good for you

Wake in your cosy African Safari tent-on-stilts to the sounds, sights and smells of the Australia Bush. Set under towering gum trees above a pristine creek - for those whose idea of a holiday is a massage on their private verandah followed by a snooze on crisp cotton sheets, Paperbark offers luxury camping without the airbeds and tent pegs.

Designed to blend with the natural environment, the central building of corrugated iron and timber also reflects Australia's architectural heritage. This building is called the 'Gunyah', which means meeting place in the local Aboriginal language, and it houses the reception area and the restaurant, which serves excellent, innovative Australian cuisine prepared using local produce like fresh seafood, kangaroo fillets and bush herbs.

Set on the banks of Jervis Bay's Currambene Creek, the camp provides a picturesque and comfortable base from which to explore the local area and to enjoy the beauty and quiet of this famously lovely part of New South Wales. The pristine creek is perfect for canoeing and a one-hour ride leads you to the turquoise waters of Jervis bay, where you can dive, snorkel, whale-watch and dolphin-spot, and of course swim and sunbathe.

good for australia

The camp has solid green credentials. The original landscape was carefully cleared by hand, so that delicate ecosystems, natural flora and birdlife were undisturbed. No major earthworks or clearing were done. All toilet waste and waste water is pumped off the site to protect the pristine Currambene Creek, which now forms part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park. Lighting for the tents is provided by individual solar panels on each tent, and hot water is heated on demand only by natural gas.

Rooms

Food

Chef Gary Fishwick has helped build Paperbark's reputation as a retreat equally well known for it's food, as for accommodation. It is probably the best food on offer in the Jervis bay area and the restaurant is open to guests and non guests, meaning that there is generally a good buzz.

The evening meal may start with chargrilled kangaroo kebabs with couscous and spiced yoghurt, then move on to local Jervis Bay mussels with chilli, kaffir lime and coconut served on jasmine rice, and finish up with saffron-poached peach with blood plum gelato. Dinner is not included in the rates, and three courses comes to AUS$60.

Breakfast is included and comprises a generous continental buffet of yoghurt, home-made compote, muesli, fruit salad, home-made jams, local honey, and toast, as well as a full hot breakfast to order.

For AUS$25 per person you can ask for a picnic basket to take on your lunchtime excursions.

sample menu

entree:

• Local Greenwell Point Oysters w/ Tomato Tequila Salsa and Pepperberry Cr�?me Fraiche or Lime, Chilli & Eschallot Dressing.
• Chargrilled Kangaroo Kebabs w/ Cous Cous and Akudjura Yoghurt
• Seared Scallops, Bean Sprout and Mint Shimbah w/ Cucumber Relish
• Crisp Baked Fig wrapped in prosciutto served w/ a Verjuice Gorgonzola Sauce
• Insalata Caprese - Vine Ripened Local Truss Tomato w/ Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

mains:

• Oven Roasted Spatchcock w/ Preserved Lemon and Pumpkin Risotto and Watercress Almond Salad
• Seared Market Fish w/ Sabee Sabee Kumala and Tomato Saffron Sauce
• Chargrilled Rib Eye Steak w/ Warm Kipfler Potato Salad, Caramalised Onion and Tomato Pink Peppercorn Chutney
• Jervis Bay Mussels Stir Fried w/ Chilli, Kaffir Lime and Coconut served w/ Jasmine Rice
• Veal Cutlet w/ Grainy Mustard Mash, Pepperonata and Roast Garlic Jus

sides:

• Fried Chat Potatoes w/ Smoked Paprika & Blackened Tomato Relish $6.50
• Steamed Greens w/ Extra virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt $6.50
• Garden Salad $6.50

dessert:

• Chocolate Fudge Jaffa Mousse Terrine w/ Orange Caramel
• Summer Berry Ice Cream Splice w/ Pistachio Praline
• Ironwood Maple and Lemon Myrtle Bavarois w/ Sugar Fried Wontons
• Saffron Poached Peach w/ Blood Plum Gelato
• Cheese Plate w/ Muscatels & Lavoche

3 Course Dinner - $60.00

A 10% surcharge applies Sunday's and Public Holidays

Features & Facilities

The hotel is situated by a creek in the middle of the Bush. There are no walking trails in the immediate vicinity as the Camp did not want to disturb flora and fauna by clearing tracks. However, Kayaks are provided free of charge for guests and it is absolutely essential that guests take a trip on the Creek - it is truly beautiful. There are many types of birds to watch and the creek is so silent and peaceful, particularly at sunset. Kangaroos are regularly seen grazing on the shoreline. For the energetic, it's a 1+1/2 hour kayak down to the clear blue waters of Jervis Bay.

