8 of the Best Glamping Spots Sydney has for a Luxe Getaway

Glamping is camping’s older, more fashionable, sister. She’s all about treating yo self and prioritising comfort while enjoying the best that the outdoors has to offer. And it doesn’t get much better than glamping in Sydney.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

What is glamping?

Ever seen those tan-coloured teepee tents? That’s one type of glamping. Types of tent vary widely in the luxury glamping world but they all come equipped with the simple pleasures camping normally brings, plus creature comforts like a day bed.

In recent years, glamping has levelled up to become even more luxurious than just a tent with a wood burning stove and sink inside (yes, seriously!). Now you can get la di dah safari tents, hot showers, a king size bed, buffet dinners…even an ensuite bathroom!

Most glamping sites in Australia are based in beautiful off-grid bush settings with exclusive access to guarantee your serenity. And if you play your cards right, you might find yourself glamping in NSW.

Why is Sydney glamping so special? We’re talking all the best bits of glamping like good views and luxe tents, coupled with the convenience of only being a few hours away.

Still not sure where you stand on glamping vs camping? Explorer Pippa was more than anti-glamping for a long time.

Camping plus fire pits, tables, and mattresses = glamping | Shot by Karl Reynolds

Best Glamping Sites in Sydney

Glamping has taken a big ol’ chunk of the camping real estate lately, and it’s not a bad thing. Glamping tents are warmer, sometimes there’s a fridge for your food (onsite restaurants and well-equipped kitchens aren’t uncommon either!), and no matter where you sleep the night, the forest looks the same.

For some reason, people in Sydney and NSW seem to really resonate with the glamping lifestyle and there are new glamping sites popping up all the time. You can glamp on farms, overlooking big canyons, in bubble tents, or at a zoo…

Whatever type of glamping experience you’re chasing, you’re sure to be able to satisfy it glamping in NSW.

Let’s take a look shall we?

Glamping in Luxury Safari Tents

Safari-like tents are a popular choice for glamping in Sydney, offering a luxurious and adventurous experience in spacious canvas interiors. These set ups are ideal for groups and typically feature a queen size bed (or larger), ensuite bathroom, a fire pit, and a glass or two of local wine on arrival.

1. Paperbark Camp Safari Tents

Availability: All year!
Time from Sydney: 2 hours 40 minutes
RRP: From $780+ per night (minimum 2-night stay on Fridays and Saturdays)

If you’ve never been to Africa, this is your chance to pretend. At Paperbark Camp you can stay in an African-inspired canvas safari tent and drift off to sleep surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

This isn’t a wildlife park, so if you want to see where giraffes or rhinos roam you’ll need to head to Taronga Zoo and their Zoofari Lodge. But with high quality outdoor furniture, king-size beds, and even an undercover verandah complete with lounge chairs, you won’t be wanting for much.

Escape the noise of the city, and the dirt of a camping trip for a weekend experiencing some of the best glamping NSW has to offer.

Check out the pitch on that roof! Probably the first tent you’ll stay in with a staircase too | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

2. Tanja Lagoon Camp Tents

Availability: All year!
Time from Sydney: 5-6 hours
RRP: $280-$380 per night

Tanja Lagoon Camp offers some of the best glamping on the Sapphire Coast. With a wild coastal lagoon in front and the spotted gum forest of Mimosa Rocks National Park behind it, it almost feels like this place was built to be travel inspo.

While it’s not exactly near Sydney, this one is definitely worth the drive. With a handcrafted queen bed that faces a view-soaked lounge area, and four safari-style tents available, it’s the perfect location for a girls trip or even family holiday. Wander along the short trail to the beach, float around the lagoon on a kayak, or simply catch up on sleep – serenity awaits.

Oh look, more wine! | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

Best Budget Glamping Sites

The best glamping spots Sydney has are the cheapest glamping spots Sydney has! Mainly because I’m 100% more likely to be able to afford to stay there! While the spots below are more budget-friendly, even a budget glamp is still a luxurious camping experience.

And glamping in national parks and state forests is a great way to connect with nature without dealing with a rock under your shoulder blades at 3am, or having to spend two hours packing the car before you leave.

If you’re lucky, you might even get a buffet dinner before you go to sleep in a bed that’s somehow more comfortable than your own!

