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Glamping: 7 luxurious, sustainable camping sites
Solar-powered mod cons and bush butlers await in World Heritage sites around Australia
Longitude 131, just 10 kilometers from Uluru, is one of many luxury camping sites in World Heritage areas.There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of opulence, but with more and more travelers concerned with their accommodation’s green credentials, a wave of eco-certified tented camps are covering Australia’s natural environment.
Luxury camping, or “glamping,” means you no longer have to rough it to enjoy the bush. These low impact tented camps go one step further.
They reduce ecological footprints, yet combine a wilderness experience with five-star comforts.
If you want to wake up to birdsong, enjoy a breakfast overlooking native bush land or a serene sunrise over the ocean, here are seven of Australia’s best natural safari camps.
1. Longitude 131°
How many luxury tents come with an Uluru view?
With their own private view of the sacred Aboriginal site, Uluru, the 15 luxury tents sit atop red-soil dunes and the flowing fabric ceilings creates the illusion of camping –- but having all the necessary mod cons like electrically operated curtains, Bose sound systems and soft, king-size beds.
Should they want to leave these dens of luxury, guests are spoilt for choice, with sunrise walks around the base of Uluru, nearby Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge and world-class dining under the stars.
Around 10 kilometers from the sacred Aboriginal site Uluru, Longitude 131° was only approved after extensive consultations with the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.
Painstaking measures were undertaken to protect the unique environmental and cultural heritage of the area, including depth flora and fauna surveys to protect vulnerable species.
All profits are reinvested in the Indigenous Land Corporation's indigenous training and development across Australia and the entire property is designed so that it could be dismantled and relocated.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, +61 1300 134 044. Rates: From $1689/2070 single/double (includes all meals, selected beverages, tours, tickets to Uluru and transfers). Minimum two-night stay. www.longitude131.com.au
2. Sal Salis
Just a few flipper strokes from home at Sal Salis.
There are only nine tents set among the low lying dunes of the of the North West Cape, and each is only a lazy stroll to the water’s edge.
Though each tent is luxuriously appointed, guests can snuggle down on 500-thread count sheets with a clear conscience, knowing their impact on the World Heritage site is kept to a minimum. All power is solar-generated and the resort asks guests to respect the strict environmental and sustainability principles.
Water use is carefully monitored as is waste, meaning bathrooms are stocked with ecologically friendly shampoos and soaps along with a nature loo -- a state-of-the-art composting toilet.
There are no televisions and at night there’s precious little to do except star gaze, choose a book from the library or spot red kangaroos grazing in the dunes.
Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, +61 2 9571 6399 or 1300 790 561. Rates: $730 per person, which includes all meals, drinks, tours and activities and transfers from Learmonth Airport. Minimum two-night stay, www.salsalis.com.au
3. Paperbark Camp
Rooms come with a torch for after-dark wildlife spotting at Paperbark.
While Gunyah (Aboriginal for meeting place) treetop restaurant regularly hosts weddings, the camp maintains its eco credentials by working in harmony with natural bush land surrounds.
There are no fences so as to maintain a wildlife corridor, the camp uses solar-powered lighting (12 volts), recycling and biodegradable products, and air-conditioning is eschewed for natural ventilation.
The luxury has a natural home. Perched among the canopies of swaying paperbark and gum trees, the six safari tents have wraparound timber balconies and sturdy canvas shelters.
Mod cons include fine linen, fluffy bathrobes and even a torch to spot mischievous nocturnal residents, like possums, kangaroos and sugar gliders. The four deluxe tents have an added pampering feature: free-standing bathtubs.
Paperbark Camp, 571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia, Huskisson, New Sout Wales ,+61 (2) 4441 6066. Rates: original safari tents from $325 per night, deluxe safari tents from $495 per night. Minimum two-night stay on weekends, www.paperbarkcamp.com.au
