In the know

Our favourite rooms: All of the three timber swag decks, scattered separately in the bush, are identical and very romantic in a wilderness safari way. Be warned though, they're fairly simple and you will be sleeping outdoors (not in a tent or cabin). Cosy swags (the bedrolls of choice for bushmen) are laid out on sleek king-size timber platforms with sheets, soft pillows and duvets for added luxe, but just a diagonal canopy for cover (you can roll it back to star-gaze or pull it over on chillier nights). There's a proper old-fashioned fireplace beside it for a grand, warming touch and pretty hanging hurricane lights to guide you to bed at night. Backing onto each deck is an 'ensuite' handbasin and mirror, plus an open-air bush shower, chemical toilet and changing area, divided by screens. You'll feel at one with nature here, but maybe a little exposed (luckily, with only whole-group bookings allowed, you should know your fellow campers). For maximum privacy, our favourite deck is the one furthest from camp, as no one needs to pass by here and you'll enjoy more dramatic, elevated views. The nearest swag to camp would suit those of nervous disposition, as well as kids or older folk who'd prefer to be closer to the diining area at night.
Packing tips: Swim suits, fishing gear, walking boots and binoculars for spotting grey kangaroo, wombats, platypus and eagles. A Swiss Army knife always comes in handy too.
Also: The swap camp is based at a secret location on private land on the banks of the Wollondilly River, at the southern edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Staff will either meet you at nearby Joadja Vineyards & Winery (www.joadja.com), on the corner of Greenhills and Joadja roads in Berrima (30 miles east of camp) to guide you in, or can arrange transfers by car (AU$500 one-way) or helicopter (from AU$1,650) if you're feeling swish. Flights from Western Sydney take 45 minutes.

Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp hotel, Blue Mountains, Australia

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Smith card offer: A copy of A Fragile Balance: The Extraordinary Story of Australian Marsupials by Christopher Dickman, illustrated by Rosemary Woodford Ganf

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Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp

Blue Mountains, Australia[view map]

Style: Intimate upscale bush camp
Setting: Scenic river valley

Experience a remote, tranquil side of the Blue Mountains wilderness by sleeping out under the stars at the Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp, the ultimate in glamping (glam camping). Far from the tourist herds, you'll slumber on wooden decks in your own cosy swag (bedding roll) under an open-air canopy, with a personal guide-come-cook to cater to your every need. Set in a river valley surrounded by native bush, it's the perfect spot for walking, swimming, fishing, kayaking or just playing with platypus.

Need to know

Rooms: Three, all raised wooden 'swag' decks which can sleep two adults, plus a child. You have to book the whole camp out as one group – whether it's just two of you or up to six family or friends (plus kids).
Rates: AU$575–AU$1,550, including breakfast, all meals, beer, wine and soft drinks, guided activities at the camp (from bush walking to kayaking and flyfishing), and tax at 10 per cent.
Check-out: 4pm. Earliest check-in, 10.30am, but both are flexible on request.
Facilities: Covered ourdoor dining area, library (including books on local wildlife). In 'rooms': swag deck with mattress, bedding roll and canopy, fireplace, hurricane lights, torch, bush shower, eco-friendly chemical toilet, basin, organic soaps and handwash,
Poolside: There's no pool here, but the camp is encircled by a river, just yards away, ideal for swimming, kayaking or fishing.
Eco-friendly: The camp is built to fit in with the natural environment, with limited clearing and no fixed structures for minimal impact. Waste is removed from site, no electricity is used and water is filtered (to avoid plastic bottles) and recycled.
Hotel closed: Given its al fresco nature, the main season for the camp is spring/summer (September/October to late April). In winter it's more popular for day trips out of Sydney, but if you're hardy you can sleep out year-round.
Also: Leave your laptop at home and don't expect much joy from your mobile phone. You can't get reception down in camp, although there's a spot at the top of the valley by a gate where you might get lucky. The guide has a phone for emergencies.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: There's no restaurant here – this is camping, albeit of the luxe variety – but there is a main lodge/dining area, shaded by a canopy on poles, with great views out to the mountains and river beyond. Chill out at the dining table while guide Mark knocks you up a full Continental or cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner. Tasty, wholesome fare on offer includes barbecued steak, grilled salmon, traditional lamb roasted in the camp oven and gourmet salads, as well as canapés and copious drinks and local wine (much of it sourced from the Joadja Vineyard en route). What's fun here is you can be at one with nature, without giving up your creature comforts, or having to slave over a hot fire (it's all done for you) – you don't have to bring any of the usual cumbersome kit with you as everything's provided
Dress code: Work that hiking-chic look: Aussie brand Driza-Bone is known for its waterproof outerwear (like a stockman's version of a Barber) and a classic Oz Akuba hat wouldn't go amiss.
Top table: Ask for a table to be set up nearer the river; there's a scenic spot where you can sit around a campfire overlooking the water too. If you fancy more privacy, your host can bring you dinner back at your swag deck.
Last orders: Dinner is served from 6.30pm til late, but all hours are flexible here according to what the group fancies.
Room service: There is no formal room service hours as such. It's more personal service here, as the guide, and his assistants, only have your group to look after, and are available 24/7.
Hotel bar: Guides are on site all night, so you can request a drink any time you want, or just help yourself.

Also worth knowing

Children: Children aged four and over are welcome at the camp, and extra swag 'beds' can be provided, for an extra charge (either sharing with adults or older kids can go it alone). The proximity to the river means young uns will need to be watched though. More…

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