Who said you need to travel to Africa to go on safari? Especially now Monarto Safari Park just opened new, luxurious glamping options.
It only takes a one-hour drive from Adelaide to feel like you’re deep in the heart of an African savanna. Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct not only offers the oppourtunity to immerse in this world without leaving Australia, but now guests can sleep in it too, at Safari Lodge.
About Safari Lodge
African wildlife takes centre stage at this luxury stay.
Twenty 20 luxury safari tents are now open for bookings in Safari Lodge (owned by Journey Beyond), offering an intimate and secluded escape.
Each luxury safari tent offers an outdoor deck, a spacious lounge area and a king or twin bed, ensuite bathroom and private dressing room. Two accessibility tents are available.
“The opening of Safari Lodge signals the new level of luxury at Monarto Safari Resort," said Gerry Ryan OAM, owner of the luxury Lodge and Resort.
Wake up to views of the savannah.
Ryan continues that each tent is “…thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature. It’s an opportunity to delve into an African wildlife experience, witness the beauty of diverse species and indulge in the serenity of your surroundings."
“Guests will be able to view zebra, giraffe, barbary sheep, nyala, ostrich, eland and oryx as they gather around the waterhole and roam the grassland plains surrounding the Lodge."
The lodge is all-inclusive, from meals and beverages, to an exclusive safari adventure with Monarto Safari Park in a custom-built open-sided 4WD Landcruiser across 550 hectares of the Wild Africa precinct.
Relax by the outdoor pool.
At the central lodge, guests can sit down an exclusive experience for guests, featuring a private restaurant showcasing South Australia’s local produce from breakfast to dinner.
Elsewhere on the property, dive into the onsite pool and private plunge pools, the gym, pickleball court and the outdoor lounge.
Dive right into a private plunge pool, with a view of the savannah.
What’s more, for every stay at the Lodge a portion of the room rate will be donated to Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programs.
“Conservation is at the heart of Monarto Safari Park and Zoos SA’s mission,"said Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley. “By staying at the Lodge and Resort guests are not only enjoying a unique wildlife experience, but investing in the future of our natural environment."
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Lounge by the pool while taking in the views.
Delve into an immersive safari experience.
Inside the Safari Lodge.
Nestled in the heart of Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct.
The details
Inclusions:
Safari Tent stay
Wild Africa Sunset Safari Experience in a custom-built, open-sided 4WD Landcruiser
Two Day general admission pass to Monarto Safari Park
All inclusive dining: breakfast, lunch, afternoon canapes and a bespoke three-course dinner
All day access to lodge beverages: coffee, tea, soft drinks, selection of spirits, cocktails, wine and beer.
Price: A two-night package to experience Wild Luxury at Safari Lodge is from $2920 per tent (minimum two-night stay required)
Bookings: Reservations are now open for stays starting on 2 April.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Come for a couple of unmissable festivals, stay for a long, leisurely weekend of wining, dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.
Far from a sleepy town, the historic city of Ballarat is an unexpectedly vibrant cultural and culinary destination. Year-round, it hosts a roster of events and experiences – including the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival , a celebration of the city’s past, and the new Ballarat Craft and Design Week , a must for fans of all things handmade and thoughtfully designed.
Beyond the festivals, there’s a bevy of things to see, do, eat and drink – making a weekend in Ballarat an absolute no-brainer.
Plus, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne by car along the Western Freeway or an easy train ride from Southern Cross, getting here is simple and stress-free.
Day 1
Morning
Peruse works by local First Nations artists at Perridak Arts. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Start your Ballarat jaunt at Johnny Alloo , a beautifully restored cafe harking back to the 1870s with original details and contemporary touches. Order a seasonal plate from the all-day brunch menu alongside a cleverly reimagined ‘cup of tea’ – the cafe’s very own Earl Grey-infused early bird spritz.
