Family Glamping in South-East Queensland

Who said camping had to involve struggling to put up a tent, sleeping on hard ground and not having creature comforts from home? If you are looking to experience the great outdoors and enjoy the ‘fun’ parts of camping without the not-so-fun parts, then perhaps glamping is for you.

Comfy beds, power and sometimes even a bathroom, glamping is taking camping to a whole new level and the great news is, there is more glamping opportunities popping up around South-East Queensland every year.

What is Glamping?

As the name suggests, glamping comes from the two words – glamorous and camping, resulting in the word ‘glamping.’

Glamping is a fancy, more luxurious version of traditional camping, and usually involves a permanent tent structure which boasts flooring and amenities such as beds, running water and power.

Common Types of Glamping

While glamping still involves tents, the styles of tents and what they contain can vary. The more popular glamping accommodation options on offer include:

Safari Tent

Replicating the tents which were used on African safari’s, a safari tent is generally a permanent tent with hard flooring, a framework of poles and thick canvas walls and a canvas roof. Kitchen facilities, running water, electricity, a veranda and sometimes a bathroom adorn safari tents and make for a very comfortable stay.

Bell Tent

As the name suggests, a bell tent is a circular structure. One central pole supports the tent and gives it height, while guy ropes around the circumference give the canvas tent its shape and strength.

Bubble Tent

A bubble tent does in fact look like a big bubble. It is an inflatable dome shaped shelter made of thick PVC material or plastic.  Most bubble tents have segments, with some often having see-through sections, giving guests a direct view of the stars and the surrounding environment.

Yurt

Yurts, the shelter of choice for nomads, especially those in Mongolia, is a circular canvas tent. The collapsible framework is usually made of bamboo or wood latticework, and also contains rafters and sometimes even a sky light. A wooden ring is used to secure the structure at the top, with the walls often made of canvas or other breathable fabrics.

Why Choose Glamping?

Just as camping is not for everyone, glamping is also not for everyone. Every family brings their own unique set of circumstances when making the decision to go camping. The reasons for families to choose glamping over traditional camping are varied.

If you are new to camping and have little or no equipment, glamping could be a wonderful introduction to camping. It allows you to experience camping without needing all of the equipment such as tents, stretchers etc. If you decide camping is not for you and your family, then you haven’t wasted a lot of time, energy and money on purchasing camping equipment.

Adults taking children camping by themselves may also appreciate the glamping option as it means they don’t need to struggle putting up a tent while single-handedly wrangling three kids.

Seasoned campers may choose glamping as a different style of holiday, a ‘treat.’ Sometimes experiencing a variety of accommodation options makes it easier to pinpoint which style of camping you and your family prefer.

Top Tips When Glamping

• Research your options – what’s included in the price?
• Take a camping box with you to store your camping essentials in
• Pack a torch or head torch in case you have to move about in the dark
• Don’t forget to bring the camp chairs!

Family Glamping in South-East Queensland

Pleasant weather year-round in Queensland allows for camping to be enjoyed at almost anytime of the year. Even if it is a little fresh, or quite hot and raining, thanks to the permanent, weather-proof structures, glamping can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Some of our favourite family glamping spots in South-East Queensland are:

Cobb and Co. Nine Mile Camping

In addition to traditional camping, cabins and gypsy wagons, Cobb and Co. also have five permanent canvas tents. Sleeping between 4 – 6 guests and set off the ground, these tents include a queen size bed and two single beds (extra beds available for an additional fee).

LED solar lighting, linen, a gas burner, outside fire pit and veranda with seating is included when you book one of these tents at Cobb and Co.  Shower and toilet facilities can be found at the amenities block, which is shared with other campers. Plenty of fun activities await guests including bike riding, playgrounds, water sports, bushwalking and visiting the farmyard animals.

Read our detailed in-person review of Cobb and Co. Nine Mile Camping.

Thunderbird Park

For those wanting a camping experience, but also needing a few luxuries, the lotus tents at Thunderbird Park, Tambourine Mountain are for you. Overlooking the peaceful Cedar Creek, the tents are fully equipped with beds, basic furniture, a microwave and kettle, and include a private bathroom with an open-air shower and a toilet. Outdoors guests can enjoy their own fire pit and gas BBQ to cook up a feast.

