Glamping Contrasts of the North and South

From our far north to our far south, two highlight camping experiences that take sleeping under the stars to a whole new level.  Experience some of the best glamping in Australia, visiting the stunning shores of the Bay of Fires with glamping in Tasmania, or the contrast of an outback Queensland glamping spot.

Longreach, the home of Qantas is high on the list of grey nomads for good reason but sorely overlooked by many others when it comes to touring Queensland or Australia. It won’t take you long to discover that in this sparsely populated part of the world, the line up of things to see and do are in sharp contrast; packed with so many experiences and suiting all styles of visitors and ages. But for sure, a must-do experience when visiting the outback is to enjoy our Milky Way downunder and there can’t be any better way than with a camping stay taken to the next level, and that’s exactly what you can enjoy with a stay at Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach.

And for a stark contrast to the outback of Queensland, the east coast of Tasmania displays pristine coastal beach scenery with the backdrop of Tasmania’s bushland. The Bay of Fires is one of Australia’s most iconic beach walks and with the option to be fully escorted by expert guides you can focus on taking in the sights and scenery. Then at the end of your day enjoy some fine Tasmanian local produce and dining under the stars.

AN OUTBACK EXPERIENCE, GLAMPING IN QUEENSLAND

If you’re seeking out a one-of-a kind Queensland glamping stay, Mitchell Grass Retreat has to be on your radar. No element of comfort is left to spare; revel in the perks expected from a hotel stay but with the pristine landscape of the incredible Queensland outback.

Located on the fringe of Longreach, it makes it in easy reach of town but far enough away to enjoy the bliss of sleeping under the stars. Creature comforts include, a beautiful ensuite, a deck from your canvas tent, power, and air conditioning. This site boasts European appliances, and a stay that will have your luxuriating in a king bed with divine linen and your own beautiful bathtup with views to the yonder.

For solo travellers, or couples the Gidyea tents are more than ample in size with a spacious open plan layout with some complimentary treats for their guests. A breakfast basket is provided for each tent and for other meals you can order ahead for lunch and dinner packs and make use of your barbeque, or otherwise make your way into town for your own supplies or a local meal.

This unique glamping site may be enough to warrant a stay but Longreach is a destination that surprises many of its visitors with just how much there is to see and do. A night’s stay in Longreach is not even going to touch the sides when it comes to having the time to take in all the sights.

Our Outback Longreach Explorer dedicates four full days of exploring including a visit out to Winton, a return day trip from Longreach. Excursions and activities a vast and varied and all while meeting with and being hosted by the friendly locals.

Gidyea tent, Mitchell Grass Encounter Travel
Gidyea tent, Mitchell Grass Retreat
Mulga tent Mitchell Grass Encounter Travel
Mulga tent, Mitchell Grass
Mitchell Grass Retreat
breakfast basket, Mitchell Grass Retreat

HOME OF QANTAS

No stay would be complete without a visit to the QANTAS Founders Musuem; it is world class, and you will be impressed. And for us city folk it’s worthwhile to include a visit to the School of Distance Education. During the school week you can witness a ‘live’ on-air lesson and first-hand form a new appreciation for learning remotely.

Qantas Founder's Museum
QANTAS Founder's Museum

MUST DO'S

Other must-do’s for your outback enjoyment include:

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre
Wander the five themed galleries and learn the stories of our pioneering men, women and children.

Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
Dining under the stars on the Thomson River with a two course dinner and live entertainment from the river stage.

Smithy's Outback Dinner & Show

And if you are in Longreach, it’s well worth adding Winton as a day trip or stay to make sure you get in a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, a museum of natural history and also a dinosaur fossil preparation laboratory.

Drover’s Sunset Cruise
Relax as you cruise along the majestic Thomson River with tales told by your boat captain about the river.

COASTAL SHORES, GLAMPING IN TASMANIA

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, elevates bush camping to boutique glamping.

Located just minutes from the stunning Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay beaches, of Tasmania’s beautiful east coast. Set in the tranquil bushlands, no element of camping comfort is overlooked. The retreat has considered it all; for campers that like to self-cater you can bring your own food and use the fully equipped kitchen to cook your meals. Or, after a day exploring you may prefer to indulge in their Tasmanian produce platters or otherwise see what takes your fancy with a self serve platter bar filled with local produce, or pre-prepared chef meals. Breakfast can also be pre ordered for your stay. And for groups, like our Bay of Fires Walking tour, you can be treated to group dining experiences, catered by their live-in chef.

I thing glamping is the highlight for that unique experience but there’s also the option to take a King (hotel) room or book in for their bunk house group accommodation. All stays feature shared bathroom facilities with bedding and towels provided.

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat Encounter Travel
Tent at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, Tasmania
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat Encounter Travel
Shared facilities, glamping at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

Like to Experience these Glamping Spots?

Outback Longreach Explorer, Queensland
Features the first night of stay at Mitchell Grass Retreat. 
View Tour Details

Bay of Fires Walk, Tasmania
Features an overnight stay as part of a multi day, fully guided walk. 
View Tour Details

 

About the author

Justine Waddington

Justine Waddington is the founder and director of Encounter Travel, a company that creates holiday groups exclusively for solo travellers. As a solo traveller with 60 countries under her belt and 15 years of arranging travel groups, Justine is in the unique position of being able to offer tips and advice from the perspective of an experienced solo traveller and also that of a travel agent.

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