If you’re new to camping in Australia or making the trip here from overseas to try your hand at some real outback camping, then there are a few essentials you’ll need to take with you. Unlike most maintained campsites you’ll find in Europe or The States, most off-road camping sites in Australia have no connected power, water or even toilets – and they might be hours from the nearest clinic or general store.
With that said, making sure you have all of the essentials with you is so important. Whether you’re looking to understand a little more about what to bring, or what it’s like camping in Australia, we’ll have plenty of information in the post below.
Let’s take a look below at camping essentials you should pack for the Australian outback.
Suitable Clothing
To start our list, we’ll take a look at how to choose essential clothing. If you’re heading off into the ‘true’ outback, you’ll be dealing with significant temperature changes throughout the day and night, and that means both warm and more relaxed, cooler clothing is essential.
Pants and Shorts
Make it a priority to pack with you a thicker pair of trousers, a couple of thin breathable shorts and a pair of lightweight, breathable pants. This way you’ll have a choice of clothing for then the weather changes. You’ll also want something to cover your legs from the harsh midday sun.
• Tracksuit bottoms
• Breathable shorts
• Jeans
• Thin zip-off trousers
Shirts and Tops
Again, weather changes are a vital factor when choosing the right shirts and tops, but the sun should also be factored in. That said, we suggest packing just one or two short-sleeved T-shirts and sticking with an array of long-sleeved cool and thin shirts. This way you have a warm long sleeve at night, and a cool long sleeve during the day to prevent sunburns.
• Multiple long-sleeves
• Multiple short sleeves
• A fleece jumper
Miscellaneous
Lastly, don’t forget all of the other essentials such as long socks, pyjamas, hats and more. Depending on where you’re heading, you’ll need different styles of clothing, though it’s always best to pack two types of everything.
• Warm and cool pyjamas
• Gloves
• Wide-brimmed hats
• Gloves for cold areas
• Plenty of underwear
• Hiking socks, bed socks and casual socks
• Swimmers
• Walking shoes and relaxing shoes
Lifestyle and Sleeping Essentials
Of course, what is camping without somewhere comfortable and safe to sleep? In the Australian outback, there are a few essentials that you might not think of, which go beyond the tent, sleeping bag and lanterns.
Tents
To start, you’ll want to make sure you have a robust, waterproof tent that you can rely on to keep you out of the rain and also not to rip or tear easily. You’ll also want to check that your tent has tent pegs that can be hammered into the soil. You don’t want a late night storm or a gust of wind during the afternoon to blow the tent and all of your belongings across the countryside.
Sleeping Bags
If you’re not bringing a tent mattress with you, a sleeping bag is essential. In the outback you’re not going to want to lie out in the open in your sleeping bag as there’s a good chance you’ll wake up with a snake, centipede, spider or some other creepy crawly shacking up with you. Also, make sure the sleeping bag is suited to cold and warm outback nights, and you’ll be good to go.
Lighting
Another major essential is your lighting. If you’re camping in the outback, away from a city or a lit campsite, you’ll be in complete darkness, especially if there’s no moonlight. That said, a battery powered LED light to sit outside the tent through the night is non-negotiable. You’ll want a dim light outside to stop yourself or a friend tripping over something in the dark when going to the bathroom or getting a drink.
Other Essentials
You may want to consider a campsite toilet, shower tent as well as somewhere to sit and relax if there aren’t any logs or rocks nearby. A fan, camping refrigerator and portable smart device chargers are also a good idea too.
Cookware
To add to our essentials list, you’ll need to have cooking appliances with you. We’d suggest keeping these as minimal as possible and to choose your cookware based upon the ingredients you’re taking.
For the most seamless cooking experience in the outback, it’s also a good idea to invest in an inverter generator from Outbax Camping so you’ll be able to get cooking without searching for kindling, wood and starting a fire.
Our cookware essentials are below for you:
• A gas or electric stovetop
• A pan
• A pot
• An egg flip, spoon and tongs
• Plates and cutlery
• Cups and mugs
As long as you have these few items, you’ll be a-okay when it comes to cooking the essentials in the Australian outback.
Honourable Mentions and Safety
Lastly, it’s important to remember essential safety equipment and tools. Have a first-aid kit with you at all times in the Australian outback and make sure you have a two-way radio in your vehicle in case of emergencies, even if you leave it switched off.
Including extra bottles of water, at least 4L of petrol or diesel and a solar phone charger is also recommended in case of emergencies. Additionally, if you’re camping in a more public area, keeping all of your belongings locked up and having your vehicle keys on you at all times is essential.
