8 Reasons Glamping Is the Perfect Introduction to Toddler Family Camping

I tend to overpack, even with my minimalist efforts. (I blame the Boy Scouts for my need to “be prepared” for every possible scenario style packing.) This makes preparing for a camping trip challenging, especially with no car and a toddler. Enter, glamping, the perfect introduction to toddler family camping.

Glamping is not a word we were familiar with before living Australia, but evidently, it is moderately popular trend of luxurious camping. This can range from preassembled pop-up tents to permanent structures with brunch included. I first heard about it after one of my coworkers returned from a safari in South Africa with amazing photos from his “glamping” experience in the African bush. It turns out there are various levels of glamping, and his came with a portable hot tub.

Inspired by the epic hiking opportunities here in Australia, EZ and I really want to take our outdoor adventures to the next level.  There is an overnight backpacking trip through the Royal National Park that we have our eyes on, but we thought it prudent to test the waters with CZ, before embarking on such an adventure. After jealously eyeing a few Instagram photos from Cockatoo Island, we decided glamping on the harbour was the perfect introduction to toddler family camping.

After our recent stay at Cockatoo Island, it lived up to our expectations – keeping in mind that luxury is relative.  Sure, there are places I have seen where glamping for a night is more expensive than a couple nights at the Four Seasons, but for our trip the luxury was, an elevated tent on a platform with two cots (arm stretchers for our Aussie friends), access to a fridge, electricity, and a workable kitchen area that even had instant hot water on tap.

For us, glamping is a great way to see how the family goes staying a tent, under the stars, without adding the stress of setting up or breaking down camp, which is what made Cockatoo Island so great. Additionally, we can ride our bikes to catch the ferry at Circular Quay.  No car required!

8 Reasons Glamping Is the Perfect Introduction to Toddler Family Camping?

1. Don’t have to worry about camping gear – We did not bring any of the camping equipment we had in North Carolina with us to Sydney so we either need to buy or rent the whole lot. Glamping gave us an opportunity to test the water without too much of a cash outlay.
2. Don’t have to pack as much – Remember what I said up top? I need at least 2 lenses, a camera body, our G7X, and a tripod for any blog-worthy overnight trip ;). Add in the fact that CZ needs nappies, wipes, 2 emergency outfits per day, and a cache of bananas, and we have already filled at least one bag.
3. Guaranteed to have warm enough blankets / sleeping bag – Have you ever gone camping, and no matter what you did it was too cold to sleep? Sleeping bags are rated for different temperatures, and you never know just how many layers you might need.  With clamping, this is taken care of – with extras available!
4. Filtered water -If you haven’t read this post, know this.  Running out of water is a serious issue.  Most of the glamping we looked into had plenty of drinkable water available, and Cockatoo Island actually had taps with boiling water.
5. Tent is ready when you arrive – Have you ever pitched a tent in the dark? I have. It was fun with a few mates back in the day, but probably will be less so with a toddler who goes to bed before the sun sets. When you’re glamping, the tent is ready upon arrival.  You don’t have to worry about leaving work early enough or burning Sunday morning packing up camp. When we arrived, they assigned us a tent and handed us a lantern. We spent the rest of the time exploring.
6. Staff / security available in case of an emergency – It was reassuring that 24 hour security could provide help in case of emergency.
7. You can sleep in later because you don’t have to break camp – We utilized the provided earplugs, which was a dream (the harbour is quite loud). It was a magical night’s sleep, and the tents darkness allowed us all to sleep in.  This would not have been possible if we had to break camp before leaving.
8. Proper coffee in the morning – I will say it again. We are spoiled by the amazing coffee here in Sydney, and yes it may take too much of the rough out of “roughing it,” but it sure was nice to have a proper cup of coffee.  Also, we took this super cute photo of CZ.

It was just steamed milk, but it did the trick!

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