Bicycles are also provided free for guests and there are many beautiful beaches to explore in the vicinity.

other facilities

• Massages can be arranged at the camp.
• Internet, laundry, fax
• Babysitting
• Disabled access

Local Info & Activities

Activities within the camp include canoeing, bike riding, bushwalking, birdwatching & spotlighting. For those seeking a more restful experience, an afternoon spent reading on the wide verandah may deliver a glimpse of a passing kangaroo or the majestic black cockatoo.

Surrounded by 100 acres of pristine forest with walking trails, creeks, swamps and uncleared vegetation, the area offers plenty of opportunity to spot the local wildlife, including ring-tailed possums, sugar gliders, kangaroos and native birds.

Jervis Bay itself offers spectacular diving, snorkelling, bushwalking in the Booderee National Park, beautiful beaches, surfing, dolphin, whale and seal watching, golf and tennis. A short scenic drive away is Australian artist Arthur Boyd's 'Bundanon', local vineyards with cellar doors as well as the pretty towns of Berry and Kangaroo Valley.

insider tips

Repellent is provided and tents are well-screened from bugs, but the area is marshy and there are lots of mosquitos around. If you're bringing a child under six, you need to call ahead and pre-arrange it. Children over 6 are welcome.

Although the camp is closed for the winter (July and August), May, June and September can also be quite cold and may not be the ideal time to come to Paperbark Camp. The upside though is that prices are lower and the area has less tourists - staff are happy to provide extra blankets and hot water bottles.

Sustainability

• Paperbark camp worked in cooperation with local aboriginal bush experts when clearing bush for the camp. All precautions were taken to ensure minimal impact on flora and fauna and local eco-systems. Also the materials used were carefully selected to blend with the surroundings.
• Areas cleared by the Paperbark development have been re-planted.
• There is no fencing, so the wildlife corridor is maintained and animals can move freely through the camp and the national park.
• Driven piles and shallow foundations means the buildings tread lightly.
• No large trees were removed to make way for the camp.
• Efforts have been made to remove non-native species, and so far blackberry has been eradicated.
• The architect-designed buildings are in sympathy with the landscape.
• Solar panels provide lighting in accommodation, light sensitive timer switches are used for public lighting compact fluorescent bulbs reduce energy use.
• Vehicles are kept away from the camp, other than service i.e. golf buggies.
• Refrigeration systems do not use chlorofluorocarbons.
• No disposable utensils are used.
• Staff are required to use the local government recycling programs.
• Recycled paper is used for promotional material.
• Wastewater is pumped 900 metres from the site and processed by local government treatment works. The pumping system is protected by no-flow and level alarms.
• Biodegradable cleaning agents are used.
• Water is saved using low flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets.
• Only natural ventilation is used, no air conditioning.
• Tents have solar electric 12 volt lighting.
• Local and organic ingredients are used where possible.

awards

Paperbark Camp is accredited by the Ecotourism Association of Australia

Getting There

Just a three-hour drive along the coastal Pacific Highway from Sydney. Buses are available from Sydney to Jervis bay and from there you will need to get a taxi to Paperbark camp.

directions from central sydney

Head towards Sydney Airport and continue south following signs to Wollongong (F6). Follow the Princes Highway South passing through Kiama, Berry and Nowra. 13kms South of Nowra, turn left into Jervis Bay Rd. After 2kms you will see a sign for Woollamia, turn left into Woolamia Rd and continue for a further 6kms. When you see Goodland Road on your left, slow down. The entrance to Paperbark Camp is around the bend on your left.

