First look: We found Australia’s first bubbletent in a tree

Suspended between gum trees in New England high country, this tiny bubbletent is one of three new ways to sleep under the stars.

The GlamSwag

As I hop up into the baby bubbletent I feel like a kid who’s discovered a strange new treehouse. At first the tent wiggles with me but when I stop moving about and laughing it quickly stabilises and I’m floating in the air between the trees.

The tiny Mary Ann Bugg bubbletent at Mirumiru is suspended between two trees. (Image: Amanda Woods)

My feather-filled, linen-covered GlamSwag adds to the floating on a tiny cloud feeling and while I could go for privacy and extra warmth by keeping the inner frame raised I quickly disconnect it and push it to the back of the tent so I can see everything around and above me.

Mirumiru Mary Ann Bugg suspended bubbletent — The view looking out from the Mary Ann Bugg suspended bubbletent at Mirumiru. (Image: Amanda Woods)

I could stay here all night, but as we’re just outside of Tenterfield in New England NSW and heading for sub zero temperatures I decide to save that for the warmer months. Instead, I soak up the afternoon sun and watch the sun set before climbing back down to solid ground and moving into the bigger bubble where cashmere sheets over an electric blanket await.

The Mirumiru story

When Cathryn van der Walt and her husband Brad Middleton travelled the world together they would always make time to look up at the stars. Creating a luxury star gazing experience on their family farm became a passion project and after pushing through COVID-19 and other challenges Mirumiru Bubbletent opened in April 2022.

Closeup of Mirumiru bubbletents — Means bubble in Aotearoa (Maori). (Image: Amanda Woods)

In a nod to Brad’s home country of New Zealand Mirumiru (pron: me-roo me-roo) means bubble in Aotearoa (Maori), and the tents are named after bushrangers who used the granite countryside as cover in years gone by: Captain Moonlite, Captain Thunderbolt, and one of Australia’s first female bushrangers and Thunderbolt’s partner, Mary Ann Bugg.

As well as providing a special way to stay, Cathryn is committed to working with local artisans, artists and service providers to help give back to this part of regional Australia.

Aerial view of Mirumiru bubbletents — The owners of Mirumiru brought their dream of creating a luxury star gazing experience on their family farm to life. (Image: Sera Wright)

The Bubbletents

“It’s like a submarine," Cathryn explains as she unzips the first door. “You need to step inside and close one door before you can open the next one."

In the inflated hallway a small wardrobe holds fresh towels, slip on shoes, games and a first aid kit, and provides both hanging and shelf space for clothes. There’s a cooler style fridge for food and drink, and a cocktail making kit for guests to whip up their favourite tipple.

Captain Moonlite Mirumiru Bubbletent — The writer opts to stay in one of the larger bubbletents for her winter stay. (Image: Sera Wright)

The room

Through the next zipped doorway in the main bedroom I find a queen bed made up with luxury linens, a bedside table, lamp and reading lights, and a telescope for a closer look at the moon and planets above. On the other side of the bedroom a third bubble within the bubble holds the bathroom with a composting toilet and hand basin with a pump tap.

Inside Captain Thuderbolt Mirumiru Bubbletent — Luxe bedding features in the main bedroom.(Image: Sera Wright)

The amenities

The two big bubbletents, Captain Thunderbolt and Captain Moonlite are the same size and have an outdoor bathtub with hot and cold running water, a kitchenette with a gas stove and kettle, cooking pots and a fry pan and crockery and cutlery.

Outdoor tub at Mirumiru — Soak up the views from the private outdoor tub. (Image: Sera Wright)

Number of guests

The big bubbletents sleep two adults each but thanks to the mini bubbletent the Thunderbolt and Mary Ann Bugg combo can sleep two adults and three children. Or possibly two adults in the big bubble and another adult or two in the mini Mirumiru, which has a 200kg limit.

Highlights

I may be accustomed to sleeping in new beds around the world but when I sleepily wonder where I am at 3am and then look up and see stars I know there’s no chance I’ll be falling straight back to sleep.

Stargazing

With the rise in astrotourism an increasing number of travellers are chasing star filled skies. Lying back in my warm bed I can see the Southern Cross and countless other stars in the Milky Way and just as I’m thinking how appropriate the word stargazing is, a shooting star streaks across the sky.

