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Travel & Touring| WA Things To Do
31 March, 2023 By: Lisa Cook
From low-key safari tents to luxurious tented cabins, there are many ways to experience glamping.
Glamping is a travel trend taking off around the world, blending the rugged experience of camping in nature, with the creature comforts of regular accommodation.
Take your family for a fun adventure in nature minus the stress of pitching a tent or escape into the outdoors and reconnect with your special someone.
If you’re ready to try a care-free version of camping on your next holiday, browse some of the best glamping spots in WA.
1. Woody Island glamping, Esperance, Great Southern
Pack your bags and sign the family up for an off-the-grid glamping escape to
.
Located 15km off Esperance, the island is a dreamy nature playground for both kids and parents. There is plenty to do on the island, from an underwater adventure along the Woody Island Snorkelling Trail to a bushwalk through the nature reserve, to fishing from the main jetty or Skinny Dip Bay.
There are four glamping tents available on the island, each overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Shearwater Bay and sleeping up to four people. Enjoy a hassle-free experience as the tents are already set up for guests, with beds and linen provided, barbecue and kitchen facilities, internet access and books and games.
There’s a kiosk on the island where you can grab food and drinks, and hire equipment, however, consider bringing your own supplies to the island as well as the range can be limited.
RELATED:Perth to Esperance road trip »
2. RAC Margaret River Nature Park, South West
Why waste precious moments pitching a tent when you can spend your holiday making memories instead?
Make the most of your family trip without lugging your camping equipment along for the drive and book a glamping stay at RAC Margaret River Nature Park.
Situated in the heart of Margaret River, within walking distance of the town centre, it’s the ideal location to explore the region.
Camp in complete comfort on the fringe of the forest for the ultimate group glamping experience in one of the modern safari tents. Accommodating up to six guests, each fully powered luxury tent includes a double bed and two single bunk beds with linen provided. Camping facilities are only moments away, including camp kitchen, laundry, barbecue facilities and shared bathroom block.
Let the adventure begin on your doorstep and take the kids to the nature playground, climbing forest and sensory trail, all on site.
Book your stay in any season with heating and cooling available inside your tent, plus cosy fire pits for use during winter.
3. Serenity Gully, Bridgetown, South West
Meet the new adults-only glamping kid on the block – Serenity Gully.
An easy three-hour drive from Perth, you will find this five-star accommodation experience nestled in the hills on 478 acres of old jarrah forest and open fields near Bridgetown.
From the moment you swing open the gate you will get a taste of nature on the sprawling countryside estate, which spans half the size of Kings Park. From the comfort of your spacious tent, you might spot some of the resident Australian wildlife including a flock of sheep, kangaroo, or a visiting emu.
Owners Susan and Franco’s commitment to sustainability and reducing guests’ travel footprint is evident in many of the accommodation’s design and operations. It’s run 100 per cent off-grid with a large solar and rainwater harvesting compound and recycling facility.
Each glamping tent features a luxurious king bed, ensuite, cosy bathrobes, winter fireplace, ceiling fan, well-stocked kitchenette with mini-fridge and coffeemaker.
Catering to all seasons, outside you’ll find a private deck with a stone bathtub, fire pit and gas barbecue. To make your stay extra special, Serenity Gully offers “extras” such as in-tent massages, local wine, grazing boards and more.
4. Discovery Rottnest Island, Pinkys Beach, Perth
Wake up to seaside sounds and views of the picturesque Pinkys Beach with a low-impact glamping experience at Discovery Rottnest Island.
Nestled behind the sand dunes, the eco-sustainable resort features 83 eco-tents with a range of options suitable for families, couples and larger groups.
For a romantic getaway, there are deluxe options with ocean views, kitchenette and ensuite, plus a private deck with barbecue. For families, there are tents sleeping up to five guests with bunk beds in a separate annex. There are also accessible accommodation options and simpler set-ups for those seeking an experience closer to classic camping.
Taking glamping to a new level of luxury, there is also a 30 metre swimming pool, restaurant with all-day dining, poolside bar and direct beach access on the property.
The accommodation is located a scenic one kilometre walk or cycle from the ferry jetty through the main town centre. Don’t worry about lugging your bags with you as there is a luggage delivery service available for all guests.
RAC members save on Rottnest ferry vouchers.
5. Karijini Eco Retreat, Pilbara
Indulge in a unique outback glamping experience beneath the starry skies in nature at Karijini National Park.
Suitable for families of four and couples, there are three exclusive glamping tents available at Karijini Eco Retreat, each weaving bespoke eco-friendly design, local Aboriginal artwork and stunning bushland views into one distinctive experience.
