Camping + glam = glamping

See South Australia in style.

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Dreaming of a camping trip, but don’t want to roll out your sleeping bag or pitch a tent? There’s a solution for that.

I wake to the warble of magpies, frogs ribbiting in a nearby creek and the pitter-patter of light rain against the tent’s canvas.

My surrounds hardly resemble a tent. The sleeping bag has been replaced with a soft, king-sized bed, and a hot shower is steps away from where I’m sleeping.

This is glamping – the alternative to camping for those who dislike dirt, grime and sleeping on the hard ground.

Thankfully its popularity has taken off in the past few years, because while I enjoy nature, I’m not a fan of sleeping in a bag and showering once every few days.

Various ‘glampgrounds’ have popped up across the country – here are a few of our favourites.

 

Barossa Valley

Tanunda Discovery Park’s glampgrounds are nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley – the perfect location for wine and food lovers.

Eight tents, resembling plush hotel rooms with mod-cons such as heating, power and a small kitchenette, encircle a campfire that will transport the most urban creature back to their childhood as they toast marshmallows until they’re crispy and gooey.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adult, the deck of your tent overlooking a vineyard is the perfect spot to sip Shiraz and eat cheese as the sun sets.

Where can you find that cheese and wine? The Barossa Valley is arguably home to some of South Australia’s best producers and wineries, making it the ideal location for glampers who love to delve into the world of food.

Visit Jacob’s Creek for a Master Class and four-course meal or explore Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop before enjoying lunch at the eatery.

Visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.

Kingston-On-Murray

Looking for a river getaway without the hassle of booking a camping spot and pitching your tent? Oz Shacks at Kingston-On-Murray Caravan Park offer ensuite cabins in a secluded location along the River Murray.

While not quite glamping, these modern wood cabins are handcrafted and include a fan, television and either a double bed or two singles.

Whether you want to go fishing or explore the magnificent creek systems in a canoe, Kingston-On-Murray is the ideal location for all water activities.

While you’re in the Riverland check out Banrock Station, treat yourself to some Thai food on Renmark’s Murray River Queen, and make sure you buy some of the sweetest fruit you’ll ever taste for the trip home.

Wilpena Pound

The safari tents within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – about 400km from Adelaide – offer luxury in a picturesque outback setting.

Wilpena Pound Resort’s glampground features 15 tents, and is set in a secluded area away from the existing facilities. Individual decks at the entrance of each will give you spectacular views of the rock formations while you enjoy a fine South Australian wine.

Similar to the tents in the Barossa, the Flinders accommodation has a few luxuries, including a reverse-cycle air-conditioner to help you deal with those hot summer days and cold winter nights. And, once again, RAA members save on bookings.

There’s plenty to see and do while you’re in the Flinders Ranges. Want to go for a hike?

Wilpena Pound has dozens of walking trails to keep you active for days. If you’d like to get a better view of the outback, it might be a good idea to take a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges.

The flights take off several times a day from the Wilpena airstrip, and members save 5% when they book through RAA Travel.

The safari tents at Wilpena Pound offer picturesque views.

Clare Valley

Clare’s Bukirk Glamping is the closest you’ll get to camping when glamping. The tents are homely and authentic, but still come with a lovely big bed and plenty of features.

Nestled among the hills of the Clare Valley on 42 acres of farmland, this getaway spot is just a five-minute drive from the centre of town.

Spacious tents include a seating area, fridge, heating and cooling, as well as a deck to enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine.

If you’re interested in tasting some local wine, Bukirk’s glampgrounds are only a few kilometres from the many wineries Clare has to offer.

Adelaide Hills

If you’re looking for something a little bit closer to home, the CABN in the Adelaide Hills might be a good option.

Again it’s not quite glamping, but this secluded cabin in 180 acres of natural scrubland will help you get back to nature in a more comfortable setting.

Less than an hour from Adelaide, the CABN is perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can live completely off the grid, go bushwalking, cuddle up to your loved one around the fire pit or play board games.

Natural timber and large windows offer beautiful views and the opportunity for guests to see native animals passing through the area.

Don’t let the CABN fool you though. It’s far from primitive and includes a king-sized bed, fully equipped kitchen and indoor shower.

The Adelaide Hills Cabn is a great place for a quick getaway.

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