Five new safari-style glamping tents have been installed at Reflections Hawks Nest Holiday Park ahead of the upcoming school holidays, marking part of a wider investment in the Crown land holiday park.
The $815,000 project follows $6.5 million in recent upgrades at the site, including the addition of a heated outdoor pool and 14 cabins, some of which are accessible and pet-friendly.
Located in the south-western end of the park, the new glamping tents expand the range of accommodation options available. Reflections Hawks Nest currently offers budget-friendly powered and unpowered sites, standard cabins, and upgraded deluxe and superior cabins within walking distance of the beach.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said the timing of the new accommodation would benefit visitors planning trips during the spring and summer holiday period.
“Hawks Nest and Port Stephens are a terrific holiday destination to relax and enjoy nature with stunning beaches, national parks, walking trails, and wildlife as well as adventure activities like kayaking, fishing, boating, and surfing,” she said.
Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said the glamping tents were designed to appeal to guests who enjoy the camping experience but prefer modern amenities.
Each tent sleeps four people and includes a bunk bedroom, open-plan living space, an extra-large verandah with outdoor furniture and a barbecue, as well as a bathroom and kitchenette.
“While many of our guests love pitching a tent on grass, others love the mod cons of camping, and these glamping tents give the feel of camping, because they are made of canvas, but have a modern bathroom and well-equipped kitchenette with all the bells and whistles, which makes camping easy,” Baker said.
Baker added that Reflections continues to cater to a variety of guest preferences, from traditional campers with tents, caravans, and RVs to those seeking more structured accommodation.
“Camping remains our core market, and we have so many options for those with their own tents and caravans, and RVs, but if like staying in more structured accommodation, we’ve got you covered with our cabins. Also, for those who like boutique and romantic digs, I recommend trying our tiny homes at nearby Jimmy’s Beach,” he said in a press release.
Minister for Lands and Property and Tourism Steve Kamper said the investment demonstrated Reflections’ commitment to providing diverse and accessible accommodation.
“Reflections Holidays manages 40 holiday parks and 47 community reserves on Crown land across the state on behalf of the NSW Government and reinvests all profits back into the parks and reserves to provide quality and affordable nature-based holidays,” Kamper said.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, the Hawks Nest expansion highlights a growing trend: meeting guest demand for flexibility across budget, comfort, and experience levels.
Investments in glamping infrastructure reflect ongoing consumer interest in hybrid models that combine traditional camping with higher-end amenities, offering opportunities for parks to attract new visitor segments while maintaining their core markets.
Featured image by Reflections Holiday via newshub.medianet.com.au