60 On trend Glamping in Gippsland

ON TREND GLAMPING IN GIPPSLAND

WORDS & IMAGES DANIELLE RALPH | IMAGES SUPPLIED BY INVERLOCH GLAMPING CO

Unplugged from life’s obligations, I am listening and watching the nearby ocean waves rise and gently fold. I smell the carefully curated floral arrangements amidst native bushlands and taste freshly picked berries, complemented by a glass of prosecco. I am tucked away in this handcrafted hideaway at Inverloch Glamping Co. My agenda is to be present in nature…with an on trend added touch of glamour, of course.

My fully prepared Scandinavian styled luxury bell tent faces Inverloch’s dynamic estuary and is named Anderson’s Let after the pioneering explorer who settled in this region. Cosy rugs, handmade soft furnishings, and a split system is on hand for year-round comfort in this rural oasis.

The accompanying bathroom cabin features both indoor and outdoor rain showers and is equipped with eco-friendly mandarin and lemon myrtle fragranced amenities as well as a personal robe. Set upon my own viewing deck wrapped in the robe, I am primely positioned to totally relax as I watch the sun set. It’s glorious.

As the moon takes its place in the night sky, my wood fire chimenea is lit. For added comfort, a blanket and cushions are available to use as I please. The stars glitter magnificently. Shall I admire them from my campsite, personal decking space, the large hammock bed fitted with cushions and hand-woven blankets or the outdoor bath house? This is glamping at its best.

At Inverloch Glamping Co, life is simple and fulfilling.

This wonderful experience was owner Vanessa Bostock’s vision and now pride and joy. From growing up in the United Kingdom on a farm, to understanding the trends of what people want from an adult only sustainable getaway with a few creature comforts, Vanessa along with her husband Rod, a South Gippsland local, have established an outstanding business on their property in Inverloch.

“It became evident to us when we bought this property that it had a soothing, magical e ect. We wanted to share that. It was just the ponies and the sheep in the paddock. So why not share it?” Vanessa begins.

“We had an opportunity with some inheritance and my sister had sewn the seed of this idea with her business back in the UK as well having knowledge of the popularity of glamping there, but I had no experience in hospitality,” Vanessa reflects.

“One of the main concepts for me was the landscaping and the types of plants that I have. Getting creative in the garden is always my savouring grace.” she says. "Everything with the landscaping has a meaning, whether that be a scent, for cut flowers, a structural element or a practical element like the grasses that can be cut for basket weaving. The fresh flowers in the accommodations all off the property.”

As Vanessa explains, her guests are often surprised that everything is here for them including a camp kitchen stocked with pots and pans. “I wanted to have that ease for people in getting the full experience with minimal effort on their part. I also love the idea that people can be communal here or they can be completely private. I do love it when people do meet other guests and use the camp kitchen as a communal space,” she comments.

Alternatively, the bath house is the perfect private spot to book for a romantic evening for two. Epson salts and candles creates a beautifully calming setting should guests opt to utilise the facility. A two-night stay is encouraged to fully unwind and appreciate the surroundings.

“My hope is that people get exactly what they want out of this experience. Most people do, I feel. Most people come to reset. I want people to take in the scenery and encourage them to catch a sunrise. They are amazing. I get to see in people’s faces how they are just so di erent when they leave,” Vanessa shares satisfied with her part in this positive experience.

Three years into the business and with sons now 13 and 17, Vanessa also likes to encourage family involvement and is always forward thinking. She has several enhancements to the property floating in her mind for when the time presents to expand. First, the bell tent Anderson’s Let will become a geodesic dome where a 180 degree viewing window will bring the sunrise to the guests without even getting out of bed.

With a background in remedial massage, Vanessa also plans to incorporate this service into the business as well as hosting relevant workshops on site, potentially offering a bike hiring option to guests and a top-secret new style of accommodation. The possibilities are endless for a very hard-working woman. She just needs to find the time to keep up with her ever-expanding ideas.

“My boys were actually one of the main reasons I started this business because I wanted to show them that if you do have a dream and an idea, if you work hard enough, you can actually achieve some big things. My dad always used to say, ‘where there's a will, there's a way’ and I pretty much have to live my life like that,” Vanessa says.

“I'm really proud of what we have built. It's been a hell of a ride. It's here, doing really well and it's popular. People are loving it, so I'm proud of that.” Vanessa certainly should be proud. The desire for experiencebased travel is growing stronger and stronger and Inverloch Glamping Co sits pretty as one of the special ones.

RONGOTAI HEAR, SEE, SMELL, TASTE THE OCEAN INVERLOCH GLAMPING CO