Invented in the 16th century by a Scottish Earl to entertain his English king (and mum), and later taken a step further in terms of extravagance by Ottoman sultans, what better way to get away from it all than under canvas in luxury and style, beneath a million stars. Whether it’s for a romantic escape, family get-together or reunion, wedding or birthday celebration, or a corporate bonding experience.
Don’t think ‘roughing it’, think of options such as queen or king size mattresses, Persian rugs, bedside tables, lanterns or solar lighting, toiletries and towels, doonas, indoor-outdoor chairs, fairy lights, cookware and crockery. BYO food and drinks.
SOME OF THE BEST SITES:
Emerald Park Equine, Crooks Road at Mandalong, managed by Go Glamping.
Th 12-acre property with its backdrop of the Watagan Mountains, has extensive equine facilities including yards, arenas, trail riding and show jumping arenas — BYO horse is optional! Accommodates up to 10 tents in a communal area. Glamping tent sleeps 3 doubles or 6 singles at $530 for the first night, then $210 per additional night. https://horseshednbed.com.au/listing/mandalong-nsw-emerald-park-equine/
Noonaweena Retreat, Kulnura, managed by Go Glamping.
Perfect for couples, family and friend groups and corporate bonding getaways. A nature getaway, with privacy away from the main retreat. Facilities include a stone amenities block, bush furniture, bbq/smoker, fridge, and hot shower. There’s a tennis court, day spa, and walking tracks to the springs and waterfall to enjoy. Five bell tents accommodate up to 6 people as doubles or singles. $700 for a 2-night stay. https://www.noonaweena.com.au/room/glamping
Glenworth Valley in Glenworth Valley, managed by a number of operators, including Avante Garde Camping Co. and Simple Pleasures Glamping.
Relax in an exclusive area of the 200 acres of riverfront grounds reserved only for glampers. It has all the modern amenities. Build a campfire and wake up in spectacular bush surrounds for a fun-filled day of adventure activities, including horse riding, quad biking, abseiling and kayaking. From $170 per night (for 3 nights)+ $25 per child / $35 per adult per night per additional single bed. Glenworth’s camping fees are not included with the provider’s hire fees, and you’ll need to book your glamping site direct with Glenworth Valley. www.glenworth.com.au
Avante Garde Camping Co. tents 
Simple Pleasures Glamping tents 
Paradise Botanical Gardens at Kulnura, managed by Go Glamping.
Ideal for romantic getaways, family gatherings and weddings (max 15 tents for 65 people). Located by the large lily pond that is in full bloom during summer, the site is booked in conjunction with the nearby 2-bedroom Cherry Cottage for shared bathroom and kitchen amenities. Options include a ‘honeymoon suite’, chill-out tent, and kids’ zone tent.
Weekend (Fri. to Sun.) price for 2 tents for up to 12 people and the 2-bedroom BnB cottage is $2,000. Also includes an enticing welcome picnic hamper of local produce.
https://www.paradisebotanicalgardens.com.au/accommodation/
Toowoon Bay Holiday Park, Toowoon Bay, managed by Go Glamping.
Perfect for its beachfront location, the bay has still, clear, protected waters to tempt you. In the nearby Tuggerah Lake, there’s also great fishing and boating. https://www.facebook.com/goglampingcc
SOME OF THE MAIN OPERATORS:
Avante Garde Camping Co. 2-4 person tents. Max 200 people. There are packages from basic glamping (that still beats traditional camping!) to family suites, and luxurious king lounge suites complete with thoughtful touches such as a mini bar, solar lighting and a USB charging port.
Simple Pleasures Glamping, 2-5 person tents, max 50 people. The tents are fitted out with Persian rugs, innerspring mattresses on timber bed bases, crisp white sheets, bedding and blankets, outdoor tables and chairs, ornate camphor storage chests, camping lanterns and fairy lights. Each comes with its own camp kitchen with a gas burner cooktop , pot, pan, plates, cups, cutlery, chopping boards, sharp kitchen knives, tongs, spatula, wooden spoon, tea towel, kettle, cool box and washing up kit. Fire lighters and a lighter are also provided to help get your campfire started.
Go Glamping, with 4-6 metre bell tents, accommodates max 65 people. The ‘Honeymoon Suite’ option has queen-bed mattresses, all linens, side tables, floor coverings, lanterns, towels and towel racks, fairy lights, a bottle of sparkling wine and wine bucket, champagne flutes, chocolates and flower petals, and an outdoor picnic set for two. Standard guest accommodation provides double and single bed options. The ‘Chill-Out’ tent option is for hanging out and relaxing, perfect for birthday parties, hens’ parties, etc.
