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Review of Wilderluxe Lake Keepit for glamping in NSW
Review of Wilderluxe Lake Keepit for glamping in NSW

Herald Sun

time6 days ago

  • Herald Sun

Review of Wilderluxe Lake Keepit for glamping in NSW

Perched high on Kamilaroi Country between Tamworth and Gunnedah, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is Reflections' newest reimagined retreat—where elevated camping meets country soul. Imagine sleeping under the vast expanse of the "Big Sky Country" in a climate-controlled Star Tent, complete with a skylight for stargazing, a king-sized bed, and an outdoor bathtub on a private deck. Wilderluxe Lake Keepit offers this dreamy escape, blending comfort with the raw beauty of nature. As the sun sets, indulge in complimentary drinks and nibbles, followed by the "Big Sky Dreaming" experience, a storytelling narration film by Kamilaroi Elder Uncle Len Waters, weaving together Indigenous and Western astronomy. Location Just 5.5 hours from Sydney or a breezy 40 minutes from Tamworth, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit came to life. As we took our first gaze at the lake, it felt like diving into an aquamarine daydream, where time slowed and nature stole the show. Sunlight danced on the lake as mountains stood proud, while pelicans glided, eagles soared, and kangaroos lounged like they'd read the script. Safari style I expected the eight Aussie-made glamping tents to be more basic, what I got was boutique luxury. Think solid walls, timber floors, a sleek kitchenette, and oversized lounge chairs made for serious relaxing. Each tent features a retractable skylight, outdoor tub, and a Weber Q for golden-hour grilling. Inside, ambient lighting warms the camel-toned walls, while plush robes and a retro turntable with curated vinyl bring safari-boho charm. The compact bathroom is cleverly designed, with a roomy rain shower, there's even a hairdryer and steam iron stashed in the kitchenette. And that view? Lake Keepit, serene and sprawling—two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour—stretches before you. From your tent or the Gilay Lounge, it's stargazing central: scan the Milky Way, track the moon, and play sky guide from your private celestial perch. The surrounds Wilderluxe Lake Keepit isn't just glamping, it's stargazing, storytelling, and soul-deep luxury under an endless sky. We roamed the lake on DiroDi bikes, but the real magic unfolded at sunrise and sunset, where design and Country blend in effortless harmony. Created with the Kamilaroi community and guided by Uncle Len Waters, every detail tells a story. Our tent, Dhirri Dhirri (named after the willy wagtail, a Kamilaroi messenger bird), was one thread in a tapestry of meaning. Curved paths echo river flow; sandstone by the firepit holds ancient gathering symbols. Drinking & dining Breakfast begins with a curated spread of cereals, sourdough, fruit, and yoghurt in the kitchenette. We lingered over ours on the deck, watching the land wake up. One morning, I lost track of how many coffees I downed at the Gilay Lounge—free-flow and free of charge. Lunch was a graze of dips, cheese, crackers, and cured meats from our hamper, chased with kombucha by the lake. Come golden hour, we gathered around the firepit for sundowners and stories, swapping tales under a sky full of stars. For dinner, we grilled BBQ packs on the deck's Weber Q one night, then took a scenic drive to Carroll Gap Farmhouse the next for hearty, home-style fare. Nearby Gunnedah and Tamworth offer cafés and restaurants worth the detour, but for a local, laid-back bite, the Reflections Holiday Park café serves up classic burgers and fish and chips Friday to Sunday. Experiences Just five minutes down the road, the Lake Keepit Soaring Club delivers one of the ultimate big-sky experiences. I strapped myself into a two-seat glider with a seasoned pilot and took flight over 7,500 hectares of Crown land. It wasn't just a scenic tour, more a silent immersion above the vast beauty of the Liverpool Plains, offering a whole new perspective on Lake Keepit's sheer scale and I'm calling it, one of the best things I've ever done. While nearby Carroll Gap Farmhouse offers immersive workshops in cheesemaking, pasta crafting, preserving, and sourdough. What's hot An outdoor tub with lake views that's piping full in under eight minutes flat. This is your chance to slow down and soak up the stillness of the sky and water's restorative energy. What's not The in-tent food offerings are thoughtful but minimal, so come prepared with extra provisions to truly make it your own. A complementary pair of cosy slippers wouldn't hurt for those crisp early deck moments. The verdict: 9/10 Think this is rustic. Think again. Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is a unique wild heart with a five-star soul allowing guests to reconnect with the great outdoors. Stays at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit start at $1100 for a 2-night min stay for 2 people, including breakfast. The writer was a guest of Wilderluxe Lake Keepit. Originally published as Review: Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is changing the glamping game in NSW

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