Escaping for a weekend away camping is always a fun time, but with winter chill setting in, your flimsy two-man tent and Kathmandu puffer jacket just won’t cut it in the cold Victorian countryside. It’s time to upgrade from the roughness of camping and enjoy the added comforts on offer at the best glamping offerings in Victoria.
This new wave of luxury accommodation has taken Australia by storm of late, giving you the opportunity to camp out in the sticks and get back to nature while still having access to all the creature comforts of a modern hotel. While Australia has plenty of crackers, Victoria might just have some of the best, with our favourites listed below.
Pebble Point, Great Ocean Road
Traversing the Great Ocean Road and discovering the 12 Apostles is an Aussie pilgrimage, so if you’ve got the time, why not stop off and really take in this natural wonder and spend the night in one of Pebble Point’s awesome glamping tents.
The bush retreat is situated a stone’s throw from three national parks, with the ocean just a few hundred metres away. Each of the six tents comes with a king-sized bed, private en suite and a fully equipped kitchen. Relax and enjoy the views or try walking part of the 100km Great Ocean Walk.
Priced from $160 per night for two people
Cosy Tents, Daylesford
Known for its natural mineral springs, Daylesford is an awesome destination for those looking to pamper themselves after a tough week of work. Situated 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Cosy Tents brings the essence of a hotel to the outdoors with their simple yet luxurious campsites that come with an in-tent fire stove during winter and USB ports to keep your devices charged.
Cosy Tents also offer a number of packages, with the option of adding a day at the nearby mineral spas, a decadent evening package containing a bottle of Moet and chocolate, or a Brekkie Box that offers a healthy start to the day.
Priced from $195 per night for two people
French Island Glamping, French Island
If you’re looking to truely escape the hustle and bustle of city life than French Island Glamping is for you. French Island spans across 100 acres of native woodlands and coastal wetlands, the ideal getaway from those wanting to unplug from the digital world. As well as the breathtaking scenery, there’s only one grocery store on the island, so best come prepared with your own food and drink.
Take in the serenity while drinking a red in your cosy European canvas bell tent, complete with a queen-sized bed, throw rugs for those cool nights by the fire, a Bluetooth speaker and luxury toiletries.
Priced from $265 per night for two people
Happy Glamper, Mornington Peninsula
Found on the Mornington Peninsula, Happy Glamper is a mobile business who do all the hard work for you. Find yourself a picturesque campsite on the coast, choose between either a Bell tent or a Lotus Belle tent, then let Happy Glamper do the rest.
All tents come with beds, colourful linen, chairs, LED lanterns, indoor and outdoor mats, along with board games, magazines and books to keep you amused at night. Bar fridges, heaters and coffee and tea making facilities are available for a premium.
Priced from $300 per night for two people
Balgownie Estate, Bendigo
Combine your weekend escape with a vineyard stay at Balgownie Estate in Bendigo. Spend your day tasting some of the best wines the region has to offer before retiring to the comfort of your fully furnished tent with uninterrupted views of the local bushland. There are three types of tents available; the bell tent, bell tent twin and safari tent, which all include a mini-refrigerator, split system air conditioning and heating, and fluffy robes and slippers to make you feel right at home.
The safari tent is aimed at those who really want to make the most of their stay, with the apartment sized accommodation including a four-poster queen bed, indoor couch, kitchenette and outdoor bath.
Priced from $310 per night for two people
Slumber Safari, Werribee Open Range Zoo
This is as close to an African safari as you can get without having to leave the country. Just a short 45-minute drive from the CBD, Werribee Open Range Zoo allows visitors the chance to spend the night surrounded by the likes of elephants, giraffes and monkeys.
Hosted by knowledgable staff, this overnight stay has eight tented lodges that come with all the important amenities to make your stay an incredible one, with a purpose-built balcony offering views of Werribee River and the Zoo’s beautiful African-like savannah. What’s even better is a stay at the zoo also comes with two full days access to the park, evening visits of the animal enclosures, an African inspired dinner and a host of nighttime activities.
Priced from $335 a night per person
Glamping Hub, Phillip Island
The rise of glamping has seen a number of websites specialising in the accommodation with Glamping Hub, the Airbnb of camping, the best yet. You can search hundreds of options from across the world, but it’s hard to go past our own backyard with this incredible eco-friendly spot on Philip Island.
Inside you’ll find king and queen beds with deluxe linen, a private kitchenette and a wood-burning stove to keep you warm at night. There’s even a private jacuzzi if you fancy getting romantic with the lady. Surrounded by nature, you can explore the unique wildlife, visit Phillip Island Winery or take your board out and catch some waves, with the property just 600m from the surf.
Priced from $393 per night for two people
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