Yes, camping and caravanning are different. The main differences are in how you sleep, the gear you use, your chosen level of comfort and cost involved. So when it comes to spending time outdoors, discovering Australia you just need to choose what is right for you.

Whether you prefer pitching a tent or towing a caravan the choice between camping and caravanning can shape your outdoor experience. This blog looks at the pros and cons of Camping and Caravanning so if you are looking to travel Australia doing a big lap or two, having weekends away or going on a road trip, taking your accommodation with you can make your travels around Australia a whole lot cheaper. 

Which one is right for you? – Camping vs Caravanning

If you are planning your Australian travels you will be wanting to know what accommodation you will stay in. Many choose to take a tent, live in a van or tow a caravan. Here’s some pros and cons to help you decide.

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Camping

Camping is a much-loved outdoor Australian activity where you stay overnight in a canvas tent in the outdoors.

• Shelter type: involves staying in a canvas or synthetic tent, swag, roof-top tent or SUV tent attached to a vehicle when car camping.
• Expected Comfort and Amenities: can be basic depending on the gear you have. You typically sleep on a mat, air mattress or camp bed and rely on portable gear for cooking, washing and lighting. Toileting can involve digging a hole to using public amenities to travelling with a portable toilet.
• Cost: Generally, camping is much cheaper. to start.
• Setup: Tents require setting up and packing down every time you move.
• Locations: You can set up camp almost anywhere—from free bush camps and national parks to remote hiking tracks and camping grounds.
• Weather: Tents are designed to handle extreme weather, snow, rain and heat but as you probably don’t have power you will experience extreme weather which can be a negative.

Caravanning & Vanning

Caravanning and vanning is like travelling in a small home on wheels and is a popular pastime of many Aussies. You can tow a caravan with your car, or you may have a Motorhome. Caravanning allows you to explore different places while bringing your home comforts along. And many are choosing this option for their big lap of Australia.

Caravans come in all shapes and sizes. And then you may have a campervan, motorhome, or even an RV, which you can park at campsites or caravan parks and enjoy the outdoors in style and more comfort than a tent.

• Shelter type: Involves travelling and sleeping inside a towed caravan or motorhome that acts as a “home on wheels”.
• Comfort and Amenities: Depending on the age of the van, there can be high comfort with built-in beds, kitchens, fridges, power, and sometimes en-suite bathrooms and laundry area. All things to consider when choosing a caravan or van to travel Australia with.
• Cost: this will depend on the age, the size and the amenities your van has. There is a high initial purchase and then ongoing maintenance cost and insurance.
• Setup: You can pull in to your overnight stop, park up the van (could involve reversing), level it, pull out your awning and voila!
• Locations: You can be restricted to established caravan parks, RV sites, or designated accessible campgrounds with suitable road access plus, show grounds and free camps by rivers. An off-grid set-up could see you camping on a beach.
• Weather: Caravans and vans being made of metal with access to power and generators usually are more comfortable inside with heating and cooling. But you still need to prepare your van for extreme weather.

What Do You Think You Will Choose?

The way you travel Australia is personal choice. Neither is wrong or right! Your decision can depend whether you are travelling solo, in a couple, with a friend or travelling with kids and pets. Whichever you choose, camping or caravanning, both offer a unique experience of connecting with nature, friends and family and enjoying a great way of life. What did you choose? I’d love to hear.