Nothing gets you as close to nature as living amongst it, which is why adventurers love to go camping. With just a thin sheet of tent canvas between them and what others might consider the terrifying wilderness, they’re at their happiest. Camping also has the nice side effect of being a cheap way to see different parts of the country.
Check the Weather
Australia’s warm climate makes camping possible all year round. However Australia is prone to extreme heat; check the weather forecast, take note of fire bans and always keep campfires to the designated areas.
Safety Precautions
The Australian wilderness is home to more than just the cuddly koala. Remember to wear protective footgear when walking in the bush, pack up your food scraps to deter animals, keep the tent zipped to avoid bugs and check your shoes for creepy crawlies before putting them on.
Get Camping
To get started you’ll need a tent or campervan, sleeping bag & mat and for cooking you’ll want a gas-stove and esky. Other basic and useful camp items are a torch, gas or solar lamp, water supplies, tarpaulin for sun/rain protection, matches, mosquito coils, hand sanitiser and toilet paper. All of this gear can be found at your local outdoors store.
In Victoria, places like the Dandenong Ranges and the Grampians are close enough to the city for weekend trips and are very popular. Being an adventurous type, you’ll probably want to travel further afield – but remember to always find a safe spot and check on things like fire restrictions before you leave. The Australian campsites website has many helpful tips for those keen to grab a tent and go.