East Coast retreat puts the glam into camping

A new glamping retreat on Tasmania’s East Coast offers guests the best of both worlds – a truly elemental experience along with all the comforts.

Glamping on the remote East Coast in comfort and style sure beats scrambling in and out of a two-person tent.

Slumming it in the elements has its charm, but I had heard only good things about “glamorous camping”, so I had to try it for myself.

I’d never enjoyed soft carpet on any previous camping trips.

I’d also never been able to stand up in a tent without awkwardly hunching over. And I wouldn’t have dreamt of fitting a king size mattress, bedside table and two cosy lounge chairs into my makeshift quarters.

But my partner and I were lucky to spend two nights at the recently opened Little Beach Co Glamping Retreat – a slice of paradise where sloping hills melt away into dazzling coastline, and tent tops poke up above the bushes.

One of Little Beach Co’s bell tents among the kunzea. Picture: Supplied

We were even luckier our trip coincided with one of the warmest weekends of summer, although it still would have been gorgeous if it had been raining or cold.

We arrive to meet owners Paul and Lynne Wilton who are all about relaxed, warm hospitality.

Lynne takes us for a stroll down a winding path to cream-coloured bell tents on wooden platforms.

It almost feels like we have stumbled into a fairytale village – a sophisticated bushland Hobbiton against the backdrop of the sea.

A few zips sturdily glide open and shut and my fear that creepy-crawlies might sneak inside the tent melts away.

The sustainable tent is furnished with a solar-powered torch, towels, and earthy rugs and cushions.

Inside one of the bell tents complete with comfy kingsize bed and plush furnishings. Picture: Supplied

We meander through all the aptly named tents (ours was “Potoroo”) to the communal area at sunset.

The Bath House is designed to mimic conjoined steel water tanks and has a raised butterfly roof over its central shared basins.

There are several spacious white brick tile bathrooms, one with two adjacent showers, where guests can have five-minute showers set on a timer.

It doesn’t sound like much, but I discover five minutes is the perfect window to shampoo, condition and soap up – or to rinse off sand and sunscreen with the provided Moo Goo shower products.

Little Beach Co.’s gorgeous outdoor timber deck which is perfect for lounging around on while catching some sun. Picture: Supplied

We meander over to the Barn with its cabinets full of choice including Tasmanian whisky, wine and spirits as well as spacious tables to sit or eat at, a cosy fireplace to lounge by and a gorgeous timber deck only metres from a rustic stone fire pit.

I’m told the elegant structure with tones of rich wood, beige and brass is inspired by the Maria Island Farm Store.

On the deck we enjoy a delicious three-cheese platter with pork and chicken terrine, house-made honey and pickled condiments expertly prepared by Lynne.

This communal area draws us into relaxation. It encourages us to mix with the friendly guests, but we don’t feel pushed into socialising during moments when we’d rather grab a blanket, take up a spot in the corner and soak everything in from a distance.

The sounds of laughter, the scenes of endless trees and freshness of a gin and tonic combine beautifully.

Little Beach Co.’s comfy bell tents complete with plush bed and stylish furnishings.

Sleeping in our tent is just as serene, and far enough from the Barn that only the gentle breeze and soothing waves can be heard.

It’s special to have such an elemental experience from the comfort of a plush bed and warm tent glowing in the lamplight.

In the morning, Lynne puts on a scrumptious breakfast of Bircher muesli topped with raspberry coulis.

We then wolf down delicious ham and melted brie toasties, rose tea and coffee beside an adorable tadpole pond.

The delicious, fresh brekkie spread at Little Beach Co’s outdoor kitchen. Picture: Supplied.

With a bellyful of brekkie, the East Coast is our oyster to explore from the vantage point of Little Beach, just north of Chain Of Lagoons. We toy with the idea of heading up to Bay of Fires and St Helens, but instead we take a leisurely drive and dip at the Douglas-Apsley National Park waterhole before sampling wines and devouring pizza at Devil’s Corner vineyard.

We could stay out longer, but we choose to come back to Little Beach Co for a rest in the tent.

Little Beach Co’s Bath House, which has been designed to mimic conjoined steel water tanks and has a raised butterfly roof over its central shared basins.

We open the tent’s mesh vents for a cooling breeze as sunshine beats down and fills the space with a warm glow.

At golden hour on our final night, we head outside to take up residence on timber deck chairs on a nearby wooden platform.

We have the wind at our backs and we watch the waves crash in the dazzling sun.

Glamping is just that – glam – but first and foremost, it’s simply glorious.

The author was a guest of Little Beach Co Glamping

Little Beach Co Glamping site set beside the soothing waves is the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend.

MAKE A NOTE

• The Little Beach Co Glamping site sits just north of Chain Of Lagoons between the Little Beach State Reserve and Little Beach itself, with easily signposted access to 21040 Tasman Hwy.
• The site has a bar and a spacious outdoor barbecue with guests able to buy fresh meats on site. Fridges, crockery and utensils are available.
• Group packages for corporate groups or retreats are available to book out the entire facilities, either with eight solo guests or 16 people in shared accommodation.
• Chat to Paul and Lynne for their local knowledge on how to enjoy your days at Little Beach Co Glamping with local beaches, forests, wineries and tours all close by.
• Queen and King bed tents are available.
• Peak season prices start from $200 per night for two people.
• For further inquiries call 0418 157 222, email [e-mail] or visit littlebeachco.com.au