The way we travel has changed, especially since the pandemic hit, and one trend involving the travel industry is that people don’t want a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all type of travel vacation. People want choices. They want to explore new places, and they want to immerse themselves in culture and nature, not by just witnessing it by feeling like they are a part of it too.

It’s no secret that Covid has simplified the way we want to live in a good way, and everything from the way we travel, to working from home, to how we are renovating our homes has been influenced by the new world we are living in today. This has even been reflected in colour trends.

The latest colour trend of the year for Taubman’s paints 2021 is Brave Ground, a warm earthy tone, said to be inspired because people feel the need to be grounded, slow down and embrace the earth around them.

Whether it’s a treehouse, a luxury tent, or a cabin in the wilderness, glamping is the idea of getting out amongst nature while still retaining a sense of luxury.

Travelling to North Queensland has some of the most beautiful and hidden glamping locations in Australia, and if you don’t want to drive too far, we’ve got you covered with our range of rental cars, 4WDs, and vans ready from one of our three North Queensland locations, each within close vacinity to the airport

Here’s our pick of some of the best glamping spots for all budgets.

Tarzali Canopy Rainforest Treehouse

Winner of numerous awards and offering the ultimate eco-responsible boutique luxury, “The Canopy” is one of Australia’s most unique accommodation and wildlife experiences. Set in 100 acres of ancient rainforest located on the Cairns Highlands, the six luxury timber treehouses are perched high in the rainforest canopy. They include king beds, spas, wood fireplaces, kitchen, BBQ’s and hammocks.

Drive: 80 Mins from Cairns Airport

Jabiru Safari Lodge

It is located within the 2000-hectare Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve of North Queensland. You can choose from Deluxe Tented Safari Cabins or Eco Tented Safari Cabins, each boasting comfortable beds and linen woven with natural materials. Each cabin offers a shaded private timber veranda, BBQ facilities and comfortable tables and chairs. What makes these cabins truly a glamping experience is that there is no telephone, TVs, or WIFI, giving you the chance to switch off and enjoy nature truly.

Drive: 75 Minutes from Cairns

Haggerstone Island Resort

Situated on a 42-hectare island only accessible by a seaplane or boat, this is the jewel in the crown as far as glamping experiences go. The accommodation is rustic-style hand-crafted free-form cabins, and with only six available on the island at any time, you’ll feel privacy from the onset. It enjoys lush jungle, white-sand beaches, blue lagoons, birdlife and fishing daily is expected to catch the night’s dinner.

Location: 600 km from Cairns by Seaplane or boat

Rivershore Resort

If you’re looking for something where you can experience safari-style tents but still be a part of camping grounds with amenities, Rivershore is the pick.  Located on the Sunshine Coast, close to the Maroochydore river, the tents are set up with an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and four-poster beds. While not set deep in a forest, these are set in camping grounds full of activities for the kids with like waterslides, playgrounds and minigolf, and paddleboards and kayaks to hire.

Drive: 100 km from Brisbane Airport

Silky Oaks Lodge

Silky Oaks Lodge is one of Australia’s premier luxury cabin lodges. It’s currently under renovations but will open again in October 2021. Neighbouring the World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Daintree National Park, Silky Oaks Lodge offers guests a stylish rainforest escape. With views over the Mossman River, guests relax in one of forty private treehouses, each a luxurious retreat complete with a generous balcony and hammock ready to sway in the afternoon breeze. Set among lush rainforest gardens, the Healing Waters Spa is inspired by ancient beliefs that celebrate water in the Mossman River as a renewing and life-giving force.

Drive: 15 minutes from Port Douglas