With vast open wilderness, Australia is a haven for those who truly love the great outdoors. This could be the reason many local and foreign tourists hit the open road with their camping gear in tow during the day and sleep under a canvas at night.
Australia is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. The country is home to vast open wilderness, beautiful beaches, and camping or glamping sites that allow Aussies to enjoy their downtime surrounded by nature and fresh air on weekends.
Whether you have chosen the type of outdoor adventure you want or are still facing the dilemma of glamping vs camping, Australia definitely has something to offer you.
What is the difference between camping and glamping anyway? Basically, it boils down to the extent of comfort you're going to have. Camping involves staying in tents or basic shelters with limited amenities. This is for those who are after the rugged, traditional experience.
Glamping, on the other hand, is short for glamorous camping, meaning you get access to more luxuries, including beds, electricity, and private bathrooms.
Still undecided? Check out this quick breakdown of everything you need to know about camping vs. glamping!
Glamping vs Camping: What Is the Difference?
Here's everything you need to consider before you decide whether to become a glamper or a camper. Read on before planning that adventure!
Definition
While both pertain to immersing oneself in the wild without easy access to your usual comforts, glamping takes it to the next level by incorporating amenities like extra camp furniture and electronic essentials with traditional camping. Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping. This type of camping eliminates all the hassles of traditional camping, as you enjoy the comforts you’re used to having at home.
A whole industry caters specifically to those who like glamping instead of just camping. Experiencing the outdoors through glamping makes it easier for those who have never had a camping trip. If you're looking for the best glamping in Australia, you'll find numerous options that provide unparalleled comfort and style. Checking out a glamping blog can also give you great ideas and recommendations.
Accommodation
Campers are usually contented, bringing in their tent or tarp to protect them from the elements. A glamper is more likely to stay in yurts or cabins instead of bringing their own tent. Some people might buy a vehicle with caravan solar panels or a generator for added convenience.
This is an option for those who have the means to do so. Glampers on a budget might try purchasing one of those larger glamping tents, such as a safari or tepee tent, bell tent, or canvas tent and decorate them to suit their tastes.
Sleeping Conditions
One of the most important aspects of camping is choosing the right sleeping gear for a restful evening after a long day outdoors. For most campers, a sleeping bag or mat is their best companion on the road. They are tough, portable, weather-proof, and light to carry, designed for adventurers on the go. At times, those who really want to experience the rugged outdoor life even go for hammocks or a bivvy bag without setting up camp!
On the other hand, most glampers would rather not see the open skies if it meant sleeping uncomfortably outdoors. Some would bring an air mattress or go for those huge rental glamping tents or cabins with an included bed inside.
Bathroom
It might sound contradictory to draw your bath or shower in the middle of the wild when you're supposed to be roughing it up. However, proper hygiene is a must, whether you're camping or glamping. The only difference is that it's easier in a glamping setup because you can bring modern conveniences like a portable shower or an inflatable spa.
In a camping setup, you may have to locate the nearest body of water or produce a DIY shower with the items you have on hand. Sounds like a hassle, but hey, there's nothing a real adventurer at heart can't handle.
Cooking Area
Campfires are basic when you're out in the woods. However, not everyone has the necessary skills to build a great and safe fire. If you've never gone on a camping trip, bringing a kitchen kit (i.e. portable stove, oven, grill, ironware) is the most sensible thing to do.
There is not much difference here when you choose to go glamping, except that you might have more space for all your cookware. Some glamping sites even have a designated camp kitchen or fire pit so you can easily prep hot meals after a long day.
Food Storage
Glampers are usually fully equipped with mini-fridges or coolers to keep their food items fresh. Users connect these appliances to a portable power source, such as generators or camping batteries, which they size according to their overall power needs and duration of appliance use.
Campers, on the other hand, need to calculate their food intake during the planning stage of the trip in order to avoid spoilage. This also means bringing more canned food and other dried food options.
Temperature Control
While campers usually wear clothes according to the climate or bring portable appliances like heaters or fans, glampers get to enjoy a more comfortable setup. Most glamping tents or cabins are designed to protect adventurers from all kinds of weather. They also have enough space for heating and cooling appliances.
Glamping vs Camping: Which One Is Right For You?
Now that you know what's the difference between camping and glamping, it's time to take your pick for your next adventure. While camping sounds fantastic, not everyone is keen to try it out, even when camping is almost a cultural activity already ingrained among Aussies. If you're a novice and can't decide which one to go for, then here are some factors that might help you decide:
Cost
Just because you plan to spend a few days in the wild does not mean you won't be spending money along the way. Aside from the gear, you'll also have to pay for campsites and various camping accessories to make your stay memorable, safe, and comfortable. You also need to consider the costs of transport, food, and drinks.
You can safely assume that glamping can cost twice as much as camping. Glamping sites alone can cost from $330 to $1,400 a night, depending on how fully equipped they are. On the other hand, there are plenty of cheap campsites and glamp sites around Australia, with prices as low as $60 per night. Glamping and camping blogs in Australia can give you a good insight into how much of a budget you need, so it's best to do your research first.
Availability of camping/glamping sites
Contrary to popular belief, you simply cannot pitch your tent anywhere. For safety reasons, we encourage people who like camping or glamping to use legitimate campsites. Some campsites do accept glampers, but there are several that don't, as it's a hassle for a campsite to build and maintain semi-permanent structures like yurts or other glamping tents like a canvas tent or a bell tent in their vicinity for glampers.
