Find Glamping Destinations in South Australia
With the immense popularity of “glamorous camping” (or simply glamping), who would have thought that sleeping on dirt could be so much fun!? If the idea of immersing yourself in nature while still having a comfortable bed to sleep in sounds enticing, go and check out our top 10 best glamping holidays in South Australia.
Is Glamping More than Just a “Nice Tent”?
Short for glamorous camping, “glamping” is a form of camping that offers the comfort and luxuries of a modern home. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a city slicker looking for a little escape in nature, but without letting go of life’s little luxuries.
Especially for the modern traveller with continuously shifting travel needs, we no longer want generic, one-size-fits-all holiday getaways. Today, we are more open-minded to explore the world in our own terms, all the while exploring the local culture where it belongs. Today, we are no longer satisfied as mere bystanders of nature – rather, we want to live with it. These elements combined comprise the alluring charm of glamping – a fusion of authentic experiences that offer the best of both worlds.
- Bukirk Glamping, Clare Valley
- Ikara Safari Camp, Wilpena Pound
- Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra
- Kangaluna Camp, Gawler Ranges
- Wandering Souls, Kangaroo Island
- Tent on a Hill, Fleurieu Peninsula
- Tanunda Discovery Parks, Barossa
- Flinders Bush Retreats, Flinders Ranges
- Bayside Glamping, Yorke Peninsula
- Arkaba Conservancy, Flinders Ranges
Bukirk Glamping, Clare Valley
Whether you have a deep attachment to chickens or not, this fun and quirky glamping paradise might unleash your hidden love of the countryside. Sitting on 42 acres of farmland in the hills of Clare Valley, Bukirk Glamping is designed to be an exclusive getaway for adults.
Start your day in Burkirk Glamping by enjoying your morning cup of coffee in the comfort of your own deck. Apart from large outdoor spaces, each of the five, spacious tents of Bukirk Glamping are fully-furnished with king and queen bed options, well-ventilated private ensuites complete with linen and towels, and cozy seating areas to lounge around.
For those in a socializing mood, you can head over to a huge, covered outdoor area complete with a barbeque dining area, television, kitchen, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and board games all for yourself.
If you’re into wine and beer, did you know that you’re only five minutes away from Clare Valley’s five-star wineries and breweries? If drinking isn’t your thing, try exploring its emerging gourmet food scene – after of course walking around its hidden historic gems.
Wrap up your glamping experience by gathering around a large fire pit and tell each other’s stories while roasting marshmallows under a magnificent sky show.
Ikara Safari Camp, Wilpena Pound
Looking for an extraordinary glamping experience amid an 800-million-year-old landscape? Head over to Ikara Safari Camp and check-off your glamping and bushwalking goals from your bucket list!
Upon arrival, you’ll witness 15 roomy tents set among a majestic landscape of native pines and red river gums. You have two options to choose from – a standard tent perfect for two people and a family safari tent perfect for glamping families of four.
While slightly luxurious amenities such as a balcony, king-sized bed, power, mini-refrigerator, air-conditioning unit, and ensuites form the basic formula of the glamping tent, Ikara Safari Camp goes beyond the standards by allowing each tent to face the eastern wall of the Pound – a rustic, rocky natural amphitheater molded from hundreds of millions of years of erosion. A nearby resort and campground are also nicely secluded away from your place, offering a spectacular view of the sunset happening just a little over Wilpena Pound.
Have some more time to spare? Jump into your car and take a 30-minute drive to St. Mary’s Peak and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park for a short but memorable encounter with nature!
Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra
Can’t choose between glamping and your love of drinking? Why not try both? Share your passion for glamping and a good, old glass of wine in one of the luxurious Bell Tents of Bellwether Wines!
Wake up to the sound of the birds and retreat to the fresh, comforting scent of warm linens by securing a spot out of their six beautiful tents – with each unit accommodating up to two people. If you’re the camping type, go all-natural with their well-spaced campgrounds, with each campsite at least 100 meters apart. They only have six campsites though, so make sure to settle your bookings fast and early.
If you happen to visit during the colder months, make sure not to miss out on a glass of red wine while sitting at the central communal campfire. Craving for organic food? Try their fresh farm eggs and house-cooked sourdough in their well-equipped camp kitchen. Bathrooms are no problem, either – as they are complete with their own washing stations and hand sanitizers.
Indulge yourself in a one-of-a-kind glamping experience with Bellwether Wines’ fresh produce and hand-made winery – all the while inspiring your nature-seeking soul amid a uniquely immersive landscape.
