Australia is a continental landmass in Oceania, spanning about 7.7 million square kilometres, making it the sixth largest country in the world—more than twice the size of India, which ranks seventh. In such a large country, one might wonder... Do we ever run out of things to do?
The short answer? No!
There are so many activities locals and tourists can enjoy in Australia—whether it’s a camping trip or a beach escapade. You just have to find the right spots. This article talks about the fun-filled activities you can do in Australia, including turning a beachfront property into a beach campground.
Outdoor adventures in Australia
Most of the country’s population lives in coastal cities like Sydney on the east coast and Perth on the west. Popular spots in Sydney like North Bondi and the Bondi Pavilion offer examples of this coastal lifestyle, attracting both locals and tourists. Australia also boasts millions of acres of wilderness that are home to amazing wildlife. The Great Outback, for one, is a vast, arid desert—one of the driest and hottest regions on the planet.
Richly endowed with natural beauty, it’s no wonder Australians are passionate about outdoor adventures. From swimming and water sports on pristine beaches to exploring the iconic Bondi Pavilion, there’s something for everyone. There are endless opportunities for exploration and adventure in Australia's diverse landscapes, including stunning sand dunes. Adventurers can also enjoy bush camping in the country’s national and recreational parks or a scenic journey along a walking track.
Popular beaches in Australia
Australia offers world-famous beaches with immaculate ocean views.
About 11 kilometres east of Sydney is the well-known and highly sought-after Bondi Beach, adjacent to the vibrant area of North Bondi. It’s favoured by tourists and locals who love walking barefoot in kilometre-long, pristine white sand, enjoying a cool dip in the blue sparkling waters, and basking under the sun to get the perfect tan.
Other popular beaches include the iconic Manly Beach, in Sydney, renowned for its surf culture and vibrant promenade. Surfers Paradise lives up to its name on the Gold Coast, with perfect waves and bustling nightlife. In Western Australia, Cottesloe Beach in Perth is famous for its clear waters and stunning sunsets.
Camping Trip to Parks and Camp Sites
When you get tired of the beach, you can set up camp in national and recreational parks, a caravan park, and other designated campsites for a fee, which may vary depending on the amenities and accommodations available. You can also camp for free on private property if you ask the owner’s permission. For free camping sites, you can seek advice from the locals for directions and any specific restrictions.
In any of these choices, you can go on day treks alone or with friends, take your family in your RV and head to a campsite, or pitch your tent alongside other campers in a popular park. Some apps can help you locate a campsite to your liking and preference, especially if you want to bring children along.
Advantages of a Beachfront Property
Many adventure seekers love to set up camps along beaches where they can gather around a bonfire or stretch on their sleeping mats at night whilst gazing at the stars after a tiring day spent swimming. The beach gives off a different excitement than a national or recreational park.
If you own a beachfront property and love swimming and camping, you can have the best of both worlds! You can enjoy the beach and camping at the same time. You can turn your beachfront property into the perfect beach campground with effort, resources, and imagination.
Having your campsite on your beach means you do not have to go far when you get the itch to set up camp. Take some camping gear to your private camp and have as much fun as you like. Being private, you get to avoid the hassle of sweaty travel and the stress of competing for the best location.
Setting up your beach campground also means you can finally say goodbye to the inconvenience of long bathroom queues. Plus, you can set your own rules and restrictions—with consideration for the environment, of course. Your family can enjoy beach camping anytime they want without travelling far. You can also invite as many people as you like, have parties during holidays on your beachfront, and bring any food you want.
Beach Camping Versus Regular Camping: Which is Better?
There is little difference between beach camping and regular camping in a nature park or the wilderness. The difference is mainly in the landscape, scenery, and sounds you hear. Instead of trees and woods around you or the sounds from the wildlife, you can hear the waves rushing to the shore, see the gleaming water and the rising and falling tide. Camping on an oceanfront instead of a park gives you a nice change in scenery—with serene ocean views and the touch of a cool breeze soothing your soul.
If that sounds heavenly to you, here are some tips on how to turn your beachfront into a camping site:
1. Ensure Compliance with Local Ordinances
Before you build or construct anything on your property, please note the current local zoning laws and building codes. There may be restrictions that you need to be aware of. It is better to get clearance before starting a project.
Secure the necessary permits and licenses before calling a contractor, plumber, or carpenter to work on your property. You must ensure compliance with all relevant local and community ordinances and regulations in your area.
2. Consider Outdoor Toilet and Plumbing
Carefully plan how you will turn your beachfront into a campsite. Survey your property and choose the ideal location for a camping area. From there, you can start building the structures you need, such as an outhouse or outdoor toilet and shower area.
