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. 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.

TOP 5 CAMPING DESTINATIONS

For those that are new to camping, camping expert Brooke Wood, Hipcamp’s operations manager, has teamed up with Toyota to put together five camping locations for those looking to explore the South Australian bush this year.

Riverton

Edgehill farm is located between Barossa and Clare Valley, 7km out of Riverton, 1 hour north of Adelaide. They run a sheep and cropping farm which creates beautiful camping grounds at the foot of the hills, just below the Heysen Trail. A small secluded camp spot with trees surrounding the area. It is perfect for a family or small group for people.

Concordia Gully Campsite

Be surrounded by the rolling hills of Concordia. Located at the doorstep of Gawler you can experience the best of both worlds from cafes restaurants and shopping to peaceful private surroundings amongst the native wildlife. Once set up, relax and enjoy the colourful birdlife with the occasional Kangaroo and if you’re lucky say hello to the resident Koala.

Lambert’s Little Paradise

‘Lamberts Little Paradise’ welcomes fully self-contained caravans or campers. They are located only 2kms on the outskirts of the historic township of Lyndoch, for the perfect space to enjoy a get away and unwind from the daily hustle of life. And they have a pool!!

Pymbroke on the Bremer River

Located in the rocky outcrops of the Bremer Ranges and on the Bremer River in Rockleigh, this site was once a overnight yard for the sheep farmers who were passing through the area. There are three separate locations for campers to choose from. The Gums, The Carob and The Sticks.

Stunning Bush Campsites

Set amongst deep gorges and high mountain ranges with rugged rock formations and magnificent panoramas, ‘Catninga’ is the perfect choice to give you a taste of the Flinders Ranges. There are private bush campsites located on the banks of the river red gum studded creek. Stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets. Enjoy this ‘billion star’ camping accommodation. A private long drop toilet is available at each campsite; all the luxuries!