I’ve had some pretty incredible experiences in my 30 years. But having a bath in a freestanding tub overlooking Mudgee’s gentle green hills – sipping on local sparkling wine paired with soft cheese, pickles and crackers while watching the golden sun turn into a brilliant display of fire-orange and soft pinks – has to be close to the top. We couldn’t see a single soul, save for a few roos hopping off in the distance, and sheep grazing on the paddocks. As time went on, my glass of sparkling vino moved to a bright and juicy pinot, and the now panther-black sky was lit up with thousands of twinkling stars. I stayed in that tub for about three hours. And I can’t say for certain, but I’m pretty sure that’s close to a world record.
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It makes complete sense then to find out Sierra Escape – the luxury, adults-only glamping experience I was staying at, just a 20-minute drive from Mudgee’s township – just won gold for Unique Accommodation at the recent Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in the tourism industry across the whole country, and the Unique Accommodation Award is all about recognising businesses that provide exceptional stays combining innovation, sustainability and world-class guest experiences. Sierra Escape has all of that down-pat – and then some.
Wife-and-husband duo Natasha and Cam D'Arcy put up a single tent on an empty farming block back in 2017. Since then, Sierra Escape has grown into a multi-award-winning luxury retreat with five safari-like glamping tents, a lush swimming pool formed from a reclaimed shipping container and a sprawling outdoor yoga deck where you can get your downward dog on.
Don’t worry if you’re not into Bear Grylls-style camping, though. Firstly, the Australian-made glamping tents are huge – like, the size of a one-bedroom apartment. They’re made from super high-quality and durable material, meaning they’re well insulated for warmth in winter, and the windows open (except for the fly screens) so you can enjoy a breeze in summer. Each one features a king-sized, marshmallow-like bed, a kitchen with a gas stovetop and everything you might need to channel a MasterChef contestant, a fireplace and outside barbecue, and a private deck so you can soak up the views, including spotting all the Aussie wildlife. Oh, and there are two freestanding bathtubs – one outside, as mentioned above, and one inside if the weather isn’t on your side but you’re still keen for a romantic soak.
It’s a short drive into town along a dirt road – so you really feel like you're getting off-grid. While you’re there, you can dine at Mudgee’s beautiful, hyper-seasonal The Zin House and drop in for a wine tasting at Lowe Wines. But if you don’t want to leave, I don’t blame you.
“We’re beyond honoured to take home gold at the Australian Tourism Awards,” said Cam and Natasha in a statement on Instagram.
“What a journey it’s been! As we celebrate, we remain committed to sustainable luxury and creating magical moments in nature,” they added.
You can see all the winners here.
As for me? I’m checking my diary to plan another trip. And I highly recommend you do, too. BYO a good book, your swimmers and your favourite cheese.
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