Australia: Top Tips For Planning A Camping Trip

Lucky enough to be going on or considering a camping trip to Australia? Home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and offering plenty of world class camping and caravan parks, it really is a dream destination for tent or camper van fans.

Explore your options
Fully equipped camping and caravan parks dot the country, and more standard camp grounds are common in rural areas. Official camp sites with amenities will normally not come free, but won't break the bank. If you're willing to settle for no facilities and just the wilderness to keep you company, bush camping is usually free, but in some areas requires a permit. Before setting up tent, make sure bush camping is allowed in the area so as not to endanger yourself or local flora and fauna. For travellers wishing to travel in style, caravan rental is widely available throughout Australia.

Before setting off
Be sure to dedicate some time to thorough research on the area you've chosen to explore. Not only is it good to know what's worth seeing locally, but also whether there are any potential dangers to be aware of. Weather in Australia can be treacherous so be sure to read up on how to dress and how to avoid sunstroke or dehydration. Local insects and reptiles are completely different to those you can encounter elsewhere so find out what you can do to stay safe and repel them. Consult guide books and pop into a pharmacy once on Aussie soil to ask for specific advice and top up on potentially lifesaving remedies.
Always make sure someone knows where you are and when you'll be back so an alert can be raised if you don't show up. You'll be recommended to bring a satellite phone or GPS with you so be sure to bring a list of relevant phone numbers. This is particularly crucial in desert areas and vast bush country.

How to behave
If you're travelling in a group or as a family, stick together. Keep an eye out for each other when out hiking or setting up camp. Remember to wait for people after a rest stop. Be sensible if you come across local wildlife or a perilous stretch of bush trail. After meals always be sure to collect all your rubbish and carry it with you until you find an assigned receptacle. Scraps of food shouldn't be left outside as they can attract hunting animals.

What to pack
Bring clothes in light colours to reflect the sun. An absolute must for children and adults is hats with a big brim to protect you from the menacing rays. For this purpose sunscreen with a high SPF is also vital. Warm jumpers and rain coats are good to have as weather can be unpredictable, and evenings can get chilly. Bring plenty of water and food supplies as it's better to have more than you think you might need. Foods can rot quicker in high temperatures. For evenings, bring traditional activities like board games and books. Blasting music is not really advisable in the wilderness, unless permitted at the camp site. Remember to bring a power source if you're hoping to bring lights, an electric stove and other creature comforts. Generator hire on the spot is a perfect solution that you can sort out upon arrival.