Lake Keepit's Wilderluxe showcases regional visitor economy growth in action
Experience-led accommodation has been highlighted as a key driver of regional visitor economy growth during a visit by NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper to Reflections Lake Keepit and Wilderluxe luxury glamping.
The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 identifies eco-resorts, wellness lodges and premium retreats as being key to stimulating local economies and spreading the benefits of tourism across the state.
Mr Kamper toured the $4 million-dollar boutique Wilderluxe glamping experience and Reflections Lake Keepit while in the Northwest NSW region to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The development of the Wilderluxe precinct was supported by a $2 million NSW Government Regional Tourism Activation Fund grant and developed by Reflections Holidays, a Crown Land Manager that reinvests its profits back into the 40 holiday parks and 47 reserves it cares for across NSW.
Wilderluxe features eight stargazing tents designed to take in the night sky astronomy, including from a bath on the deck and a skylight positioned above the king bed, with an Aboriginal Big Sky Dreaming storytelling experience included.
"Wilderluxe at Lake Keepit is uniquely positioned between Tamworth and Gunnedah and demonstrates the kind of immersive, high-quality visitor experience the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 is designed to grow by helping to spread visitor spend beyond traditional centres and into regional communities," Mr Kamper said.
"It's great to see how Tamworth's iconic Country Music Festival is supported by a strong regional tourism economy. Regions like North West NSW are setting the standard when it comes to offering visitors amazing events and unique experiences, which support local businesses and boost our state's visitor economy."
Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said since opening in April 2025 Wilderluxe had attracted both domestic and international travellers to the region as well as strong interest from locals.
"About one third of Wilderluxe guests are locals, which tells us the experience resonates strongly with the regional market, while also appealing to visitors travelling from further afield," Mr Baker said.
"At the same time, Lake Keepit continues to attract strong day visitation as a nostalgic favourite for locals who come in droves to fish, kayak and connect in nature with more than 33,000-day visitors in FY25 alone.
"That mix of overnight guests and high-volume day trips reinforces the holiday park's role as both a regional icon and an economic contributor for the wider Northwest NSW community."
