Camping is not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. Some of us are just not willing to trade in the creature comforts of home for a night in the sticks. Glamping, however, has seen a rise in popularity both locally and nationally, with people looking to add a touch of glam to their outdoor experience. Ashlee Falvo spoke to owner of Ladida Glamping,
Jenna Withers about how you can do just that right here in Mildura.
MILDURA has an array of beautiful riverfront options that make camping a staple weekend activity for many families.
But if you’re looking to elevate your typical camping experience a step further by adding a touch of luxe, Jenna says it’s not that hard to do – enter glamping.
“Adding things like mattresses, plush pillows and fairy lights to your camping experience can make all the difference,” she says.
“The idea with glamping is you’re elevating the typical camping experience to include a bit of luxury, that’s where the vision of glamping comes into it.”
Jenna says since establishing Ladida Glamping in 2017, she has been kept busy by locals looking to do just that for an array of events.
“Kids birthday parties and hens parties have been the most popular so far,” she says.
“The hard work is really done for you, you tell us what kind of event you’re looking to host and we come and set up the bell tent, we supply all the added extras that make glamping what it is, and really, all that’s left is for you to supply food, drinks and cutlery.
“Parents like that the birthday boy or girl and their friends are safe in the backyard, but they still have that personal space to have fun – they’re out of the parents hair, outside having a great time.
“We had a ‘rainbow rock star’ glamping sleepover which was great, the kids loved all the colours, the music box and the disco lights, they had an absolute ball.
“Brides are shying away a bit from the typical hens night of club hopping, they are looking for a more personal night with close friends where they can spend time together, so that’s where something like glamping seems to fit the bill.”
While guests can choose their style of glamping, bohemian chic seems to be a popular option.
“We’ve had hens nights where there’s been a flower crown making workshop, which the ladies all really enjoyed,” Jenna says.
“It’s just a nice way for group of friends to get together and have a good time – often they’ll have some music and all the ladies will have a few drinks and a bit of a dance rather than hitting the town where bars and clubs are often noisy and crowded.”
Jenna says a standout glamping experience was a family visiting from France who wanted an Aussie camping experience without “roughing it” too much.
“The husband really wanted to go camping but the wife wasn’t too sold on the idea,” Jenna laughed.
“Glamping was a good compromise for them, they got to experience Mungo National Park together in comfort.
“That was one of my absolute favourite glamping experiences to set up so far, it was great fun to put together.
“Lock 11 has also been a nice area, and we have a booking coming up in Trentham which will no doubt be gorgeous down on the river, I can’t wait to do that one.”
