FIND YOURSELF OUTSIDE For those still not comfortable with international travel, there’s heaps of us taking to the road and exploring what Australia has to offer. With domestic travel well and truly back in action, finding accommodation can be tricky. Camping is a great alternative to avoid the crowds and experience Australia in all its beauty. Below are my top tips for a smooth camping trip. BUT, before you get to any of these tips, my first, and most important tip is to have the right attitude. “Adventure is what you make it”, is something I tell my kids over and over again. No two campsites are created equal and a holiday is what you make of it. Go with the right attitude and you’ll be guaranteed of a great time.
Don’t forget the shovel! If accessing a 4WD only property, don’t forget to take recovery tracks and a shovel. If you’re a beginner, park your vehicle in a safe spot and have a reccie on foot to check whether it’s in your capability to tackle it. I’ve done this many times (and proceeded on down!). Slow and steady wins the race.
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Keep things cool Invest in a good quality esky to keep the valuables cold. Beginners start with a good quality ice esky. Those who have been bitten by the camping bug should invest in a cooler that’s plugged into your dual-battery in your 4WD. That’s when you know you’ve reached the camping elite!
Stay extra-hydrated! Know the situation with drinking water, is there plenty of potable water at the campsite? I always take my own extra 40 litres of water from home. Can never have too much water.
Fire ‘er up! (Responsibly) Brush up on your campfire skills and know local fire regulations. Most Hipcamps permit fires all year round (excluding fire ban periods) which is great, but it’s everyone’s responsibility to be fire safe and thoroughly extinguish campfires before you go to sleep at night and before you leave.
Food glorious food! It’s such a special time to share meals with the ones you love - this is where the memories are made. It’s ok to pack those items that aren’t ‘everyday’ foods at home. My kids associate Milo cereal with camping because that’s the only time they get it. Create special memories around food. We also love ‘special drinks’ when camping, quite often the fizzy comes out for a bit of fun.
