Why camp when you can go, ‘glamp.’

Glamping is the glamourous version of camping, but little did we know just how glamourous we have it right here in the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast Hinterland. 

The Scenic Rim Trail, Clumber

Photo scenic rim trail 4

Glamping accommodation near Spicers Peak Lodge.

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors but also like the finer things in life, then you’ve come to the right place. 

In the late 1990s, the owners of Spicers Retreats and Flight Centre founders, Jude and Graham Turner, purchased two large farming properties. They were an hour’s drive apart and the Main Range National Park stood between them. 

It was always Jude’s dream to join the two and the Scenic Rim Trail was born. 

The first trail opened in 2009 with a three-day walk based out of Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents, an eco-glamping campsite that is now home to the two-day walk. 

In 2011, the Turner’s submitted a proposal to the State Government for an extended Scenic Rim Trail, which would connect the two farms. It was also proposed to create a seven-day walk with two eco camps established in the Main Range National Park. The proposal was approved and in June 2020 the extended trail opened. 

Considered to be one of the largest ecotourism ventures ever to open in Queensland, the walk covers 60km of trails and is the State’s only inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia. 

The experience allows small groups of up to 12 walkers and a guide to walk the trail which begins at Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester, travels through the Main Range National Park over Cunningham’s Gap and finishes at Spicers Peak Lodge. 

Ketchup’s Bank Camping, Boonah

If a slow living, off-grid experience is what you’re searching for, then visit Ketchup’s Bank Camping. 

Ketchup's Bank is positioned in the heights above Boonah and was South East Queensland's first luxury glamping retreat. The retreat has two luxury eco-tents which offer accommodation to a maximum of four adults at any one time on the 100-acre mountain property. 

Both Eco-tents have a private ensuite, campfire, and alfresco cooking facilities. 

The property sits on the Green Hills area of Cannon Creek at nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, providing views to the mountain ranges. The stars in the night sky and the sunsets in the afternoon surrounded by the protected eucalyptus forest provide a magical atmosphere.  

Anna Cooper and her husband Alex bought Ketchup's Bank Glamping more than three years ago after working in the hustle bustle of the city.

“We were looking for a change and had been looking for an accommodation business that suited us for a little while,” Anna said.

“We operate completely off the grid, so we feel accomplished when we help our guests understand where power and water actually comes from.

“When they realise that living sustainably doesn’t mean you sacrifice WiFi or hot showers, I feel we are doing some good in our lives.”

Since the couple took over the business, they have made updates as well as added a third accommodation venue on site, the Baya Eco-retreat, which is a is one-of-a-kind Tiny House experience, secluded on a separate ridge of the property. 

Skyhaven Sanctuary, Tallebudgera Valley

If you want to forget about everyday life for a while and watch the twinkling lights come out at night under the shooting stars by firelight, then check out Skyhaven in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Relax, replenish and reconnect with nature in your eco-luxe bell tent in complete privacy on one of the Gold Coast Hinterland's highest mountaintop acreage retreats. 

Skyhaven offers expansive ocean views from Burleigh Headland all the way around to North Stradbroke Island. 

There is also a brand-new bathroom and kitchen area, a couple of steps away from the tent, as well as a barbeque and all essential cooking utensils.  
Take some time out on the deck chairs soaking in the view, or laze back with a good book on the double hammock.
Skyhaven is a 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from Burleigh beach, Palm beach, Currumbin and Tugun beach, as well as Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Rock Pools and Currumbin Creek.

Clouds Safari, Beechmont

Are you looking for a weatherproof glamping experience? 

Clouds Safari in Beechmont has the top-quality safari tents, which are engineered and designed to withstand cyclonic conditions.

The luxury tents are situated on the fringe of Lamington National Park and the views are breathtaking.

The private, peaceful surroundings create a serene experience surrounded by nature. Upon arrival, you’ll find a home-made vegetarian pasta sauce with an accompanying bottle of wine. Only 15 minute’s-drive to waterfalls and 30 minutes to the heart of the Gold Coast, this little pocket is an absolute ‘must try.’