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 are hitting the open road with their camping gear in tow during the day and sleeping under a canvas at night.
Aussies Love Outdoor Adventures
Maybe it has something to do with the weather or the beautiful landscape. No matter the reason, spending several days and nights under the open skies in Australia has its perks.
It is a chance to explore the country.
Australia is the sixth largest country by land area. There are many local places in Australia that even residents are unfamiliar with. This is why most Aussies are keen on driving around the country, hiking and camping, or exploring the unknown in the Great Outback. There are many empty spaces between towns and cities. It is a good idea to bring a caravan or tent to sleep in at night.
It recharges your body mentally and physically.
Scientists have proven that communing with nature can do wonders for your body. For one, it helps reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, it reduces the risk of obesity and several cardiovascular diseases. For Aussies, outdoor adventures are a much cheaper and healthier alternative to staying at luxury resorts.
Australia has the most interesting fauna and flora.
People across the globe widely know that Australia has some of the most amazing wildlife. Watching these fantastic animals in their natural habitats whilst breathing in some fresh air is an absolute delight.
It stimulates your sense of adventure.
Every kid's dream is to be a part of thrilling outdoor adventures armed with their camping or hiking gear. In Australia, most adults never outgrow this dream. Fortunately, the country offers every daring soul a wide array of possibilities. One search of "camping blogs Australia" will eventually give you a list of every campsite you could try!
It's a great way to bond with your loved ones.
Whether it's a full camping experience or glamping, there's no greater way to spend quality time than 'roughing it up' with your loved ones. Just imagine sitting by the bonfire and trading hearty laughs with those who matter to you the most.
Glamping vs Camping: Is There Any Difference?
What's the difference between camping and glamping? For the uninitiated, camping and glamping might sound like two interchangeable words. However, this cannot be farther from the truth. If you are not sure whether you are a camper or a glamper, then you should take note of these key differences:
1. The 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. It's a type of camping minus all the hassles of traditional camping.
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.
2. Where you'll stay
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 tents, such as safari or tepee tents and decorate them to suit their tastes.
3. Where you'll sleep
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 mat or bag is their best companion on the road. They are tough, portable, weather-proof, and light to carry.
Sometimes, people choose to sleep in a hammock or bivvy bag without setting up a camp. They can do this wherever they want. On the other hand, most glampers would rather not see the open skies if it meant sleeping uncomfortably outdoors. Most would not settle for anything less than a queen-inflatable high mattress.
4. Where you'll bathe
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. Glamping makes it possible because you can bring modern conveniences like a portable shower or an inflatable spa. After all, the nearest body of water might be miles away from your campsite. Plus, having your bath or shower is more hygienic and can save you from the risk of acquiring skin infections that you can get from spending a long day in the wilderness.
5. Where you'll cook
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.
You can still enjoy the great outdoors without the fear of starvation. Besides, roasted marshmallows using a grill taste the same as ones roasted in a bonfire.
6. Where you'll store your food
Because glampers are armed with fridges connected to a powerful generator, they don't have to worry so much about food storage. On the other hand, campers need to calculate their food intake during the planning stage of the trip to avoid spoilage whilst on the road. This means bringing canned and dried food almost exclusively.
7. How you'll control the temperature
Campers usually wear thick or light clothes, depending on the climate. However, there are times when the heat or cold can be unbearable for anyone spending a few nights out in the wild. Therefore, most glampers would bring their portable heater and fan to help regulate the temperature inside their tents.
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. On the other hand, there are plenty of cheap campsites 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, people who like camping or glamping are encouraged to use legitimate campsites. Whilst several campsites can accommodate glampers, there are fewer than those that accept campers. In any case, it's a hassle for a campsite to build and maintain semi-permanent structures like yurts 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 glamp 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, sleeping without the comforts of your 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. bringing an air bed). 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.
Should you go Camping or Glamping?
Still thinking about the whole glamping vs camping dilemma? As people say, the devil is in the details. Beginners would probably enjoy glamping more as it does not differ much from spending a few days at home or a resort, although it might damper their adventurous spirit.
Glamping is also ideal for those who want to stay comfortable, even in the wild. Camping is a great option for those on a tight budget or wanting to disconnect from modern conveniences. It allows you to enjoy outdoor adventures. It's also ideal for families with small kids as it kindles the children's sense of wonder and adventure.
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.
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. For a high quality range of camping equipment, shop at Outbax. Whether you need camping gear, hiking gear, 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.
