Paperback Camp: Go Bush in Australia

An African safari-style resort on the South Coast of Australia celebrates 10 years of ‘glamping’.

For a truly unique Australian bush experience with great food, tranquil surroundings and encounters with kangaroos, dolphins, possums and birdlife, Paperback Camp is eco-tourism at its finest. Located in beautiful Jervis Bay, just 2 ½ hours from Sydney, on 88 acres with 500m frontage on the banks of the Currambene Creek, the local coastal area is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, teeming marine life (including whales), impressive dive sites, and national parks such as the Booderee National Park, home to the famous Hyams, Whiting and Murrays beach. An ideal escape for adventurous and outdoorsy types, there is plenty to explore whether you are into bushwalking, surfing, sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, sailing, biking or fishing.

Back at the campsite, guests can bed down for the night in luxurious tents named after the local flora and fauna, such as Wallaby and Wombat, while getting up close and personal with unusual creatures like the Sugarglider – a small arboreal marsupial that glides through the air like a flying squirrel, except that the sugarglider has odd features such as opposable fingers and toes and a forked penis. (Only in Australia, folks!) Don’t worry, like most of Australia’s cute and fuzzy creatures – apart from the odd spider, snake, crocodile and shark – they are harmless. No lions and hyenas in this neck of the woods. Not even a dingo, so feel free to bring along the kids and watch them delight in the laughing kookaburras, the cheeky sulphur-crested and glossy black cockatoos, the shy long-nosed bandicoots and slow prickly echidnas. Sit back and marvel at nature’s kooky circus!

ACCOMMODATION: 12 safari-style tents (8 original and 4 deluxe) built on timber platforms with wrap around verandahs, private outdoor en-suite, solar power lighting and luxury linen. Deluxe tents have outdoor lounge area and freestanding bath as well as shower.

FOOD: Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner in the highly regarded and award-winning restaurant/lounge, The Gunyah. Perched high in the treetops with open terraces overlooking the bush, the chef whips up fancy bush tucker featuring contemporary Australian cuisine such as pink roasted pepper berry spiced kangaroo loin with pancetta, using fresh produce grown on-site. Be sure to try some of the local wines such as the 2008 Coolingatta Semillon and 2006 Diamond Creek Estate Botrytis.

FACILITIES: Canoes, bikes and walking trails available on-site; massages available by appointment; Wi-Fi access in the Gunyah lounge.

RATES: Start from AU$350 p/night inc. B&B (original tent) and $490 p/night (deluxe tent). Currently offering an autumn special: “2 Night Weekend Package” for $625 (original) / $820 (deluxe) including dinner one night. A “2 Night Midweek Package” runs $510/$650. Wandermelon readers can enjoy a free room upgrade to a deluxe tent, subject to availability. Hurry and sign up as the camp closes on June 14 for the 2010 winter season.

OPEN: Sept-June / For reservations: email info@paperbarkcamp.com.au or ph: +61 (0)2 4441 6066 or local toll free 1 300 668 167