Yet 20 years ago, such an option was pretty scarce in Australia - and the now-popular term had not even been coined.

So the friends and family of Sydney couple Jeremy and Irena Hutchings couldn't quite understand why they would leave their comfortable, corporate lives in the city to set up camp - literally - in the bush at Jervis Bay.

The couple knew better. They'd experienced the comfort and romance of safari tents in Africa in the eighties, and they knew that Australians - with their love of nature and passion for the outdoors - would relish the same concept.

And that they have. It took four long years from the initial development application for construction to start on the, now, renowned Paperbark Camp, but once it opened its doors in 1998, visitors from near and far flocked to the South Coast retreat.

In April, the Hutchings, their family, staff and loyal visitors will celebrate 20 years of luxury camping and dining among the gumtrees.

The couple's family are now involved in the running of the camp, with daughter Camilla Hamilford one of those at the helm.

"The seed for this camp was planted during my parents travels to Africa, and their experience of sleeping in luxury safari tents - they loved being so close to nature but feeling protected at the same time," she said.

"They also loved that many of these safari camps offered great food and wine, as well as the opportunity to experience and appreciate the natural surrounds.

"And that's what they wanted to create back in Australia, and it's been a success far beyond what they imagined."

Ms Hamilford credits her parents' attention to detail in creating the stunning safari-style tents and the treetop Gunyah restaurant and communal lounge, as well as the stunning location, for the camp's popularity.

"People are looking for more nature-based getaways and are appreciating the concept of eco-tourism more and more," she said.

"It's about enjoying simple pleasures - there's no air-conditioning or television - and taking a break from their busy lives."

And while one of the nation's first 'glamping' destinations is now one of many, it's still one of the best.

To celebrate its 20th birthday, Paperbark Camp has enlisted renowned Australian chef Justin North to prepare two special 'Dinner Under The Stars' events.

North has spent time in some of the world's top kitchens and from 2001 to 2012 owned his own award-winning Becasse restaurant.

Paperbark's treetop restaurant, Gunyah, is the heart of the camp and a destination in its own right for lovers of fine food and wine.

Along with the Gunyah kitchen team, North will prepare the outdoor dinners on April 27 and May 4. They'll feature canapes, local wines, brewed beer and a candlelit banquet starring premium South Coast produce.

There's other under-the-stars banquets being held on May 11, 18 and 25 - for in-house guests as well as diners not staying at the camp. Plus there's a range of discounts on mid-week stays.

To book the dinners or accommodation, call 1300 668 167 or visit www.paperbarkcamp.com.au