GLAMPING

As a wife and mother of two energetic boys, I had hoped to postpone the inevitable camping trip for just a little longer. However, my eldest had other plans, excitedly requesting a family getaway filled with bonfires, marshmallows, fishing and bush walks.

Camping, in my mind, conjured images of sleepless nights, bugs, and discomfort. But seeing the joy on my children’s faces made it impossible to say no.

So, I began my search, Googling the best camping options around Darwin. And that’s when I stumbled upon a little gem: Gorge View Bush Retreat in Katherine. A quick glance at the 4.9-star reviews immediately caught my eye, and once I clicked through to their website, I found the perfect compromise - the Glamping Canvas Bell Tent. A real queen-sized bed? Say no more.

Even my mother-in-law, who isn’t exactly what you’d call the "camping type," lit up at the idea of glamping. So, we invited the in-laws along and made a proper family trip of it. When I rang the owner to ask how close the tents were to each other, she cheerfully replied, “How close or how far apart do you want them to be?” We both laughed, and I booked on the spot.

The Arrival

After the drive to Katherine, we were warmly welcomed by the owners, who personally met us on-site and guided us to our beautiful bell tents, complete with two bottles of wine - I was already sold!

We were given a quick tour of the facilities: clean kitchen and shower blocks, breathtaking bush-view pool, and insider tips on the best walking tracks for sunset viewing. Everywhere, we heard the happy sounds of children laughing and riding bikes.

The Experience

As evening settled in, we lit the fire, sipped wine, and simply enjoyed. The tents were thoughtfully designed; elegant, cozy and far from the horrors I had imagined camping to be. The shower blocks smelled fresh and clean (a rare camping win), and the entire site grew peacefully quiet by 10pm... We slept beautifully.

Morning came with an unforgettable sunrise. The kids were up early and buzzing with excitement. Naturally, I snapped a dozen photos, one of which received an outpouring of comments admiring the stunning tent setup after posting on social media. One particularly special moment: seeing my father-in-law (who has recently undergone major surgery) looking genuinely rested and radiant with a little colour back in his cheeks.

The Verdict On the drive home, I turned to my husband and said, “We are definitely doing that again.” It was worth every dollar.

So, dear reader, if you’re a reluctant camper like myself, but want to give your children the magic of nature without investing thousands in camping gear, Gorge View Bush Retreat in Katherine comes with my highest recommendation.

Happy Glamping!