The first bell tent
"Please Mum can we sleep in the tent?", after two days of watching us set up the first bell tent, our youngest daughter couldn't wait to be the first one to sleep in it.
The idea of setting up Bell tents in the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park had been on the backs our minds for the last six months; should we, shouldn't we, will people like them, will WE like them....
Well the answer is a resounding YES, we love them!
Going to sleep in my electric blanket warmed bed next to my youngest daughter, listening to the waves on the beach and watching the cotton canvas undulate in the light breeze was a wonderful experience that took me right back to camping as a child with my own parents.
Waking up after a deep and refreshing sleep and seeing the silhouettes of the native shrubs waving outside the tents hearing the sound of the waves and the birds and knowing that I didn't have to rush about packing up a car full of camping paraphernalia and trying to get the tent back in the bag made for a truly luxurious morning.
Sitting on the generous deck, in a comfy armchair, warmed by my own private fire pot, drinking a coffee from the provided pod machine looking over the nature reserve with bacon and eggs cooked by my husband in the camp kitchen would have been the perfect end to our night in the bell tent, but unfortunately for me it was a bowl of muesli and off to set up the second bell tent!!
GUEST REVIEW - Tasmania Glamping trip
Wow… what an amazing adventure - is what we said to each other after arriving back in Melbourne. Imagine combining all of the best spots in Australia together onto this small picturesque island – This is what it was like! And even though I describe it as a small island, it is still twice the size of the Netherlands!
One of our highlights was the lovely and peaceful Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, located on the Tasmanian highway between Bay Of Fires and Wineglass Bay.
Upon arriving we received a very warm welcome from the General Manager, Louise. We were guided to our Bell-Tent which was to become our home for the next couple of days. Nothing was too much trouble for them, we were shown all amenities within the park and were advised that if we needed anything at all just to knock on her door!! Needless to say, we were made to feel right at home from the beginning.
The tent was installed on a sturdy deck, surrounded by a few leafy trees and bushes to give us some privacy. The moment we pulled back the canvas door, we were so happily surprised by the inside of the tent - all the luxury and comfort you could only wish for was cleverly present; an espresso machine for that perfect cup of coffee in the morning, a kettle for the laid back cup of tea after a stroll along the beach (which mind you is only a few steps away), a flatscreen television, a microwave and best of all… A HEATED MATTRESS!!! A must-have for when it gets chilly at night – we were in heaven!
The sound of chirping birds and the rays of sunshine glistening through the tent is the most relaxing way to wake up in the morning. This was paradise.
We visited the Bay of Fires then were invited to join in “happy hour” with the owners Julian, Clancy, and their friends, later that afternoon. We shared a nice bottle of Prosecco and locally smoked Tasmanian salmon, whilst exchanging stories and a couple of Dutch words!! After a night of such great company and a few laughs, we headed off into our cosy and warm Bell Tent to call it a night.
Spoiled by the nature of Tasmania and the luxury and comfort of the Sanctuary we felt like this was the perfect place to end our holiday. Anyone looking to escape the realities of everyday life needs to experience this little slice of heaven – even if only for a couple of days!
Matthias Wiersma
GlamXperience Australia™
02-05-2018
WHAT IS A BELL TENT?
So what is a bell tent...
At Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park we have set up our latest Glamping accommodation - Bell Tents.
Bell tents are a deluxe 100% cotton tent, they are a spacious 7 meters long by 4 meters wide and an incredible 3 meters high. This really adds to the sense of space, its wonderful to be in a tent and be able to stand upright and walk around!
We pitched our tents on timber decks to prevent uninvited guests from creeping into the tent and to keep, dust, dirt and sand out of the tent.
Each deck has 2 outdoor armchairs and a side table, an umbrella and your own personal fire pot.
Each of the 4 tents has been set up for the enjoyment of couples, but they can fit an extra child on the day bed.
There are four bell tents in total and they have all been styled differently so you can enjoy a different experience every time you stay.
In the Bell Tent
3-4 rugs on the floor for warmth and comfort.
A couch which can also be used as a bed for an extra person.
A queen sized bed, complete with electric blanket and spare blankets if needed
Two bedside tables with lamps
A specially designed table on wheels that sits over the bed, to use to read or eat and pushed out of the way for sleeping.
A television with built in DVD player
A kitchenette with a microwave, mini bar fridge, a pod coffee machine and a kettle.
