Australia’s diverse landscape (ranging from coastal havens and lush rainforests to rugged outback and alpine escapes) makes it one of the best places in the world to camp. But as beautiful as the scenery is, nature can also be unpredictable. That’s why preparation isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or refining your setup after a few getaways, having the right equipment can be the difference between a memorable trip and a frustrating one.
This guide covers the gear and supplies you’ll actually use in the Australian outdoors, based on terrain, climate, and the kind of camping you’re doing (think: drive-in campsites vs. off-grid bush adventures). From shelter and sleep systems to cooking gear, lighting, clothing, and must-have extras, you’ll find practical insights to help you camp smarter, not harder.
A Tent or Tarp
The first thing that you’ll need is a great tent or durable roof tarp for shelter. Camping is truly braving the elements, especially in autumn and winter in Australia, so staying warm, dry and comfortable is a must. This is where a tent comes in.
Tent capacity ratings are often optimistic, so it’s a good idea to size up. For example, a tent marketed as a four-person tent typically fits two adults comfortably with room for bags and gear. If you’re camping with kids or pets, that extra space becomes even more valuable.
Beyond size, consider where and how you’ll be using your tent. Will you be car camping in established campgrounds or heading off-grid into more rugged terrain? If you’re going camping in one spot for several days, comfort and interior space might be more important. If you’re a vacation nature lover, hiking and setting up in new locations each night, weight and ease of setup will matter more.
Look for a tent with solid weather protection. Features like a full-coverage rainfly, a waterproof floor with a tub-style design, and strong, flexible poles can make all the difference in wet or windy conditions. Ventilation is another key factor, especially in Australia’s warmer climates, so choose coverage with mesh panels and multiple openings to allow for airflow.
Setup should be straightforward. If you’re new to camping, a freestanding tent with colour-coded poles can make things easier. It’s also worth doing a practice run at home before your trip so you’re not figuring it out for the first time in the dark.
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a durable, well-designed tent will pay off in the long run. A good tent will last for years, keep you safe and dry in unpredictable weather, and make your camping experience far more enjoyable.
Practical Cooking Setups
Good food can elevate any camping trip, but without the right preparation, it can quickly become more of a hassle than a pleasure. When planning meals for your adventure, it’s important to think about what’s easy to pack, cook, clean up, and store – especially if you’re heading off-grid without access to shops, power, or kitchen facilities.
Begin by considering your cooking setup. Will you be using a designated camp kitchen, or do you need to bring your own gear? Your cooking method should guide what you pack. At the very least, come equipped with small catering supplies like a gas burner or camp stove, a reliable pot or pan, essential utensils like tongs and a chopping board, a sharp knife, and either fire-safe matches or a lighter. Remember to bring enough gas canisters or, if you’re planning to cook over a fire, make sure you’re allowed to collect or bring firewood.
Finally, don’t overlook your cleanup setup. A small dish tub, biodegradable soap, a sponge, tea towels, and a few garbage bags will make it much easier to manage your meals and leave your campsite as pristine as you found it.
Plan Smart Meals
When choosing food, think in layers to balance ease with enjoyment. Staple ingredients such as pasta, rice, oats, tinned beans, wraps, and long-life milk form a strong foundation for simple meals. For protein, vacuum-sealed meats, sausages, canned tuna or lentils, and eggs (stored in a travel-safe container) are practical and filling options.
Fresh produce like hardy vegetables, cheese, and deli meats will usually stay good for several days in a well-insulated esky or camping fridge. To round things out, bring along some easy, nutritious snacks (think nuts, muesli bars, fruit, or trail mix) that are ideal for hiking or grazing throughout the day.
If you want to inject some delicious meals into your trip, prep a grazing board with cured meats, olives, and cheeses, or cook a comforting meal like curry or stew in advance and freeze it to reheat on your first night. Drinks also play a big role in staying comfortable and refreshed (sparkling water, juice, and electrolyte drinks are excellent choices), while a few cold beers or a bottle of wine can add to the atmosphere if it’s appropriate for the setting.
Above all, water is your number one priority. Aim to pack at least two to three litres per person per day, adjusting based on the temperature and how active you plan to be.
Staying Entertained
Camping shouldn’t be boring at all, but if you or the kids rely on technology like phones and tablets for entertainment, you may be in for a bit of a shock when you’re forced to unplug.
To make your adventure fun, pack some entertainment to have fun with. A deck of cards is always a good idea, as are other card games or board games. You could also pack some arts and crafts — mindful colouring is an option, as is paint by numbers.
Head Torches
Rechargeable LED head torches are a must-have piece of tech equipment for exploring the great outdoors. These nifty models have variable brightness settings, so you can adjust how much light you need for each task. Try camp cooking in the dark or erecting a tent without one, and you’ll see how essential they are. A head torch means you’ve two hands-free, so you can achieve all those camping tasks with the bonus of illumination.
LED torches last for ages as well, and youyou’llly have to replace the batteries once in a blue moon. A bonus tip is to get rechargeable batteries for your LED head torch.
A Power Bank
While camping is a great opportunity to get away from your smartphone, you still want one charged and ready to go in case of emergencies. After all, accidents can happen, or you might find yourself wanting to take a scenic route home and need your maps application active.
So, pack a rechargeable power bank. This will allow you to charge your phone without draining your car’s battery or being without a connection. Just remember to charge the bank before you leave; otherwise, it will only serve as a fancy paperweight to keep board game cards on the camping table when it’s windy.
Start Packing for Your Next Adventure
Once you’ve gathered your gear and packed your supplies, take a few minutes to write your own checklist. Think about where you’re going, who you’re going with, and what kind of experience you want to have. Then tailor your essentials to match. It’ll save you time, stress, and those “why didn’t we bring…” moments around the fire.
And remember: no one gets it perfect the first time. The more you camp, the more you’ll fine-tune your setup and learn what really matters to you. So start with the basics, pack with purpose, and enjoy the adventure. The best gear is the stuff you actually use.
