Cicada Luxury Camping, an adults-only glamping retreat in Jerrara on the New South Wales South Coast, has expanded its guest experience with the introduction of a new rainforest walking trail leading to a seasonal swimming hole overlooking the Jamberoo Valley, as interest in wellness-focused and nature-based travel continues to influence tourism trends across Australia.
The new feature is the latest addition to the property, which opened in 2022 and is operated by husband-and-wife founders Nick and Jen Currie. Accessible exclusively to guests, the naturally rain-fed swimming hole is reached via a trail through remnant subtropical rainforest, adding another outdoor experience to the retreat’s existing accommodations and wellness offerings.
The expansion comes as consumer research points to growing demand for slower-paced travel experiences. According to Wotif’s 2026 travel trends research, half of Australian travelers plan to choose slow, low-stress vacations in smaller towns this year, citing fewer crowds, opportunities to relax, and time to recharge as key motivations.
Separately, research from the Tourism & Transport Forum found that nearly two-thirds of Australian travelers are considering a digital detox while on vacation.
These trends are contributing to continued interest in domestic destinations that offer immersive outdoor experiences without requiring long-distance travel. For operators in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the findings reflect an opportunity to develop experiences that combine accommodations with wellness, nature, and privacy while encouraging longer stays and higher-value bookings.
Cicada Luxury Camping has gradually expanded its accommodations since opening, according to Australasian Management Leisure. Its two newest geodesic dome accommodations, Tiger Prince and Silver Knight, feature 3.5-meter ceilings, large windows overlooking the surrounding rainforest and countryside, king beds, private bathrooms, indoor dining areas, air conditioning, private wood-fired outdoor hot tubs, firepit grills, covered kitchens, and outdoor decks with integrated seating and hammocks.
The domes operate using solar power, while rainwater systems are incorporated throughout the property.
The retreat now offers six premium accommodations in total. In addition to the geodesic domes, guests can choose from two safari-style tents with private bathrooms and two deluxe bell tents that share communal amenities through “The Brood,” which includes a kitchen, lounge, outdoor dining area, and accessible bathroom facilities.
Guests are encouraged to prepare their own meals using provided cooking equipment and condiments, while restaurants and cafés in nearby Kiama and Gerringong remain accessible by car.
Wellness remains a central component of the property’s business model. Guests can book in-tent spa and massage services, including treatments conducted on private decks overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Available packages range from one-hour massages to extended wellness experiences incorporating multiple treatments and Australian botanical products.
Nick Currie, co-founder and director, Cicada Luxury Camping shared “People come here exhausted and leave restored. The views, the fire, the fresh air – it all plays a part. You follow the trail through the rainforest, the swimming hole appears, and then the valley opens up in front of you. It’s a moment that stays with you.”
For outdoor hospitality businesses, the property’s latest addition highlights how relatively modest infrastructure investments can broaden the guest experience beyond accommodations alone. Features such as nature trails, secluded outdoor amenities, and wellness programming can help differentiate glamping properties in a competitive market while aligning with consumer demand for experiential travel.
As wellness tourism continues to gain momentum, operators may find opportunities to increase guest satisfaction and encourage repeat visitation by integrating natural assets already present on their properties.
Cicada Luxury Camping is also offering a 10% discount on selected mid-week stays through its Sneaky Mid-Weeky Winter promotion. While no closing date for the promotion was announced, the offer is intended to encourage weekday travel during the winter season and complement the property’s expanded range of outdoor experiences.