Here’s the formula for a glamping dream

Inside one of the luxurious Starry Nights tents on the West Woombye property.

The property they chose for Starry Nights luxury tents had to meet the couple’s “big three” criteria. It had to have a rainforest with hills, a permanent creek with stony banks and it had to be close to Montville and Mooloolaba.

After searching for over three years they found the ideal property in West Woombye. “It was the perfect spot for our glamping retreat,” said Shane Nelson, pictured, who, along with his wife Nicole, is the owner, manager and builder of Starry Nights Luxury Camping. “It was full of wildlife, ridges, hills, creeks, trees and spectacular views. And we fell in love.”

Shane said their aim is to create an experience as close as possible to camping in the wilderness with a fire, a creek and an actual tent — not a cabin made from canvas.

“It’s earthy, raw and a real camping experience but we also wanted to combine it with luxury — like an ensuite, soft king-sized beds, organic food, 75sqm safari tents, fireplaces and steaming hot baths.”

The formula seems to be working.  “The response from campers continues to amaze us,” said Nicole. “We’ve had great referrals and positive reviews. Even a couple of 12-star reviews. Is that even possible?

“We’re off grid in that we harvest our own rainwater, use solar electricity and we live sustainably with organic food, using what is around us like wood for heating.”

Shane said the two-tent site would soon be booked out a year in advance.

Nicole practices nutritional medicine. Shane has spent most of his life as a veterinarian.  “We had been camping for years, erecting our tent and loving the outdoors and have always thought more people have to experience this amazing creation. We’ve usually invited friends with us on our camping trips, but we were not able to bring everyone. For a long time, we’ve had a vision to touch the earth lightly and thought people could live in tents permanently like they did in the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

• See it for yourself at www.starrynightsluxurycamping.com.au