Review of Paperbark Camp, by The TI Review Team

By TI reviewer Kate Leahy

The story behind Paperbark Camp is almost as wistful as the setting: two people who dreamt of retreating back to nature, albeit in luxurious fashion, and were kind enough to share it with the rest of us. Think sleeping under the stars and you’ll be a fraction away to understanding the romance of the place.

Interrupted only by the sounds of perma-residents such as possums and a chorus of indigenous birds, the ecotourism accredited camp (with camp being used in the loosest sense of the word – you won’t be having to battle with tent poles here) is just a few kilometres along the road from the small town of Huskisson and the beautiful beach lined shores of Jervis Bay, some three hours south of Sydney.

The twelve simple and elegant tents are camoflaged amoungst Australian greats as the eucalyptus tree and of course, the camp’s namesake – the paperbark. Leave life in the car park halfway down the bumpy road to the retreat and hop on one of the electronic golf buggies driven by friendly staff to the foot of your accommodation. Expect to not see anyone, although if you do, this is the kind of place you offer a pleasant hello.

The three staples of breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the astounding onsite restaurant, The Gunyah, perched high amongst the tree tops. Fresh vegetables are grown in garden tepees and served daily along with food cooked using local ingredients that taste so good you will want to book a table every night of your stay. The breakfast starts with your choice of tea and coffee followed by home-made muesli and lashings of succulent fresh fruit and natural yoghurt. Dinner was so divine my mouth watered even after I had finished.

Activities are of the leisurely variety. Strolls through the woodland are almost mandatory, as is a meander down to the creek for a swim or jaunt in one of the complimentary kayaks. Take one of the camp’s bikes for a ride and enjoy beautiful scenery exploring the camp or venturing further afield towards Jervis Bay. Alternatively, book a massage in advance and let any worries you may have just fall away.

Each of the sturdy African-style canvas tents is named after an animal that is common to the area. We stayed in Penguin but you can opt for Gang Gang or Possum if you prefer. There are eight original safari tents that come with an extremely comfortable wooden framed bed with white cotton bed sheets, full mosquito screening, an outside bathroom and a wooden-decked veranda that can be de-mossied using the coils and natural insect repellent that you will find in your room.

For those looking for the ultimate ‘glamping’ experience, opt for one of the four deluxe safari tents with freestanding baths in the en-suites. If you weren't environmentally-conscious when you arrived, you won’t be able to help being so once you leave. This really is nature at its best.