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Why camping is the latest travel craze

Camping has returned as innovative tourism operators introduce new concepts such as pop-up glamping tents, retro caravans and luxury holiday parks. And Australia’s next-gen travellers are loving it!

In NSW alone, over 3.9 million domestic caravan and camping visitors were recorded in the year ending June 2016, an increase of 13% on the previous year.

This camping spot is at a BIG4 Park in Koala Shore, Port Stevens. Source: Destination NSW
This camping spot is at a BIG4 Park in Koala Shore, Port Stevens. Source: Destination NSW

The trend continues with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia recording a national increase of 30% in caravan and 20% in campervan registrations since 2011.

Whether you are a first-time camper or an “old hand” simply looking for something new, here are six modern ways to enjoy a caravan and camping experience in NSW this Summer.

Camp in a Flash

Touted as ‘Australia’s premier pop-up hotel’, Flash Camp provides temporary luxury camping accommodation in a number of locations.

Flash Camp is luxury camping accommodation done a little bit fancy... Source: Elise Hassey
Flash Camp is luxury camping accommodation done a little bit fancy... Source: Elise Hassey

Available at festivals including Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival, the Flash Camp crew have also announced two exciting activations over the summer months.

In early 2017, Flash Camp will hold a Clark Island Sydney Harbour pop up, where happy glampers can wake up in the middle of Sydney Harbour and feast on food by the award-winning Three Blue Ducks team.

The luxury accommodation is also available at festivals including Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. Source: Elise Hassey
The luxury accommodation is also available at festivals including Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. Source: Elise Hassey

Byron beachgoers will also have the opportunity to get involved, with a Flash Camp setting up at the Byron Holiday Park from 18 December 2016 – 8 January 2017 where the team from Newrybar eatery Harvest will keep glampers’ hunger at bay.

All roads lead to Forbes

Looking for the ultimate roadtrip/music festival combo this Spring? Forbes music festival Vanfest, from 25–26 November 2016 is just the ticket.

Forbes music festival Vanfest is the ultimate roadtrip/music festival combo this Spring. Source: Destination NSW
Forbes music festival Vanfest is the ultimate roadtrip/music festival combo this Spring. Source: Destination NSW

A five and a half hour drive from Sydney, one fun option is to hire a Jucy or Apollo motorhome and splitting the roadtrip over two days with pit stops in the Blue Mountains, Orange and “The Dish” in Parkes.

Once at Vanfest, you needn’t worry about accommodation with Van-City offering a range of camping experiences including freestyle, lights-on, lights-off, pre-pitched and glamping.

Holiday parks in town include BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park and Forbes River Meadow Caravan Park.

The Glamp Coast

This is glamping - Mercedes Benz style. Source: Mercedes Benz glamping
This is glamping - Mercedes Benz style. Source: Mercedes Benz glamping

If you’re planning on travelling to the South Coast this Summer, then glamping should be on your radar.

With a plethora of glamping operators now available down South, you’ll find it hard to choose. Tilba Lake Camp offers luxe camping with delicious local food hampers including Bermagui bread and Tilba dairy.

Tilba Lake Camp offers luxe camping with delicious local food hampers. Source: Supplied
Tilba Lake Camp offers luxe camping with delicious local food hampers. Source: Supplied

Try four-metre bell tents at your chosen “Glampsite” anywhere between Berry and Huskisson with Glamping Out. Glamping trailblazers Paperbark Camp provide the ultimate luxury glamping experience, and for a safari tent experience then you can’t go past Tanja Lagoon Camp located in the beautiful Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Go Retro

The Retro Pod supplied vintage caravans and tens for hire that are bale to be set up anywhere in Byron Bay. Source: Supplied
The Retro Pod supplied vintage caravans and tens for hire that are bale to be set up anywhere in Byron Bay. Source: Supplied

The Northern Rivers of NSW is the ultimate campground, offering stunning scenery surrounded by hinterland and endless coastline.

RetroPod supplies vintage caravans and tents for hire, which can be set up at a location of your choice in the Byron Bay area. With set up, delivery, and gourmet local produce hampers provided, you’ll just need to choose a Byron Bay holiday park and you’ll be ready to go retro.

Simple Pleasures

Booti Booti National Park is a national park north-north-east of Sydney. Source: Destination NSW
Booti Booti National Park is a national park north-north-east of Sydney. Source: Destination NSW

The Simple Pleasures Camping Co takes the hassle out of camping. Offering all-inclusive glamping packages within NSW, your five-metre bell tent will come complete with carpet, an airbed, cookware and much more.

In fact, the only decision you’ll need to make is where to set up camp – be it Treachery Camp in Seal Rocks, Lani’s Holiday Island at Wallis Lake, Bluey’s Beach or Booti Booti National Park.

I’m going to Graceland

Simple Pleasures takes the hassle out of camping. Source: Simple Pleasures Co.
Simple Pleasures takes the hassle out of camping. Source: Simple Pleasures Co.

A dedicated Graceland on the Green campsite will be available for festival-goers at the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival from 11-15 January 2017.

With accommodation scarce during festival week, Graceland on the Green will offer comfortable tent accommodation at Northparkes Oval, complete with stretcher beds, mattresses and lighting.

Regular shuttles will connect festival goers between Graceland on the Green and festival events.