Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Paperbark Camp
PAPERBARK CAMP
JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES • LUXURY TENTED CAMP • 13 SAFARI STYLE TENTS
Just minutes from the white sand beaches and pristine national parks of Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp is Australia's original luxury camping destination and continues to operate at the forefront of unique Australian experiences, combining a tranquil bush setting with great food and wine, genuine hospitality and native marine and wildlife encounters on the pristine South Coast of New South Wales.
Just 185km south of Sydney at Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp sits on 88 acres of bushland along the banks of the Currambene Creek, a tidal waterway part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park.
Accommodation-wise, the camp offers 13 safari style tents built on raised timber platforms with wrap around verandahs, private open air en-suite bathrooms with separate bath and shower, lighting, USB charging stations and featuring luxury organic linen and natural handmade soaps.
The Deluxe safari tents are best suited to couples or two people sharing with King/Twin beds and an additional roll-away bed can accommodate one extra person sharing. The Deluxe Plus safari tents include a larger interior with 1 x King/Twin bed and 2 x Single daybeds which can be configured to accommodate two additional people sharing. The King Deluxe tent can sleep up to 6 in two King/Twin beds and additional rollaways and includes an internal plunge bath, outdoor bush shower and screened outdoor lounge .
Paperbark Camp is open all year round, with limited operations through the winter months of June/July/August. Note, tents are not heated but additional bedding and hot water bottles are available in cooler months. Children 6 years and over are welcome at Paperbark Camp (but they do not cater to children under 6).
Paperbark Camp is at the forefront of sustainable tourism and has had Advanced Eco Accreditation with the EAA since 2002.
Why I love it
I love the Paperbark Camp for many reasons, firstly though is for its very special location. Tucked away in the bushland of Jervis Bay, it is a true nature paradise. I love the safari tents themselves - they are super luxe and really comfortable. The food at their award winning treetop restaurant, The Gunyah, is brilliant as well. All rates at Paperbark Camp include full breakfast and three course dinner. The Gunyah offers a unique dining experience, with a focus on local and seasonal produce showcased in contemporary 3 course daily set menus. Gourmet picnics are provided on request for guests to take out and enjoy during the day. Guests also have access to canoes, SUP boards, bikes and walking trails. We loved riding our bikes into Huskisson and then along the bike path to the famous white sand (the whitest sand in the world, apparently!) and crystal clear turquoise waters of Jervis Bay and the Booderee National Park. Paperbark Camp is also not far from the new Bundanon Art Museum and the nearby towns of Berry, Milton and the Kangaroo Valley.
About the owners
The camp continues to be owned by Irena and Jeremy Hutchings who dreamed of creating a tented camp in Australia many years ago after travelling in Africa and falling in love with the typical safari style canvas tents they regularly experienced during their adventures. Whilst Irena and Jeremy can still often be found enjoying a G&T with friends and guests on the Sundowner Deck, day to day operations are now overseen by a dedicated team as well as their children Ben and Camilla.
What to do nearby
Walk the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan Loop Walk in the Booderee National park -followed by a swim at Murrays Beach or Iluka Beach
Grab a cold brew at the local breweries in Woollamia, a short bike ride from the camp
Visit the new
Bundanon
Art Museum
What to bring
Sunnies
Shorts
