast
Perched above the clouds with vast views, you won’t have to share this natural wonderland with anyone else.
“We have designed our eco glamping site to accommodate only one couple at a time,” Noosa Tablelands Escape owner Tracie says.
A double bell tent is loaded with perks: high-quality linen, robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, a continental breakfast hamper, a welcome plate and chocolates. “In the winter months we also provide hot chocolate and marshmallows to enjoy in front of your own fire pit,” Tracie says. On 8ha of bushland, the campsite borders the Noosa Trail Network, popular with hikers, horse riders and mountain bike riders. “Our location is very unique being 300m above sea level with uninterrupted views of the valley below and nine mountains,” Tracie says.
“We are also ideally located for our guests to enjoy a day in Noosa or a lovely country drive out to Kenilworth and the surrounds.
“At the end of a long day, enjoy a soak in a deep bath while still enjoying our incredible view.” Plan ahead if you want to be spoiled – the retreat is fully booked for 2020 with a wait list, but bookings for 2021 are now open.
Mount Cotton
Surrounded by paperbarks and giant scribbly gums, Sanctuary by Sirromet’s 18 tented pavilions feature balconies that feel like they’re floating above the landscape … just the spot for sipping a glass of the local vino. Go straight to the source for supplies, with winery tours, a cellar door serving pizza, antipasto and cheese platters Friday to Sunday, and Italian Tuscan Terrace restaurant open for lunch and dinner daily.
Sumptuous beds with top-of-the-line linen and reverse cycle airconditioning keep glampers snug on chilly nights. “Boasting most of the premium hotel room comforts, the pavilions surround one of our billabongs on the winery estate,” says Sirromet Winery’s Michael Muza. “While there are no TVs, we encourage guests to explore the 560 acre (226ha) property by foot, bring along some bikes and ride the many tracks onsite, or hike nearby Mt Cotton to see stunning views across Moreton Bay.”