A Beginner's Guide to Camping with the family in Australia

Planning a camping trip in the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia can be an enriching experience for families. For novice parents looking to introduce their children to the wonders of the outdoors, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable and enjoyable camping adventure.

1. Planning Your Family Camping Adventure

• Keep an eye on the weather: Camping trips can be ruined quite quickly by terrible weather (Especially when camping with children) TIP: Coastal areas are much more prone to inclement weather.
• Choosing the Perfect Location: Explore family-friendly campgrounds or national parks suitable for children of all ages. Use apps like WikiCamps Australia to research campgrounds in your chosen area.
• Essential Permits and Regulations: Understand the necessary permits and campground rules to ensure a hassle-free experience. Rules around fires can vary so make sure you are aware of the rules.
• Write a Checklist: Ask any experience camper, you will inevitably forget something you will need on at least one trip in your life, but writing a checklist before packing the car will help to avoid this situation.

2. Selecting the Right Gear for Your Family

• Family-Friendly Tents: Comfort is important to keep the kids (and the missus) happy during any camping trip. Before you buy a cheap $20 bargain tent that will start leaking in the middle of the night, learn the benefits and differences between swags, tents and rooftops tents so that you can choose the best solution for your family. 
• Comfortable Sleeping Gear: When it comes to comfort, nothing is more important than where you choose to lay at night. Air beds are a great option as they are super comfy and can be deflated to save vital space in the car. Choosing the correctly rated sleeping bag for your chosen conditions is also very important. 
• Camp Kitchen Essentials: How you are planning to cook your tucker will determine which kitchen gear you will need. During total fire bans, gas cooking is essential but if we have the option, nothing beats using the open fire! Camp/Dutch Ovens, pots and pans are necessities. We highly recommend getting yourself a Outdoor Kitchen Buddy and a Paperpod to protect that precious paper towel.

3. Engaging Kids in Outdoor Activities

• Nature Exploration: Getting out amongst the bush and away from screens is great for a child's development. Aussie Bushwalking is a great source of information for all things bush walking in Australia.
• Family-Friendly Adventure Gear: Australian weather can be unpredictable at times, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, and carry adequate food/drink and supplies in a backpack.

4. Ensuring Safety and Comfort

• Safety First: Although rarely encountered, Australia is full of dangerous critters in every state. Being prepared for that terrible incident with a first aid kit, can be the difference between a minor encounter and major disaster. Teaching your kids about how to act around wild animals is very important to ensure a safe trip is had by all.
• Family Comfort: Do not be tight on camping furniture, as the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for" when it comes to camping equipment. You don't want find yourself one chair short because you bought a budget chair that broke on the first day of a week long camping trip! Sitting on the ground isn't really that comfortable for days on end. Get quality camping furniture and your family will stay happy for the whole trip. 

5. Fun Campfire Activities and Delicious Outdoor Cooking

• Campfire Safety For Kids: Teaching your children the basics of fire safety is vital for all Australians. Find out more about Campfire Safety for Kids.
• Campfire Fun for Kids: Storytelling and stargazing around the fire are great past times that have been enjoyed for generations in this great country.
• Campfire Cooking: Learning to cook on the campfire is a fun (and delicious) way to teach your kids to respect and not fear the fire. Start off simple with damper and build up to a whole camp oven roast dinner! 

Bonus Tip: Always take Toilet Paper with you. Even if the location you are camping in has a toilet, you are best to have extra supplies because it is one thing you definitely don't want to be without! (We HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing a Dunny Buddy to protect your TP from the elements!)

Embarking on a camping adventure with your children can foster cherished memories and a love for the great outdoors. With the right planning, outdoor gear, and engaging activities, your family camping trip in Australia is poised to be an enriching and bonding experience for everyone involved. Happy camping and creating lifelong memories!