directions from the south

When travelling from the South, do not take the first exits to Jervis Bay, wait until the turn-off at Falls Creek. Turn right into Jervis Bay Rd. After 2kms you will see a sign for Woollamia, turn left into Woollamia Rd and continue a further 6kms. When you see Goodland Rd on your left, slow down. The entrance to Paperbark Camp is around the bent on your left.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

accommodation

• 10 safari tents (of equal standard) with verandahs and indoor/outdoor private ensuite attached.
• 2 deluxe safari tents w/ large verandah, indoor/outdoor private ensuite with free standing bath.
• Maximum number of guests per tent is four, although maximum adults per tent is 3.
• All prices are in Australian Dollars

LOW SEASON - Valid: 01/09/07-30/09/07 inc.

one night rate (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $200.00

Double $344.00

Extra Adult Sharing $68.00

Child 6-12 yrs $48.00

one night rate (deluxe tent) inc b & b

Minimum 2 adults $444.00

two night rate (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $344.00

Double $568.00

Extra Adult Sharing $136.00

Child 6-12 yrs $96.00

two night rate (deluxe tent) inc b & b

Tent min 2 adults $768.00

rate per night for stays of three nights or more (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $168.00

Double $272.00

Extra Adult Sharing $68.00

Child 6-12 yrs $48.00

rate per night for stays of three nights or more (deluxe tent) inc. b&b

Tent Min 2 adults $372.00

SHOULDER SEASON - Valid: 01/10/07- 20/12/07, 14/01/08-19/03/08 & 24/03/08-31/03/08 inc.

one night rate (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $250.00

Double $430.00

Extra Adult Sharing $85.00

Child 6-12 yrs $60.00

one night rate (deluxe tent) inc b & b

Tent min 2 adults $530.00

two night rate (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $430.00

Double $710.00

Extra Adult Sharing $170.00

Child 6-12 yrs $120.00

two night rate (deluxe tent) inc b & b

Tent min 2 adults $910.00

rate per night for stays of three nights or more (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $210.00

Double $340.00

Extra Adult Sharing $85.00

Child 6-12 yrs $60.00

rate per night for stays of three nights or more (deluxe tent) inc. b&b tent

Tent min 2 adults $440.00

PEAK SEASON - Valid 21/12/07 - 13/01/08, & 20/03/08 - 23/03/08 inc.

Note: A min 3 night stay is required. A surcharge of $50.00 per adult and $25.00 per child is applicable on Christmas Day.

one night rate (std tent) inc. b&b

Single $250.00

Double $430.00

Extra Adult Sharing $85.00

Child 6-12 yrs $60.00

rate per night (deluxe tent) inc b & b

Tent, min 2 adults $530.00

terms & conditions

• These rates are valid from 01/03/07 to 31/3/08
• A minimum 3 night stay is required during peak periods and public holiday weekends. A surcharge of $50.00 per adult and $25.00 per child is applicable on Christmas Day.
• Rates are inclusive of bed and breakfast as well as use of canoes & bikes.
• Child rates are only applicable when sharing with one full paying adult. Children aged 13 yrs and over are charged as adults.
• Deluxe tents require a minimum of 2 full paying adults.
• Check-in is from 3.00pm Check-out is 11.00am.
• Guests have unlimited access to coffee and tea in the Gunyah Restaurant.
• Paperbark Camp is closed from 01/07/07 to 31/08/07 for Winter.
• All rates are GST inclusive.
• Maximum number of guests per tent (room) is four. Paperbark does not recommend four adults share, it is more suitable for either 3 adults, or 2 adults & 2 younger children.
• Paperbark Camp does not serve lunch, though we do offer picnic lunches for guests to take with them for the day.
• No children under 6 years of age unless by special arrangement. Children must be sharing with at least one full paying adult to be eligible for the childrens rate. A maximum of three children is allowed per room.

booking & cancelation policy

• A $200.00 deposit is required within 7 days of booking to confirm the reservation.
• A $200.00 cancellation fee per tent is payable for all cancellations of less than 7 days notice including early departure unless otherwise agreed.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hrs notice or no-shows will incur a charge equal to the value of one nights accommodation and meals.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.