'I swapped my mobile for a canoe at this famous luxury glamping stay'
Flap, flap, scuttle. Flap, flap, scuttle. There was something in the tent.
I say tent, but this was certainly not a piece of canvas and some poles like you'd buy at Anaconda.
Because I was at Australia's original safari camp, Paperbark Camp, about 2.5 hours south of Sydney.
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A tent at Paperbark Camp near Jervis Bay. Supplied
There's no dodgy sleeping bags or deflated air mattresses here... just pure luxury.
However, being in the middle of the woods means sometimes you do get a few creatures keen to join you in the sumptuous surroundings; who can blame them.
And this one was now flapping around somewhere.
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Luckily, between me and my new friend was a huge mosquito net. And, after rousing my husband, he pointed out my problem.
Apparently if you scroll Insta in bed, in the dark, in the middle of the woods, the glow might just attract a moth...
I've never got off my phone faster.
The 'windows' and 'entrance' of the tent can be covered over at night. Supplied
What is Paperbark Camp
The eco-friendly camp opened in 1999, close to Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast which is famous for its white sand beaches.
Most Sydneysiders will know it either because they've been there, or always wanted to.
Tents are set among the paperbark trees, as the name suggests, and by a creek. I've stayed in a camp in Africa, and it was very similar.
And while like many Aussies I find travelling overseas preferable for a holiday, often, it's just not possible.
This spot might have only been a few hours drive, but as soon as I arrived I felt transported.
Huskisson is less than 15 minutes drive away, but we actually wanted to stay at the camp. Because it's all about simple pleasures.
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Kayaking at Paperbark Camp. Supplied
We grabbed some of the kayaks and paddled along the river (you can get all the way to Huskisson in around 90 minutes if you're feeling energetic).
Honestly, I can't remember laughing as much as I did when I had to get OUT of the thing. (Much harder than it looks).
I left my mobile behind too, which was much needed.
There are also bikes.
But simply laying on the daybeds reading books and doing nothing for the afternoon was one of those real 'breathe out' moments.
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The tents
Our tent was one of the slight bigger deluxe versions, but they're all a far cry from anything you may have stayed in before.
It had a proper bed and bedding, wooden floors, multiple lights and a headboard which doubled as a wardrobe.
Luxury blankets, bathrobes and customised toiletries added to the upmarket feel.
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Taking a bath at Paperbark camp. Supplied
There are phone chargers but no other power supplies, so leave your laptop at home.
The 'windows' and 'entrance' of the tent can be covered over at night. But with just a fabric wall, you wake up to the chirps and cheeps of the forest.
It was certainly a refreshing change from my noisy upstairs neighbours.
Then there was the bathroom. And the BATH.
Covered by canvas but with walls only part of the way up (don't worry nobody can see in) I had an unforgettable soak among the trees.
The rainfall shower was equally stunning.
And don't worry that midnight bug encounter was the only one - they provide repellent.
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Paperbark Camp is home to a top restaurant, Gunyah. Supplied
The food
There's no heating up tins of baked beans and eating them on a log here like you may imagine with camping or even glamping.
Paperbark Camp is home to a restaurant, Gunyah, which also attracts outside diners for its modern Australian cuisine.
And it really was top notch.
While you can snack in your tent, we were told multiple times not to keep food overnight in case of cheeky possums.
Breakfast at Paperbark Camp, NSW. Supplied
They're "persistent" we were warned....
Breakfast was also gorgeous - including a delectable homemade granola and a choice of cooked dishes including the tastiest avo-laden toast I've possibly ever had.
The verdict
Slow travel is having a moment.
Aussies are keen to unwind and relax and 'do nothing', rather than zooming around trying to tick off sights.
We might have only been away for two days, but returning to work after the weekend I felt refreshed and like we'd travelled much further.
The writer stayed as a guest of Paperbark Camp and was provided a hire car from Hertz.