3. Glamping in Glenworth Valley

Availability: All year!
Time from Sydney: 1 hour
RRP: From $180+ per night (3 different providers)

If there was such thing as a glamping mecca, Glenworth Valley might be it. Located on 3,000 acres it’s a working horse and cattle farm. They offer a wide variety of adventure activities (think axe-throwing, abseiling, and even laser-skirmish), have an onsite cafe, and are home to three separate glamping providers, all offering varying levels of luxury and convenience.

If you’ve got a group needing more than three tents or so, these glamping sites are your most convenient option within driving distance of Sydney CBD. Prices start at just $180, making this quite an accessible option for those unable to shell out $400+ per night.

Gather your mates for a weekend surround yourself in nature in the comfort of bell tents. Check out Glampr, Belle Glamping & Events, or Simple Pleasures Camping Co for all the details to lock it in.

The best part about glamping? Someone else has to pack up the chairs | Supplied

4. Lane Cove Glamping Retreat

Availability: All year!
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
RRP: $314+ (price is for the tent, max capacity two adults)

At only 25 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, the glamping sites at Discovery Parks Lane Cove, are a ripper bargain. But they’re also not exactly a secret so during peak periods it’s more competitive to secure ideal dates. At times you may need to book a minimum of four nights to secure a booking.

To be fair, there’s a reason Lane Cove is so popular with glampers. After staying here you may never want to humbly camp again. Their bathroom is the most country chic I’ve ever seen in a tent. You get your own private entrance with a gate, and it’s set in a gorgeous native bushland in Lane Cove National Park.

Read more: Kayak in Lane Cove National Park to Escape the CBD

5. Reflections Jimmys Beach

Availability: All year!
Time from Sydney: 2 hours 35 minutes
RRP: $131+ (prices vary, up to four people per tent, minimum stay 2 nights)

Glamping at Reflections Jimmys Beach is a great choice if you need the distance of a decent drive to feel like you’ve truly escaped your normal 9-5. Choose between a Superior Safari Tent (starting from $278 per night) and a Deluxe Beach Glamping Tent (starting at $131). Prices do vary depending on how many people, although pleasingly the difference between one person and four people is less than $50, rather than double like other providers. Booking on weekends or during peak season will also cause the price to rise.

Tents are a lot closer together in holiday parks but the vibe is the same on the inside | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

Both glamping tents on offer here include one bedroom and one bathroom and I had to really puzzle over the listings to figure out which one I’d prefer. Uncharacteristically, the winner was the cheaper Beach Glamping Tent. This one has king beds, while the more expensive tent only has a queen. Sure the more expensive one has a BBQ and a bar fridge but I’m pretty happy saving the dollars to go without.

The Reflections Park is situated between the bay and the beach, so you’ve got heaps of opportunities to enjoy the water, or just laze around looking at it. Is it the best glamping you’ll get for under $300 a stay? Most likely!

Did you know you can find accomodation through We Are Explorers now? Check out Basecamp to suss your options.

If you’re looking for space, you’ll find it here | Shot supplied by Reflections Holidays

Exclusive Limited Edition Glamping

6. Glamping in Mayfield Garden

Availability: March to April
Time from Sydney: 3 hours
RRP: $475 per night (for two people in one tent)

Our MD Tim reckons glamping at Mayfield Garden is basically an episode of Bridgerton. Just like the hit Netflix show, it’s only available a few months of the year, so if you want in, you better get organised.

With a three-course dinner included in the on-site restaurant, plus gorgeous gardens to explore (guys, there’s a grotto and a waterfall), this is glamping on a seriously high dose of steroids.

A glamping experience at Mayfield Garden in Oberon is precisely the kind of romantic getaway you’d expect to see on Bridgerton. No time travel or movie sets required.

7. Glamping in a Bubble Tent

Availability: All year, but there are only three of them so you need to book fast!
Time from Sydney: 2 hours 40 minutes
RRP: $575+ per night (minimum 2-night stay)

If you’re chasing a glamping experience offering ‘unmatched seclusion’ in the great outdoors, Bubble Tent Australia may be the bubble you’ve been dreaming of. Or not. Last time bubbles were on my radar was when everyone suddenly decided the best thing to do was to run around in giant transparent orbs, also known as zorbing. Remember that tumultuous time? Ridiculous.

