An artist’s impression of the Eco Suites Australia glamping domes. Images: Eco Suites Australia, NCA.
An innovative overnight glamping operation targeting wealthy tourists has been proposed for Yarramundi Reach, located by Lake Burley Griffin.
Eco Suites Australia has submitted a Works Approval application to the National Capital Authority for three six-metre-wide glass geodesic domes that would accommodate six guests a night.
Eco Suites Australia, whose sole director is Justin Daniel Henry, states that its mission is to offer immersive, nature-based luxury tourism experiences at iconic locations in Australia and New Zealand.
It says the proposal will introduce a “never-before-seen” off-grid, luxury eco-tourism product to the Australian marketplace, incorporating rich Indigenous cultural experiences; in this case, in partnership with the Ngunnawal people.
The site is near the Yarramundi Cultural Centre and has been selected due to its seclusion and natural environment, with minimal light pollution at night.
If the venture proves successful in its first 12 months, the company will apply to expand the operation to six domes.
It believes it can attract 8100 visitors, over five years and 4000 nights, who will spend $4.4 million in the ACT.
The application says the geodesic glass domes are wind, rain, hail and snow proof, and will have a five-star hotel room fitout with a king bed, reverse-cycle air conditioning, an ensuite with a walk-in shower, toilet facilities, and Wi-Fi.
They will sit on a timber deck and be powered by a nearby solar array and battery installation, with a backup generator, and be serviced by a 10,000-litre potable water tank and a 380-litre waste storage tank suspended under the deck.
Hot water will be provided by an individual 160-litre heat pump system stored in the secure utility enclosure at the rear of each deck.
Each 30 sqm dome will have three remote-controlled windows and a retractable roof for a stargazing experience.
The opaque glass panels will be covered with a blue UV film on the outside to provide privacy and reflect the colour of the lake, allowing the domes to blend into the natural environment during the day, according to the proposal.
Inside will be a bedroom and private ensuite facilities.
Furnishings include a king-size bed, a coffee table, two chairs, a minibar fridge, wall-mounted air conditioning, a mounted TV, a telescope, as well as recessed shelving, bedside tables, and designer lamps.
Feature wall panelling will provide a “modern and stylish look” and reduce any echo or noise from the domes.
Guests will have access to a 24-hour concierge service, and the site will have CCTV surveillance and be patrolled by private security to ensure their safety.
A carpark and granite paths to each suite are proposed.
Access to the site will be available from the current driveway on Lady Denman Drive, secured by an automated swing gate.
The proponent is forecasting a maximum of four to five cars at the site at one time.
No established trees will need to be removed, but some vegetation will need to be cleared. The proponent will plant a new native tree for each one removed in an area mutually agreed upon with the NCA.
On average, up to 20 plants and saplings per dome site will need to be transplanted or removed, according to the proposal.
Also proposed are signs, lighting, a 10,000-litre water tank for firefighting, and temporary structures during the construction phase.
Eco Suites Australia states that there will be minimal impact on the community, as the project creates a purpose to visit an underutilised location. Additionally, the cycle path and public toilet facilities will not be affected.
The company will not request to limit public access to the site’s shoreline.
The project is expected to take 16 weeks to build, followed by an eight-week fit-out and product testing period. Eco Suites Australia hopes to launch the business in the first half of 2026.
The consultation on the Works Approval application is open until 21 November.
