So you love the idea of camping in the great outdoors? But you can’t quite say goodbye to your creature comforts? Glamping is the perfect solution. Featuring all the best bits of camping with a little luxury and glamour thrown in!

It’s time to reconnect with loved ones and experience the fresh country air and wide open spaces. Amidst the calm tranquility of the Mudgee Region you’ll find Glenayr Farm, the perfect place to reset your senses and ‘disconnect to reconnect’.

Just a four hour drive from Sydney you’ll find this ideal countryside escape. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of romance, a place to celebrate with friends, or a desire to explore Mudgee’s rich heritage, you’ll find Glenayr Farm to be the obvious choice for your next getaway. Located a stones throw from Mudgee in a townland called Windeyer, we spent two fabulous nights enjoying the relaxing sounds of nature while spotting many a kangaroo pop by! It is without a doubt the most romantic getaway we have ever experienced. Set on a 320 acre working sheep farm we immediately fell in love with the unrivalled views of sunset and the mesmerising rolling hills as far as the eye can see. It really is the ultimate glamping staycation. A unique nature immersion, combined with minimalist luxury. On a large and relatively untouched property Glenayr Farms luxury tents sit beneath the glistening stars.

The glamping experience steps away from the complications of modern life, redefining luxury through the relaxed feeling of the great outdoors. Rest and relaxation flow freely in the paired back surroundings. Mind, body and soul are all nourished through a tonic of immersion in nature with secluded nights spent under the stars while having the time to appreciate the intimacy of private luxury accommodation.

Our experience:

Arriving to showers and waking up to gloomy days did little to dampen our experience. Time spent away from phones was welcoming and very much needed. Their motto ‘disconnect to reconnect’ is one that should be implemented weekly! They have chosen not to install wifi on the farm and with good reason. I can assure you, you’ll have no intention of spending time on your phone once you set eyes on the magical scenery. In order to have minimal footprint, Glenayr Farm is one hundred percent off grid, therefore they use solar power and gas. All tents have solar panels and power banks with USB docs to keep your lanterns lit. With no signal it’s the perfect opportunity to leave your phones and laptops behind and enjoy the unknown. Be sure to pack your camera, this is an off grid experience you’re not going to want to forget.

Upon arrival your tent is ready with all your glamping essentials. Each tent comes equipped with a queen bed, luxurious linen, bedside lockers, hot water bottles and rechargeable lanterns. We stayed in the Pinot tent, closest to the common are, dam and hot tub. We were surprisingly impressed, no stone has been left unturned, every detail has been carefully thought out with indoor and outdoor seating, blankets for chillier nights, board games, racks to hang your clothes and exquisite hot tubs. One hundred metres away you have a table and chairs, a communal fire pit and dining area by the dam. The cosy communal block is home to rain water showers, kitchen, cooking facilities (BBQ and pizza oven), pool table, TV, a library and even a giant connect 4.

It’s the perfect escape for couples seeking relaxation and romance. While each tent is situated fifteen metres apart providing privacy, it’s still easy to meet and befriend other couples. We had the pleasure of meeting a lovely Australian couple who had just tied the knot. Whether you choose one of their luxury villas complete with a hot tub of your own or a glamping tent, there’s premium comfort for every guest to enjoy.

What to do at Glenayr Farm:

This is one of those travel experiences where we recommend you take your time and enjoy where you are. Simply sit back and relax. You can bring your own food and drink, settle in for a romantic digital retreat, spend the evening perusing the property and all it has to offer, take a dip in the dam, watch the sun set above the hills or spot one of the many shooting stars. We did venture out briefly to visit one of the forty family owned cellar doors. Bunbrae Winery being one of the oldest wineries in Mudgee did not disappoint. It was established in 1968 and they produce some cracking wines. Conor came home with two bottles of their delicious crisp white wine. While Mudgee offers plenty to do, the question is…do you want to leave the farm? You can go horse riding, golfing, bike riding, gold mining, take a ride in a helicopter, hot air balloon and so much more, you have plenty of options.

Things to know before you go:

• Check in is at 2pm and check out is 10am, be sure to get there early to make the most of it.

• The closest patrol station and supermarket is more than 15km away so stock up on food and drink before you go.

• Bring warm clothes so you can sit out under the stars at night.

How to get there:

Glenayr Farm is located in Windeyer, 25 minutes outside of Mudgee and approximately 4 hours from Sydney. Prior to your booking you’ll receive the exact address and specific directions to assist you with locating the entrance. The final 1km of the drive is on an unsealed road. Be prepared for a bumpy ride in which you may encounter a meeting with the resident roos!

Best time of year to stay:

We stayed here in the peak of summer at the end of January and the weather was perfect. We slept in the tent very comfortably. A light jumper was enough to keep us warm sitting out at night. If you’re visiting in the peak of winter it has been known to get extremely cold, be sure to pack thick socks, warm clothing and marshmallows for the campfire. In summer it can get very hot, dress appropriately, get your tan on, stay hydrated and make good use of the dam, it will most definitely be your best friend!

With the summer fast slipping through our fingers, we were delighted to have the opportunity to stay at Glenayr Farm. What’s not to love about breathing in fresh air, surrounded by the Australian bush and a sea of stars? Whether you’re planning a celebration or simply want to get away you should most definitely entertain Glenayr Farm. Be sure to get in quick as it’s becoming more and more popular. It will be such a memorable experience, like us, you won’t want to leave!