For all of those out there struggling with the day to day, we get it! Rate rise after rate rise, the cost of living going through the roof, and don't get us started on inflation. Although things may be a little tough right now, don't think that's enough reason to give your Easter weekend away the flick. Although some of you may think 5-star resorts and luxe dining are the only way to do things, we're here to tell you it's not! There's another alternative, one that's riddled with BCFing fun and one that's sure to make your Easter long weekend a cracker! Now, Aussies of all shapes and sizes have been jumping on the camping bandwagon for decades, and for good reason! Not only is it ripper for the mind, body, and soul, but it gets a solid tick from the back pocket as well! Make the most of the long weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday, with the help of BCF Easter 2024 will be one to remember. With more camping gear than you can poke a tent peg at and an Easter catalogue that has to be seen to be believed - we've got you sorted!
We hear you! You're saying "camping's expensive", so in order to put your mind (and wallet) at ease, we've done the math to show you the truth about how much that wicked camping trip will save you...
To camp, or not to camp? That is the question!
While you'll always get a "to camp" from us, there's some important things to consider before you go booking a site at the local campground, or booking a room at the resort for that matter.
Getting there
Flights aren't cheap these days! And whether you're heading interstate, overseas, or to an island paradise it takes a substantial amount of your hard-earned coin before you even leave the ground. The good thing about flying is you get to sit back and let the pilot do all the heavy lifting, and when you get to your accommodation, you'll be feeling fresh as a daisy. When it comes to luggage, you've got a limit! With a checked baggage allowance of only 23kg, and 7kg carry-on - you'll be counting every kilo. As for the big question on price, well, it all comes down to where you're flying from and how far you need to travel, doesn't it?
Flight data collected on 02/03/23 from Webjet.com.au; cheapest price with luggage excluding airline service and security charges; flights <10-hours total including stop overs. Car data based on average cost of fuel for Diesel at $2pL, driving a 4X4 with 140-150L fuel capacity
A camping trip on the other hand starts long before you step foot on the campground! The car ride in itself is an epic adventure! No matter if you're just stepping around the block, hitching up the caravan and heading bush, or tackling an island escape - it's all part of the fun! As for fuel, it's part and parcel with taking a ride on the black stuff! And depending on where you are in this great country of ours, you may have a solid ride on your hands - so be prepared! When it comes to luggage, well, the sky's the limit! You can bring it all, as long as it fits in the car! What about those with caravans? Well, they've got even more options; even the kitchen sink can tag along for the ride. For those with little people in tow, one big thing to consider is how to keep boredom at bay. We've all been there - the "are we there yet?" coming from the back seat - and it can start from the moment you leave the driveway. Luckily you've got no time restraints like you would if you were jumping on a plane. So enjoy the journey, take it easy, and take as many pit-stops as you need.
Where you hang your hat
So, you've got off the big bird, made it to the resort, and now what? A comfy bed is waiting for you - maybe a TV, a stocked bar fridge (that would be nice!), a swimming pool, and what else? We assure you without running the credit card red hot, things start looking a little dull. You can have a ball, as long as you've got the funds to back it up. Now, last time we checked, beaches were free! So you can save a few pennies here if you want, but there's no escape from the bill coming your way at checkout. So, what are we looking at here, you may ask? Well, at $131.79*pp per night, she's not too bad! But those dollars quickly add up when you throw in the 7 nights. If it's you and your 4-person fam bam, things get even crazier with a two-room hotel coming in at roughly $3,690* (just leave an arm and a leg at reception).
Accommodation data collected on 02/03/23 from booking.com; cheapest price excluding any booking service and miscellaneous charges. For 7 nights on Hamilton Island and camping datafrom https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/camping/bookings
For the camper, it's a different story, but one that's pages are filled with good times - we guarantee it! You've rocked up at the campground, emptied the car, and set up the home away from home. But now what? Well, it's hard to say, with so many activities at your disposal you'll be well and truly spoilt for choice. Whether it's swimming, fishing, kayaking, 4-wheel driving, hiking, boating, or just simply taking it easy back at camp (preferably with a frothie in hand), you'll never run out of things to do! So, how much for this week-long campathon? This is where you'll really save some bucks! With campsites starting from as low as $7*pp per night, while a week-long stay for four will only set you back $196*, it leaves plenty of cashola for the more important things. And don't forget about free campsites either!
Grabbing a feed
Think of all those delicious meals. It's one of the best parts of taking a holiday! Someone else taking care of the cooking (and the dishes) - how good is that! If only someone would take care of the cheque, right? No need to take the groceries with you on the plane, because that 20kg would be taken up pretty quickly. If you're wanting to know how much it'll cost for a week of eating out, think $100-$150 per day for adults and $50-$70 per day for the little ones. This means by budgeting roughly $1,260, you'll keep the whole fam fed, or if it's you and the crew, up to $3,500 will have you eating like royalty!
Food data collected on 02/03/23 from ABS Household Expenditure Survey Household Composition download (2017), Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker (2022), www.finder.com.au/average-grocery-bill
There's nothing like a hearty cook-up to get the crew in the camping spirit! Just the thought alone has our mouths watering! Pulling out the camp oven is always a family favourite. Whether it's a roast chook, slow-cooked stew, or even the trusty damper, it all can do with some 'camp oven lovin'. If that's not your cuppa tea, no sweat - a BBQ will see you through! Now of course there's a bit of prep work that needs to be done when you're going for a 7-day campout, and you need to be conscious of the amount of food you bring and how you'll keep things fresh. This is where the fridge/freezer is worth its weight in gold, and making sure you have a large enough capacity to cope when the hunger bug bites. Here's another big winner when it comes to penny-pinching - the camp cook can really save some coin! We recommend budgeting about $478* for 2 adults and 2 kids for 7 nights. Or, if it's just you and your better half, $331* will keep you fed for the week!
Have you got the camping bug yet?
Easter's approaching thick and fast, and so's that long weekend! Although we may be a little biased when it comes to what we think you should do, the dollars don't lie! So, you may choose the fancy resort and a week's worth of eating out that the fam will love! But, when it comes to your bank account, maybe not so much. Or, you could embark on the ultimate camping adventure filled with fun and freedom, all for a fraction of the cost! The choice is yours. Remember, once you've got the camping gear organised, you'll be set for years to come! Just don't blame us when the camping bug bites. You can check out Australia's favourite Easter Camping Gear in the pic below before you head away. From the team here at BCF, we wish everyone a BCFing Easter!
The best camping gear is of course all under one roof at your local BCF! With over 150 stores all over Australia, there's always a store near you … or near your next holiday destination! Sign up to Club BCF for $20 off your first order. Or browse our Easter Sale online now, add to cart, and then pick up in store 1 hour later! Make the most of this Easter and check out what the BCFing experts have to offer!
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About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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