Bukirk Glamping - Camping in Style, Clare Valley, South Australia

Glamping is for those who want to experience the outdoor lifestyle of camping without foregoing the luxuries of basic motel accommodation.

Bukirk (pronounced 'Buh -kirk') Glamping, located on a rural property, in the Clare Valley, just outside of Clare, South Australia, is by far one of the best accommodation experiences my partner and I have enjoyed to date. Although Bukirk's Facebook page says you could bring a family (I guess additional bedding can be arranged?), everything is more clearly targeted at couples, looking for a romantic getaway where the accommodation is a memorable part of the experience, and not just somewhere to stay.

Unlike motel accommodation the uniqueness of Bukirk encourages you to be outside, in the open air, rather than spending all your time in your room/tent. The entire glamping grounds is designed to take advantage of the spectacular view, specifically the sun setting behind the surrounding hills, and then an unobstructed view of the stars.

These Bell tents are quite spacious inside. The wooden
deck gives you somewhere a little more private if you'd prefer.

The site consists of two large bell tents (with plans for two more in the near future), each spaced generously apart from the other, set up on their own wooden decking. Both have their own en-suite bathroom that, on the outside looks like a tin shed, but inside, with the door shut, you'd swear you were in an actual motel room en-suite.

The tents themselves contain a full, queen-size bed (linen supplied), side tables, lamp, two seater couch, mini fridge (stocked with optional drinks and chocolate you can purchase), a fan, and plenty of built in power outlets. Should the weather be extremely hot or cool, additional air-conditioners/heaters can be hired. Out on the deck there are chairs where you can sit and enjoy the sunset in a more intimate surrounding.

Bukirk's outdoor kitchen/dining area takes advantage
of the view no matter where you are.

Bukirk's full glamping experience is a little more communal with a large, open shelter that contains a shared barbecue, outdoor kitchen, dining table/chairs, and a lounge area with a decent size LCD TV. With only two tents there's plenty of space to accommodate two couples in the common area at the same time without getting in each others way. It may be a little more challenging once more tents are added but if you like meeting new people, it should add to the overall experience.

The kitchen is stocked with basic essentials like tea, coffee, milk, etc. Pre-prepared breakfast/lunch/diner packs can be arranged at additional cost but it's easy enough just to buy whatever food you need in Clare and bring it back to camp.

The best place to put down a blanket, drink wine
and watch the sun go down.

In front of the shelter is a well kept patch of very green grass specifically for picnicking on as you watch the sun go down, or to lay back and stargaze. Ask business owner and host, Alison 'Chook' Meany, about a star gazing phone app, that really enhanced our view of the sky beyond  just looking up and marvelling at how impressive it all is.

I should also note that we stayed at the end of the dry season when the entire area was looking very brown, yellow and dusty. Still a great experience if you like the colors of an Australian Autumn but you'll really appreciate that patch of green grass in front of the shelter just a little bit more! I imagine the whole setting looks even more stunning in the Spring.

The only negatives worth mentioning is firstly, 'Glamping' is not entirely a bug free experience. Which I only point out because 'bugs' is often a reason for people to stay away from camping. However, we didn't run into any critters that we hadn't dealt with in suburbia (with exception to Alison's pet pig, Kevi, who is friendly and adorable), and really didn't have to worry about bugs much at all.

Secondly, there's no wi-fi, which is a deliberate choice by Alison to help you take a proper break from tech in the way that traditional camping often does. That said, phone coverage is actually quite good, so, if you can't disconnect, make sure you top up your mobile data allowance.

Bukirk Glamping doesn't take things too seriously
with its overall chicken inspired theme.

Overall, Bukirk Glamping was an ideal weekend getaway for my partner and I. There are plenty of sight seeing opportunities and wineries within driving distance to keep you occupied during the day, with Bukirk being a great way to wind down and watch the sunset, and just, in general, make the accommodation side of your trip as memorable as the sight seeing.

It definitely maintains the spirit of camping under the stars without having to forego the basic luxuries of civilisation.