By Ute Junker
Sierra Escape in Mudgee.
SAVOUR A GREAT OCEAN SLEEP
The second-best thing about Pebble Point is that it is just six kilometres from the Twelve Apostles, one of our great natural wonders. The best thing about Pebble Point? It's right on the Great Ocean Walk, so you can follow the spectacular trail to the Apostles. The bush retreat includes just six safari tents as well as a camp-kitchen tent with fridge and microwave.
From $160 per night twin share, see pebblepoint.com.au
WAKE WITH THE DAWN AT KINGS CANYON
Kings Canyon.
These stylish tents practically beg you to sleep in, but you should rise early at least one morning during your Kings Canyon stay to enjoy the famous Rim Walk. Other essential experiences at the canyon range from indigenous cultural encounters to sunset drinks on the viewing platform. With tents configured for both couples and families, this is an experience everyone can enjoy.
From $390 per night twin share, see kingscanyonresort.com.au
RELAX WITH THE 'ROOS AT NOOSA
Bush or beach? At Habitat Noosa, you don't have to choose. This relaxing Queensland retreat is set on 26 hectares of bush and has a 500-metre beachfront along the Noosa River, as well as a friendly population of eastern grey kangaroos. The glamping tents can be configured for families.
From $290 per night twin share, see habitatnoosa.com.au
TAKE TIME TO STARGAZE IN TASSIE
The downside of any wine-tasting trip: one person has to drive everyone home at the end of the day. Unless, of course, you're staying in one of the geodesic domes at Domescapes Tasmania, nestled into the Tamar Valley, one Tassie's best wine-growing regions. If it's a clear night, you'll be able to admire the starry skies from your king-size bed, through the tent's massive viewing window.
From $275 per night twin share, see domescapes.com.au
ENJOY A SOFT LANDING IN THE KIMBERLEY
Getting to the Indigenous-owned Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is an adventure – the drive from Broome takes several hours – but the spectacular coastal location is worth the trip. The wilderness setting doesn't mean you're short of dining options: eat in at the camp's cafe and restaurant, or DIY on your safari tent's barbecue.
From $350 per night twin share, see kooljaman.com.au
DO A DIGITAL DETOX ON A TROPICAL ISLAND
Retreat from the digital: Wilson Island.Credit: Photopia Studio
No phone. No Wi-Fi. No children. Just you, sunshine, oceans teeming with life, and perhaps a good book or two. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, Wilson Island is calling your name. The pocket-sized paradise on the Great Barrier Reef, a 40-minute boat ride from Heron Island, hosts nine glamping tents plus a central dining venue and shared bathing facilities.
From $950 per night twin share, see wilsonisland.com
GO BUSH IN THE HEART OF SYDNEY
Enjoy a bush escape in the heart of the city at Tandara Glamping Tent in Lane Cove National Park, just 10 kilometres from the CBD. Surrounded by 370 hectares of greenery, this luxurious tent – which has a private deck complete with barbecue and outdoor seating as well as an en suite – is a great place to unwind after a full day of hiking, biking, boating or fishing.
From $220 per night twin share, see lanecoveholidaypark.com.au
IN LIKE FLIN(DERS) IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The best sunset view in the Flinders Ranges may be the one you enjoy from the deck of your tent at Ikara Safari Camp. Part of Wilpena Pound Resort, the safari camp is set amid red river gums and offers glamping tents designed for both couples and families. It's a terrific base for exploring some of South Australia's most dramatic landscapes.
From $320 per night, see wilpenapound.com.au
SOAK IT UP IN MUDGEE
Adults-only escape: Sierra Escape.
Leave the kids at home when you head for Sierra Escape in Mudgee. The adults-only hideaway is big on creature comforts: you can roast marshmallows over your own firepit, lie back in your outdoor bathtub or cook up a storm in your designer kitchen – accompanied, of course, by an excellent local drop you picked up while visiting the area's wineries.
From $350 per night twin share, see sierraescape.com.au
RELAX ON ROTTNEST ISLAND
Wake up by the beach on Rottnest Island.
With 63 beaches and countless quokkas, car-free Rottnest Island has long been a favourite weekend escape for Perth residents. The island's new eco-tents add an extra dimension to the experience, and a choice of comfort levels is available. The top-of-the-range deluxe tent includes not just an en suite and kitchenette but, in some cases, ocean views.
From $119 for a standard tent or $165 for a deluxe tent, see discoveryholidayparks.com.au
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