American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller is credited with erecting the first geodesic dome building in 1949, and his innovative work is still influencing the design of modern-day dome tents.
He realised that the futuristic igloo-like structures built with interconnected triangles had a self-supportive structure, meaning they can withstand extreme weather conditions – even earthquakes and hurricanes. Relatively lightweight and sturdy, the tents can also be moved easily without adversely affecting the ground they sit upon.
This means that dome tents can be placed in secluded locations across Australia, so you can enjoy a sustainable retreat that is serene, luxurious, and blessed with stunning views.
Relax in a dome surrounded by stunning Tassie vineyards
In the Swinging Gate Vineyard near Launceston, relax and reset in one of three 28-square metre domes with king-sized beds, ensuites, floor heating and plenty of room to lounge while taking in the vineyard views.
Whether you visit during a freezing Tasmanian winter or in the middle of summer, these domes – called Pinot, Sauvignon and Amerone – are a cocoon in which you can indulge on hampers of Tasmanian food and wine, and some stargazing at night. The Sauvignon and Amerone domes also feature luxury outdoor bathtubs with amazing views.
Stay: At Domescapes in the Vines, the luxurious domes are on a working vineyard on the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
Play: Enjoy a bottle of wine as a welcome gift, a wine tasting, and a $25 breakfast voucher at nearby Cabin Coffee café.
Getting there: Swinging Gate Vineyard is a 35-minute drive from Launceston.
Price: $390 for two, for a dome with a bath tub. For $76, order a Tasmanian tasting platter for two, or a cheese platter for $42.
A luxury adults-only dome on the Victorian coast
This gorgeous dome tent is located on the adults-only Inverloch Glamping Co. property in rural South East Gippsland, Victoria.
Wake up to an ocean sunrise without even leaving your bed and its layers of luxury linens. Farmland and picture-perfect native gardens surround the dome, and if you’re staying in the cooler months, you can light the chiminea in
your room and snuggle back under the doona. Or, in the warmer months, check out the private outdoor shower.
There’s a rustic camp kitchen that’s worthy of a magazine photoshoot, with everything you need to cook your own meals. For privacy, the kitchen and lounging area can be closed off from the outdoors with blinds, and there’s an open fireplace to keep you toasty.
Stay: In the dome tent at The Inverloch Glamping Co. property you’re surrounded by the windswept, rugged beauty of the Victorian coast.
Play: An outdoor bath house with a fire pit can be booked. It features two wine-barrel style baths, with candles and fairy lights adding to the dreamy atmosphere.
Getting there: The property is a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
Price: A 2-night-stay is $710 mid-week, and extras such as the bathing experience are on top.
An off-grid luxury dome on the NSW coast
Nature Domes is an off-the-grid, solar-powered retreat near Port Macquarie in NSW, where you can immerse yourself in nature on a verdant 110-acre property, isolated from the rest of the world.
This stunning dome has a huge deck complete with a hot tub for bathing under the sky and stars. Native wildlife such as kangaroos, possums and goannas are a-plenty, as well as free-roaming livestock – from friendly alpacas and donkeys, to miniature goats and chickens.
The luxurious dome has a sophisticated cottage feel, with a calming blue and white palette, and a full kitchen and fridge. Enjoy a platter of local produce on the deck, cook dinner at your own pace, and afterwards, do some stargazing with the telescope in your bedroom.
Stay: Nature Domes near Port Macquarie will give you a complete reset in nature..
Play: Be whisked away for a mountaintop picnic, and then back in your dome, spoil yourself with some spa treatments.
Getting there: Port Macquarie is a four-hour drive from Sydney.
Price: $1,335 for two people for two nights, including $920 for two nights, plus a mountaintop picnic for $240, and a lavender body wrap for $175.
Loving the sound of these dome tents? Check out more amazing places to play and stay here.