Each luxury eco tent features a king bed with hotel-quality bedding and linen, private ensuite bathroom with solar hot water, front deck with tables and chairs, solar-powered air conditioning and mini fridge.
Pack light and don’t worry about stocking up on food beforehand, as the accommodation includes an a-la-carte breakfast, picnic lunch hamper, complimentary mini-bar, “bush butler” service and priority restaurant booking.
Your stay will be a special part of your experience, complementing the natural beauty of this stunning region.
6. Lake Navarino Holiday Park, Waroona, Peel region
Only one and a half hour’s drive from Perth, between Waroona and Dwellingup, you’ll discover the ultimate lakeside forest glamping getaway for two (or three, if you bring a furry companion) at Lake Navarino Holiday Park.
You'll find the nature park hidden among the jarrah forests near Waroona Dam on Lake Navarino itself. It’s the perfect home base to explore the area by bushwalking, fishing, white water rafting, mountain biking or horse riding.
Leave your tent pegs and torches behind, as the glamping sites are powered and set up ready to go with all the essentials including double bed, fridge, kettle, table and chairs, towels and linen.
There’s also a small grocery store and café on-site where you can grab a takeaway coffee to enjoy a few home comforts.
7. Yallingup Lodge Spa Retreat glamping, South West
Did someone say spacious, twin-pole glamping tent in a pine forest?
Take things up a notch and add a little luxe to your couple’s camping trip at Yallingup Lodge Spa Retreat.
Set on seven acres of lush forest, you’ll find true privacy with only one glamping bell tent located on the property and the lodge just up the hill.
While you're likely visiting Yallingup to soak up all the Southwest region has to offer, you might find yourself unable to leave the canvas confines of your cosy accommodation. Winter is a great time to visit, with a heater and electric blanket inside and TV with Netflix ready for a chilled night in.
Surrounded by pine trees, orchards and kangaroos, the fully powered pet-friendly site features a hot outdoor shower, fridge, kettle, coffee machine and yoga mats. Add a touch of romance to your evening and take advantage of the double baths under the stars under festoon lighting or take advantage of the putting hole and play glow-in-the-dark golf. In the morning, enjoy an a la carte breakfast on the tree top balcony, with fresh eggs on the menu, straight from the roaming chickens on the property.
Celebrate a special occasion and order platters, champagne and chocolate ready for your arrival, and for extra indulgence, book into the on-site day spa.
8. Heavenly Waters, Toodyay, Wheatbelt
Swap your busy days in the big city for this dreamy countryside retreat only an hour's drive from Perth.
On the banks of the Jimperding Brook, you’ll stumble upon Heavenly Waters, a large one-of-a-kind eco tent featuring a list of luxuries that will make your stay extra special.
The tent boasts a king bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchen and lounge across an expansive 82sqm space, plus a kitchenette with bar fridge, kettle, toaster and barbecue on the deck.
If you’re chasing complete solitude with a loved one, this glamping getaway is a good place to find it. Set on 130 acres of rolling hills and bushland, you’ll have total seclusion with the property all to yourself, aside from the native birds and grazing cattle.
If you're visiting in winter, you can enjoy the woodfired hot tub (with room for two) and light up the firepit to keep warm, and there’s a fan to sleep comfortably in summer. The accommodation is as off-grid as you will be during your stay, with a solar system powering lighting and small appliances.
RELATED:Ultimate guide to Toodyay »
9. Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Kununurra, Kimberley
In the heart of Purnululu National Park, the
Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge
is the ideal place to stay to explore the wilderness wonders of the outback Kimberley region.
Take your pick from a range of tented cabins at the lodge which sleep up to three people, each featuring ensuites and a private front deck to take in the stunning bush surroundings. You may forget you’re almost-camping with fresh linen, doonas and fluffy pillows all provided for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Visit the iconic striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, Piccaninny Creek, the Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm during the day, then enjoy a hot shower and gourmet three-course dinner at the lodge’s open-air restaurant in the evening.
10. Pick a destination – glamping your way
If you have a glamping destination in mind but there’s no accommodation nearby, book a premium pop-up tent for a tailored travelling experience transported to you.
Let the pop-up glamping providers do the hard work so you can simply arrive and relax.
There are several options to choose from in WA, including Totem Glamping, who offer large cotton canvas bell tents with luxury queen size mattresses, or Nomadika who can curate and decorate your stay with a range of glamping packages available. Glamping Co also provide a high-end getaway glamping experience with a couple of hotel comforts.
Need a place to stay?
RAC members get exclusive discounts at RAC Margaret River Nature Park eco-retreat, the perfect base to explore the Margaret River Region.*
* Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. For more information visit our website.
Image credit: Serenity Gully