Uniquely styled crockery for 4, cutlery, cheese knife, bottle opener and cheese board.
a rechargeable torch to go spotlighting.
Two outdoor chairs and side table
A sun umbrella
Bell tents are not self contained but they are conveniently located to the amenities and the camp kitchen.
The Amenities
The toilets are each in their own well ventilated room with a small sink.
The showers are each in their own spacious room, with plenty of hooks for hanging clothes and a long bench for your convenience.
The park managers Kevin and Louise pride themselves on keeping the amenities clean and tidy.
The Camp Kitchen
Two cooktops and ovens
Two indoor sinks and 3 outdoor sinks
Stainless steel bench tops throughout
2 fridge/freezers
Kettles, toasters and microwaves
Free barbecues
All the equipment needed to create your favourite meals.
Two mess tents with tables and chairs if you feel like eating with company.
BELL TENT - A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
"Please Mum can we sleep in the tent?", after watching us set up the first bell tent for two days our youngest daughter couldn't wait to be the first one to sleep in the new Bell Tent.
The idea of setting up Bell tents in the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park had been percolating in our minds for the last six months; should we, shouldn't we, will people like them, will WE like them....
Well the answer is a resounding YES, we love them!
Going to sleep in my electric blanket warmed bed next to my youngest daughter listening to the waves on the beach and watching the 100% cotton canvas undulate in the light breeze was a wonderful experience that took me right back to camping as a child with my own parents.
Waking up after a deep and refreshing sleep and seeing the silhouettes of the native shrubs waving outside the tents hearing the sound of the waves and the birds and knowing that I didn't have to rush about packing up a car full of camping paraphernalia and trying to get the tent back in the bag made for a truly luxurious morning.
Sitting on the generous deck, drinking a coffee from the provided pod machine looking over the nature reserve with bacon and eggs cooked by my husband in the camp kitchen would have been the perfect end to our night in the bell tent, but unfortunately for me it was a bowl of muesli and off to set up the second bell tent!!
Top 5 wine and beer experiences on the East Coast of Tasmania
The East Coast of Tasmania is best known for the Great Eastern Drive and the wonderful coastline but there are some fantastic experiences dotted along the coast for wine and beer lovers too...
Vineyard and brewery experiences on the East Coast of Tasmania
The East Coast of Tasmania is best known for the Great Eastern Drive and the wonderful coastline but there are some fantastic experiences dotted along the coast for wine and beer lovers too. Why not include a wine tasting session or a trip to a local brewery in your holiday itinerary? Here's our top 5 list of wine and beer experiences on the East Coast of Tasmania.
1. The Pub in the Paddock
Meet Priscilla the beer drinking pig at The Pub in the Paddock! Share a beer with Priscilla the beer drinking pig and "Princess of the Paddock". She's a local celebrity for a reason. The Pub in the Paddock is one of the oldest pubs in Tasmania and is full of character and charm. The BLT is supposedly delicious for a bite too!
2. DEVIL'S CORNER CELLAR DOOR
Along the Great Eastern Drive, Devil's Corner is often a moment which takes the breath away because of it's sweeping views and picturesque landscape. They have award winning Pinot Noir and a highly regarded restaurant so it's worth taking the time to indulge here for a lunch if you can.
Devil's Corner Cellar Door - a vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania with an impressive view even by Tasmania's standards.
3. Ironhouse Point Brewery
For the beer lover's amongst you the Ironhouse Point Brewery is a great option. Check out the distilling process and marvel at the shiny equipment and the brewing process. The BrewHaus Cafe & Bar is family friendly and features a play area for children so it's also a great way to stop those tummies from rumbling!
3. Freycinet VIneyard
Freycinet Vineyard was the first commercial vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania and is to this day considered one of the best in Tasmania by many. Family run and operated, the integrity of the product is at the heart of this vineyard and who doesn't want to check out Wineglass Bay??
5. Priory Ridge vineyard
Last but certainly not least is Priority Ridge Vineyard. This vineyard is only 3 km from St. Helens and the closest of the bunch to us at Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park. The boutique winery offers wine tasting so it's a great way to find some delicious local wine that takes your fancy to enjoy back at the camp site over a camp dinner!
The Pub in the Paddock, one of Tasmania's oldest pubs, is on the East Coast of Tasmania
This post is care of Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, an accommodation provider on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. A caravan park and camp ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Scamander is the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. Camp or park your caravan or campervan at an unpowered or powered campsite or book a safari style self contained cabin if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Find out more or call us on (03) 6372 5311 to book.
