List of the 9 Most Common Glamping Systems in Australia
Glamping in Australia has really taken off in the last few years. With Coronavirus here now it is only likely to get more popular. Why? Because overseas destinations just don’t look quite as appetising to the Australian traveller at the moment. Covid-19 has decimated international tourism and the Aussie tourist will probably be looking to take vacations in Australia for the foreseeable future. On our what is glamping page we do list the 8 most common glamping arrangements in Australia but in this article we will go much more into depth on the topic.
Some people love to rough it when they are on holidays but many more of us like a few of the creature comforts. Glamping gives you the best of both worlds. You feel like you are out in nature and roughing it a little but you will generally get the comforts of a hotel room. This is not always the case. Technically, you don’t need to have a shower or bath in your tent,cabin or pod to be glamping but this is becoming more of the norm. The writers and editors here at glamping.com.au all have camping and hardcore 4wding touring backgrounds but we have all embraced the benefits of glamping. So without further adieu we will get stuck into the glamping list.
1.Yurts
Yurt is actually a the Turkish word for a tent that is ironically most associated with Mongolia. In Mongolian the same type of tent is actually named a Ger. Yurts are lightweight and very portable and allow Mongolians to live their migratory lifestyle. Traditionally it is round, made from bamboo or timber frames and covered in either animal skins or felt. It is believed by some historians that the yurt was as much the reason for Genghis Khan’s success as the horse was. Traditionally yurts have dual external walls. Mongolia has very cold winters this system was efficient at keeping the cold out and the heat, usually generated by a iron stove inside.
Modern glamping yurts tend to be permanent structures made of wood or iron and use modern waterproof outer materials. While traditional yurts only had one large interior room, modern yurts can have a number rooms including a bathroom and shower. Yurts are gaining popularity in Australia and around the world for glamping.
2. Cabins
When most people think of cabins they usually think of the traditional log cabin from American tv shows and movies. Inreality most glamping cabins are far removed from this nostalgic notion of a log cabin.
Glamping in cabins is sometimes referred to as cabineering. Modern glamping cabins are generally much more than that and in Australia are particularly more appointed and rarely like the traditional log cabin. Modern cabins are built using materials from corrugated steel to fibre board and everything in between. Australians are traditionally used to cabins as holiday accommodation. Since the 50’s a weatherboard (often asbestos sheeted) shacks were a popular but basic second home by the sea. These days the asbestos is gone and the luxury is integral to the experience. Some of the most luxurious glamping experiences come in cabin form but that doesn’t mean the more basic caravan park cabin isn’t still popular. On the contrary the caravan park is more popular than ever and with Covid-19 still ravaging most of the world we here at Glamping Australia feel it is going to get even more popular.
3. Caravans
OK, we mentioned caravan parks, so yes we have to go there. Some purist glamping aficionados don’t count caravans under the banner of glamping. We do and we are proud that we do. Caravans and RV‘s are some of the most luxuriously appointed glamping options in Australia. The difference between caravaning in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and caravaning in the modern era is that you won’t have to tow them to the destination if you don’t want to. Just book an onsite caravan and you are good to go. One of our favourite glamping spots Otway Escapes even has a lavishly appointed.
3. Tipis
A native American style of tent that most Australians would only know from movies about America. Traditionally made from animal hide and wooden poles. A bit like what the yurt did for the mongolians, the tipi did for native Americans. It allowed them to be highly mobile. They could follow and hunt the migrating herds.
We have never featured a destination that caters for Aussies who want a tipi experience as they are hard to find in Australia but they do exist. We hope to be featuring a destination in the near future.
4. Tent Cabins
As the name would suggest tent cabins are a hybrid of a tent and a cabin. It might at first appear a bit redundant but some of the most high end glamping experiences are crafted out of this style of accomodation. Longitude 131 which uses tent cabins is possibly the most opulent glamping experience in Australia and possibly the world. With views that stretch over to Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) this is truly a unique glamping experience. With prices stretching up to $6400 per person per night it could also be the world’s most expensive glamping experience.
5. Bell tents
Bell tents have a similar design to tipis but with a higher roof but with only a single central pole. They might be similar to tipis in design but they are much more popular as glamping accommodation in Australia. There is a good reason for this. They are much more open and spacious. Generally they will have much better amenities fitted inside or adjoining the main area of the tent. Something that is a little harder to achieve with a tipi. Another upside of a bell tent is that their design makes even a small version seem spacious and yet at the same time the curved walls give a sense of coziness and romance. They are perfect romantic getaways.
6. Pods
Pods are a European innovation that has taken root here in Australia. This is especially true in the southern states like Victoria and Tasmania. They are generally designed with colder climates in mind and this lends themselves to the climates in the southern states of Australia. Sure Australia can get hot even in the southern regions but then that is what airconditioning is for. Even in summer these cosy little pods make for an amazing glamping experience. Their popularity in Australia is growing every year and that is partly due to the unique experience but also because it is easy to get them set up and running. So owners of glamping destinations are turning onto them as a quick and easy road to getting a glamping business operating.
7. Eco Pods
Eco pods are a newer type of glamping accommodation that are gaining popularity in Australia. They are small, self-contained units that are often made from sustainable materials and designed to be eco-friendly. They can be equipped with a variety of amenities, including kitchens, bathrooms, and heating/cooling systems. They are similar to sdtandard pods but with an eco bent.
8. Tree Houses
It is no secret that tree houses are an employee favourite here at Glamping Australia. Who doesn’t want to spend a night up in the trees? It conjures up wonderful childhood memories. These are also becoming much more popular as a glamping vacation in Australia. The amazing Silky Oak Lodge in north Queensland is probably the one that stands out at the moment. It is a true tree top experience. The tree houses are perched near the canopy and travellers are surrounded by greenery and wildlife for their whole stay. It is a truly unique glamping adventure.
9. Tiny Houses
Tiny Houses: Tiny houses are a popular option for glamping in Australia for those who want a unique and minimalist experience. They are small, self-contained units that offer a comfortable living space in a compact design. Many tiny houses are equipped with full kitchens, bathrooms, and other amenities.
Conclusion
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the types of glamping accommodation. We will update it in the near future to add experiences like caves and safari tents.