Glamping under the stars - Image: Pixabay CC0 Public Domain
Spring is in the air, school holidays are just around the corner and what better reason than warm weather to get outdoors and enjoy everything that Mother Nature has to offer. For those, like me, who love the romanticism of the idea of camping but are not really into the
'doing it tougher on holiday, than I do at home', but still love the idea of being outdoors, roasting marshmallows on an open fire with a side platter of cheese and biscuits, perhaps it's time to try out some glamorous camping - glamping. We can still enjoy the stunning surrounds, pretend you're still 'roughing' it,
but still have all our creature comforts with the added bonus…there's no need to pitch your own tent!
With this in mind, here are my five top picks of glamorous camping 'glamping' in and around Brisbane.
1. Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping
Where: Inskip Peninsula Protected Area, Rainbow Beach Qld 4581
Call: 0419 464 254
Campsites are located in the Inskip Peninsula Protected Area - Image: Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping FB page
Just a hop and a skip north of Noosa and a ten minute drive north of Rainbow Beach, you'll find
Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping. Campsites are located in the Inskip Peninsula Protected Area and provide spectacular views of the World Heritage Listed,
Fraser Island and the
Great Sandy Biosphere.
Just show up with your clothing, food, drinks and linen, to a well-equipped, spacious campsite, all organised for your holiday to begin. Your tents are set up, complete with proper beds, storage space, lights and even a cosy floor rug. Linen is available for hiring just in case you forget to bring your own.
Perfect for bedtime - Image: Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping FBpage
A well-equipped kitchen/dining area is set up next to your tent, with a two burner camp stove, gas BBQ, large ice box (even providing you with your first bag of ice, free), tables, chairs, crockery, wine bucket, coffee plunger, camp toaster and kettle.
Fresh water is supplied for drinking, washing up and hand washing. A dishwashing pack is provided which includes tea towels, sponge, scourer, dishwashing liquid and even garbage bags. Mossie coils are also available but it's suggested that you bring your own personal insect repellant.
Relax on the beach with Fraser Island in the background - Image: Rainbow Ultimate Camping FB page
Rainbow Beach Ultimate Glamping's packages include complete set up and pack down of your campsite (pitch and pack) and everything needed to cook and sleep, plus (very important to me), your very own private toilet and shower. If you want to take it a step further,
Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping offer optional extras, including meal packages and fresh seafood platters delivered to your door ummmm… tent-flap!
One certainly needs a campfire when glamping - think warm, roasted marshmallows - campfires are permitted in this area - purchases of wood can be made at Ultimate Camping or several other retailers in the area.
What to do when visiting Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping
Beach volley ball - Image: Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping FB page
There's so much to do in this stunning area, but think, fishing (48 different species of fish have been caught locally), swimming, playing beach cricket or footy, beach driving or just chilling out, enjoying your surrounds. BYO fishing gear or hire it from Rainbow Beach.
For those a bit more adventurous, there are local tours and activities including day trips to Fraser Island, deep sea fishing charters, dolphin feeding, sunset cruises, horse riding, skydiving, surfing, sea kayaking and even whale watching.
The all-important camp fire - Image: Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping FB page
Most important of all, no matter what your choice of activity is, there's a hot shower waiting for you when you get back to your camp.
Our furry family members are also welcome to join you glamping, but need to be kept on a leash.
This sure sounds like an absolute gem of a holiday to me, a stress-free glamping trip.
To view rates or to book at Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping,
please click here.
2. Murphy's Creek Hideaway/Escape
Where: 356 Thomas Road, Murphy's Creek, QLD, 4352
Call: (07) 4630-5353
Glamping in Serengeti safari tents - Image: Murphy's Creek Hideaway FB page
is located at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, twenty minutes drive north-east of Toowoomba. Get back to nature at stress-free Murphy's Creek Hideaway, without giving up your home-from-home comforts.
Your
glamping accommodation at Murphy's Creek is in the form of Serengeti safari tents, complete with king size beds, private ensuites with claw foot baths, luxury linen and fluffy robes. BBQ's with condiments, a day bed, rain shower, heating and cooling and private outdoor campfires, are all part of your luxury glamping experience at Murphy's Creek Hideaway. The luxury tents are suitable for couples and are set high on a sandstone ridge overlooking Murphy's Creek.
All your luxury needs are attended to - Image: Murphy's Creek Hideaway FB page
To view your luxury glamping rates and packages, or to book your luxury glamping get-away at Murphy's Creek Hideaway,
please click here.
