Australia is a continental landmass in Oceania. With an area of about 7.7 million square kilometres, it is the sixth largest country in the world. This is more than twice the size of India, which is ranked seventh among the biggest countries. Aside from having a huge landmass, Australia is also a country fully surrounded by water. Its mainland coastline stretches for almost 37,000 kilometres. If you include the shores of the tiny islands dotting the continent, the total length of its coastline would reach about 50,000 kilometres. That is longer than the planet's circumference of 40,075 kilometres.
Outdoor adventures in Australia
Australia has millions of acres of wilderness which serve as home to amazing wildlife. Its vast arid desert is one of the driest and hottest regions on the planet. Hence, majority of the country's population live along coastal cities such as in Sydney on the east side and along the coasts of Perth on the western part. Being richly endowed with nature, it is no wonder that Australians love the outdoors and are very fond of adventures like swimming and water sports in beaches. They also love camping activities in hundreds of national and recreational parks and the Great Outback.
Popular beaches in Australia
Living in Australia, you would surely want to frolic along its world-famous beaches or engage in a number of fun-filled activities such as walking barefoot in kilometric long, pristine white sand, enjoying a cool dip in the blue and sparkling waters, and basking under the sun to get that perfect tan. You may also sit in one corner and be mesmerised by the spectacular scenery and awesome landscapes. There are hundreds of beaches across the countryfrom the well-known Bondi Beach about 11 kilometres east of Sydney. It is favoured by thousands of tourists and locals alike to the secluded and more private hideaways in the many islands and islets.
Recreational parks and camp sites
When you get tired of the beach, you can go nature tripping or camping. You have great options. You can set up a camp in national and recreational parks or in other designated camp sites for a fee, which may vary depending on the amenities and accommodations available. You can also enjoy free camping. Just make sure that when you camp out, you do not intrude on a private property without permission from the owner. For free camping sites, you can seek advice from the locals for both directions and restrictions. In any of these choices, you can go to 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. There are apps that can help you locate a campsite to your liking and preference, especially if you want to bring children along. As you travel, you can ask around for directions or rely on your GPS to reach your destination.
Advantage of a beachfront property
If you are one lucky owner of a beachfront property, you can have the best of both worlds you can enjoy the beach and a camp at the same time. Thousands of 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 thousands of stars after a tiring day spent swimming. With a beachfront property that you ownwith some effort, resources and imagination you can turn this into a perfect camp site. This means you do not have to go far when you get the itch to set up a camp. Just take your camping gear to your private camp and have all the fun and gaiety that you want. You avoid the hassle of sweaty travel or competing with other campers and backpackers for the best location in a camping ground. You can set your own rules and restrictions, with the consideration of the environment, of course. There will be no inconvenience of queuing for the use of a toilet and bathroom. Your family will enjoy beach camping any time they want without having to travel far. You and your children can invite your own sets of friends. You can have parties or bond during holidays camped in your beachfront. You can bring any food you want.
Beach camping versus regular camping
There is not much difference between beach camping and regular camping in a nature's park or in the wilderness. The difference is mostly in the landscape, the scenery, and the sounds that you can hear. Instead of trees and woods around you, or the sounds from the wildlife, what you can see and hear in the beach are waves rushing to the shore, the gleaming water, and the rising and falling tide. The touch of the cool breeze is also a nice change which you can enjoy if you are camped in an ocean front but not in a park. Here are some tips on how to turn your beachfront into a camping site:
1. Ensure compliance with local ordinances and regulations
Before you build or construct anything in your property, check out the local zoning laws and building codes. There may be restrictions that you are not aware of. It is better to get clearance before starting on a project. Secure the necessary permits and licenses before calling a contractor, a plumber, or carpenter to do the work on your property. You must ensure compliance with all relevant local and community ordinances and regulations in your area.
2. Set up your beachfront into a perfect camp site
You need not spend a lot to turn your beach front into a camp site. With just a durable tarp and camping mattress on hand, you are set to enjoy your very own beach camp site.
