hero media

This new SA luxe glamping experience allows you to wake up with zebras

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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

Monarto safari park zebra
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.

Monarto safari lodge tent interior
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.

Monarto safari lodge outdoor pool
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.

Monarto safari lodge private plunge pool
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

Monarto Safari pool
Lounge by the pool while taking in the views.
Monarto Safari views
Delve into an immersive safari experience.
Safari Lodge
Inside the Safari Lodge.
Monarto Safari
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. 

Website: monartosafariresort.com/safari-lodge

Kassia Byrnes
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.
View profile and articles
a look inside the lobby at Pullman Adealaide
Adelaide

Pullman Adelaide: The perfect blend of business and leisure in the CBD

This city stay offers modern comfort and sophisticated style.

Read more
Monarto Park Resort
Adelaide

Get ready for South Australia’s new luxe safari resort experience

Dreaming of an African safari holiday? This new resort might just offer the next best thing.

Read more
Adelaide accommodation
Adelaide

The best Adelaide accommodation for every budget

Whether you’re looking for affordable accommodation or high-end luxury, here’s where to stay in Adelaide.

Read more
Adelaide Airbnbs
Adelaide

13 of the best Airbnbs in Adelaide

We’ve curated our pick of the best Airbnb’s in the South Australian capital.

Read more

How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
    Continue
    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.