The best glamping spots in NSW

hero media
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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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.

Faraway domes
Nestled among bushland you’ll find Faraway Domes

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.

Dubbo zoofari
Sleep among the animals

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
hero media

How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

Day 1

Afternoon

Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
Savour a slow morning before heading home.

Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

Evening

couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

Day 2

Morning

Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

Afternoon

Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

Evening

Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

Morning

Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

Afternoon

Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.

The 9 Best Glamping Spots In New South Wales