Luxury camping may sound like an oxymoron to some, but for others it is the perfect way to experience nature and have an indulgent getaway without all of the hard work involved with a regular camping trip. Still need convincing? A stay at Paperbark Camp is the answer.
Nature and luxury - the best of both worlds
Located two hours south of Sydney in the Shoalhaven region, Paperbark Camp can be found near Huskisson in the spectacular Jervis Bay area. Paperbark Camp offers a luxury camping experience, surrounded by the unique beauty of the Australian bush.
Paperbark Camp features twelve safari-style tents nestled amongst the paperbark and eucalyptus trees. Each tent is privately situated in its own little clearing so that you are blissfully unaware of other guests.
Welcome to your luxury safari tent
The tents themselves are large and impressive. Our Deluxe Plus Safari Tent featured its own boardwalk leading to an elevated deck with outdoor furniture, including a lounge on the front verandah and two daybeds behind a private screen to the side, the perfect spot for an afternoon tipple, reading or a quiet siesta.
It's easy to relax here
The bed was a King Twin bed with beautiful linen and a stylish mosquito net. Our outdoor bathroom featured a private toilet, basin, bush shower and separate bath with views of the paperbark trees behind us. Make sure you schedule in a candlelit bath during your stay here to truly experience the joys of glamping. While you soak in the tub you are treated to the tranquil sights, sounds and smells of the Australian bush.
The King Twin bed
This is definitely glamping - the outdoor en-suite
Provided within your tent is everything you will need for a relaxed and comfortable stay. There are towels, slippers and gowns, hand made soaps, complimentary water, coffee and tea, solar-powered lighting, candles, insect repellent and even a handy little torch for an evening stroll or your walk to the restaurant. What you won't find in your tent are cooking facilities, a fridge, power points or any modern distractions like televisions.
One of the features I loved about Paperbark Camp is that they have their own restaurant on site which means you don't have to worry about driving anywhere or deciding where to go for dinner. Our accommodation package included dinner and breakfast at The Gunyah Restaurant.
The Gunyah Restaurant serves as both reception area and restaurant
The Gunyah Restaurant is situated amongst the treetops and is a multi-purpose area - dining room, lounge, bar and reception all in one. Guests are invited to come and go as they please, to relax, make a coffee or tea, order from the bar menu or simply charge their phones or access WiFi.
The spacious dining area of the Gunyah Restaurant
The restaurant area is light-filled, airy and spacious with both indoor and outdoor dining options. For both dinner and breakfast we enjoyed a table on the balcony with its beautiful views.
Our dinner by candlelight was definitely a highlight of our stay. The focus of the restaurant is on local and seasonal produce wherever possible.The peaceful setting and beautiful outlook were matched with excellent food and great service. We were even entertained by a visit from one of the resident possums while having dinner.
There is a set menu for dinner with around four options for each course. For entrée there was a choice of local oysters, seared scallops, kangaroo loin or roasted mushrooms. I enjoyed the spice crusted kangaroo loin which was accompanied by beetroot puree, black garlic and fennel while my husband chose the seared scallops with raspberry vinaigrette.
The Seared Scallops entrée
For mains we were given the following options - braised pork belly, snapper, roasted lamb rump or chargrilled leeks. We both chose the roast lamb rump with balsamic carrots, sheep's labneh and autumn berries.
Roast Lamb Rump
For dessert we had the difficult task of choosing between the salted caramel tart, apple crumble or pineapple and coconut cake. I opted for the salted caramel tart with hazelnut biscuit, fondant ganache and buckwheat ice cream, which was simply divine.
The divine Salted Caramel Tart
The three course set menu for dinner at Gunyah Restaurant was truly delicious and very reasonably priced at $70 per person. The restaurant is open for both guests and visitors alike. For more information or to make a booking please
click here.
Breakfast in the restaurant was also lovely with a choice of a continental breakfast or a hot breakfast all served with a side of those gorgeous balcony views.
Balcony Views
For those wishing to explore the area surrounding Paperbark Camp there are a couple of ways to do this. Complimentary bikes are provided for guests as well as canoes and stand up paddle boards. I would recommend a peaceful paddle along Currumbene Creek for those, like me, who enjoy a bit of extra adventure. Otherwise Huskisson is only around 4 kilometres away by road.
Enjoy birdwatching on the boardwalk
You can canoe or SUP on Currumbene Creek
At Paperbark Camp it's all of the little things that are included that will make your stay so welcoming and comfortable such as the friendly service by staff and the little extras provided, such as phone charging facilities in the restaurant or the thoughtful thermos of hot water delivered to your tent before breakfast for your morning coffee or tea.
To view the range of tents available at Paperbark Camp please
click here.
To view the Frequently Asked Questions please
click here.
For information on getting there please
click here.
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Escape from the city in style at Paperbark Camp
At Paperbark Camp all of the hard work is done for you so it's easy to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Australian bush.