Pitch perfect: the best glamping getaways within driving distance of the Gold Coast
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
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WANT the romance of sleeping under canvas without roughing it? Pitch the idea of a glamping getaway for guaranteed happy campers,
In the second instalment of our new weekly series, take a look at some of the region’s best tents with all trimmings.
You’ll be toasting marshmallows fireside in no time.
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TALLARINGA LUXURY CAMPING
Tweed Valley
Mother and daughter team Jo and Lily Newgrosh run Tallaringa Luxury Camping on their family property in the little village of Nunderi in the Tweed Valley (good news Gold Coasters, it’s inside the border bubble).
Guests stay snug in furnished lotus belle tents including a queen-size bed and luxury linen.
“You don’t have to fear glamping in winter with electric blankets on the beds, heated throw blankets to wrap yourself in and an indoor and outdoor fireplace for the compulsory campfires,” Jo says.
The star attraction is an outdoor stone bath.
“Booked as part of our pamper package, it includes champagne, a cheese platter, fairy lights, candles, bath products, robes, slippers and, of course, the all-important bubble bath,” Jo says.
“We do everything for you from running the bath to lighting the candles.”
The campsite includes a barn with a camp kitchen, gas barbecue, fridge and microwave, and a living room with daybed, comfy cane chairs, movie projector and darts.
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There is a telescope to gaze at the night sky and a painting station set up with canvases, brushes and oil paints for anyone inspired to capture the scenic surrounds.
“All in all you have about 5 acres to explore,” Jo says.
“The large dam with island and bridge are the centrepiece of the property, along with a large grassed field that was the previous owner’s airstrip for his light plane, surrounded by cane fields and a creek.
“We only ever accept one booking at a time for two to six people, so you can be assured of complete privacy.”
Tallaringa is pet friendly, providing a comfy dog bed and a friend for fur babies to play with. “Patsy our two-year-old staffoodle will happily show your dog all the best places to dig, sniff and swim,” Jo says.
CLOUDS SAFARI
Beechmont
Four firm walls may not be part of the promise at Clouds Safari, but here’s the silver lining — 180 degree panoramic views of Lamington National Park.
This modern take on an African safari tent takes glamping to the next level with a queen-size four-poster bed, beautiful bath and giant movie screen.
“We are close to the Gold Coast yet present as a remote village,” says Clouds on Beechmont’s Jazz Gaythwaite.
“After a favourite movie viewed on the big-screen projector, plan a day bush walking or a trail ride with the local equine group.
“An outdoor bonfire will round off a memorable stay beneath a canopy of stars.”
NOOSA TABLELANDS ESCAPE
Sunshine Coast
Perched above the clouds with vast views, you won’t have to share this natural wonderland with anyone else.
“We have designed our eco glamping site to accommodate only one couple at a time,” Noosa Tablelands Escape owner Tracie says.
A double bell tent is loaded with perks: high-quality linen, robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, a continental breakfast hamper, a welcome plate and chocolates.
“In the winter months we also provide hot chocolate and marshmallows to enjoy in front of your own fire pit,” Tracie says.
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On 20 acres of bushland, the campsite borders the Noosa Trail Network, popular with hikers, horse riders and mountain bike riders.
“Our location is very unique being 300m above sea level with uninterrupted views of the valley below and nine mountains,” Tracie says.
“We are also ideally located for our guests to enjoy a day in Noosa or a lovely country drive out to Kenilworth and the surrounds.
“At the end of a long day, enjoy a soak in a deep bath while still enjoying our incredible view.”
Plan ahead if you want to be seriously spoiled – the retreat is fully booked for 2020 with a wait list, but bookings for 2021 are now open.
SANCTUARY BY SIRROMET
Mount Cotton
Surrounded by paperbarks and giant scribbly gums, Sanctuary by Sirromet’s 18 tented pavilions feature balconies that feel like they’re floating above the landscape … just the spot for sipping a glass of the local vino.
Go straight to the source for supplies, with winery tours, a cellar door serving pizza, antipasto and cheese platters Friday to Sunday, and Italian Tuscan Terrace restaurant open for lunch and dinner daily.
Sumptuous beds with top-of-the-line linen and reverse cycle airconditioning keep glampers snug on chilly nights.
“Boasting most of the premium hotel room comforts, the pavilions surround one of our billabongs on the winery estate,” says Sirromet Winery’s Michael Muza.
“While there are no TVs, we encourage guests to explore the 560 acre property by foot, bring along some bikes and ride the many tracks onsite, or hike nearby Mt Cotton to see stunning views across Moreton Bay.”