Rather than staying in hostels every night you may want to have an Australian camping adventure while you’re here. If you’re planning to have the adventure of a lifetime in the expansive Aussie outback, you’ve got an exciting challenge ahead of you.With that being said, keep in mind that camping in Australia is quite a unique experience due to the distinct natural sceneries andnative wildlife. The need to pack properly is important in order to be able to experience the region for all it’s worth. With that in mind, here is your short and sweet guide to camping in Australia.
Camping in Australia
So, how do you decide where your ideal camping spot is when you have to choose out of hundreds of equally beautiful sites scattered around the country? If you’re travelling in a campervan you need to take into account whether you need powered camping sites. If you have no need for a powered site then you have other campsites to choose from.
First and foremost, there are four different types of campgrounds to choose from:
- Commercial campgrounds
- Free campsites
- National Park campsites
- Walk-in campsites
You should choose your ideal spot based on your own personal needs and preferences. For instance, National Park campsites can offer almost complete privacy and isolation from the rest of the world, but they are usually not as well-equipped as commercial campgrounds. Likewise, if you choose free campsites, be prepared to completely fend for yourself in the great outdoors. If you’re up for a completely isolated camping experience, choose walk-in camping, where everything you bring will be on your back. So, you need to pack smart.
- ‘Freedom’ Camping – Why it’s not always free!
- Campervan Parking in Airlie Beach
How to Pack for an Australia Camping Adventure
Next up, how to pack for an Australian camping adventure. Depending on your preferred camping method, you will need to pack the right provisions.Hygiene essentials, cookware, clothing, light foods and fresh water, are all important items to consider.
Keep in mind that proper hydration is imperative here, regardless if you’re driving up to the campsite or walking an expansive trail across mountain ranges and riverbanks. Likewise, you need to be smart about your nutrition. Pack light, refreshing foods that will keep you full of food and energy without impeding your cardiovascular endurance. Why is cardio strength so important, you ask?
Planning for outdoor activities
Cardiovascular strength is needed in order to conquer many a hiking trail unique to the Aussie topography, and oftentimes, the routes surrounding your campsite will require you to climb, jump, and descend hills, cross rivulets and endure trails spanning numerous kilometres. This not only means staying hydrated, but that you also need to pack the right clothes and footwear!
Clothing will be essential for an enjoyable camping trip. First off, it’s important to pack both pants and shorts to serve the right occasion. While you’re chilling at your campsite, you can wear light clothes such as shorts and t-shirts, but when you hit the trails, you want full-length clothing covering your body, in order to prevent many a woodland critter from sneaking in where they’re not supposed to. Following the same mindset, remember that sandals, flip-flops and the like do not constitute proper camping or hiking footwear.
Head over to the beach
No matter if you’re a visitor to Australia or a native in search of fun and adventure, it would be a crying shame if you didn’t include surfing in your camping itinerary. Given the fact that hundreds upon hundreds of downright glorious Australian surfing spots dot the never-ending Aussie coastline, you want to find a camping spot that will allow you to take a day trip to the beach and ride the waves to your heart’s content.
Among the most popular surfing hot spots in Australia, you can check out Byron Bay (also where Chris Hemsworth lives, just a side note), the heavenly expanse of the Gold Coast, Bells Beach and Noosa, where the annual surfing festival awaits. That said, you can also pick any coastal national park and experience the best of both worlds.
- Camping in Byron Bay
- Spot X Surf Camp – Arrawarra, East Coast Australia
Bring your essential gadgets and electronics
Last but not least, gadgets and electronics. You might be looking to get away from the glaring computer and smartphone screens; keep in mind that a 21st-century camping adventure should not go without a trusty gadget or two to keep you safe and just make the entire trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
Among your essential gadgets and electronics, you always want to have with you a solar portable charger, a rugged smartphone, a separate GPS device, a physical and digital map, a water purifier, and of course, a physical compass. Pack a first-aid kit and you’re all set!
With these essential camping tips in mind, you’ll have no problem planning out the adventure of a lifetime in Australia.
Author:Luke is a fitness, health and travel blogger. He is editor in chief at blog Ripped.me and one of the contributors at blogs Traveltalk and Fitness Food & Travel.He follows the trends in fitness, gym and healthy life and loves to share his knowledge through useful and informative articles.