Kangaluna Camp, Gawler Ranges
Want to relive your childhood dream of hanging out with your animal friends? Picture yourself breathing in the fresh forest air of the Mallee wilderness by indulging in the luxurious safari tents of Kangaluna Camp.
Kangaluna Camp, nicely secluded in the remote Gawler Ranges of South Australia, is perfect for those looking for a truly off-the-grid experience. An oasis in the middle of a seemingly endless bush and rustic dirt, Kangaluna Camp only has a handful of tents open for guests, so make sure to secure your bookings early.
Each tent, thoughtfully oriented away from each other, showcases double- and two single-bed options made from locally-sourced wood. Beddings are designed by an in-house artist, while the rest of its furnishings are made from purely recycled materials. To top off its truly environmentally-friendly strategies, the only water source of the site is collected rainwater – how innovative can this get?
Shielding your little home-away-from-home is a curved roof specially designed to naturally cool the area. No vegetation was removed throughout construction – and all units are built using the site’s natural fire breaks that its existing trees are created – resulting in a safe and cozy “wild camp” experience.
The surrounding Malle Woodland environment where it stands is home to a variety of animals that frequently cross their ingrained paths throughout the camp. Other activities to include in your glamping stay include a pop-up picnic along the shores of Lake Sturt – a bone-white salt lake, long wildlife drives, and a journey to the 1,600-million-year-old Organ Pipes, home to some of the most ancient rocks in the world. You might even spot hundreds of birds travelling the area – making it the perfect destination for nature lovers who prefer to avoid crowded tourist areas.
List Your SA Glamping Experience Here
Wandering Souls, Kangaroo Island
Who would’ve thought that a combination of wildlife, the ocean, and a winery would work so well? Apparently, this glamping escape scattered across Kangaroo Island did.
Make a lasting memory you can’t experience anywhere else with Wandering Souls, the first uniquely glamorous glamping accommodation under the stars. With eight locations stretching from the Kangaroo Island, Bay of Shoals Winery, American River, and Stokes Bay, Wandering Souls truly lives up to its name – allowing its guests to immerse themselves in nature by installing pop-up glamping and hotel accommodations throughout the site. It’s also worth mentioning that the management itself prepares and styles the tent before you arrive – and packs it away after you leave. All you have to do is book the campsite of your choice with additional costs, depending on how long you’re going to stay and how many people you’re going to be with.
Wake up at a local winery overlooking the wildlife and the ocean, and retreat below a pool of stars through Wandering Souls’ five uniquely-designed bell tents. Spanning 5 metres, each tent can accommodate up to five people, complete with a queen-sized bed and comfortable seating spaces. Forgot to charge your phone before arriving? Each tent has a designated power pack that allows you to recharge small devices such as your tablet, phone, and laptop to prepare for yet again another day of capturing your adventures.
Say hello to the safari life by experiencing the island’s unspoiled wilderness, without sacrificing comfort and style – all at once with Wandering Souls.
Tent on a Hill, Fleurieu Peninsula
Ever get the urge to move to the countryside and picture yourself prancing around barefoot while sipping a glass of local wine? Add a delicious seafood paella awaiting after a 40-minute city drive, and you just described McLaren Vale’s Tent on a Hill.
Nicely isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Tent on a Hill offers a unique Australian glamping experience where guests are surrounded by native kangaroos and gum trees.
Just like any other luxury glamping place, each unit in Tent on a Hill offers a queen-sized bed complete with beddings, toilet and bath, water, dinnerware, and toweling. To make your stay a little more special, a few extra conveniences such as board games, mosquito repellent, and extra blankets were also provided for a more homely feel. If you happen to visit during the winter, don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime fire pit experience while grilling your meals yourself.
Aside from a comfortable stay topped off with exceptional, panoramic views of the countryside, you can even extend your glamping experience into a short wine-tasting session by exploring the winemaking country’s top tourist destinations. Escape the norm and immerse yourself in nature – all while sipping your local wine of choice!
Tanunda Discovery Parks, Barossa
Can’t decide between a resort, a spa, or a campsite for your next holiday getaway? Grab your keys and head over to Tanunda Discovery Parks in Barossa Valley – Australia’s most famous wine region.
Discreetly nestled within a private space in the park, it offers 12 eco-friendly safari tents beautifully set against a backdrop of native gums and vineyard views. Each tent features an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, a spacious bedroom, and a private three-meter deck – meticulously designed to be environmentally sustainable. Each tent is 100% waterproof and can withstand high winds, making them suitable for the winter months.
