The 12 best places to go glamping in Australia

Peninsula Hot Springs is a wonderland of geothermal baths. You pretty much need a compass to navigate the maze of springs and saunas, and bushland and hill tracks. This place puts the "glam" in glamping. Whatever they saved by erecting tents instead of building the accommodation from scratch, they reinvested in the tents' interiors. Better yet – when all the day bathers head home for the evening, you get the place to yourself, with 24-hour access to hot springs by starlight (with a drink in hand, if you want), and dinner and breakfast at the lovely restaurant. How good.

This eco-luxe retreat on the NSW South Coast first opened in 1999 – popping up on the banks of the Currambene Creek, deep in the paperbark-studded bush – close to the sparkling white sand of Hyams Beach and sapphire waters of Jervis Bay. What started as a few safari tents has grown into an extensive retreat, complete with an architecturally designed restaurant, on-site massage therapists, regular yoga classes and a total of thirteen tents. Each one is elevated from the ground and complete with linen-draped beds, solar-powered lighting and private ensuite bathrooms (bathtubs included).

This eco-friendly resort is for those wanting to get away from it all. Situated 130 kilometres south of Broome in the pristine Kimberley region, Eco Beach offers glamping tents with either garden or sunset views. The spacious tents fit up to four people, with an en suite, shower, fan and large, breezy zip-down windows. Fishing, turtle watching, kayaking and paddle boarding are all available at the resort, as are massage and facial treatments. The tents are raised, with communal barbecue facilities available to cook up your daily catch. Alternatively, let the chefs at Jack’s turn your fresh fish into a delicious meal. 

Cooinda Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park, including Maguk and Jim Jim Falls. There are 20 lavish Outback Retreat safari tents on offer, featuring plush beds that sleep up to four guests, air-conditioning and unspoiled wilderness right at your doorstep. The lodge as a whole is like a mini village with a petrol station, mini-mart, two swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Welcome to glamping’s wild side – Aussie Outback edition!

Situated mere minutes from Phillip Island's Hutchinson Beach, the Sheltered Glamping Co has set up a number of beautiful bell tents and safari tents for visitors to kick back in. They’re furnished with plush bedding as well as heating and fans for the colder months. The Phillip Island Winery is close by, as is the famous Penguin Parade so you’re not too far from the island’s main attractions. This one's best for every glamper who believes that their trip into the wild should include direct beach access. 

This Discovery Park tucked away behind Rottnest Island's glimmering Pinky Beach is one of the best places to situate yourself on the island. Just paces away from the water's edge, some of the deluxe glamping tents afford you ocean views right from your bed. Boardwalks connect the 83 eco-tents to the beach, so as not to disrupt the ecosystem. Not only are all the linens and bath towels provided, but beach towels too so there's one less thing to worry about packing. The resort is only a one-kilometre walk from where the ferry brings you in, and your bags get transported for you, so it's a nice brisk journey by foot to your destination.

Tassie is a place that knows how to expertly wed wild terrain with smooth luxury in a way that feels very natural – and this is epitomised at the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat on the northeastern tip of Tasmania. If comfortable but luxe camping is your shtick, you'll love their cosy canvas bell tents. Fitted out with king-sized beds, each tent is elegant but simple, making it a great in-between option for those who want their camping with a little extra shine. You'll have access to warm showers in their bespoke bathroom block, get to cook in their lush kitchen, have an option of an in-house delicious breakfast, and (best of all) be located just minutes drive away from the wonders of the Bay of Fires. Think normal Aussie campground – but extremely elevated.

Generally, things that look incredible on Instagram underwhelm in real life. Australia’s first bubble tent – aptly named Bubbletent Australia – is not one of those things. In fact, like the moon, fireworks and big stadium pop shows, the bubble tent is actually a lot more impressive in the flesh (well, polyurethane membrane). There are three tents to choose from, each overlooking a different aspect of NSW's immense Capertee Valley – the largest valley in the world. All three tents offer total seclusion, which is not only pleasant but needed, since the central chamber of each one has a 360-degree view out and in. 

If you're after glamping with a capital G, you can't look past the otherwordly wonder of Longitude 131 in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory. Direct private view of Uluru? Tick. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the desert stars? Tick. Five-star lodgings fit for an earthy rockstar? Tick. Although this glamping experience edges more on being a five-star resort than a humble tent, a tent it still is, and a pretty epic one at that. If you pitch up in one of their 16 raised tents, you'll get an incredible view of Uluru, spa treatments, and free-flowing artisan food and liquor. If you're feeling very fancy, you can book the 'Dune Pavilion', an immense luxury suite with deep rainwater bathtubs and a private plunge pool that has a view of both Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru. Priceless.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the most spectacular places on the planet – but also one of the most remote. Sal Salis is a deeply luxurious wilderness retreat perched mere metres away from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef. With only 16 deluxe tents on the turquoise shore (including one hidden Honeymoon Suite) fitted out with comfy beds and ensuite bathrooms, this glamping spot is all about seclusion and sustainability. From eating curated seasonal meals and sea kayaking to secret reef spots, to swimming with giant and gentle whale sharks, Sal Salis is a wonderland that you won't want to leave in a hurry. 

If you're looking for a deeply romantic and seriously secluded escape in the middle of Queensland's tropical heart, you can't look past Nightfall Camp at Scenic Rim. Just eight permanent hand-built luxury safari tents with hardwood floors are pitched next to a tumbling creek in Lamington National Park, meaning maximum serenity. Each tent comes with twin bathtubs and a private, rotating fireplace. You'll be plied with organic fresh food, pampered with hot baths in the rainforest and given the space to reconnect with romance – and yourself in a pristine slice of Australian rainforest. 

The age-old catchphrase of 'location, location, location' rings particularly true at the Ikara Safari Camp in the heart of South Australia's Flinders Ranges. While perhaps not as bougie as some of the other glamping spots on this list, Ikara (which is located within the Wilpena Pound Resort), is in the perfect position for exploring the dramatic rock formations and sweeping wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The safari-style glamping tents come with their own king-sized beds (you can get a double or two singles), ensuites, air-con and an outdoor fire pit. This one's relaxing, laidback and the ideal choice for those who want to feel intrepid – but without all the uncomfy bits.