The best glamping spots in NSW

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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

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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

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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

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.