Bukirk Glamping – Clare

If you have ever hidden in the toilet from your kids or partner to get five seconds of hush, if you have never left your kids with a trusted family member, sitter or friend over night (or even just for a wee while), I want you to repeat this – “in 2020 I am going to do something that is JUST for me”.

I needed a break. Call it what you like, Mum’s Time Out, Girls Night Away, Mum Break, Me Time, You Time; the name of 24 hours off grid from EVERY THING and every one doesn’t really matter. The opportunity to actually do it is so damn healthy yet so damn hard to pull off for some of us. I was determined to make it happen and I found the ultimate place to disconnect when I visited Bukirk Glamping in the Clare Valley. Gather a girl tribe or go it alone (as I did), it is the deeeeee-vine self indulgence that I was badly craving.

At Bukirk you will get a REAL glamping experience. It is not a cabin or a half done tent in a holiday park that you can’t stand up in or that flaps around your head while you try to sleep. It’s isolated and quiet, divine and the highest of quality. Bonus – you just roll in and it’s all set up for you.

Five fabulously appointed en-suited glamping tents sit unassumingly on the sweetest property on outskirts of Clare. Think chic spaces, rustic country side, uber comfy new beds, abundance of fresh air and an opportunity to enjoy being in nature, in luxurious comfort. A magical vibrant clash of two opposites; nature and luxury. Yes, that’s it. That’s what this place is.

Sleeping in fresh air and camping in general will always appealed to me. A wine under the stars, an outdoor bath under the old windmill and a fancy communal kitchen space provided by the fire pit (lit when it is well out of fire season) tick many further boxes.

Given I was on a mission to have some ‘Mum Time’ I loved that Bukirk actually isn’t for kids. Perfect. We need places like this. It is an adults only oasis that accommodates just five couples (or singles in the case of my visit) at a time. When is the last time you spent some time just on you?

Set around a quality camp kitchen that offers some basic amenities and communal space, I spent my evening watching the sun set and pouring a local Riesling (or two) with owner Alison (Chook), who was only too happy to give me her pointers on the best of the region. I love that she’s local and not some pretentious eastern states investor who might potentially over charge and under deliver. This talented lady has both work ethic and Clare Valley in her veins and you’d be hard pressed to find a better host any where.

My visit fell in summer and it was a HOT day. On arrival I was really thinking ‘Bishop, what have you bloody done’ and that I might be in for a hot night. Nope. Once that sun sets in the Clare Valley the temperature drops and it is delightful. Until that time you can cool off in the open air bath. Sure, you can also book a portable air conditioner for nominal fee – but honestly, I didn’t even need to sleep with my in-tent fan on. On the flip side there is a quirky fire pit for the cooler months and cute gas heaters in all tents. I’m going back in May to star gaze and sip some red wine around that fire pit. A.L.R.E.A.D.Y booked.

So, let me tell you a little bit about the five tents. Why not book them all out and have a celebration here? Two have king sized beds and the others queen. There is an option to stay in the king tents with the beds zipped apart (for a small housekeeping fee). Each tent is named after a different type of chicken and very subtly themed that way (think silkie, frizzle, araucana etc etc.) You see, owner/manager Alison is more commonly known as ‘Chook’ in these parts and yep if you guessed it “Bukirk” comes from the noise a hen happily makes (bok bok bok bukirk….)

The tents are spacious and lavishly furnished with delightful rugs, devine linen, cushions and throws (something most blokes have little appreciation for lets face it). The beds – oh so new and wonderful. Each tent has a mini bar fridge with some choccies and drinks and an honestly system to place your lemonade bottle change in the jar if you take something. Loads of easy breezy windows and doors for access and fresh air ensure you wont forget that you are in the great out doors and yep, there are lamps for night time (but bugs like light so keep zipped up) although I kept mine off most of the night. Each tent has a modern en-suite with toilet, sink, mirror, power and a full sized rain water shower. (Prepare for soft hair!)

I loved LOVED my stay here. It goes with out saying that I didn’t want to leave. I have told every one who will listen about how great it is (honestly it runs rings around any glamping experience I have personally seen here in Australia). Finally – when I return in May I plan to take some interstate girlfriends and artist Caroline Fox to give us a Brush Party (think sip and paint led by a talented fun artist). So good.

PS Special shout out to my first ever real life pig experience. Resident ‘Kevin Bacon’ made my stay even more memorable. Who knew pigs had such amazing friendly personalities? Hilarious.

So, if you have ever been ‘glamping curious’ or even if you haven’t – look them up and book in a stay. Bukirk would also make a wonderful gift voucher say for a wedding present or a group present for a 40th or special occasion.

You'll find Bukirk Glamping at
88 Stradbroke Road, Stanley Flat South Australia (Clare Valley)
For more info and to book visit
https://bukirk.com.au/
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Phone them on  0455 666 177 
Email at glamping@bukirk.com.au