Top 5 things to do in Scamander
Scamander is a lovely peaceful seaside town but there's always plenty to do...
1. LEARN HOW TO SURF OR PADDLEBOARD
Learn how to surf or paddleboard at 42 South Surf School
Scamander is home to Tasmania's first and most progressive surf school! Learn to surf in a fun and safe environment during a surf session held by trained surf coaches.
Scamander is a lovely peaceful seaside town but there's always plenty to do...
1. Learn how to surf or paddleboard
Learn how to surf or paddleboard at 42 South Surf School
Scamander is home to Tasmania's first and most progressive surf school! Learn to surf in a fun and safe environment during a surf session held by trained surf coaches. 42 South Surf School have some cracking Tripadvisor Reviews - check them out here.
Check out their Facebook Page
2. Go Fishing
Surf fishing on Steeles Beach just over the dunes from the park can prove very fruitful! And for a more relaxing fishing experience, throw a line in off Scamander Jetty. Bait is available from Scamander Newsagency and Mouth Cafe and for all the hot fishing tips speak to our Park Manager Kevin. He's an avid fisherman and knows what's biting and where at any time of the year!
Read more about fishing in Scamander
3. Go for a LEISURELY walk
Right on the edge of our caravan park sits Winifred Curtis Reserve which has many different walking tracks to explore. Walking along Steeles Beach is always enjoyable and relaxing in Winter as well as Summer.
4. Twilight wildlife watching in Winifred Curtis Reserve
At the park guests enjoy regular visits from native birds and rock wallabys. If you're really lucky you might even be able to spot the occasional echidna, dolphin or whale down at Steeles Beach.
Read more about wildlife watching on the East Coast of Tasmania
5. Fish and chips in scamander
Always a great holiday treat, grab some fish and chips or a burger and settle on the beach, playground, skate park or jetty to enjoy! We have heard from some guests that they consider Scamander Newsagency and Mouth Cafe to have the best fish and chips in Tasmania!
This post is care of Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, an accommodation provider on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. A caravan park and camp ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Scamander is the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. Camp or park your caravan or campervan at an unpowered or powered campsite or book a safari style self contained cabin if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Find out more or call us on (03) 6372 5311 to book.
Family fun around the park
There's a whole heap of family fun to be had in and around Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park.
PLAYGROUNDS
We have not one but TWO playgrounds for children to explore. One big whopper for children of all ages and another smaller one more suitable for toddlers.
There's a whole heap of family fun to be had in and around Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park.
Playgrounds
We have not one but TWO playgrounds for children to explore. One big whopper for children of all ages and another smaller one more suitable for toddlers. Feel free to ask for a camp site near the playground and you'll be able to supervise with your feet up from your site!
Beach walks
Steele beach is a short sand dune adventure away and it's great for family walks. Sea shell spotting, rock pool exploration, writing names in the sand, all the good things that the beaches of Tassies's East Coast offer up to families.
Wildlife watching
Our park gets visited by lots of furry friends and native wildlife. Possums, wallabies and kookaburras are regular visitors and if you're really lucky you might see a sea eagle or a pod of dolphins.
Fishing
There are heaps of great spots to fish near the park. Surf fishing is great off Steele Beach and the Scamander River is fantastic for breem, flatties and other fishes year round. You can even venture out further and hope to catch a cray!
Marshmallows around the campfire
Roasting marshmallows on sticks while camping never gets old. The melting, oozy, sticky sweetness inside that charred burnt deliciousness is a past time that families enjoy again and again and our fire pit is perfect!
Bush walks
Our park is right alongside a nature reserve so as soon as you get to the end of the park you're on a walk! There are many tracks to explore for little discoverers as well as more seasoned walkers.
This post is care of the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. A caravan park and camping ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Scamander is the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. Camp or park your caravan or campervan at an unpowered or powered campsite or book a safari style self contained cabin if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Find out more or call us on (03) 6372 5311 to book.
The best park amenities, APPARENTLY
We get a lot of great feedback from our lovely guests but the one comment we get again and again is that we have "the best park amenities"! Although it's a small detail it seems a very important consideration for many. Our amenities block is modern, clean and well maintained. And apparently the best some of our guests have ever come across! We've also got some other great facilities in the park that deserve a mention too so read on to find out about our landry, camp cooking options and huge playground!
