Sep 24, 2010

Welcome to Campsites Australia

Want to know where you can go camping in Australia for free or very little cost?
Welcome to Campsites Australia,

We'll show you where some of Australia's  best campsites are located around the country and while many of the sites are free, some may charge a small fee.

Apart from the cost, the biggest advantages of a free campsite is being able to choose your own campsite in a natural environment and having a bit more privacy than staying in a caravan park.

Another great bonus is that a lot of these places (except for national parks) will also let you bring the family dog along camping with you.

Aussies love camping in the great outdoors! It's one of our favourite passtimes and as such campsites can be found in almost every place around Australia, no matter how remote or isolated the location.

Campsites Australia's aim, as stated earlier, is to feature some of the many wonderful campsites around the country that are either free or charge a small fee at the time of publishing them on this site.

The main focus of this site is listing only those places that can be considered fair-dinkum campsites where you can stay overnight,  pitch a tent and hopefully have a campfire. You know the places I mean, where the family can enjoy a true Aussie outdoor camping experience; collecting firewood, making a campfire, toasting marshmallows, using a bush toilet, communing with nature, mingling with the wildlife etc.

We've divided the listings by States to make it easier to navigate around this site:

Qld Campsites
NSW & Campsites
Victoria Campsites

We'll be adding more as time and resources allow us. We or people we know have personally viewed or camped at many of the spots listed on this site and so we feel confident in bringing them to you.
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Aug 30, 2010

Don't Go Camping Until You Read This!

Home Safety CouncilImage via WikipediaPlanning a camping trip needs a lot of organization but before you set off there are a few things you should do before you leave.

Depending on the length of time you plan to be away, whether just for a few days or perhaps a couple of weeks, there are some precautions you should take to make sure your house is secure.


Here are some practical safety tips you can follow to make sure your house is secure before you leave:
  • Turn off and unplug all electrical goods, including the TV, computer, stereo, fridge etc.
  • Lock all doors and windows to the house and outbuildings.
  • Don't leave any ladders or tools lying around outside.

If you're planning on being away for more than a week, here are some extra steps you can take:
  • Arrange for a neighbour or a friend to collect the mail and check on the house. 
  • Set up an inside lamp or radio on a timer so that it looks like someone is home.
  • Turn off the fridge, get rid of any perishable foods and leave the door adjar to prevent mould from forming.
  • Set up a system that will keep your pot plants watered while you're away. A couple of ways to do this would be to put a towel in the base of a bath or sink, add a few centimetres of water so that it just covers the towel and then put your pots on top.
  • Don't forget to pay any bills due during the time you're away.
  • Cancel home delivery of newspapers, magazines etc.
  • Cancel any services you might use, such as home cleaning, lawn mowing or plant clippings removal.
Leave for your camping trip with the peace of mind that all's secure on the homefront.

Happy camping,


Jim and Marieanne



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Aug 5, 2010

Choose The Right Camping Spot

Camping at the East Alligator River 1977Image by kenhodge13 via FlickrCamping is one of the best ways to enjoy the great Aussie outdoors but choosing the right camping spot in a natural setting can sometimes be difficult. When selecting your camp site there are some factors you should consider:

Accessibility
How are you going to get to your camping spot? Is it a place where you can get by car or  access via a foot trail. If access is via a foot trail.

Views
Are there any attractions at the camping spot? Does it have good views? No sense camping in a boring place when there are many beautiful camping spots with good views available.

Water
Does your camping spot have access to clean water for your basic needs? If not, you’ll have to pack in all of the water you need.

Toilet Facilities
If you don't want to rough it too much then choose campsites that have toilet facilities, otherwise it's important that you take supplies to set up a bush toilet. At the least take a shovel and some toilet paper. If you want something more substantial, there are various types and grades of portable toilets on the market and also tents for privacy.

Phone Coverage
You will find that in some areas, mobile phone coverage isn't so great. Make sure you always let someone know of your plans and when you should be arriving back home. Keep checking whether you are getting coverage as you journey towards your camping destination. Make note of where the last place was that you received coverage just in case of emergencies.

