Pitch perfect: the best glamping getaways within driving distance of the Gold Coast – Part 2

Getaway from the everyday with these luxury stays – and the best news is they are all within driving distance of the Gold Coast. SEE THE STUNNING PICTURES

• The hidden fairytale of Gold Coast stay
• Rural romance: Country getaway just 12 minutes from beach

WANT to get close to nature without compromising on comfort? Pitch the idea of a glamping getaway for happy campers.

In the latest instalment of our weekly Gold Coast Getaway series, and on the back of the hugely popular Part 1, take a look at southeast Queensland’s best tents with all trimmings, from beautiful baths to four-poster beds fit for a queen.

You’ll be toasting marshmallows fireside in no time.

The hidden fairytale of Gold Coast stay

Rural romance: Country getaway just 12 minutes from beach

KANIMBIA GLAMPING

Obi Obi, Sunshine Coast

Stargaze away from the city lights at Kanimbia Glamping in Obi Obi on the Sunshine Coast.

Romance rules at this glamping retreat reserved for couples.

Kanimbia Glamping owner Ceri Little says her safari tents are, quite literally, out of Africa, sprawling across a decadent 60sq m with kitchenette, internal bathroom, lounge with super-sized comfy sofa, a woodburner fire, coffee machine, a barbecue on the covered deck, DVD player and big screen.

Kanimbia Glamping's safari tents include a kitchenette, internal bathroom, lounge with supersized comfy sofa, barbecue on the covered deck and big screen.

“You have all the creature comforts that you could want plus manuka oil toiletries, fluffy bath robes, slippers and bath salts to laze in the clawfoot bath overlooking the spring-fed dam next to the tent,” she says.

“There is an outdoor firepit near the tent so that couples can still have a campfire in addition to the woodburner.”

Meet the horses and other farmyard animals at Kanimbia Glamping

Kept high and dry on decks, the tents are comfortable in any weather and in any season.

“It’s beautiful to listen to the rain on the tent roof and be kept cosy in winter with the log woodburner,” Ceri says.

“Our tents can open right up on two sides so they really give an indoor/outdoor feel.

“The stars out here in Obi Obi are amazing as we don’t have the city lights and you get to see the whole Milky Way.”

Kanimbia Glamping's safari tents include a kitchenette, internal bathroom, lounge with supersized comfy sofa, barbecue on the covered deck and big screen.

Ceri says guests love meeting some of the animals who call the 50-acre farm home.

“There are horses who love being fed carrots and may do a canter around the field for you plus our two friendly dogs, Goober the staghound and Frankie the coollie who accompany me everywhere and love to say hello to the guests,” she says.

“We have wallabies wandering through the glamping field at dusk and abundant birdlife.”

Kanimbia Glamping's decadent tents are loaded with luxuries, including a fireplace and beautiful bed.

MORE IN THE GOLD COAST GETAWAYS SERIES

Fireplaces, a heated pool and a bath with a view: hinterland hideaway sets scene for romance

Ultimate getaway for Gold Coast luxury lovers at Spicers Peak Lodge

 

CLOUDS SERENITY

Beechmont, Gold Coast

Clouds Serenity at Beechmont takes in leafy views over Numinbah Valley, Springbrook and Lamington National Park, even from the dreamy tub.

Fifteen successful marriage proposals and counting – there’s something in the air at heavenly hinterland hideaway Clouds Serenity.

Suspended on a deck with views over Numinbah Valley, Springbrook and Lamington National Park, guests can dream the day away in a four-poster queen bed and wake-up to a sunrise soundtrack of birdsong.

Clouds on Beechmont owner Jazz Gaythwaite says they opened Indian-themed safari tent Clouds Serenity after their original venture into glamping, Clouds Safari, proved popular.

“The luxuriously appointed tent itself is twice the size of the original safari tent and measures more than 70 sq m with the bathroom,” Jazz says.

Fit for a queen: a four-poster bed means sweet dreams at Clouds Serenity, Beechmont.

Perks include a projector and surround sounds theatre system for cosy movie nights, floor heaters and a romantic bath with vast valley views.

“The massive deck boasts a large barbecue, fire pit and views of Mt. Warning,” Jazz says.

If you can tear yourself away, check out the nearby cafes, or plan a bush walk or horse ride.

“Beechmont now boasts two cafes, one just a few minutes’ walk from our resort,” Jazz says.

“Lower Beechmont has the Nook and Cranny restaurant.

“Lovely bushwalks abound on Beechmont and the famous Binna Burra resort and bush walks are a 10-minute drive away.

Clouds Serenity at Beechmont is a luxuriously appointed glamping tent with Gold Coast hinterland views.

“The Beechmont equine group recently opened a trail riding centre catering for novice and more experienced riders.”

KETCHUP’S BANK GLAMPING

Cannon Creek, Scenic Rim

Dine on the deck to savour Scenic Rim views at Ketchup's Bank Glamping. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

From a daily dishwashing service to fluffy bathrobes and a hamper menu, this is the place to get seriously spoiled in the Scenic Rim.

Ketchup’s Bank Glamping owner Alex Cooper says their private tents are kitted out for couples with an ensuite with gas hot-water shower, campfire, tea and coffee bar, TV, fridge, and alfresco cooking facilities.

“With just the two luxury eco-tents and a maximum of four adults at any one time on our 100 acre mountain property, guests really can enjoy genuine peace and space to feel like they have escaped,” Alex says.

While you won’t be roughing it, three of the tents walls can be unzipped to the flyscreen so there’s nothing between you and the view.

Ketchup's Bank Glamping's private tents are kitted out for couples

“This provides a real sense of sleeping outdoors in nature without the worry of getting too up close and personal with the wildlife outside,” Alex says.

“You really have to experience the unique feeling of sleeping in a queen-size bed laden with beautiful linens with spectacular views of the southern mountain ranges of the Scenic Rim from nearly 1000ft above sea level.

“The stars in the night sky and the sunsets in the afternoon surrounded by our protected eucalyptus forest provides a magic in the air that you just can’t describe.”

The catering is covered with a full hamper menu of local produce.

Ketchup's Bank Glamping will do everything for you, from a full hamper menu to a daily dishwashing service

“We try to cater for all experiences by offering dinner hampers, breakfast hampers, grazing boards and even a DIY Damper Hamper so guests can try their hand at some cast-iron cooking over the campfire,” Alex says.

“It’s all about the right balance of luxury and those camping experiences that really soothes the soul.”

Campfire comforts at Ketchup's Bank Glamping

Those who want to explore further afield can whet their appetite at the nearby Scenic Rim Brewery, Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm, The Overflow Estate 1985, Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard, and Boonah’s cafes, restaurants and historic pubs, before countering the calories with a hike.

“Within 40 minutes’ drive guests can experience the adventure of Heritage Listed national parks such as the Mt Barney National Park and the amazing Lower Portals track,” Alex says.