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 Queensland bush this year.

Conway Creek Camping

Enjoy quiet bush style camping with direct access to the seasonal Conway Creek/swimming hole. Located 150m from Conway beach. The property backs on to the Conway National Park where you will be able to explore rainforest and discover a variety of native wildlife.

Gootchi Creek Escape

Gootchie Creek Escape... where serenity and the bush meet. This great 600 acre property is located 45kms north of Gympie and has beautiful flat grassy sites situated on the Gootchie creek and around the large spring fed Billabongs that never dry up. Come and enjoy some wildlife watching and escape from the city.

Gunna Park Camping

Gunna Park - Bush Camp is a 40 acre property in Gunalda QLD. All activities and use of items is free!! *many clean portaloos *bush kitchens *firepits and firewood *animal feeding *hammocks/daybeds *kayaks to use in dam *bmx track *playground and multiple play equipment *pet friendly *toy library *picnic tables *swimming *Discgolf And much more.

Rubern Lagoons

Rubern Lagoons is a natural bushland with easy drive through parking, green lawns and spaces on and around the lagoons. You can paddle boat, canoe, kayak or tinny boat on the lagoons as part of your stay. Sit on Ruben One Hill under the gum trees, or enjoy the massive 10 metre deck over the water and watch the wildlife float around.

Maleny - Ocean View, Riverdell

Access to both Ocean View campsites is by 4WD fitted with offroad tyres. The 400m elevation has great views from Coolum to Caloundra and you’ll love sitting around the great fire pit. The gorgeous Dularcha National Park is only 4km away, so you can explore at your leisure.