Disconnecting from the world

Even before those stars come out at night, escaping into a private bubble away from the rest of the world is a special kind of bliss. While wi-fi is provided and phone signal is strong, it’s easy to put all devices down and disconnect.

Luxe local products

The attention to detail and sense of place provided by local products also raises the bar at Mirumiru. Guests drink tea from Tenterfield’s Little Echidna Home, and as well as using gumleaf cheeseboards by Manual Arts DEpt they can have personally monogrammed ones made as a souvenir.

Cathyrn works with a range of local businesses to offer add ons including White Cottage floral bouquets and eye masks infused with hyaluronic acid and argan oil by Lunalux, while also offering French wine and champagne truffle chocolates.

And while all of the linens are high quality you can also upgrade your bed with cashmere sheets for an even more luxurious lie-back-and-look-at-the-stars night.

Tea and coffee at Mirumiru — Luxe local products are used wherever possible. (Image: Amanda Woods)

Sustainable notes

Sustainability was front of mind from the start at Mirumiru where the bubbletents are entirely off grid.

All electricity comes from solar power, while filtered rainwater is used in the outdoor showers and vintage baths, and the internal composting toilet saves thousands of litres of water per year.

To help regenerate the land over 500 natives have already planted including a bush tucker garden, and there will be no cattle or sheep on the property until the land has had a chance to fully recover.

Best time to stay

Tenterfield has four very distinct seasons which means the best time to come depends on the sort of holiday you’d like to have.

Winter

Winter is the best time for stargazing anywhere in the world. The earth’s atmosphere doesn’t have as much moisture in the colder months making it clearer and easier to spot fainter stars and nebulae in that crisp cold air.

But winters in New England are also cold and when the sun goes down the bubbles can get cold too. There are electric blankets and small fan heaters in the big bubbles to take the edge off, and sleeping bags rated to -5 degrees for the mini bubbletent.

During my winter stay while I’m not cold when I’m in bed I do sleep with a beanie on when the temperatures dip below zero overnight. But longer nights mean more star time and when I wake up to glittering frost in the morning I soon forget about the cold.

Stargazing at Mirumiru Bubbletents — Winter is the best time of year for stargazing. (Image: Sera Wright)

Spring

Spring is blossom season and Tenterfield has streets lined with flowering plum and cherry trees. Enjoy a blossom walk around town and through Millbrook Park before coming back to your bubble.

Summer

In summer December is the most spectacular month to stay with green grass, a mix of blue skies and misty rainfall and spectacular sunsets. Native lilies, waratahs and flannel flowers can be found in the surrounding National Parks.

Mini bubbletent Mirumiru — Save the mini bubbletent for the warmer weather when heating isn’t required. (Image: Sera Wright)

Autumn

Meanwhile, March and April are the best months in autumn when the trees change colour and bright orange and red leaves can be found on New England country drives.

Sunrise at Captain Moonlite Mirumiru Bubbletents — The gorgeous sunrises can be enjoyed all year round. (Image: Amanda Woods)

What to bring

As the bubbletents are self-catering you’ll need to bring anything you’d like to eat or drink during your stay. Or if you plan and ask ahead, Cathyrn can also provide some groceries.

Enclosed shoes are best all year round and throw in some hiking boots too if you’d like to get out onto the National Park trails, and while bath towels are provided it’s BYO beach towels if you’re planning to swim in waterholes.

Sunscreen and lip balm are a must any time of year as you’ll feel the sun and wind in the New England high country. And if you’re coming in winter bring all of your winter layers including thermals, puffer jackets, warm winter socks and a beanie.

Organic hand soap, hair and body wash, and conditioner are all provided. If you prefer to use your own keep in mind that at Mirumiru they filter the water to use on plants so only use products that are kind to the environment.

The Mirumiru Bubbletent guidebook can be saved on your device as an app and includes a list of what they provide in the tents, along with handy guides for everything from how to use the compostable toilet to the furry and feathered friends you might meet on the farm.

Getting there

Mirumiru is just a few minutes outside of Tenterfield, which is around three and a half hours drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast and just under eight hours from Sydney.

The nearest airports are Armidale and Lismore (both two hours away).

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.