What to do when visiting Murphy's Creek Hideaway
Whether you're an adventure seeker or prefer to just sit back and relax, Murphy's Creek Hideaway is perfect for every couple. For the adrenaline junkies, why not give abseiling a try with one of Queensland's most qualified instructors; or give the 235m flying fox a go, or perhaps the medium ropes course would appeal to you more. Archery and mountain biking are also available at this secret hideaway.
For relaxation, visitors can walk around the property and view the wildlife or sit around the campfire with a glass of wine. Murphy's Creek Hideaway's fifty acre property shares a boundary with the
Lockyer National Park, which has swimming holes all along Murphy's Creek.
There are many local attractions and restaurants in the area, including
Spring Bluff Railway, Murphy's Creek Tavern, the
Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens or
Queen's Park in Toowoomba.
Ravensbourne National Park and
Crows Nest National Park are only thirty minutes away from Murphy's Creek Hideaway.
Murphy's Creek Hideaway is perfect for a romantic couples' getaway, but also has a budget-friendly campground on site, suitable for families, dogs and even horses.
Tranquillity, peace and natural bush surrounds - with my type of camping thrown in - is what's on offer at Murphy's Creek Hideaway - sounds like heaven to me!
Tranquillity, peace and natural bush surrounds at Murphy's Creek Hideaway - Image: Murphy's Creek Hideaway FB page
Where: Moreton Island, QLD, 4025
Call: (07) 3909-3333
Night time glamping on the paradise island of Moreton - Image: Moreton Island Adventures FB page
Have you always fancied spending a bit of time on the paradise island of Moreton, but just can't get your head around the idea of carting all your own gear over, then
Moreton Island Adventures Glamping is the answer to your prayers. Located in the small township of Bulwer, a twenty minute drive north from the MICAT
(see ferry timetable here) landing point, you'll find eleven beautifully furnished tents, complete with a queen size bed, private ensuite and veranda overlooking the giant Melaleuca trees.
Every luxury tent at
Moreton Island Adventures Glamping has the following:-
Furnished with a queen size bed plus a set of bunk beds in a four-person tent;
Private ensuite with hot shower and flushable toilet;
Solar powered lighting in every tent - unfortunately no power points (aw gee, out goes the hair dryer idea);
Verandah with table and chairs;
Linen and bath towels provided (please bring your own beach towels);
Communal camp kitchen - BBQ's, gas stove top, microwave and fridge;
Full kitchen utensils including cutlery, crockery, pots and pans;
Tea and coffee making facilities available;
It is recommended that visitors bring their own water as Moreton Island has only bore hole water.
To check glamping availability and prices,
please click here. If you don't have a 4WD, no worries, just add an on-island transfer to your accommodation booking.
What to do when visiting Moreton Island Adventures
Shipwrecks waiting to be explored - Image: Moreton Island Adventures FB page
There are a multitude of activities available on Moreton Island including sand-boarding, snorkelling, a lighthouse, kayaking in the stunning blue lagoon and wartime relics. About one hundred and fifty metres from the campsite are a couple of shipwrecks, waiting to be explored.
Despite, having all your home-from-home comforts readily available, the ultimate camping trip is not complete without an open fire - for those roasted marshmallows - and Moreton Island Adventures have ensured you don't go without. A fire pit and all your firewood is provided - how good is that?
Don't feel like cooking? No problem, Castaways Cafe is open every day for breakfast, lunch, hot snacks and dinner and is even fully licensed, so a glass of wine with your dinner would definitely be a go!
Moreton Island Adventures' motto is 'Escape the Fake' and despite having a 'real' bed, a 'real' toilet and a 'real' shower, one can always pretend you're totally roughing it…can't you!
4. Alure Stanthorpe
Where: 280 Mt Tully Road, Stanthorpe, QLD, 4380
Call: (07) 4681-4476
Alure Stanthorpe has to be the ultimate luxury escape for couples, looking for a romantic getaway! Only a five minute drive from Stanthorpe, you can escape the busyness of every day life to Alure Stanthorpe in Queensland's High Country, Australia's most luxurious glamping destination. Alure is an exclusive couples retreat nestled in tranquil bushland in the heart of the Granite Belt wine region.
Alure in Stanthorpe provides all the enchantment of a romantic, luxurious self-contained 56m2 glamping luxury tent, erected on a large timber deck. The fully-insulated African safari tent is built for extreme weather conditions, with an eco-fireplace and reverse cycle air conditioning, taking glamping to a new level of luxury.
Alure Stanthorpe's extremely luxurious tent comes complete with a four poster bed, luxurious bed linen; a spacious ensuite bathroom (no traipsing outside), a hairdryer (yah!) and even toiletries.
