Spring is without a doubt one of the most beautiful times to get out hiking and camping in Australia. In fact, this is the time many Australians leave their Egyptian cotton sheets behind and roll out a swag to escape the demands of 9-5 and school pick up. To help guide any impromptu trips over the spring season, the outdoor adventure experts at OZtrail have given us their Go-To guide to camping in Australia!
Research before you pitch
As one of the most arguably neutral climate shifts before the heat picks up, spring in Australia gives us quite a lot of variety when it comes to destinations to pitch a tent. In fact, the weather may not always be the same at every hotspot. If you are aiming for a birds eye view from the peaks of mountain ranges, or hoping to kick up red dirt in the outback, the seasonal weather can still be polar opposite. OZtrail recommends choosing your destination first and scoping out the scene in order to make packing a lot easier.
Trail shake-down
Whether you’ve been to your chosen campsite before or not, the trails to and fro may have changed since last summer. As the weather changes, the environment can take dramatic turns, falls and growth spurts. If it’s a man-managed site, simple access points and markers could be relocated for ease but may not be noticeable as a first timer. Even if you’re a fully-fledged camper with the hiking skills of a world record holder, the OZtrail experts say not to get ahead of yourself. Pacing and taking the time to gauge the area and shake it down before travelling through will save countless hours in the long run.
Understand sleeping bag
Many come from near and far to slumber at the perfect spot under the stars. With the weather warming up, understanding your tent and sleeping bag’s temperature rating will become even more important. The temperature will continue to change and depending on where your destination is, your sleeping bag may not be as versatile as you think. OZtrail recommends choosing a sleeping bag with a rating that meets the climate you are camping. Aim for a rating of +5 for coastal areas and a zero rated bag for hinterland camping spots.
Campfires
Forget using two rocks, lighting a campfire is harder than it seems. This isn’t the movies, guys! Whilst the weather may be warming up, many campers still like the idea of setting up a campfire. But we hate to break it to you. As spring sets in, many national parks start to impose restrictions and bans around camp fires. To still get the experience but without breaking the rules, the team at OZtrail recommend bringing along an Outback Cooker, which is able to create a fire source off the ground and is still allowed by many national parks.
Wildlife may come out to play
As we enter the spring season, we will start to see some native Australian wildlife come out of their hiding spots more willingly. It can be very touch and go depending on where you decide to pitch a tent, but it’s important to be mindful of where you set up your campsite. The OZtrail team suggested testing out the location to ensure the surfaces are durable and do not interfere with any wildlife nests.
Wondering how to get the most out of your first camping experience? Get the tips on all things camping from the outdoor experts at OZtrail.com.au
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