The Complete Beginner's Guide to Camping in Australia
New to camping? This complete guide covers everything you need to know to plan your first Australian camping trip — from gear to campsites to safety.
Australia is one of the world's great camping destinations. From the red dirt of the outback to lush national parks and stunning coastal campsites — there's something for every type of camper. If you're new to camping, this guide will get you from zero to confident in one read.
Choosing Your First Campsite
Start easy. For your first trip, choose a campsite with facilities — toilets, running water, and ideally powered sites. National park campgrounds like those in the Blue Mountains, Grampians, or Noosa National Park are perfect for beginners. Use the Wikicamps Australia app to find and review campsites near you.
Essential Gear Checklist
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials: a quality tent rated for Australian conditions, a sleeping bag appropriate for the season, a sleeping mat or self-inflating pad, a camp stove and gas, cooking equipment, a first aid kit, and a good torch or headlamp. A portable cooler for food and drinks rounds out the basics.
Setting Up Camp
Always pitch your tent before dark — everything takes longer than you think when you're learning. Choose a flat, well-drained spot away from dry creek beds. Check for overhanging branches that could drop in wind. Face your tent door away from the prevailing wind direction.
Campfire Safety
Always check fire restrictions before lighting a campfire — in Australia these change frequently especially in summer. Use existing fire rings where available. Never leave a fire unattended and ensure it's completely extinguished before sleeping or leaving camp. Drown it, stir it, drown it again.
Food and Water
Plan your meals before you go and pack more food than you think you'll need. Eggs, pasta, canned goods, and vacuum-sealed meats are camping staples. Always carry more water than you expect to use — 5 litres per person per day minimum in hot conditions. A water filter or purification tablets are essential for remote camping.
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Bury human waste at least 200m from water sources and 15cm deep. Respect wildlife — don't feed animals and store food securely. These principles keep Australian camping destinations beautiful for everyone.