PaperBark Camp - The Original Glamping!
Welcome to our new series C+G Explores, where we take to the road to find unusual locations to showcase our linen. Our first destination is PaperBark Camp in Jervis Bay. Think camping for grownups! This location has been on our bucket list since we started. The thought of seeing our linen in amazing African style safari tents was a dream!
About PaperBark
Irena and Jeremy Hutchings were ahead of their time 20 years ago when after visiting Africa camping, they loved the idea of camping yet still with some of the luxuries and wanted to bring this idea back to Australia. The camp still remains in Jervis Bay, 2.5 hours from Sydney on the south coast as part of the Shoalhaven region. The area boasts three national parks: The Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay National Park and Jervis Bay Marine Park which together include many kilometres of walking trails and deserted beaches as well as provide sanctuary to a wide variety of wildlife and underwater creatures.
It still is a family operated business and continues to be at the forefront of ecotourism and luxury camping in Australia.
They really were ‘glamping’ before it was coined a phrase!
Nestled in a peaceful bush setting on the banks of the tranquil waterway, the camp is minutes from the small village of Huskisson in the natural wonders of Jervis Bay - where the beaches are white with crystal clear waters.
They are committed to keeping an eco-friendly approach, all safari tents with solar-powered lighting and placed amongst the tall eucalyptus and paperbark trees on elevated decks for natural ventilation.
The 13 safari tents are nestled among the tall eucalyptus and paperbark trees are built above the ground with wrap around verandahs, hardwood flooring and full insect-screening and hotel amenities you would expect from a luxe camping experience.
All accommodation includes your own outdoor private en-suite, perfect for bird watching while lying in your hot bath.
In the centre of the camp, stands the Gunyah Restaurant. This is where people can experience premium dining high up in the trees sitting out under the stars. It really is the hub of the camp. John Evans is the incredible, highly renowned chef who creates sophisticated seasonal dishes using local produce. If you aren’t lucky enough to stay at the camp you still can book in to dine - call early as it books out very fast daily! There’s nothing better than heading back to the tent, snuggled up falling asleep to the sounds of the bush.
Our Experience:
Arriving at PaperBark we automatically felt relaxed. The long driveway with super tall gumtrees surrounding you, allows you to immediately switch off. We took the mini car which was jammed packed with all our linen ready for the shoot. We were greeted by Camilla, the daughter of Jeremy and Irene, PaperBark’s founders.
It reminded us of school camp days however with sophistication. We were shown to our luxury tent for the evening. The best thing about this was there were no power plugs so you were forced to switch off. If you need to charge your phone or need power, then this all happens in the hub of the camp at Gunyah Restaurant. We watched the stars from our tent verandah and then early to bed as we had an early start for our linen shoot. We left the tent blinds down so we could wake early to the morning sun. Sleeping with the sounds of the bush life was beautiful and so peaceful.
In the morning we had fresh brewed coffee brought to your tent followed by a hot bath in the private en-suite out in the open air.
We then headed to ‘BowerBird’ tent where we met local photographer, Rachael Tagg who would shoot our linen for the day. It was so exciting so our colours such as: light olive, olive stripes, tobacco or oat in these surroundings. Throughout the day we took over Paperbark’s Instagram so the 20K followers were able to see the camp in a different light. The natural linen suited the environment of the tent so well and looked divine. Throughout the day we took short bushwalks so we could see the wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.
Normally we shoot our linen in beautiful houses with white walls, however this change was really refreshing and we loved seeing how beautiful the linen looked in the natural Australian bush.
A big thank you to Camilla and the team - we’ll be back soon!
Visit the website here
