We are spoilt for choice when it comes to local holiday destinations in South Australia – be it resorts, holiday homes or caravan parks.
But have you ever thought of glamping?
For the uninitiated, ‘glamping’ is shorthand for glamorous camping, and involves accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those usually associated with traditional camping.
So, pack the car – leave the sleeping bag at home – and set off for one of these top three SA glamping destinations.
A six-course feast with matched wines? Yes please!
1. For the wine lover
Located in the Coonawarra wine region, 7km north of the township, is Bellwether Wines – a boutique winery, community kitchen, cellar door, produce garden and campground.
It’s every wine lover’s dream – stay at a winery and see/experience the wine being made during vintage.
The foodies of the family are also looked after, as you can cook your own meals using fresh herbs and produce from the garden including fresh eggs.
Bellwether Wines also offers you the chance to dine at the ‘Table for Twelve’.
Imagine sitting in an 1868 shearing shed, around a former wool sorting bench turned dining table, ready to enjoy a six-course degustation cooked by your own personal chef, while wines are selected by the winemaker.
The campground features 10 sites, including four with beautiful Bell tents, surrounded by magnificent 500-year-old red gums and a central communal campfire.
Prices start from $200 per night.
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to go on safari.
2. For the safari seeker
The Wilpena Pound Resort is an amazing way to escape the ordinary and enjoy outback hospitality and the extraordinary beauty of one of the earth’s oldest landscapes.
While much of the region’s accommodation are located on the outskirts of the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park, the Ikara Safari Camp is the only accommodation located within the park.
The glamping site features 15 high quality spacious and powered safari tents.
Each tent has an ensuite bathroom, king sized bed, mini bar, reverse cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fan, private deck and fire pit. Accommodation options are available for couples and families.
Breakfast is served daily in the main tent while a lounge area allows guests to relax and socialise.
Prices start from $320 per night.
Get amongst nature in all its glory.
3. For the wilderness warrior
The Gawler Ranges is located 600km north west of Adelaide on the Eyre Peninsula and is home to Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris.
The small family owned and operated business specialises in the wildlife and nature the region has to offer.
Kangaluna Camp – the glamping site – has been developed by owners, Geoff and Irene Scholz, from a lifetime’s experience of trekking and camping.
The luxury safari tents feature two bedrooms, as well as their own bathrooms which use rainwater collected from the site.
The camp also has a central dining room which is a great place to relax, socialise and enjoy nature at its harmonious best.
Top five tips for glamping in style
1. Pack a capsule wardrobe of basics in neutral colours that mix and match. We’re talking t-shirts, tank tops, shorts and a light jacket for cool evenings.
2. Bring footwear that’s functional and fashionable. Good quality hiking boots and sneakers for daytime adventures and the old faithful flip-flops for when you need to throw something on in a hurry are your best bet.
3. Hats are stylish but also sun smart. We all remember the ‘no hat, no play’ policy at school and it goes without saying it’s a philosophy we should still be following as adults. Pack a hat or two to wear on your glamping getaway such as a wide-brimmed straw hat, fedora, baseball cap or a floppy felt hat.
4. Bring photoshoot props you can use, eat and drink. For those that like to ‘gram their getaways, pack props that can perform double duty. Think: wine, cheese, books, playing cards, board games. Once you’ve captured that perfect photo, you can put the phone down and finally enjoy all the activities!
5. Pack a first aid kit. Not cute, but essential. OK so this isn’t a fashion tip as such, but no one looks good or feels great when they’re covered in mosquito bites or – worse – sunburn.
Sonia Bavistock is a fashion and lifestyle blogger and also has her own social media management and copywriting business. Sonia is passionate about all things South Australia and can often be seen dining out with a glass of wine in hand.
South Australian News 