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 explore the NSW bush this year.

Creek Side, Private Swimming Hole

Creek Side is an idyllic campsite on the banks of Crystal Creek. This large grassy site is right next to your very own private swimming hole. They only taking one booking at a time so your group will have the area to yourselves. Hot shower & flushing toilet available for campers. Well behaved pets welcome.

The Meadow at Bluebell Hill

The Meadow is a hidden gem located at the rear of a 100 acre property in the heart of the beautiful Manning Valley. Kids will love the Koala Walk and Enchanted Fairy Forest and playground. The farm is full of horses, cows, calves and wildlife including some very special resident koalas.

Emu Creek Retreat

This property comprises of 2800 acres of pristine hinterland in Tabulam, 69 km from Casino. With 650m high hills and over 200km of tracks for 4WD’s or mountain bike enthusiast. Two creeks run through the property providing over 15 km of clear water suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing and fossicking.

Boxgrove Campsites

On over 600 acres of Australian bush, this property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The property has breeding cattle, fine wool merino sheep, lavender and loganberries. Camp near the toilets/ showers or choose any spot across the property bringing your own amenities and of course leave no trace.

Fig Paddock Crystal Creek Ranch

Set on a 100 acre property in northern NSW, backing onto Springbrook National Park, with natural bush, walking tracks and fresh water running creeks. This is a well shaded camp site, right next to the creek, with lots of room for large groups of families.