Family camping trips can provide opportunities for parents and kids to make lifelong memories, see the great Australian bush, and enjoy a much-needed digital detox. All of this has contributed to camping becoming a beloved pastime for Aussie families from every corner of the country.
However, no matter where you’re camping, it’s important to keep in mind that the Australian bush can be pretty unforgiving. There are always risks that you’ll need to prepare your family for, and these must be considered when preparing your vehicle, as well as setting up your tent and campsite.
So, what pre-planning should you do, and what should you pack to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next family camping trip? Here’s our definitive list of all the essential supplies, equipment, and safety considerations that must be taken into account in the lead-up to any family camping, fishing, and hiking adventure.
Prepare your car for your family camping trip
It’s always recommended to have your car serviced before heading off on a road trip. Regional towns in Australia can be quite spread out, with hundreds of kilometres between destinations – and therefore between mechanic workshops. If your car breaks down halfway, you and your family could end up stranded and waiting for emergency assistance for hours on a rural highway.
Road conditions across rural highways can vary for several reasons, including changing weather conditions and reduced road maintenance in isolated regions. This is why it’s also essential to make sure your car insurance cover is up-to-date. For families who are planning to go camping often, you may also benefit from securing comprehensive car insurance for greater coverage.
What to pack in your car
Alongside insurance and servicing considerations, you should also make sure you pack some vehicle maintenance essentials for long road trips – just in case you may need them to perform basic repairs. This can include supplies like:
- A car jack and a spare tyre
- Jumper cables
- Basic toolkit
- Worklight or mechanic flashlight
- Car manual
- Paper maps
- Water and paper towels
- Brake/transmission fluid
- Essential Camping Supplies & Equipment
Next, let’s move on to what camping supplies you should always pack along for any camping trip (unless you’re going glamping, in which case some of these supplies may be provided to you by your campsite). If you’re camping the traditional way, however, you’ll want to make sure your family stays safe, dry, well-fed, and don’t have to deal with sleepless nights caused by uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. Here’s what you’ll need to pack to make sure your camping trip is comfortable for the whole family.
Sleeping Arrangements
Family-sized tent
Whilst we may love to sleep in a swag under the stars when we’re camping solo, family camping trips will require a family-sized tent. Make sure you consider the measurements of your tent ahead of time and whether there’s adequate floor space to sleep every member of your family comfortably.
If you can’t comfortably sleep all family members in one tent, consider investing in two smaller tents. The advantage of smaller tents is that they may be easier to set up and pack up, which can be beneficial for families looking to hike between multiple camping spots over the course of their trip.
Individual sleeping bags
Every camper in your party should have their own sleeping bag that’s sized specifically for them. Sleeping bags should also be zippable for complete coverage to combat the risks of chilly toes or even hypothermia if your family is planning to go camping in alpine regions.
Sleeping mats and/or air mattresses
Sleeping bags don’t have built-in padding, so it’s essential to bring a sleeping mat or air mattress for each sleeper to avoid relying on compacted soil or smooth rocks for back support.
Other camp-ready bedding
For those camping in alpine regions or planning for winter camping trips, the insulation from your sleeping bag may not be enough to keep you warm and cosy. Similarly, head and neck support may be beneficial for ensuring a better night’s sleep, especially for those planning to do plenty of hiking during their camping trip. If you feel you may benefit from packing additional camp-appropriate bedding (i.e. camping pillows, weatherproof blankets, etc.), then be sure to pack these alongside your sleeping bags and mattresses.
Comfort and Cooking
Meal preparation and camping furniture are additional logistical considerations to consider when packing for your camping trip. Here are just some campsite essentials that can help your family cook, dine and lounge comfortably in between day hikes and cosy nights.
Camping furniture
Foldable camping chairs and camp tables are designed to provide your family with comfortable and stable seating and work surfaces at your campsite. Be sure to pack a camping chair for every member of your family.
Campfire essentials
There are many different ways to light and set up a campfire, like using a fire starter or matches with some natural kindling (i.e. newspaper, wood chips, charcoal, etc.). Be sure to pack these campfire essentials alongside a grill grate, aluminium foil, a camping stove, and other supplies that’ll help you make the most of your campfire.
Utensils and dinnerware
Camping-friendly utensils and dinnerware are essential for comfortable fireside dining at your campsite. Here, look for stainless steel and enamel utensils and dinnerware (i.e. plates, bowls, and insulated camping mugs) for easier cleaning, improved insulation, and lightweight construction for easy transportation.
Cooking equipment and cookware
Camp-safe cookware, like enamel pots and pans, is also a must. Again, stainless steel and enamel construction are key for camp-appropriate cookware; however, you can also pack some silicone cooking utensils for easy cleaning.
Camp-appropriate clothing and footwear
Cold and damp conditions can make for some pretty unhappy campers. But more seriously, inadequate weather protection can also quickly lead to your family developing cold and flu symptoms. Nobody wants to deal with a cold while on holiday, so packing weather-appropriate clothing for your camping trip is essential.
Some basic camping clothing to add to your pack includes:
- Camp-friendly outerwear (waterproof anoraks/jackets, snoods)
- Camp-friendly footwear (waterproof hiking boots, rain boots, hiking sandals, quick-drying merino socks, etc.)
- Base layers (merino short- and long-sleeve tees, leggings, etc.)
- Wool beanies and scarves
- Sunglasses, bandanas and face coverings for sun protection
- Swimwear
Camping in winter can also make things slightly more hazardous due to low visibility and the difficulty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and bushwalking. This is why you should also pack headlamps and torches for navigating campsites at night and for night hikes and other activities where you may encounter lower light conditions.
Pack smart for your next family camping trip
Whether you’re planning to camp deep in the heart of a national park or you’re looking to set up tent in your favourite riverside caravan park for a little extra luxury, setting up a tent with the kids and sharing the great outdoors with them is always going to provide you and your family with a great opportunity to switch off and just be present. Packing smart will, of course, also help you stay present and enjoy a camping trip that goes off without a hitch.
By following this checklist, you can ensure your family is well-prepared for winding road journeys, fun in the sun, forest walks, campfire meals, and all the other adventures and excitement that accompany any family camping trip!