There is a variety of other accommodation options available on-site as well as a huge variety of family-friendly activities such as thunderegg fossicking, treetop challenges, canyon flyer, adventure mini-golf, laser skirmish, bushwalks and more.

Read our detailed in-person review of Thunderbird Park.

Paradise Country Farmstay

If you are exploring the Gold Coast theme parks then take advantage of the glamping options at Paradise Country Farmstay, conveniently located behind Warner Bros. Movie World. There are several Eco Tents to choose from, accommodating couples and families. The Eco tents come supplied with bed linen and towels, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. You can also choose to have a tent with or without an ensuite. If you choose a tent without an ensuite, you are free to use the nearby amenities block.

Sunrise and sunset farm activities will keep the kids occupied and are included in the price of the accommodation, as is entry to Paradise Country during park operating hours.

Read our detailed in-person review of Paradise Country Farmstay.

Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp

Picturesque surroundings, just 25 minutes from Noosa, await you when you arrive at Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp on the banks of Lake Cootharaba. Powered and non-powered camping is available as is a variety of glamping tents. The Wilderness safari tents sleeps six and include linen, a power outlet, small veranda with chairs. For a stay with more mod-cons consider the Paperbark glamping tents which sleep four and feature a private ensuite, small fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, power/fan, a deck and fire pit.

Families will enjoy experiencing Habitat Noosa whether they are relaxing and soaking up the peaceful surroundings or admiring the wildlife. Plenty of activities are on offer including frisbee golf, bushwalking, SUP, canoeing, kayaking and more. There is even a bar and bistro on-site and an eco-brewery!

Spicers Canopy

If you are looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive glamping experience, then look no further than Spicers Canopy in the Scenic Rim. Ten safari tents accommodating two persons in each are thoughtfully furnished with comfy beds, bedside tables with lamps, linen (including bathrobes) and a verandah perfect for soaking up the stunning surroundings. Communal amenities and lodge featuring a lounge, fireplace and an open-plan kitchen help make guests feel comfortable, as does a relaxing hot tub.

Set on a picture-perfect 5,000-acre private nature refuge, guests can partake in bushwalking, campfire activities, mountain biking or just choose to sit back and relax (and eat). All meals are included in the price and are thoughtfully prepared by the on-site chef.

Read our detailed in-person review of Spicers Canopy. 

Binna Burra Lodge

Heading up the mountain to Binna Burra Lodge will have you arrive at a place steeped in history and surrounded by wildlife and greenery. Despite large parts of the area being destroyed in the 2019 bushfires, camping, Sky lodges and glamping tents are available and awaiting visitors. Three types of glamping tents are provided accommodating between 3-6 occupants. When staying in the glamping tents, communal facilities are available. Cooking shelters featuring BBQ hot plates, in addition to a microwave, fridge, and hot water are located centrally, though guests will need to BYO utensils, cutlery and crockery. You will also need to BYO all bedding and linen when staying in the tents, or for a fee you can hire linen prior to your arrival.

Bushwalking options throughout the Gold Coast Hinterland are extensive and a popular way to experience nature. On weekends and school holidays, there is a family-friendly activity program offering nature arts and crafts, spotlighting tours, archery, and bush-tucker walks.  

Read our detailed in-person review Binna Burra Lodge.

Other Glamping Options in South-East Queensland

We know families love travelling together, but we also know, adults need some time-out without the kids too. Here are some other glamping options more suited to adults in South-East Queensland:

• Sanctuary by Sirromet – Mount Cotton
• Ketchup’s Bank Glamping – Boonah
• Starry Nights Luxury Camping – West Woombye
• Nightfall – Lamington National Park
• Tuckers Retreat Eco Luxury Glamping – Ferny Glen

Glamping at South-East Queensland Caravan Parks

Aside from the above locations, many caravan parks now include glamping along with other camping, caravan and cabin accommodation. These venues are ideal if you plan to holiday with other families who may be looking at a different style of camping.

Caravan parks near Brisbane which feature glamping include:

• Brisbane Holiday Village
• BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
• NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
• Ingenia Holidays Rivershore – Maroochydore
• NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park

If you want to get back to basics and enjoy more traditional camping, then check out some of our wonderful camping suggestions in Best Places to Go Camping with Kids and Best Winter Camping Spots. As always, if there is an awesome camping spot in or near Brisbane you think we should know about, let us know in the comments below.