Next, head to Perridak Arts , a First Nations-owned and operated gallery filled with powerful works by local First Nations artists. Your next stop is Hop Lane, an alleyway crowned by a floating canopy of technicoloured umbrellas and centred on Hop Queen, a striking mural of a commanding female figure.
Afternoon
Create your own artworks at The Pottage. (Credit: Mass Motion)
Cobb’s Coffee is a firm favourite for consistently good coffee and thoughtful food, making it a solid lunch spot. The cafe’s signature sandwiches and toasties are well worth trying as you take in the heritage surrounds.
While away your afternoon at The Pottage , where Ballarat ceramicist and social media favourite Shelby Sherritt has just moved into brand-new digs. Try a throwing workshop, or pick a piece of pottery to paint from the extensive collection (the team will post it to you once it’s fired).
Now it’s time to check into Hotel Vera , the newest boutique accommodation in the city’s already-impressive line-up. The hotel presents a modern spin on Ballarat’s gold rush-era past – think design-led rooms, gold detailing and a curated art collection. There are only seven suites, each as beautifully finished as the next, with high-quality linens and plush furnishings.
Evening
Sit down to a seven-course feast at Babae. (Credit: Einwick)
Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane . The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.
Head back to Hotel Vera for a seven-course feast at Babae . This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.
Day 2
Spend the day at Ballarat Craft and Design Week. (Credit: Klapper Films)
Linger over a slow breakfast at Hotel Vera. You’ll graze your way through a spread of locally sourced treats, from toasted granola and pastries to seasonal fruit, and will need a strong coffee before a busy day at the main event: Ballarat Craft and Design Week.
This year marks the event’s inauguration, a celebration of artists, makers, designers and manufacturers. It’s a testament to Ballarat’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
The festival features a thoughtfully curated roster of events and activities , including free talks, hands-on workshops where you can craft your own keepsake, displays, studio tours and more. The central theme is Bound, with a flagship exhibition hosted in Ballarat’s grand and iconic Mining Exchange. The exhibition brings together five immersive projects designed to be touched, explored and experienced.
Afternoon
Discuss your favourite artworks over lunch at Pancho. (Credit Einwick)
The Craft and Design program continues at The Unicorn Collection . The gallery is hosting Why Are You Here?, an installation presented by artists from the community that centres on the meaning of Ballarat as home.
Recharge with lunch at Pancho , which turns out vibrant food from across Central and South America. Make sure to order from the specials board, often featuring dishes from more far-flung locations.
For a top-up of local craftsmanship, a visit to Wootten is a must. This workshop and retail space is a Ballarat institution, making and selling made-to-order and customised footwear alongside a selection of handcrafted leather goods.
Evening
Ballarat’s streets contain incredible dining options. (Credit: Tony Evans)
Book a table at Mr Jones , headed by chef Damian Jones, who’s worked in Michelin-Starred restaurants around the globe. The modern Asian menu changes weekly, but you can always expect the very best ingredients cooked with precision and restraint.
Finish off your day of art and exploration with a nightcap (and maybe a cheeky late-night snack) at Renard . This intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar does clever drinks alongside French-leaning small plates – we love the smoked trout pate and goat’s cheese doughnuts.
Day 3
Morning
Stop into Black Cat Truffles before heading home. (Credit Einwick)
It’s your final morning in Ballarat (that is, until you inevitably return), so it’s worth making it an unhurried one. Turret Cafe is your best bet for a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, with a produce-driven all-day menu and excellent coffee inside a character-filled setting.
A wander around the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens , followed by an excursion to Ross Creek Gallery , is the ideal way to stretch your legs after your morning feast. The gardens are replete with seasonal flower displays and heritage-listed trees, while the gallery is hosting a group exhibition centred on printmakers from across the region as part of Craft and Design Week.
Farewell your weekend escape – and fuel up for the journey home – at Black Cat Truffles . True to its name, the restaurant serves truffle-infused dishes (alongside regular fare) and the surrounding farm hosts truffle hunts and experiences. Pair your meal with a drop from the on-site Meredith Wines cellar door.