For practical reasons, you can also opt for a portable toilet. Add a supply room where you can keep beach paraphernalia such as towels, bath essentials, and camp supplies, and accessories that cannot be accommodated in your tent.
3. Clear a Portion of the Beach for Play Area
Set up a play area near the shore. Put poles where you can tie a net for beach volleyball. Check the ground for things that may harm bare feet, such as sharp objects, pieces of wood, rocks, and pebbles. Do a thorough clean-up. Make sure that the shore is free from debris or trash.
4. Know When It Is High Tide or Low Tide
Be familiar with the tide. Know when high or low tide occurs to avoid setting camp too near the shore and risk damping your camping gear and accessories when the tide comes in. Weather conditions also play a part in the rise and fall of tides, so check the weather forecast before camping to keep your family safe and sound.
5. Pick the Perfect Site for Your Tent
If there are rock formations or boulders on your property, the area near or around it can be a good place to stake your tent as they can form a shield from the harsh winds. Areas near the trees and vegetation where the soil is not sandy are also perfect locations to pitch your tent. Some beach properties have trees planted a little away from the shore. If your property has sturdy trees, you can set up a hammock where you can laze around, nap, or read a book.
If you want to enjoy modern amenities such as the convenience of portable appliances whilst camped out on your beach campground, you can also invest in a portable camping generator. With power from your generator, you can play music on your audio system and enjoy a lively beach dance party. You can also bring your electric cooker, coffee maker, and portable electronic gadgets.
6. Prepare Beach and Camping Necessities
The sounds and sights may vary, but you’ll need the same things whether you are camped on a beach or in a caravan park—camping essentials like tents, sleeping bags or mattresses, and utensils for cooking even if your kitchen and pantry are just a short walk from your campground. This way, you minimise the hassle of going back and forth for supplies and have more time to enjoy your beach camp adventure to the fullest.
7. Choose the Proper Shelter
One of the basics of camping is shelter. On the beachfront, you can use a thick tarpaulin as a canopy to shield you from the sun and wind. Generally, this is advisable only when the weather is warm and fine. Sometimes, even a sunny day can turn rainy and wet in the evening. A durable tent is a must to keep you dry in such weather conditions.
You can use a roomy sun shelter that can accommodate many people if you are camping with family or friends. Get one with a removable screen wall so you can let the breeze in when it gets warm. You can also zip it up at night to protect yourself from bugs like mosquitoes and shield your camping gear from the rain in case of a sudden downpour.
8. Set up Your Beachfront Into a Perfect Campsite
You do not need to spend much to turn your beachfront into a campsite. With just a durable tarp and camping mattress on hand, you are set to enjoy your very own beach campsite.
9. Cook Food on the Beach
Although your kitchen is just a short walk from the campsite, cooking on-site instead of in the kitchen brings more excitement and fun. Setting up a makeshift dining room under the stars also sounds mystical—like you are miles away from home on a survival trip.
To cook food on the beach, you can put up a barbecue pit, grill, or wood-fired stove, but be mindful of local fire bans. Stoves must also not be used inside tents for safety. Prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning by setting up your stove in an open area. If you are not keen on cooking like a pioneer, an electric stove powered by a generator would be ideal! Even a coffee maker can work—imagine yourself staring at the horizon as the sky turns from grey to pink, with the smell of coffee percolating. What a heavenly feeling!
10. Consider Your Safety
There are risks in going on a camping trip. Accidents may happen, so it’s essential to consider your safety. On a regular beach or camp, there are lifeguards and park rangers to prevent accidents or provide quick response and rescue, but in a private beach camp, you’re on your own.
Whilst there is no sure way to prevent accidents, you can always establish measures and safety precautions to reduce the possibility. Establish dos and don’ts and remind everyone who joins your beach camp to please note the rules and regulations of your beach campground. Keep emergency supplies—like first aid kits, flashlights, and batteries—close by so it’s easily accessible. Ensure adult supervision for young children. Put up fences, visible markers, and signage that would prevent people from crossing over to areas on your property that may be dangerous.
Ready to Turn Your Beachfront Into A Campsite?
If you are on the lookout or are ready to shop for your beach campground essentials such as sleeping bags or sleeping mattresses, tents, and other camping gear, you can get your money’s worth at Outbax, the premier Australian store that carries a variety of well-known brands of camping gear and accessories.
Whatever you need for your camping trip, whether it be on a beach or a caravan park, you can choose from Outbax’s impressive online inventory. Check us out and be amazed by the hundreds of choices available on sale. We also offer big discounts on promotional items. Visit our site today!
