Every day, you find yourself doing the same things. You wake up to get dressed for work or class, eat your breakfast, and head straight to the office or school. You go home, eat, sleep, and wake up to do the same routine all over again. You see the same people every day, and it gets boring at times. It is in these moments when you crave to see the great outdoors and have a taste of the adventure that awaits you.
Camping in Australia
Fortunately for Aussies, Australia has been endowed not only with beautiful cities but also with scenic landscapes rock formations, crystal clear lakes, sand dunes, white sand beaches, and wetlands. You don't have to spend so much or travel to other countries to take a quick breather. All you have to do is stuff all your camping gear inside your 75-litre bag or your vehicle and pitch camp in one of Australia's top camping destinations. Camping is truly rewarding and Aussies love it for several reasons:
1. It is affordable
Taking a shuttle service, traveling to your camp, and setting up a tent along the beach is much cheaper than buying a plane ticket and booking a hotel room. Plus, the experience can be equally rewarding or sometimes better than having to fly to another country.
2. It is a form of escape
Another reason Aussies love camping is the positive impact of being outdoors on one's health. It is said to improve blood pressure and even one's digestive system. It also affects mental health positively. Being one with nature and witnessing its beauty is indeed breathtaking. The way to your destination can surely be tiring, especially for hikers, but all the exhaustion will be washed away once you get to the summit. As you look back to where you started, you begin to feel proud of yourself. Whether you believe it or not, this experience can affect how you deal with life and make decisions.
You start to be more hopeful towards your pilgrimage on earth and believe that the glory that is to come is far greater than all your worries and pain. If you're too stressed out because of work or schoolgo on a vacation. Drive to the mountains or the beach. Leave the concrete jungle for a while and camp out in the wilderness. Listen to the rustling leaves or the rolling tide. Lie down and watch the star-studded sky. Walk past the clouds that cover the mountain ridges and don't stop until you reach the summit. More importantly, go back to your home with a happy and hopeful heart.
3. The weather is great
There are different seasons in each part of Australia, but it is generally blessed with a good climate. The question is: what is the best season to go camping? When you want to travel is entirely up to you. The north is a tropical region, making it on top of the list of those who prefer a hotter weather. Meanwhile, those who are fonder of a cooler climate may opt to plan a trip to the South. Summer takes place from December to Februaryconsidered as the hottest monthsin the southern hemisphere.
The wet season, on the other hand, is Northern territory's summer, and this falls from November to April. Temperature ranges from 25C to 33C in the daytime. However, there are risks of cyclones and flooded roads during this period. Unless you don't mind taking big risks, it is best you camp south from December to February or travel North from May to October to enjoy warm days and cool nights. After all, you're traveling to escape your dark and gloomy days.
How to get there
There are different options for traveling to your camping destination, but of course, buying a plane ticket is not one of those. The most common modes of transportation are 4WDs, campervans, RVs or motorhomes, cars, and public transport. How you want to travel depends on your available resources and preferences. For those who want to travel to the remote areas, traveling with a 4WD is a good option. Keep in mind, however, that it isn't a cheap alternative for those who don't own one. Renting a 4WD can be expensive; plus, there are limitations to where you can bring the vehicle. If you really want to camp in the wilderness but don't have a 4WD, the cheapest and best option is to use public transport and bushwalk. There are organised shuttle services that take you to the trailhead or the nearest end of the trail.
It isn't as convenient as riding a 4WD, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem if you're a seasoned hiker. You can also travel with your car, especially if your family or your group will be camping near the city. It may seem like a more convenient mode of transportation, especially if you're camping with kids. Packing light wouldn't be too much of a concern as you can easily put your things in your car's trunk. These are common ways of traveling to one's campsite, but it seems like RVs and campervans are the most popular rides, and rightfully so. Traveling with these vehicles makes it seem almost as if you're traveling with your house. You can bring a fridge, a kitchen, and even a mini dining room. You don't have to worry about your power source, too. Just bring a portable solar panel with you, and you're good to go!
Camping gear you should put in your checklist
Camping is an adventure and you should be ready to go on an exciting journey. You never know what awaits you in the woods or even in the beach. The weather is unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Even if you started your hike with warm sunshine, the weather can still turn cloudy as you travel deeper into the woods. There are many things that can happen, and if you don't prepare carefully, you might end up regretting your adventure. Scenarios like this are inconvenient, but as a traveller, you should be prepared for everything. Plan ahead and make your checklist. Make sure that you have all the right camping gear with you. Australia abounds not only with scenic landscapes but also with stores selling high-quality camping equipment. In case you forget something, you can buy from a camping store you see along the way. However, to save time, it is still best to have everything in your checklist.
