Mr & Mrs Smith

Luxury Swag Camp

Blue Mountains, Australia

Experience a remote, tranquil side of the Blue Mountains wilderness by sleeping out under the stars at the 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 that can sleep two adults or three kids. When you make a booking it is on an exclusive stay – whether it’s just two of you or a family or friends group of six.
• Rates Double rooms from $1516.47 (AU$1,554), excluding tax at 10 per cent.
  Prices have been converted from the hotel's local currency (AU$1,554), via XE.com, using today's exchange rate.
• More details Rates include all meals, beer, wine and soft drinks and guided activities at the camp (from bush walking to kayaking and flyfishing).
• Facilities Covered outdoor 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.
• Check-out 4pm. Check-in, 10.30am, but both are flexible on request.
• Children Children aged four and over are welcome at the camp, and extra swag beds can be provided, for an extra charge (each swag deck sleeps up to three kids comfortably). The proximity to the river means young uns will need to be watched though. More...
• 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 alfresco nature, the main season for the camp is spring/summer (September/October–late April). In winter it's more popular for day trips out of Sydney, but hardy folk 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 and drink at Luxury Swag Camp

• 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 near the river; there's a scenic spot where you can sit around a campfire overlooking the water too. For more privacy, your host can bring you dinner back at your swag deck.
• Last orders Dinner is served from 6.30pm until 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.

Luxury Swag Camp 16 Viewland Street, Blue Mountains, 2578