Paperbark Camp: The Definitive Glamping Guide to Jervis Bay's Luxury Bush Retreat
Glamping, the marriage of luxury and camping, offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying five-star amenities. Since 1999, Paperbark Camp Australia has reigned as the nation’s original glamping destination, providing an unparalleled escape on the unspoiled South Coast of NSW. Far exceeding the expectations of traditional camping essentials, Paperbark Camp provides an indulgent, quiet, and relaxing retreat. Here is what you need to know about this pioneering eco-destination.
Find the Location of Paperbark Camp Woollamia NSW
Paperbark Camp Woollamia NSW is ideally situated just over two hours south of Sydney. While easily accessible, the camp achieves a feeling of total isolation, nestled on a 40-hectare property heavily wooded with myrtle and eucalyptus trees.
The retreat's specific location, 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia, is reached via an unassuming, tree-lined path that leads guests into a "magical oasis buried in the bush". The site surrounds Currambene Creek, a fast-flowing tidal waterway, providing immediate access to tranquil water activities. This secluded setting ensures that the noise of the outside world is replaced only by the sounds of the Australian bush. Despite the isolation, the white sands of Jervis Bay and the coastal town of Huskisson are merely a short five- to ten-minute drive away.
The Luxury Glamping Experience at Paperbark Camp
Sleeping Under Stars: Inside the Luxurious Safari Tents
The luxury accommodations at Paperbark Camp convert even the most "reluctant camper" into a glamping enthusiast. The camp features thirteen safari-style tents, each elevated on polished hardwood platforms and thoughtfully spaced amongst the paperbark and eucalyptus trees to maximize privacy. The accommodation is designed for extreme comfort, rivaling a good hotel room.
Adding to the serene atmosphere, staff discreetly deliver a flask of boiling water to the deck at 7 a.m., allowing guests to enjoy an essential pre-breakfast tea or coffee while listening to the sounds of the Australian bush.
The Open-Air Bath Experience: Privacy Meets the Australian Bush
One of the most praised features cited consistently in any paperbark camp review is the private, open-air ensuite bathroom. These bathrooms feature a rain shower and a freestanding bathtub that opens out into the forest.
This unique design allows guests to indulge in a relaxed soak or shower with a view of the surrounding habitat and complete privacy. It is not uncommon to spot local wildlife, such as kangaroos or finches, from the deck or even while bathing. This immersive luxury truly approaches "bucket list territory" for many visitors.
The Gunyah Restaurant: Exceptional, Locally Sourced Dining
The culinary experience is integral to a stay at Paperbark Camp Jervis Bay. Meals are served in The Gunyah—an Aboriginal word for "meeting place"—an architecturally designed, elevated glass and wood-paneled building that functions as the camp’s central hub, restaurant, lounge, and bar.
The restaurant’s philosophy centers on seasonal, sustainably-produced, and locally-sourced ingredients, prepared with expertise and an informal approach. Dinner, included in the mid-week rate, is typically a three-course set menu.
The included breakfast is also a highlight, often featuring freshly squeezed juice, homemade granola, poached eggs on locally made sourdough, and various hot and cold buffet options. The Gunyah is so acclaimed that out-of-house guests can book in for dinner to experience the high-standard cuisine and unique ambiance.
Adventure and Relaxation: Exploring Jervis Bay and Currambene Creek
While the peaceful environment of Paperbark Camp Australia encourages reading, snoozing, and watching the local wildlife, there are ample opportunities for exploration. The camp provides complimentary access to equipment for guests wishing to venture out.
Guests can easily paddle the tranquil waters of Currambene Creek using provided canoes or paddle boards. Alternatively, complimentary bicycles are available for the scenic 15-minute cycle ride into Huskisson. This bayside town offers local cafes, boutique stores, and microbreweries. For beach enthusiasts, the pristine white sands of Jervis Bay and the spectacular coastal landscapes of the nearby Jervis Bay National Park are just a five-minute drive away. A little further afield, guests can visit Bundanon, artist Arthur Boyd’s renowned home and art museum.
Logistics and Tips for Paperbark Camp NSW
Paperbark Camp Woollamia offers winter mid-week stays starting from around $550 per tent for two people. This rate is inclusive of a full breakfast, a three-course dinner per person, and the use of the camp’s bikes and canoes.
For a smooth visit to Paperbark Camp Jervis Bay NSW, remember the camp's key rules to coexist with nature: never leave food inside your tent, and secure zips, potentially using the provided carabiner, to deter curious brush-tailed possums and other wildlife from attempting to grab a late-night snack.
While the camp provides mosquito nets and repellents, packing additional bug spray is often recommended by guests, especially if you are prone to attracting mosquitoes.
