What To Expect on Your First Glamping Trip

Glamping (a.k.a. glamorous camping) in Australia can be an amazing camping experience. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a significant other, or with family and friends, glamping adventures are the perfect balance of spending time outdoors and close to nature while still enjoying a few creature comforts! 

That said, there are some common misconceptions about glamping that are worth clearing up. To make sure you have the best, most memorable experience possible, here’s what to expect on your first-time glamping trip.

Sure, you’ll be swapping your swag for a comfy bed, but like most trips away, even a small amount of pre-travel planning will go a long way. 

Understanding the type of glamping experience you’ve booked is an essential step. In other words, not all glamping tents are created equal. Is there a self-contained kitchen in your tent? If it’s a kitchenette, what exactly is provided? If you’ve booked a stay in a glamping pod with no cooking facilities, what options are available to you? 

A quick chat with your holiday park will help you determine what you’ll need to pack for your glamping accommodation. Never assume what features or luxurious amenities your glamping accommodation will include, from kitchens to shower facilities—it's always best to confirm before you go.

Some questions to consider include:

• Are linen and towels included? (sometimes you’ll need to take your own)
• Are pets allowed?
• What cooking facilities are available, and are they private or shared? 
• If there are no cooking facilities, are camp stoves permitted in or out of the tent?
• Are there private bathroom facilities or shared amenities?
• Is the accommodation powered or not? (some glamping sites are off-grid)
• Is there a fridge or other cold storage nearby?
• What types of heating or cooling facilities are available?

As a basic guide, here is a list of items we’ve always found useful:

• Reusable drink bottles
• Rubbish bags
• Headlamps
• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent 
• First-aid kit
• Personal medications
• Indoor slippers (or comfy socks)
• Your favourite go-to snacks
• Your favourite tea
• Your favourite tipple 
• Board games and/or playing cards (for a rainy day)
• A good book or magazines
• Comfortable clothing.

Given that part of the word ‘glamorous’ is literally in the title, you’d be forgiven for thinking a glamping experience includes your own concierge, room service, and all the other glitziness that usually accompanies a so-called glamorous experience.

However, as good as glamping trips are, they are still essentially a step up from traditional camping, which means that services you’d usually expect from a hotel or resort will be unavailable.

Higher-end (and therefore much more expensive) glamping experiences may offer luxury additional services, like in-tent massages and room service, but these are rarely provided as standard.

Some glamping tents, like the safari tents at Discovery Parks - Fraser Street, Hervey Bay, QLD or Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park in VIC are designed to accommodate a group of people or a family.

Others are much smaller and intimate, therefore specifically reserved for adults. Certain glamping locations, like Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley in SA and Lake Brockman Tourist Park in WA only offer glamping tents for over 18s.

Do your research to make sure you've got the perfect stay lined up for your first glamping adventure, ready to enjoy all the nearby attractions and outdoor activities.

Don't let the modern conveniences fool you. Very much like regular camping tents, a lot of glamping tents are simply larger tents made from sturdier materials like canvas. This means that your surrounding walls are relatively thin. In addition, when the environment around is quieter (for example, when the sun sets), sound travels or transmits further, meaning any noise you make will travel a long way. The way to ensure a positive experience for all? Apply basic camping etiquette to adhere to each park’s rules concerning noise restrictions after a certain time. 

Many glamping sites are in the most desirable and exotic locations in the country, and for that reason, they are often hard to book and popular once you arrive. This means that although the wide-open spaces of the great outdoors are often on your doorstep, you might not be as alone as you think. Be prepared to share the space and give your neighbours the respect they deserve.