A little preparation can make an Australian camping trip more comfortable and easier to manage. Whether you're away for a weekend or heading further afield, these 20 tips cover campsite setup, food, weather and the essentials to pack.
1. Check the weather before you leave
Look beyond the daytime temperature. Check rain, wind, storms, overnight lows, heat, fire danger, flood warnings and coastal conditions relevant to your destination. Pack shelter and clothing for the forecast.
2. Practise setting up your tent
Pitch a new tent at home first. Check the poles, pegs, guy ropes and fabric for missing parts or damage, and learn how the fly and ventilation work before you reach camp.
3. Consider wind when choosing a campsite
Avoid unnecessarily exposed spots, use natural shelter where suitable and secure your tent with pegs and guy ropes. Recheck your setup if conditions change.
4. Plan for the Australian sun
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing, shade and drinking water. Make sure children have access to shade and water throughout the day.
5. Bring enough safe drinking water
Plan for everyone's drinking needs as well as cooking, cleaning, pets and contingencies. Don't assume a remote water source is safe to drink; bring potable water or an appropriate treatment method.
6. Plan meals before departure
Choose simple meals with overlapping ingredients, and prepare what you can at home. Plan breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks so food is easier to pack and waste is reduced.
7. Keep food organised
Store dry food, chilled items, cooking supplies and rubbish separately. Use sealed containers where suitable and keep perishable food at a safe temperature.
8. Check fire rules first
Before lighting a campfire, check campsite rules, restrictions and any total fire ban. Use designated areas where required, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
9. Prepare for insects
Pack insect repellent, suitable clothing and screening or shelter where needed. Keep food and rubbish contained so they don't attract unwanted visitors.
10. Leave the campsite clean
Clean up food scraps, secure rubbish and take it with you if bins aren't available. Follow local park rules and leave the site ready for the next camper.
11. Carry a small repair kit
Consider tape, cable ties, cord, spare tent pegs, a multi-tool, spare batteries and tent repair patches. Check your equipment before departure.
12. Pack a headlamp
Hands-free lighting helps with cooking, finding gear and moving around camp after dark. Charge it or pack spare batteries before you leave.
13. Bring layers for overnight conditions
Even warm days can lead to cooler nights. Pack a warm layer, waterproof jacket, spare socks and suitable footwear based on your destination and forecast.
14. Save key details offline
Download maps, directions, bookings, local park information, weather details and emergency contacts before travelling to areas with limited reception. Consider appropriate offline navigation or emergency communication for remote trips.
15. Share your plans
For remote trips, tell someone where you're going, who is travelling with you and when you expect to return. Update them if your plans change significantly.
16. Pack for the trip you're taking
Make short lists for shelter, cooking, clothing, safety and activities. Keep the essentials and skip equipment you won't use.
17. Keep first-use items accessible
Place water, rain jackets, lighting, sunscreen, the first-aid kit and tent where you can reach them without unpacking the whole vehicle.
18. Have a wet-weather plan
Know how you'll protect sleeping gear, cook safely if it rains and store wet clothing. A suitable tarp or shelter can provide extra covered space when used according to its instructions.
19. Make packing up easier
Put away gear when you no longer need it and keep wet items separate. Before leaving, check for rubbish, tent pegs, ropes, food, personal belongings and any fire that needs extinguishing.
20. Respect the place you're visiting
Follow local rules, stay on designated tracks where required, give wildlife space and respect other campers. Take everything you brought in back out with you.
Australian camping checklist
- Shelter: tent, pegs, guy ropes, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Camp kitchen: stove and fuel, cookware, utensils, food, drinking water, storage containers and cooler
- Clothing: warm layers, waterproof jacket, hat, sun protection, spare socks and suitable footwear
- Safety: first-aid kit, headlamp, batteries or charger, emergency equipment and insect repellent
- Extras: rubbish bags, cord, repair supplies and seating if needed
Ready to pack? Browse camping and outdoor gear, camp kitchen and food storage or camping accessories at Skylark Outdoors.
Always check local park rules, fire restrictions, weather warnings, road conditions and other safety information before travelling. Requirements vary by location across Australia.