Most campsites are just wide-open spaces where you can set up your tent. For this reason, it's hard to find glamping sites during the peak season (i.e. summer) as they will probably be fully booked.
You can still try glamping on ordinary campsites with an RV or a double tent. However, these things often take up a lot of space, so you might end up paying for more than you've bargained for.
Availability of amenities and facilities
Glamping means bringing the comforts of your home with you, regardless of whether you are in the middle of the forest, desert, or beach. However, this goes against the very reason most Aussies choose to camp in the first place: to experience what nature has to offer by going back to basics.
This means not relying on modern convenience or additional camp furniture to live, like cooking using campfires, choosing a sleeping bag over a comfortable bed, and bathing using whatever water source is available. However, not everyone truly excels at very challenging outdoor adventures. If you cannot function without a warm bed or a hot shower, you might want to consider going glamping instead.
Things that can stress you
People usually go on a camping trip to de-stress and detach themselves from the usual city humdrum. Nevertheless, if sleeping on the floor with Australia's variety of creepy crawlies makes you more stressed, then it defeats the purpose of camping.
Of course, you can always go halfway and bring high-quality gear to help lower your stress level when camping (i.e., bring an air mattress). Just be sure that you have enough space inside your tent for all your extra gear when you do so. Or you can just go glamping all the way so that you won't have to worry about where to get all the extra space.
DIY Glamping 101: How to camp in style
If you want to try glamping yet you have limited funds to do so, you might want to try these glamping blog tips on DIY glamping without breaking the bank.
Find a travelling company that offers both glamping and camping.
Booking an all-inclusive glamping package is fine, but you can always work out the details with your chosen camping company if you don't have the budget. The nice thing about booking a site from a company that offers both glamping and camping is that you can freely discuss your options and reach a compromise.
Choose your camping gear wisely.
The key to DIY glamping is to bring a portable range of camping must-haves. From kitchen utensils to air beds, you can still camp fashionably, provided that you carefully choose to purchase what should be included in your gear. Plenty of online stores like Outbax offer a wide selection of stylish and highly functional camping gear to suit your needs.
A DIY glamping gear must include the following:
- A spacious tent
- A comfortable bed
- Some LED or solar-powered lights
- Plush sofas and pillows (all inflatable)
- A camping stove or oven
- Some decorative trimmings to make your tent feel like home
- It also won't hurt to bring your fridge, but if it's impossible, you should consider bringing in a heavy-duty cooler to prevent food spoilage
Remember, the best glamping in Australia should be comfortable with just the right dose of adventure. Checking out a glamping blog can also give you tips and ideas on how to get the best camping experience.
Best Glamping and Camping Sites in Australia
If you've decided on whether to camp or glamp, here are some of our recommended sites that you can visit to ensure a terrific outdoor experience.
Best Glamping Sites
Paperbark Camp – Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Located near pristine beaches and national parks, Paperbark Camp offers luxury safari tents with private en-suite bathrooms, providing a peaceful bush experience. It's ideal for both glamping and enjoying the beauty of Jervis Bay's beaches.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – Western Australia
Nestled within the Cape Range National Park, this eco-luxe glamping site offers wilderness tents overlooking the Ningaloo Reef. You can swim with whale sharks, snorkel, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the outback and reef. With so many activities to try, it's no surprise that this location is at the top of the list if you're after the best glamping in Australia.
Nightfall Wilderness Camp – Lamington National Park, Queensland
This intimate glamping experience offers just a few fully equipped luxury tents near ancient rainforests. With wood-fired bathtubs and gourmet campfire meals, it's the ultimate glamping escape with access to stunning hiking trails.
Best Camping Sites
Wilsons Promontory National Park – Victoria
Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, this national park offers beautiful campsites surrounded by beaches, forests, and wildlife. It's a favourite for beach camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Whether you prefer traditional camping with a sleeping bag or a more luxurious setup like a bell tent, Wilsons Promontory caters to both.
Campsite 4, Freycinet National Park – Tasmania
This beautiful campsite in Freycinet National Park offers incredible views of Wineglass Bay and the Hazards. It's an ideal base for exploring the park's hiking trails and coastal beauty. For those debating between glamping vs camping, Freycinet provides an option for both, with some sites offering glamping tents for a more comfortable stay.
Lucky Bay – Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
One of the most stunning beach camping spots, Lucky Bay offers white sand, crystal-clear waters, and kangaroos lounging on the beach. It's perfect for camping enthusiasts who want to swim, hike, and enjoy Australia's natural beauty. You can go classic with a canvas tent or opt for a more fully equipped setup to make the most of your time at this iconic location.
Get Your Camping and Glamping Must-haves At Outbax
Aiming for a superb camping experience or the best glamping in Australia? Pack the right must-haves, such as high-quality camping equipment from Outbax. Whether you need camping gear, portable power equipment like inverter generators and power stations, or outdoor accessories, we have you covered.
We also offer a 24-hour dispatch and a special 60-day return for any defective product. Best of all, we ship your order almost anywhere in Australia for free. What are you waiting for? Shop at Outbax or check out our camping blogs in Australia to jumpstart your outdoor adventures today.