The best park amenities block on the East Coast of Tasmania
We get a lot of great feedback from our lovely guests but the one comment we get again and again is that we have "the best park amenities"! They are modern, clean and well maintained. And apparently the best some of our guests have ever come across! We've also got some other great facilities in the park that deserve a mention too so read on to find out about our landry, camp cooking options and huge playground!
A clean, private amenities block
It's a small detail but guests seem to love our amenities block. It's probably the thing that we get the most positive comments about. We've done a lot of camping around Tasmania and we have to agree - it's the best amenities block we've seen in a caravan park ourselves. It's clean, modern and the shower stalls are private so you can enjoy a hot shower in peace.
Two great playgrounds for our littlest guests
Playgrounds are always a major win for families when camping. Little ones can run off some of their excess energy while parents and friends relax and have some time to themselves/ We have two playgrounds. This big whopper which can entertain for hours and a smaller toddler playground near our camp kitchen.
A laundry to relax in
Our laundry isn't just a messy space. For those that want to get away and relax and read there's space for you to hang out. We have large commercial washers and dryers and a couple of traditional Australian hills hoists for you to hang up your laundry on a fine day.
Camp cooking options for all
We've got a range of options for cooking while you camp or stay with us. Our camp kitchen is indoors and there's plenty of space to BYO table and chairs if you want a change of scenery. We also have an undercover BBQ area near the safari cabins and a fire pit for those who want to get back to camp cooking basics.
We pride ourselves on the friendly community atmosphere that our park has and we continue to try to improve the park. So if you've stayed and you think we could make something better - please let us know by contacting us!
This post is care of the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. A caravan park and camping ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Scamander is the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. Camp or park your caravan or campervan at an unpowered or powered campsite or book a safari style self contained cabin if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Find out more or call us on (03) 6372 5311 to book.
How to camp on the East Coast of Tasmania in Winter
You wake in the middle of the night, freezing, nose dripping and can instantly feel the chill of the air on your flushed cheeks. It’s still raining heavily and you wish you hadn’t opted for the “more affordable option” from the selection of tents...
How to camp on the East Coast of Tasmania in Winter
You wake in the middle of the night, freezing, nose dripping and can instantly feel the chill of the air on your flushed cheeks. It’s still raining heavily and you wish you hadn’t opted for the “more affordable option” from the selection of tents. You wait for the weather to change just a little bit and concentrate on defrosting your feet by rubbing them together in your socks until you’re eventually warm enough to fall back asleep. It takes much longer than you had hoped.
If you’re a true camper and love the experience of being in a tent you’ve been here before. And it’s never pretty!
One way to avoid this situation but still enjoy the feeling of being in the outdoors in winter is to camp in one of Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park’s safari style cabins on the East Coast of Tasmania. We call them safari cabins as this term reflects the accommodation level most appropriately but they are canvas so you still get that feeling of being in the great outdoors that we all love. Full self-contained accommodation, our safari cabins hold all the benefits of feeling like you’re sleeping under the stars but also provide all the conveniences of home, “warmth” being one of them!
Camping in Tasmania in winter
There are so many things to enjoy about camping in Tasmania during winter. The cold brings out another beautiful side of the surrounding nature. Winter in Tasmania brings some crisp, sunny spectacular sunny days and snow features around the State regularly on many mountain tops.
Under floor heating!!
Every safari cabin has underfloor heating that give the accommodation that sense of luxury. Warm up fast after exploring on Tasmania’s East Coast in the winter or after you’ve been caught in the rain. Each safari cabin also has its own heater to keep guests toasty warm when they need it most.
Pod coffee machine
Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park safari cabins also each feature a pod coffee machine to make those winter days warmer for guests. Self contained accommodation with some small luxuries! Each guest is treated to a few on arrival and more are available from the office for $1 each for those of us who like to indulge in a couple of cups a day.
Comfortable indoor kitchen and private outdoor undercover BBQ
There’s no need to run through the rain to reach the camp kitchen, BBQ or bathroom if you stay in one of our self-contained safari cabins. Everything you need for your comfort is inside your cabin. If you want to create a gourmet meal a fully equipped kitchen is at your fingertips with a portable cook top and a private BBQ.
Private bathroom
No need to wait in a line for a hot shower when you have your own private bathroom! And when you need to use the facilities you have a toilet close by.
