Glamping vs Camping
Are you wondering what the differences are between glamping and camping? For those who love the beauty of nature but are maybe a little bit less crazy about some of the other elements of camping (setting up a tent anyone?), glamping offers a luxurious alternative.
Glamping combines the word “glamorous” with the word “camping” to reflect its creative and high-end approach to outdoor accommodations. Unlike traditional camping, where you might pitch a tent and rough it out, glamping provides you with lavish amenities such as:
- Spacious pre-assembled and fully-furnished tents
- Electricity and heating/ cooling options
- Cosy beds so you never have to worry about rocky ground ever again
- Gourmet dining options for even the most discerning palate
- Private bathrooms with running water
- Screened doors that allow views of nature in and keep bugs out
Glamping accommodations are situated in beautiful, natural settings where you can focus on relaxing and unwinding without ever having to sacrifice your comfort levels. Read this article to learn more about the history of glamping, what amenities it tends to entail, plus some truly amazing sites that we love in Australia.
What is the History of Glamping Camping?
The idea of camping with style has been around forever! Historically, many early explorers and rich travellers enjoyed luxurious methods of camping while they had adventures in the woods. The term “glamping” itself gained prominence in the early 21st century.
There are a few different reasons why glamping has become more popular in recent years. Instagram is one of the largest, helping to propel many incredible locations to fame. Many other people have also realised the many benefits of spending time in nature, thanks to recent research. In addition, eco-friendly technology has also made it possible to create unique and more sustainable glamping options than in the past.
Glamping is popular all over the world, with one-of-a-kind locations on every corner of the globe. No matter what continent you might be interested in, chances are there are some amazing glamp locations available there.
What is Glamping vs. Camping?
So what amenities can you expect to enjoy while you go glamping? Here are some of the main differences between camping and glamping:
Accommodations
The main difference between the two lies in the kind of accommodations that are provided (or not provided, in the case of camping). Generally, camping is fairly minimalistic, including tents and no running water or power.
Glamping, on the other hand, offers a variety of accommodations and even sometimes entertainment, like:
- Fully furnished tents
- Yurts
- Cabins
- Treehouses
- Camping trailers
- Prepared meals
- Activities
Comfort and Convenience
For many people, camping can be pretty physically demanding! A camp can take a lot of work to set up and maintain, and also requires a significant investment in equipment and supplies. Glamping provides many of the comforts of home while still allowing you to enjoy a natural setting.
Amenities
Glamping sites are equipped with a wide range of amenities, which may include elements such as:
- Wi-Fi
- Baths
- Spa services
- Guided activities like hiking or wildlife tours
Food and Cooking
Planning meals and packing food for camping requires much prep work. Glamping takes all of the stress and planning out of cooking, with gourmet meals prepared on-site or delivered straight to your accommodations. Some even have entire restaurants and bars!
Weather Considerations
Camping can oftentimes be weather dependent, with rain or hot weather creating an uncomfortable experience. Glamping accommodations are designed to provide shelter and comfort regardless of weather conditions. Many even include heat and air conditioning, so you can control the temperature inside your tent.
Packing and Gear
Camping requires a lot of gear:
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Cookware
- Food
- Firestarters and wood
- Emergency supplies
- Flashlights
- Glamping sites come fully equipped, so you’ll rarely ever need to bring more than a personal bag.
Experience
Camping and glamping also vary a lot in terms of the experiences they offer. Camping requires self-reliance and experience, while glamping provides a lovely balance between nature and comfort.
Camping and Glamping in Australia
Now that we’ve explained the main differences between the two, let’s explore some of the top glamping locations located in Australia. They include:
Willow Wood Glamping Retreat
This gorgeous retreat is located in Busselton, Western Australia. It’s situated on a 100-acre farm, providing a gorgeous backdrop for all your outdoor relation activities. Its state-of-the-art amenities include:
- Vintage and Italian linen
- Natural fibre rugs on timber floors, loungers, and armchairs
- Stylish electric fires
- On-site massage therapist
- Complimentary breakfast with local produce
Karijini Eco Retreat
Within Karijini National Park lies Karijini Eco Retreat. This location is settled right in native bushland, providing an amazing outback experience. Amenities include:
- Safari-style eco-tents, cabins, and campsites
- An outback restaurant and bar
- Nature walks
- Guided adventure tours
Mt. Mulligan Lodge
Mount Mulligan Lodge offers another authentic outback glamping adventure on a private 28,000-hectare property. It also includes a working cattle station. Other amenities include:
- An infinity pool
- Sunset bar
- Air conditioning
- Exploration of the mines
- ATV adventures
- Chef-prepared picnic hampers
- Wildlife sporting
- Scenic flights
Talaroo Hot Springs
This incredible retreat is in Gulf Savannah country, home to the Talaroo bike trail and other picturesque views of nature. They offer a more rustic glamping experience than some of the other options but still have many amenities, including:
- Camp kitchen
- A gift shop
- A small café
- Eco tents
- Private springs-fed pools
- River walks
- Discovery tours
Come Glamp in Beautiful Australia!
If you’re looking to unplug and enjoy all that nature has to offer while still preserving your comfort levels, glamping can be the perfect balance. Glamping offers many luxurious amenities that just can’t be found with traditional camping, making for a more enjoyable and accessible experience for many people.
Whether you want to enjoy walking in the beautiful Australian outback or sip drinks under the stars, staying at one of these beautiful glamping retreats is sure to help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