3. Consider outdoor toilet and plumbing
Carefully plan how you will turn your beachfront into a camp site. Survey your property and choose the most ideal location that you can designate as camping area. From there, you can start building the necessary structures that you would need such as an outhouse or outdoor toilet and shower area. For practical reasons, you can also opt to just buy a portable toilet. Add a supply room where you can keep beach paraphernalia such as towels and bath essentials and your camp supplies and accessories that cannot be accommodated in your tent.
4. 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.
5. Know when it is high tide or low tide
One important thing to be familiar with is the tide. Know when high or low tide occurs. This way, you avoid setting camp too near the shore and risk damping your camping gear and accessories when the tide comes in.
6. Pick the perfect site for your tent
If there are rock formations or boulders in 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 there are sturdy trees in your property, 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 you are camped out on your beach front, 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 take out to camp your electric cooker, coffee maker, and your portable electronic gadgets.
7. Prepare the beach and camping necessities
The sounds and sights may vary, but the basic necessities you would need would also be the same whether you are camped in a beach or in a recreational park. You have to bring camping essentials like tents, sleeping bags or mattresses, and utensils for cooking even if your kitchen and pantry is just a mere 100 yards or so from your camp ground. This way, you minimise the hassle of going back and forth for supplies, and you would have more time to enjoy your beach camp adventure to the fullest.
8. Choose the proper shelter
One of the basics in camping is shelter. In a beach front, you can use a thick tarpaulin as canopy to shield you from the sun and wind. Generally, this is advisable only when the weather is warm and fine. There are instances when even a sunny day can turn up rainy and wet towards the evening. In such case, you may have to use a durable tent to keep you dry. You can use a roomy sun shelter that can accommodate a number of people if you are camping with family or friends. Get one that has a removable screen wall so that you can let the breeze in when it gets warm. All zipped up at night, this can protect you from bugs like mosquitoes and shield you and your camping gear from the rain in case of a sudden downpour.
9. Cook food on the beach
Whilst you can easily walk back and forth to your kitchen to grab some food, camping would not be fun if you do not cook on site. Set up a barbecue pit, grill, or wood-fired stove. Imagine that you are miles away from home and are on a survival trip. A cookout would bring more excitement and fun. However, avoid using your stove inside your tent. You might cause a fire or be a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are not keen on cooking like a pioneer, you can use your electric stove powered by your generator. The smell of coffee percolating in your coffee maker as you watch the horizon turn from grey to pink is a heavenly feeling.
10. Consider your own security
In a regular beach or camp, there are life guards and park rangers as front liners to either prevent accidents from happening or provide quick response and rescue when something untoward happens. In a private beach camp, you are on your own. Whilst there is no sure way to prevent accidents, you can always establish measures and safety precautions. Set do's and don'ts. Make sure everyone who joins your beach camp understands and follows them. For young children, ensure adult supervision at all times. Put up fences, visible markers, and signage that would prevent people from crossing over to areas in your property that may be dangerous.
Shopping for supplies and accessories
It may require a considerable investment to turn your beach property into a camping site. But once you have accomplished all the right and proper things to do, it will be worth all the trouble. Just imagine having a perfect hideaway right beside your home. You need not spend heavily. Start modestly by investing in camping gears, accessories, and paraphernalia that are durable and made from high-quality materials. You would not regret such investments because they are sure to last a long while. If you are on the lookout or are ready to shop for your beach camp necessities such as sleeping bags or sleeping mattresses, tent and camping gear, there is one store you can get your money's worth. Check out Outbax, the premier Australian store that carries a variety of well-known brands of camping gears and accessories. Whatever you need for camping, whether on a beach or a park, you can pick from Outbax. Check out our inventories online and be awed and excited by the hundreds of choices available on sale. You may even avail of big discounts on promotional items. Visit our site today!
