Bukirk Glamping Stanley Flat review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Sipping wine under the stars and listening to strange night sounds, we were like kids again.

Planning a family camping experience that is easy enough for two adults with no experience of – or desire for – uncomfortably rustic adventures, while keeping it real enough for our two kids, 7 and 2, was always going to be challenging.

So we took the easy option that ticked a few important boxes – living in a tent with its own ensuite in the middle of what seemed like nearly nowhere. We went in with few expectations, just a starry night and cool weather on our wishlist.

But spending the night at Bukirk Glamping more than delivered on so many counts.

Firstly, it’s just a short two-hour drive out of Adelaide and set in the midst of beautiful Clare Valley, close to several wineries and tucked-away restaurants and cellar doors.

We prepared for the bush though, with enough fresh food supplies to prepare our meals and breakfast the next day.

Our host and Bukirk owner Alison Meaney was sensational. Even before I arrived, I was intrigued by the person who could give flight to her dreams … on chicken wings.

“Say Bukirk out loud and fast … do you sound like a Chook (Chicken)?” she writes on the Bukirk website, explaining the name of the business and sharing her own nickname, “chook”.

Each tent is also styled to represent a breed of chicken. Our recommended Wyandotte tent – one of four situated on 17ha of farmland – was kid-friendly, tidy, clean, comfortable and spacious for our family of four.

Taking it easy at Bukirk Glamping.

With a warm day ahead of us, we had expected the tent to be hot, but the fan inside helped as did a slight wind. Taking stock of where we were, we could spot some sheep and horses in the distance in the paddock and the makings of an orchard.

After a late lunch, while my husband, Tom, and I explored, Alison set up the splash pool for the little campers. A five-minute drive into the town to pick up some of the famous Clare Valley drop and we were back to give the barbecue a go and set up for the night.

Fire bans meant we had to leave our marshmallow toasting for another night, but we did carry them along and enjoyed them anyway. Tick.

The kids were too excited so they stayed up later than usual – just enough to gaze up at the stars in wonder as we walked about the paddock in the dark. A precious time despite the cold night.

Alison had reminded us to pack in the light sweaters a day earlier, which made it just right. Then it was time for them to fall sleep under the stars … inside the warm tent.

Both Tom and I have our separate memories of twinkling starry nights surrounded by pitch darkness. Sipping wine under the stars and listening to strange night sounds, we were like kids again.

Our sense of wonder continued the next morning, watching Alison busy around the tents and in the paddocks. We met Kevie, her pig, and her four pet sheep – she had brought in carrots for the kids to feed them. An extra treat for her babies and mine.

A late breakfast and quick shower later, we were back on the road for lunch at the beautiful Skillogalee restaurant and cellar door, and then off home.

We could see ourselves making another visit … with more family and friends, too.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in February 2019 and had details updated in March 2021

• 88 Stradbrooke Rd, Stanley Flat
• 0455 666 177
• [e-mail]

• LOCATION 133km north of Adelaide in the Clare Valley via Horrocks Hwy/Main North Rd.
• ACCOMMODATION Five Lotus Belle tents, each styled differently with a king bed, sofa/couch, minifridge, fan/heater depending on the weather; Two Fancy Coops (Rustic Tiny Houses), king bed, couch, kitchen, including gas burner, microwave, kettle, toaster, pots/pans, ensuite, veranda.
• FACILITIES Private ensuite with hot/cold water, linen, towels, minibar; a common outdoor sheltered area equipped with a kitchen, tea and coffee making supplies, BBQ, dining area, TV, and card and board games. There’s also a fire pit (seasonal), pool, farm animals to feed and pet, camping swags. Hire coolers/heaters available. 3G/4G available.
• PRICE About $235-$350 per night, adults only.