A beautifully stylish kitchen with quality European appliances, stone top benches, convection microwave, toaster, kettle, refrigerator, dishwasher, automatic expresso coffee machine ensures your stay away is totally catered for - home from home!
Alure spa with bubbly - Image: www..alurestanthorpe.com.au
A perfect retreat for couples set on fifty acres on a hilltop, ensuring privacy, peace and spectucular views - relax on the decks or enjoy a romantic evening under the stars, in your own private heated outdoor spa.
Glamping Tent Package Inclusions:-
Taste of the Granite Belt continental breakfast basket with milk and bread choices;
Open pantry - with kitchen essentials, including Summit coffee beans, Twining's speciality and herbal teas, Mt Stirling olive oil, Lirah balsamic vinegar, condiments, oven bags, napkins, foil and glad wrap;
Alure complimentary experiences
Add to your stay with extra special options which include in-villa massages,
gourmet breakfast platters, restaurant in-villa meals or celebrate a special occasion with a
romance and pamper package.
To book for your romantic stay away at Alure Stanthorpe,
please click here. Our furry family members are very welcome at Alure Stanthorpe - another big plus!
What to do when visiting Alure Stanthorpe
An abundance of bird and wildlife are to be found on the doorstep of your luxury tent - you might even get to spot a kangaroo grazing from the comfort of your bed.
If you love great wine the Granite Belt is perfect for a Wine Discovery Tour or perhaps a bike ride down quiet country roads on a cycling tour might be more your style.
Click here for more on Stanthorpe Tours.
Beyond the Alure property, the Granite Belt and Southern Downs is a place of breathtaking natural contrasts, from world-heritage listed Gondwana rainforest to prehistoric granite rock formations that balance amongst the spectacular eucalyptus forest. Meandering tranquil creeks flow into the tumbling waters of the Killarney's Queen Mary Falls. This region has three national parks -
Girraween,
Sundown and
Main Range (Queen Mary Falls), with another three within an hour's drive, namely,
Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo and
Basket Swamp.
Alure has the perfect location for a cycle and a picnic - Image: Alure Stanthorpe FB page
In addition, to the luxurious glamping tent, Alure Stanthorpe has two additional
luxurious villas, which means only three couples at any one time at this special location, ensuring absolute privacy. Alure is the perfect go-to spot for your next romantic get-away!
5. Ingenia Holidays Rivershore
Where: 99 David Low Way, Diddillibah, QLD, 4559
Call: (07) 5445-4200
Contemporary tented accommodation - Image: Elaine de Wet
And, last, but in no ways least is the Ingenia Holidays
Rivershore Resort located smack bang on the Maroochy River, a stone's throw from the unspoilt beaches of the Sunshine Coast.
Rivershore Resort offers the discerning visitor a choice from thirteen King Safari Tents and two family Safari Tents, all of which are totally self-contained with four-poster King beds, ensuite bathrooms, a kitchenette and televisions in every tent. All the modern conveniences, including electric points, are provided for guests. Sit back and relax on your own outdoor patio, whilst enjoying the antics of the local wildlife.
Beautifully appointed Safari Tent - Image: Elaine de Wet
Rivershore Resort has three modern amenity blocks, three camp kitchens and a fully licensed bar/restaurant which are available for guests to utilise.
A large heated pool, complete with two waterslides and wheelchair access, a toddlers' pool, large childrens' playground, a private pontoon/jetty and boat ramp, mini golf and kayak and bicycle equipment to hire, make this fabulous Resort a great family destination.
Large heated pool with wheelchair access - Image: Elaine de Wet
have ample camping and caravanning sites available too.
For all enquiries, please click here. Our four-legged family members are very welcome, outside of school holidays, at the camping and caravanning sites at Rivershore Resort.
To book your glamping holiday at Rivershore Resort on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, please click here.
What to do when visiting Rivershore Resort
An abundance of activities are available on the Sunshine Coast - Images: Elaine de Wet
The Sunshine Coast has multiple attractions and activities to inspire and entertain every type of traveller. With pristine beaches right on your doorstep,
hiking, fresh local food and world-class events, the Sunshine Coast definitely has it all - I'm in no way biased, of course. Enjoy a
Seafood Cruise, or spend an action-packed day at one of the Sunshine Coast's
Three Theme Parks, you will be spoilt for choice across the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland.
If you're like me, and love the romanticism of camping in the great outdoors, but can't stand the creepy crawlies, a sandy bed or the thought of needing a shovel to go to the loo, then glamping - glamorous camping - is the perfect solution for us wannabe campers.
