Image 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.
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.
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 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.
