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Australia’s first ‘glamping’ retreat, Paperbark Camp, at Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, has enjoyed 98 per cent occupancy – including weekdays – since September, 2020, with guest stays up 44 per cent on last year and the property urging glamping fans to book well ahead for 2021 to enjoy one of the famous camp’s luxurious tents.

But Paperbark Camp has also urged visitors to the South Coast to travel ‘consciously’ and with patience and understanding as the region slowly recovers from the ravages that drought, fires, floods and Covid-19 wreaked on the area.

“The closure of international borders has created a domestic tourism boom so anyone keen to stay at our beautiful camp needs to book well ahead with the South Coast experiencing very strong demand,” said Paperbark Camp Sales Manager, Camilla Hutchings

“We also invite visitors to be ‘conscious travellers’ and understand that the region and its tourism and hospitality industries have really suffered this year with drought, bushfires, floods and Covid and all the uncertainty and interruptions they have brought.  While the local tourism industry is very pleased to see so many visitors, the infrastructure in smaller towns on the South Coast is still trying to keep up with demand.

“Temporary visa holders often work in seasonal tourism areas but they are now overseas so there’s a call out for hospitality staff across the South Coast to fill job slots to service the robust visitor demand. Travellers need to understand these challenges and may need to wait a little longer for their meals, coffee or drinks. But by slowing down a little and enjoying the slightly more relaxed pace on the South Coast, they’ll have a more enriching experience anyway.”

Nestled in bushland at Jervis Bay, 2½ hours south of Sydney and offering a blend of sophistication and simplicity, Paperbark Camp opened in 1999 as Australia’s first glamping property. The camp is a luxury, eco retreat with 13 elevated safari tents boasting polished hardwood flooring, luxury bedding, double canvas roofs, outdoor deck seating and private open-air ensuites with premium natural toiletries where guests can enjoy nature while they bathe or shower. The tents are camouflaged amongst spotted gums and paperbark trees along the banks of a winding river flowing to the beach.  The multi-award-winning camp, which opened in 1999 as Australia’s first glamping property, is home to kangaroos, possums and colourful birdlife. The blue-sapphire waters, chalk-white beaches and dolphins of Jervis Bay re just 10 minutes away.

Rates for 2021 start at $490 per couple a night, midweek (min two-nights) or from $615 per couple for one night midweek, including a daily fine cuisine three-course dinner, cooked breakfast and use of canoes and paddleboards.

For bookings, visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au or call Paperbark Camp on 02 4441 6066