So, what are the things that you should bring to your camping adventure? It depends on your mode of transportation, the size of your group, who you're going with, and the duration of your trip. If this is your first time to go camping, you need not worry as this article is meant to help people like you. Whether you're going to travel by car, camper van, or public transport, the items below are some of the common things that should appear on every camper's list.
1. Sleeping equipment
These are some of the things you should bring to give yourself a good night's sleep, wherever you are in Australia: - Tent; - Sleeping bags or air mattress; -Blanket / sheets; -Emergency blanket; -Night light; -Tarps; -Tent pegs; -Hammer; -Clothesline; and -Camping mats Camping tends to be rugged, which is why tents and sleeping bags are essential. It may not be as comfortable as your bed at home but it will somehow keep you warm and protect you from the (unexpected) rain. Make sure that your tent is durable, waterproof or water-resistant, and thick enough to keep you warm. If you're a backpacker, get a tent that is lightweight. You wouldn't want to bring one that weighs more than five pounds. If you're camping in the mountains, bring an emergency blanket with you as the icy cold ground can still get past your sleeping gears and touch your skin. If you're traveling with your camper van or car, skip worrying about it and buy yourself an air mattress.
2. Cooking
Apart from getting a good sleep, one of the most important things when camping is filling your tummy with nutritious food. Without food, you won't have the energy to continue your journey. Bring canned goods, noodles, bread, water, snacks, trail mix, and others. Of course, you should also bring the things that you need for cooking such as the following: -Portable stove; -Mess kit; -Can opener; -Chopping board; -Spatula; -Pots and pans; -Kettle; -Swiss knife; -Paper towel; and -Table cloth If you will camp in a motorhome or camper van, you don't have to worry about bringing a portable stove. All you have to bring are your pots, pans, cutlery, and stock of food and water. Don't ever forget to bring your own trash bag. Always remember the LNT (leave no trace) principle. Be considerate enough of other campers and bring along your own garbage. Dispose of it properly. Our planet has blessed us with a beautiful home, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it.
3. Survival kit
You might be tired of reading this again and again, but you should prepare for the worst. Remote areas can be uncertain, so don't forget to bring a first aid kit. It will be easier for you to treat a wound or survive an unfortunate incident if you have these items with you: -First aid kit; -Insect repellent; -Snake bite kit; -Headlamp; -Torches/flashlight; -Lighter; -Scissors; -Antihistamines; and -Batteries Apart from these items, being equipped with first aid and survival skills is important, especially if you're the leader of the group. If you think you don't have the right skills, you can read articles about it, or take first aid courses. This is to reassure the group that there is someone capable to handle an emergency situation.
4. Things that make you feel at home
-Toiletries; -Gazebo; -Camp chairs; and -Camp Table Just because you're taking a vacation doesn't mean you're leaving hygiene at home. Bring your shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. If possible, bring other things such as foldable chairs and tables. A gazebo can be useful, especially if you don't want to get too much exposure from the sunlight. If you're not traveling by car, RV, or camper van, pack light and skip the gazebo and tables. Instead, bring a picnic mat where you can lay your food. And if you want to protect your skin from the sun, take shelter in your tent.
5. Other camping essentials
-Portable solar panels; -Chargers; and -Extension Cords Thanks to solar technology, you can now generate your own power even in remote areas. With the help of a portable solar panel, you can recharge phones and laptops and generate electricity for your fridge.
Before you buy a solar panel, make an assessment so that you won't end up regretting your investment. Will you use it only to recharge gadgets, laptops, cameras, GPS, and LED lights? What is your mode of transportation? If your requirements are minimal and if you will be bush walking, it is best to invest on a compact and light portable solar panel. These are some of the important items you should bring on your camping trip. If you want to follow a more detailed checklist, here is a compilation of items that Aussie families should bring on their road trip. Plan ahead before you leave the city and drive to your destination. Prepare for the worst scenarios. Remember, you are traveling to heal all your wounds and bruises and reduce your stress and anxiety. If you don't pack all your travel essentials, you might eventually feel the need for one missing item. Write down your checklist and ensure that everything on your list is packed so that you won't have the need to stop by a store or grocery along the road. Why visit a store when you can buy all your camping needs online before the trip? Check out Outbax and buy your gear now to avail of great promos.