No need to cancel due to rain
It can be heartbreaking to cancel a camping trip due to unexpected weather conditions but safari cabin guests have no need to change plans. Safari cabins offer a toasty retreat from the winter conditions so that you can camp in style rain, hail or shine!
Read about one family's stay in a safari style cabin
This post is care of the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania in the perfect spot to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. A caravan park and camping ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Camp or park your caravan or campervan at an unpowered or powered campsite or book a safari style self contained cabin if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Call us on (03) 6372 5311 to book.
Campings in Tasmania
We’ve been speaking to some of our European guests and have found out about some interesting differences between camping in Tasmania and camping in Europe...
Campings in Tasmania
We’ve been speaking to some of our European guests and have found out about some interesting differences between camping in Tasmania and camping in Europe.
No, we haven’t misspelled anything here. Did you know that the terminology for any type of caravan park or campground in Europe is “campings”? When a European says “campings” they are referring to any place you can pitch a tent or park a camper. But “campings” in Europe are different to ours in Tasmania. When you’re camping in Europe.
We spoke to one of our European friends to find out more about the difference between campings in Europe and campings in Tasmania.
“In Europe the campgrounds are a mini village and feature a supermarket, restaurant (often two) and lots of entertainment for kids like painting etc..). There is also a lot of entertainment for adults too like bingo, dancing, live music, big and warm swimming pools with slides and sometimes even a pool bar.
In Australia it’s more basic, and it’s more about making memories with your family or friends around camp fires and in Australia camping is about enjoying nature more with activities like walking, biking, fishing, swimming etc.”
So – it seems camping in Tasmania and Australia is more about being in the moment and enjoying nature, friendships, family and the peace and quiet.
This post is care of the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. The caravan park and cabins are in the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. A caravan park and camping ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Camp or park your caravan or campervan in an unpowered or powered campsite or book a cabin style safari tent if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Call (03) 6372 5311 to book.
Why are we the best caravan park on the East Coast of Tasmania?
Why is Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park the best caravan park and camping site on the East Coast of Tasmania?
There are a few things that set us apart from other caravan parks on the East Coast of Tasmania. And in our humble opinion (cough, cough) we have some things going for us that make us the best East Coast Tasmania caravan park and holiday park by a country mile...
Why is Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park the best caravan park and camping site on the East Coast of Tasmania?
There are a few things that set us apart from other caravan parks on the East Coast of Tasmania. And in our humble opinion (cough, cough) we have some things going for us that make us the best East Coast Tasmania caravan park and holiday park by a country mile.
The best location
- We are located right in the middle of the Great Eastern Drive so whether you're doing the drive from Launceston, Devonport or Burnie from the North or Hobart from the South, we are a great base to explore the wonders of Tasmania's East Coast
- Situated at at the gateway to The Bay of Fires and St Helens and only 40 minutes from Bicheno, we are close to all the tourism hot spots of the East Coast of Tasmania
- Our caravan park is located in a stunning peaceful setting, alongside a beach and right next to a nature reserve so you can listen to the waves while falling asleep and go wildlife watching at dusk
The best caravan park amenities
- Time and time again our visitors mention just how clean and private our camp amenities are.
The best caravan park facilities
- Two playgrounds, free communal undercover gas BBQs, great laundry, a fire pit and a Park Manager who doubles as a resident fishing expert. We've got it all!
The friendliest people
- The town of Scamander is lovely, peaceful and community minded
- We just seem to attract lovely human beings to our park. So if you're friendly yourself - please roll up!
- Meet our Park Managers to find out a little bit about them. They are very welcoming to all our guests.
A peaceful, natural setting
- We are right next to a nature reserve and smack bang sheltered behind the dunes of one of the great beaches of the East Coast of Tasmania.
- It's even common to catch wildlife sightings at the park!
A great range of accommodation options
- On top of the standard camp sites and caravan sites we have another accommodation option - our cabin style self-contained safari tents. They are a great options for families that want an easier camping experience and those who like the great outdoors but also like all the conveniences of home.
This post is care of the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. The caravan park and cabins are in the perfect location to explore the Bay of Fires, St Helens and Bicheno. A caravan park and camping ground in Scamander, Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park offers family friendly camping and in a beautiful natural setting right next to the beach and a nature reserve. Camp or park your caravan or campervan in an unpowered or powered campsite or book a cabin style safari tent if you prefer to camp in style with all the conveniences of home. Call (03) 6372 5311 to book.