Since moving to Australia, camping has become one of my absolute FAVORITE things to do. WA has some of the best camping spots in all of Australia. It really is second to none! While camping can be lots of fun, the key to an enjoyable and safe trip, is in the planning. Here’s a list I’ve put together of things to do when getting ready to go camping! Enjoy!
Step 1: Date a guy who knows how to camp in Australia.
No, but seriously, this helps a lot. There’s a lot of things I didn’t know about camping here until I met Mason. (Like how to make your own toilet…)
Step 2: Check over the car.
I usually leave this one to Mason, mostly because I have no idea what to check for. Before every trip, he’ll check the engine oil, water coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, the dual batteries, and of course, how much fuel we have.
Step 3: Pack the drinks and food.
This is probably the most important step; can’t forget the beers. Luckily, Mason has an Engel fridge in the back of his truck, so we don’t have to worry about packing a cooler full of ice. Be sure to strategically pack the beers so they won’t break on the drive. (We’ve learned from experience.) Oh, and don’t forget the food.
Step 4: Pack up the car.
Now this part is usually my job. I’ll pack the mattress, sheets, blankets, pillows, clothes, camp chairs, table, grill, and camp box. Our camp box is full of things like flashlights, trash bags, paper plates, plastic cutlery, toilet paper, bug spray, and a First Aid kit. (The more we go camping, more things seem to get added to the camping box.)
Step 5: Drive to designated location.
We’ve been camping in quite a few spots around WA, but our favorite place is on a beach just 2 hours north of the city. Nothing beats a little night fishing and waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Tip: Try not to break down and have to be towed all the way back home.
Step 6: Set up camp.
When we reach our location, we unpack the car and set up. We usually set up right away so we don’t have to worry about doing it in the dark after a few drinks. Mason will set up the table, chairs, grill and canopy, and I’ll make the bed in the back of the truck.
Step 7: Start a fire.
Just make sure it’s the off season and there’s no fire ban. In the summer in Australia, there’s a fire ban in order to prevent wild fires.
Step 8: Cook up some food.
Break out the burgers and snags (sausages) and start grilling. I’ll usually pack a can or two of baked beans to go on the side.
Step 9: Relax and enjoy.
Kick back, crack a beer, and just enjoy the view (and no phone service).
Step 10: Clean the car.
The car is usually pretty dirty after camping (especially after driving on the beach), so you’ll want to take it to the car wash. Make sure to get under the hood and carriage in order to get all of the sand out. Giving the car a good clean will make it run like new!
And that’s it! Camping in Australia is easy as 1, 2, 3! (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10…)