These aren’t about to roll down the hill…thankfully | Photo via Destination NSW

Anyway, these bubbles sound a lot more enjoyable. For a start, they don’t move. Offering floating beds, hammocks, and even a love swing, this is some seriously exclusive accomodation and perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Swedish wood-fired bathtub is also worth a mention. Fancy a soak in the bath while you stargaze? Glamping in NSW doesn’t get more Insta-perfect than this.

Told you | Photo via Destination NSW

Glamping With Animals

Do you want the peaceful serenity of rolling hills, uninterrupted views, and a flock of sheep in the distance? Maybe a spot of horse riding after a slow breakfast enjoying spectacular views from the large deck that’s bigger than your living room? You’re looking for the ultimate glam plus nature blend. The best glamping spots Sydney has for a trip featuring animals has gotta be at the zoo.

8. Roar ‘n’ Snore at Taronga Zoo

Availability: All year, but sometimes bookings are ‘pawsed’ if maintenance is required
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
RRP: $439+ per night, per person

Does sleeping in a cube-shaped tent (capacity of up to four people) and enjoying a view over Sydney Harbour after a Night Safari through Taronga Zoo sound appealing?

But first, wine | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

Animal lovers will never want to leave this incredible chance to get up close and personal with zoo residents only half an hour from Sydney’s CBD. At a Roar ‘n’ Snore luxury glamping experience, not only do you get to enjoy the park after-hours, but you get complimentary admission to the Zoo the following day, drinks and canapes on arrival, and exclusive tours and discounts.

Alright, more wine back at the tent too | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

Tips For Planning Your Luxurious Glamping Getaway

• Consider the location, amenities, and activities on offer. Are you looking for wine tasting surrounded by your nearest and dearest, somewhere near Sydney? Your requirements are way different to the cashed up hermit looking for a luxury tent in the middle of nowhere
• To ensure availability of your preferred glamping spots near Sydney, book in advance, particularly during peak season. This is especially important for group bookings as the best glamping experiences book up fast!
• Don’t forget to pack comfortable clothing and shoes. Take the slippers
• Dubbo Zoo also has glamping tents
• Book your next glamping trip using We Are Explorers Basecamp!

Want the best of camping and glamping? Give DIY Glamping a try!

The best glamping tip of all? Don’t diss it until you’ve tried it | Photo supplied by Destination NSW

FAQs Glamping Spots Sydney

What’s the difference between a safari tent and a glamping tent?

Both options are a big step up in terms of comfort from regular camping. Safari tents are generally more rugged and minimalist, often square and use timber or metal poles for supports. Glamping tents provide a higher level of luxury and comfort and are every kind of shape including yurts, teepees, and bell tents.

Is camping better than glamping?

This is a matter of opinion, obviously, but spare me a moment to speak directly to those campers who’ve never been glampers. As a childhood camper I really thought I’d hate glamping. But it’s another one of those activities you shouldn’t diss until you’ve tried it. Have you ever met a person who wouldn’t enjoy a hot bath outdoors gazing at a full moon? …I rest my case.

Are glamping spots in NSW better than glamping spots in Victoria?

Uhh, is Sydney better than Melbourne? As a Victorian I really shouldn’t comment on this or I may be ousted from my state. But yeah, begrudgingly, the best glamping spots Sydney has to offer have so far been better than what I’ve seen around Melbourne. I’m very happy driving over the border for a good ol’ glamp.

Do you need to take wine if you go glamping?

Contrary to popular opinion, and most photos you see of glamping tents, you don’t actually need to take alcohol with you when you glamp. But, most glamping sites are BYO (many tents include a complimentary bottle anyway) so if you’d like a nice glass of something red or white, it’s a lovely setting for it.

Can dogs go glamping?

Each accomodation provider has different rules on this so make sure you double check before you book. In general it’s pretty rare to find dog-friendly glamping sites. Let us know if you find one in the comments!

Find Your Next Glamping Spot

• Glamping: Enticing or Insulting?
• This Glamping Experience is Basically an Episode of Bridgerton
• Glamping Could be on the Jatbula Trail Within 10 Years
• How To Set Up Your Own Glamping Experience

Header image supplied by Destination NSW