Want to meet other co-glampers who share your love of the countryside? Have some premium BBQ as you explore their lounge area and private swimming pool – or if you’re after some quiet time, head over to their heated spa.
Although the location is currently marketed for romantic getaways and special events, short weekend trips are also very much welcome. Please note this is an adults-only accommodation, so arrange a babysitter for the kids and enjoy your romantic getaway! Treat yourself to a high-class glamping experience without staying too far away from the city with Tanunda Discovery Parks’ eco-luxe site.
Flinders Bush Retreats, Flinders Ranges
Imagine this – native birds setting in for the night behind the gum trees of Willow Creek, a shared water trough witness to numerous cattle, sheep, kangaroos, and emus, all happening as the sun sets through the crimson peaks of the ancient Flinders Ranges. If you’re looking for a glamping location offering that ambiance, then the Flinders Bush Retreats might just be your perfect match.
Tucked away in an almost untouched area of the Flinders Ranges, Eco Tent sits on an 11,000-acre boutique farm surrounded by some of the most ancient hills you’ve ever seen.
Fully self-contained, the Eco Tent offers a queen-sized bed dressed in high-quality linens topped with an Australian wool blanket. Other amenities include a kitchenette, a self-serving BBQ, gas hot water, and an ensuite with an eco-friendly, composting nature-loo.
Due to its secluded location, neither electricity nor mobile phone coverage is available here. Worry not, though. Battery-powered lanterns and fairy lights that adorn their canvas ceilings are there to light up your nights, creating a truly cinematic digital detox experience below a blanket of stars.
List Your SA Glamping Experience Here
Bayside Glamping, Yorke Peninsula
You might have heard of the forest, wildlife glamping scene multiple times by now, but if you’re a beach lover – Bayside Glamping in the Yorke Peninsula will give you a much different experience.
This exclusive glamping site offers a five-metre wide bell tent, adjacent to a spacious outdoor kitchen and an indoor bathroom. To make your stay a little more comfortable, electricity and hot water are fully-accessible to the site, along with a bottle of sparkling wine and a variety of nibbles to choose from.
Whether you’re going alone or have someone special in mind to go with, the 2-people-only set-up of Bayside Glamping is perfect for couples or two friends who simply want to unwind by the beach.
Packed up for the trip? Make sure to leave your sleeping bags, toiletries, and towels behind – expect to have them all provided to you at your accommodation. If these aren’t enough, their unique set-up is mostly built from recycled timber. This adds a rustic touch to its exclusive charm.
Stylish and luxurious, this exclusive glamping site for the beach lover might just be the perfect venue for the bohemian-themed Instagram feed of your dreams!
Arkaba Conservancy, Flinders Ranges
Love glamping AND hiking? See for yourself how this glamping site redefined the classic “bush walk” of Australia!
Taking you on a 600-million years’ worth of geological history, the Arkaba Walk is another way to see both the Flinders Ranges and the Wilpena Pound – the journey being one of the Great Walks of Australia you shouldn’t miss out.
Since this glamping site is specially planned for over four days and three nights, this is ideal for people who have a little more than a week to spare. Throughout the trip, a private guide will guide you to over 45 kilometres of moderate to hard tracks through its 60,000-acre wildlife conservancy.
Indulge yourself through a delicious three-course dinner and a slumber below the stars for your first two nights. Seize the third night of your stay through an 1850s Arkaba homestead – and leave the Wilpena Pound with a happy heart and a relaxed mind.
Each timber swag deck is meticulously designed to be slightly elevated with a corrugated iron screen on its three sides for privacy. If you happen to visit during the winter, hot water bottles can warm up the swags, while windy or rainy days call for shuffled swags back into your place.
Before ending your trip, make sure to seize the available long piping-hot showers, generous air conditioning, and vast range of South Australian wine cellars nicely scattered throughout the territory.
If you have a deep-seated love for exploring and retreating in nature, this lodge-based walking experience offered by Arkaba Conservancy might be the adventure walk of your dreams!
Choosing The Perfect South Australian Glamping Vacation
When it comes to the best glamping holidays in South Australia, we believe that less is more. It’s a subtle way to experience the unique and completely untamed parts of the world – all without sacrificing the luxuries and comfort of modern life.
With the glamping industry continuously soaring, today’s glampers are now offered a variety of tents, cabins, lodges, villas, treehouses, and tipis that can truly encourage you to experience camping beyond the norm. Begin your search for your go-to glamping destination in none other than the lush wilderness of South Australia!