The 9 Best Glamping Spots In New South Wales

Whilst we all love a good old-fashioned camp out in the elements, we can’t really go past a romantic getaway that combines the best of camping without losing any ‘necessities’ like running water and a comfy bed.

From the stunning Hunter Valley wine region, to the hidden forest on the South Coast, glamping around New South Wales couldn’t be prettier. We take a look at some of the best glamping spots in NSW here.

1. The Cove, Jervis Bay

For those who know this place, you’ll have to forgive us, because we’ve just exposed the best kept secret in Jervis Bay. The Cove.

There’s hardly anything written about this secluded glamping paradise, and we seriously can’t imagine why.

Perched within Boderee National Park, wake up just meters from the beach in your own waterproof, canvas bell tent. Just don’t be alarmed at the tens of kangaroos that playfully hang around your campsite.

Tents are furnished with a king size bed, a daybed (can be used as an extra bed), an outdoor table and two deck chairs. There’s also an outdoor bath (YES) and a communal barbeque with a table and chairs. Oh, and there’s a pizza oven too. Just don’t tell too many people, okay?

The Cove Jervis Bay — Wake up surrounded by kangaroos at The Cove

2. Boydell’s Secret Escape, East Gresford

The ultimate romantic getaway in the glorious Hunter Valley, Boydell’s Secret Escape sits high on the property, overlooking the family vineyard and lush grazing paddocks.

Relax in the fabulous copper bath with a glass of wine in hand and set the fire in time for sunset. Wake up to the kangaroos and cows grazing on the lush-green paddocks and help yourself to the supplied breakfast: juicy strawberries, local bread and freshly squeezed orange juice.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, book an in-house massage, private chef or a picnic lunch hamper to really enjoy your stay.

3. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay

Hidden in the forest on the NSW South Coast, choose from the 13 canvas safari-style tents, wedged between eucalyptus and paperbark trees.

Be at one with nature when you stay at Paperbark Camp , as all of the tents’ bathrooms are semi-exposed to the elements. Don’t worry, you’ve still got privacy screens!

This peaceful bush retreat combines luxury accommodation with some of the best food from the on-site restaurant. Gunyah, from the local Koori word meaning ‘meeting place’, really is the heart of the camp.

Paperbark glamping — The famous Paperbark camp

4. Faraway Domes, Warialda

Nestled amongst the bushland of leafy trees on a private 3600-hectare property, Faraway Domes is further away than others, but the one-of-a-kind structures are well worth the trek.

More than 400 kilometres from the city of Brisbane, Faraway Domes is an exclusive getaway, reserved for those adventurous enough to explore the harder-to-reach regions of Australia.

The high-tech geodesic domes are built to withstand the tough elements of the Australian outback, while still having all the luxurious touches. Enjoy panoramic views of the stunning surroundings and relax into your own exclusive getaway.

5. Sierra Escape, Mudgee

Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views, Sierra Escape in Mudgee provides the ultimate escape from city life.

Designed for comfort and luxury, reset your mind by setting a relaxing bath, toasting marshmallows over the fire, or pouring a glass of wine whilst taking in the picturesque views of the mountain ranges.

Guests can pick from three of the Australian-made tents to suit your level of luxury.

Sierra Escape Mudgee — Sierra Escape offers a new level of luxury

6. Tandara Glamping Tent, Lane Cove National Park

Sydneysiders don’t have to travel far to try a touch of luxurious glamping with the Tandara Glamping Tent situated within the Lane Cove Holiday Park.

Tandara is unique in there being only one tent. It’s first in best dressed, and if you’re wanting to wine and dine your loved one, I’d recommend booking fast.

Blended into the Australian bush, the tent offers first-class luxurious facilities.

Blended into the Australian bush, Tandara offers first-class luxurious facilities

7. Roar & Snore, Sydney

The unforgettable overnight Taronga Zoo experience allows guests to share a night right by the animals. The experience features intimate encounters, fascinating talks and of course, the safari-style accommodation overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour.

Head along to the exclusive night safari, and get the chance to see the Sumatran Tiger, Red Panda and Sea Lion pups. Join in at early-morning feeding time and build a special bond with the zoo’s animals.

Roar and Snore Taronga Zoo experience — The unforgettable overnight Taronga Zoo experience

8. Bubble Tent Australia, Capertee

Not your traditional safari-style glamping set-up, Bubble Tent’s unique outer shell gives guests an experience like no other. Sleep under the stars in the clear, inflatable, bubble-like tent sitting high over the second-largest canyon in the world, Capertee Valley.

Situated on a 400-hectare property, there are three individual compounds to choose from, all separate and out of view from one another.

The three domes all come with their own telescope for late-night stargazing, an outdoor firepit for toasting marshmallows, an outdoor shower (if you’re game), and each with their own unique features: a floating bed, hammock and even a love swing. Two of the structures, The Virgo and The Leo both come with their very own outdoor hot tub.

Bubble Tent glamping — Bubble Tent’s unique outer shell gives guests an experience like no other

9. Zoofari Lodge, Dubbo

Another incredible glamping experience from Taronga Zoo is Dubbo’s Zoofari Lodge . Guests can retreat to the wild for an unforgettable glamping safari, waking up to an African safari at your doorstep. Have breakfast with giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, only an arm’s length away.

With two styles of lodges to choose from – animal and bushland view – guests can decide whether they wish to take in the native bushland, or experience the zoo real safari-style.

Nestled in the heart of the zoo, experience first-hand exclusive tours, delicious cuisine, safari-styled accommodation, zoo entry and bike hire.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The best glamping spots in NSW