Campfires
 If you want to have a campfire, you will need to check that you are permitted to have open fires at the campsite you are planning on staying at. Also check whether firewood is available at the campsite and whether you are allowed to collect it, or if you have to bring your own. In most areas you are allowed to burn dead wood. In any case make sure you take firelighters and newspaper with you as these make it much easier to start a fire particular on cool mornings when the dew has dampened the wood supplies.

Campsite
It's important to choose a spot that is level but don't select the lowest ground if it looks like it may rain. Runoff from a good shower will pool in the low spots.

Decide on how hot the temperature gets during the day and then select a spot that will give you some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid setting up a campsite directly under large tree, particularly gum trees as these have a tendancy to drop branches at any time.

Make sure you are within close proximity to a reliable fresh water source if no facilities are available.
You need to adapt these rules according to your camping environment.

It's a good idea to take a few tarps, tent poles and ropes on any type of camping trip just in case it rains, you can use the tarps to keep the campsite dry.  A good mesh groundcover is also a must to keep the dirt off your tent and eating area and it allows the ground to breathe and dirt to pass through to help keep the site clean.

Australia has such diverse landscape to explore, so it's vital to understand how to approach each type of camping environment available.

 Rivers and Lakes
The most popular camping sites are often located near rivers and lakes.  The weather and changing tides are the main concerns.

Before deciding on a location, and depending on where you are planning to go camping, you need to check the weather forecasts and tidal information. Water levels can change very quickly causing flash flooding, so it's important that you plan for these conditions.

When choosing a campsite near water, check to see if there are any obvious high water marks, such as clumps of dried driftwood, weeds and other debris forming a line across the ground or up against trees.

The other concern about camping beside water is the possibility of insect problems. Insects such as mosquitos and sandflies like to breed around waterways.  Flies can also be a problem during the warmer months. It's important that you pack some insect repellent and a first aid kit to deal with insect bites.

During the warmer months it's best to set up your campsite several metres back from the water to avoid insect problems.

If you are camping in Qld, partucularly areas north of Bundaberg, you should pay attention to warning signs along waterways and the coast, for the danger of crocodiles and other poisonous marine life.
Pay attention to warning signs relating to wildlife such as crocodiles and the presence of poisonous marine life.

Outback Areas
Some of the most spectacular and beautiful areas to camp in Australia can be found west of the Great Divide.  Arid landscapes, dry sandy river beds, rugged rocky gorges and deserts all present their own challenges when it comes to choosing the right camp spot.

As with any area in Australia, the weather conditions have an impact on the decision of where the best and safest spots are to set up a camping site. Flash flooding can occur at any time of the year, so it's advisable not to camp in dry creek or river beds.

Ant and termite nests are also commonly found so make take a careful look on the ground to make sure there aren't any nests near where you want to camp. Look out for tiny holes in the ground, ground that looks like it's been sifted and if you can see a few ants or termites in the vacinity.
Also look out for snakes and spiders under clumps of wood or in hollow logs when searching for firewood.

Seasonal Changes
The cooler months are an ideal time to go camping in the outback areas as the days are pleasantly warm not hot. Just remember that temperatures at night can drop dramatically and can get down to zero degrees and below. Make sure to take warm clothing and blankets to keep you warm during the chilly nights.

At night, pack away anything that you don't want to get wet, as most mornings bring on heavy dew that covers everything even if it's under an awning.

During the summer months, make sure you keep in the shade as much as possible and have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated.

Rainforests
Rainforests are damp environments, your main concern is keeping everything dry.

Use a tarp as a ground cover to keep your tent and supplies from rising damp.

Avoid setting up a campsite in sections where there are ruts or channels in the ground. If it rains the water will run along these channels and  through your campsite.

Look for firm hard sections of ground, preferably on the highest section of ground. Avoid dried mud patches or soggy soft soil areas.

You will need to use longer tent pegs for softer rainforest soils.

Always plan your trip well before you go. Make a list of everything you need and try not to take things that you absolutely don't need. When packing the vehicle, make sure everything is securely packed in so that nothing can fly around the cabin when you hit the brakes or go over bumpy roads.

Remember to give yourself time to ease into a camping routine and relax. It can sometimes be hard to do if you have a hectic lifestyle or having been spending a lot of time planning the trip and packing.

Happy camping,

Jim and Marieanne.
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