Packing for Paradise: Modern Camping Essentials
While Paperbark Camp provides much of the comfort you need, including bedding, heating, robes, and mosquito nets, a few camping essentials are highly recommended to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and nature-ready experience.
Insect Repellent: Although the camp provides repellents and mosquito nets, guests often recommend bringing additional bug spray or citronella candles, particularly depending on the season
Food Security: Guests must never leave food inside the tent and should secure their tent zips, potentially using the provided carabiner, to prevent visits from possums or other wildlife
Torches/Lanterns: While lighting is solar-powered, keeping fully charged torches or LED lanterns handy is a wise preparation for navigating the paths at night
Weather Appropriate Clothing: Even with heating inside the tents, having blankets, warm clothes, and hot water bottles (provided) is necessary during colder months
Personal Power Solution: Since the tents intentionally lack power points (only offering USB charging), when evaluating the best camping generators, a reliable portable power station or solar generator ensures personal devices and medical equipment stay charged, complementing the camp's digital detox philosophy
For travelers planning extended off-grid stays or combining their luxury glamping trip with car camping or remote work, having reliable, portable power is essential. Modern solar generator options are preferred because they are quiet, clean, and safe to use indoors, unlike traditional fossil fuel models.
If you are seeking true off-grid independence or maximizing comfort during subsequent car camping trips, complementing your journey with a modern solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator (PV160W) ensures that essential power is reliably managed, wherever your Australian adventure leads.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator (PV160W)
Paperbark Camp Review: What Guests Say About Value and Service
The overall rating for Paperbark Camp is 4.4 out of 5 bubbles based on 357 reviews, classifying it as "Very Good" and the #1 campsite in Woollamia. The staff receives immense praise, consistently described as "lovely," "personable," and "exceptional," with every detail carefully managed.
The majority of guests feel the experience—sleeping in comfort immersed in nature, often seeing kangaroos and possums—is unforgettable. However, some paperbark camp review entries note that while the accommodation is luxurious, the value proposition is occasionally questioned due to limited food options (specifically the lack of lunch or snacks available for purchase on-site) given the high price point. Despite these critiques, the camp is widely recommended as a "must-try once" experience that fosters deep relaxation.
Conclusion
Paperbark Camp successfully delivers a transformative escape, proving that luxury and nature can coexist harmoniously. The camp's dedication to quality, from the outdoor bathtubs to the exceptional cuisine at The Gunyah, ensures guests leave with life-changing, perspective-shifting memories. This unique retreat on the South Coast, offering canoeing, cycling, car camping sites, and access to the spectacular Jervis Bay, remains Australia's pioneering standard for glamping.
FAQs
What defines the unique luxury experience at Paperbark Camp Australia?
Paperbark Camp Australia offers an elevated glamping experience blending luxury tented accommodation with an immersive bush setting. Tents feature polished hardwood floors, heating systems, and high-quality linen. The signature highlight is the open-air, private ensuite bathroom, which includes a freestanding bathtub and rain shower with views of the surrounding forest and wildlife, ensuring relaxation and privacy.
Are the glamping tents at Paperbark Camp comfortable for a winter stay?
Yes, the luxury safari tents are designed for comfort year-round, successfully busting the myth that camping is only for warmer months. All accommodations at Paperbark Camp feature effective heating systems to keep the space warm on chilly nights, along with plenty of extra blankets and hot water bottles. Guests can also gather by the open fire in The Gunyah for extra warmth in the evenings.
What kind of dining experience is offered at The Gunyah Restaurant?
The Gunyah provides a culinary experience focused on seasonal, sustainably-produced, and locally-sourced ingredients. A three-course set dinner and a hearty full breakfast are included in the stay. The quality of the food is consistently rated as exceptional, and the staff is highly accommodating of special dietary needs, such as vegan meals.
How does Paperbark Camp support a digital detox for guests?
Paperbark Camp Jervis Bay promotes switching off both literally and metaphorically. The tents intentionally lack power points and televisions, forcing guests to focus on the peaceful bush sounds and surroundings. Although lighting is solar powered, well-placed USB charging points are available near the bed for essential device charging, allowing guests to emerge feeling "recharged" from their digital detox.
Can state and federal rebates be stacked when purchasing a home solar battery in Australia?
Yes, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate (starting July 1, 2025) can be combined or "stacked" with eligible state-based incentives, such as programs in Western Australia or New South Wales. This combination can result in substantial savings, potentially exceeding $11,500 for an eligible system. Such incentives make investing in home energy storage, like fixed solar batteries or even high-capacity portable units, much more affordable.