Paradise in a Bubble

It may sound out of reach, but this place really does exist, and it’s in our own backyard.

Based in South Gippsland Victoria, looking out over the bay to Wilsons Promontory, Bubble Retreats provide a unique experience combining picturesque views with overnight luxury in- you guessed it- a bubble.

Owned by adventure loving couple Tim Harper and Heloise Notard, Bubble Retreats began as a ‘wild idea’ and is now one of the most popular and unique stays in Australia.

‘We’ve always loved adventure and the outdoors, but we also know how good it is to have a little luxury when you travel,’ Tim said.

‘The idea really clicked when we realized there was nothing quite like this in Australia- where you can literally sleep under the stars in comfort. So, we decided to make it happen!’

Bringing the idea to life was, as Tim confessed, a ‘bit of a rollercoaster!’

‘Coming up with the idea was the easy part – actually bringing it to life was a whole different challenge. Designing the bubbles, navigating permits, and making sure they could handle all kinds of weather while still feeling luxurious took a lot of problem-solving,’ he said.

‘Each bubble has a full ensuite with a flushing toilet, shower, and floor-unit air conditioning, so in some ways, it was like building a house just with a completely different set of challenges! Figuring out the engineering behind the bubbles  was definitely the hardest part, but we learned so much along the way.’

Their perseverance paid off, and within the first few months of designing it, they won a global Airbnb award for the ‘most OMG! stay.’

And it’s to see why.

‘The whole place feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard,’ Tim said. ‘The sky here is always putting on a show. Clear nights deliver incredible stargazing, while even cloudy days offer spectacular sunsets. Even when the weather gets wild, it only adds to the magic—whether it’s a dramatic storm rolling through or misty mornings, the atmosphere is always mesmerizing.’

‘Guests can expect a truly unique and unforgettable experience, immersed in the beauty of nature. The retreat is designed to offer peace, tranquillity, and a chance to disconnect from the everyday hustle.’

As it’s located on a large working farm, guests will likely spot an array of roaming animals, including kangaroos, wombats and several species of birds. Two resident eagles are known to frequently soar overhead, adding to the magic of the whole experience.

The mixture of such untouched nature and unique luxury has cemented the stay as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience.’

‘When we first started, we hoped people would enjoy the experience, but we had no idea just how popular the bubbles would become. We often find ourselves booked out months in advance, which is both humbling and exciting,’ he said.

‘Many have shared how the stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique concept of staying in a bubble have made the experience unforgettable.’

This year the couple will be adding two more bubbles to the property; each with a distinctive twist that guests will surely love. While Tim couldn’t divulge too much information just yet, he said these additions would take the experience to the next level.

Additionally, Tim and Heloise are placing a strong focus on building partnerships with local businesses and the community as the year progresses.

‘Our goal is for the local community to feel a sense of ownership over the bubbles, just as we do, and to be as excited as we are about welcoming visitors to this beautiful region. We believe collaborating with local businesses will enrich the guest experience and help create a stronger connection between the retreat and the area.’

For more information, check out Bubble Retreats Instagram @bubbleretreats