It was certainly a beautiful night to be sleeping under the stars in one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences : Tandara Safari tent.

Tandara is the name given to the safari eco tent experience at Lane Cove River Tourist Park in Sydney. As there is only one tent in the tourist complex, it is not easy to get a booking. The tent is normally booked out for at least 6 months ahead on a Saturday night and other nights in the warmer months are similarly busy.

The drive to the Lane Cove River Tourist Park through the Sydney traffic jams is pretty mediocre to say the least. If I were to come again, I would look at taking a different route and avoid the depressing site of Macquarie Business centres, Northern Suburbs Crematorium and Saturday afternoon shoppers. Not want you want to see on a weekend getaway!

“Tandara is the perfect way to experience high quality safari style glamping “

But once we arrive, and go through the wooden entrance gates to Tandara, we find ourselves in an enchanted world. The native garden surrounding the tent is spacious and  well cared for and we feel miles away. The tent boasts a beautiful deck overlooking the Lane Cove National Park bushland and it is hard to believe that we are still in Sydney.

Inside, we find a simple bedroom and very glamorous bathroom.

The bath is the perfect way to escape from reality in a romantic indulgence – don’t forget to bring something special to add to  the water: eco friendly of course!

Would I stay at Tandara again? Tandara was a great quick escape in the city. It is beautifully cared for and an absolute credit to the people at National Parks NSW. As much as I enjoyed the feeling of being in the bush, the reality of a real getaway out of the Sydney area is probably more appealing to me.

To explore outside of Sydney, try The Escape, Paperbark Camp, South Coast Retreats, Tanja Lagoon Camp