One of the most magical ways to experience Australia’s wilderness is to spend a night sleeping in the open, under a twinkling starry sky, in a luxury swag (a deluxe reinvention of a bushman’s bedroll!). Swagging literally means to Travel with one’s personal belongings in a bundle. There are a number of places where it is possible to experience luxury swag camping and with such a lot of sky and relatively few people Australia has some of the most stunning star studded heavens.
Bamurru Plains, Kakadu
Stay at this wonderful remote bush lodge on the edge of Kakadu National Park and after your chef prepared three course evening meal head out to The Hide, a six metre high platform with 360 degree views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend the night snuggled up in a deluxe swag listening to the nocturnal sounds of the nearby floodplains.
Longitude 131˚, Uluru
Facing the iconic monolith of Uluru, Longitude 131 is a magical retreat hidden amidst the vast outback of central Australia. Having recently added a balcony to each of the fifteen luxury guest tents, it is now possible to spend the night beneath the stars. Port, cognac and other digestifs are served by firelight before settled down in your bespoke luxury swag for two for the night.
Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef
When shown a photo of Sal Salis the general response is a sharp intake of breath followed by an “oooooooohhh, where is that?” A remote safari camp nestled in the sand dunes just feet from the sandy beaches and turquoise, coral filled waters of the Ningaloo Reef on the west coast of Australia. This is the place to come to spend your days swinging in a hammock, snorkelling with turtles or swimming with whale sharks or humpbacks. Abandon your tent for the night and instead sleep on the beach under the stars.
Pepperbush Adventures, Tasmania
Not something offered as standard but we can arrange for a night under the stars with Craig ‘Bushie’ Williams – owner of Pepper Bush Adventures, a real life Tasmanian bushman and one of the countries most respected wildlife guides. Indulge in a bush tucker meal cooked over the fire in the middle of nowhere while spotting the local wildlife as the sun sets, before settled down for the night in your swag.
Arkaba Walk, Flinders Ranges
Experience outback walking in style on a four day walk through the ancient and ever changing landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and camp out under the stars. Camps are set up in spectacular locations so this is an amazing chance to experience the true scale and beauty of the outback but with a few creature comforts to make it an extra special experience. Covering 45 kilometres over four days a support vehicle takes luggage between camps and a guide and all meals and drinks are included.
