Your First Aussie Camping Trip: What to Pack and What to Expect
So, you’ve decided to go camping. Maybe you’re dreaming of sitting around a crackling fire, gazing at the stars, and waking up to the sounds of nature. Or maybe you just want to escape from emails and traffic for a while. Either way, welcome to the wild side!
Your first camping trip can be an absolute blast—if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you might find yourself wrestling a tent in the dark, swatting at mosquitoes, or crying over burnt sausages. But don’t worry! Quokka Camping has your back. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your adventure is more ‘wow’ than ‘woe.’
Oh, and if you’re bringing the little ones, take a copy of the Quokka Camping Activity Book! It’s full of fun stuff to keep them busy so you can unpack, cook, and chat in peace. Now, let’s get you packed and ready!
Step 1: Choose Your Camping Style
Before you start stuffing things into a backpack, think about how ‘outdoorsy’ you want to go:
🏕 Swags & Tents: The classic Aussie camping experience. Just make sure you practice setting up your tent before you leave. No one wants to spend their first night under the stars because they lost a tent pole.
✨ Glamping: If roughing it sounds too rough, go for a pre-set-up tent with a proper bed, fairy lights, and maybe even a little fridge. No judgment here!
🏡 Cabins & Caravan Parks: A great first step into the camping world. You still get the fun of a trip away but with proper walls and a private shower.
Step 2: The Must-Have Camping Gear
Here’s your checklist of essentials. (This is the stuff you actually need, not just “fun gadgets” that will end up gathering dust in the garage.)
🏕️ Sleeping Setup:
- Tent, swag, or van—whatever suits you
- Ropes, pegs & hammer (bring thicker pegs if you’re camping on tough ground)
- Ground tarp to keep your tent drier and cleaner
- Sleeping bag - get a warm one for winter!
- Pillows
- Blankets, sheets, or a doona
- Mat or self-inflating mattress (if needed for your chosen camping setup)
👕 Clothing & Personal Gear:
- Clothes for all seasons - (even if it’s hot, nights can get chilly)
- Swimmers
- Hats
- Towels
- Toiletries - toothbrush, soap, cloth, sunscreen, deodorant, insect repellent
- Thongs for the shower & comfy shoes for exploring
- A dirty clothes bag
- A small bag for carrying your toiletries to the shower block or ducking out to the shops
🔥 Cooking & Eating:
- Portable cooking gear (eg. a camping stove)
- Plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery
- Tea towels
- Dishwashing liquid
- Sharp knife & chopping board
- Easy-prep meals - check out a few of our suggestions in our cooking blogs!
- A big esky to keep food fresh
- Ice (check if you can buy more nearby)
- 4L water container
- Two buckets/containers - one for washing dishes, one for rinsing
- A few pre-made frozen meals that you can reheat for a quick feed
🔦 Lights & Extras:
- Battery torches or headlamps
- Lanterns or LED light strips
- Rubbish bags
- Extension lead & power pack (if you’re at a powered site)
- Gazebo (3m x 3m) for shade, especially if there aren’t any trees nearby
Step 3: Bonus Tips for a Smooth Trip
✔ Practice makes perfect: Set up your tent and test your gear before your trip. Nothing ruins the mood like realising you’re missing half your tent poles at 8pm.
✔ Read the instructions: If your new camping gadget has a manual, read it. Or at least watch a YouTube video.
✔ You don't have to blow your budget: You don’t need fancy brand-new gear for your first trip. Keep costs down and borrow items from friends and family, or buy second-hand.
✔ Be an eco-friendly camper: Rubbish goes in the bin, fires get put out properly, and leave your site better than you found it.
✔ Pack the Quokka Camping Activity Book: Seriously, this little book is a lifesaver. While you’re setting up the tent, the kids can help Quokka Kev crack the Quokka Code, or make a Time Capsule with City Steve’s Dad!
✔ Embrace the adventure: Things might not go perfectly, and that’s okay. Whether you forget the marshmallows, wake up to possums stealing your snacks, or have a tent malfunction, just laugh it off. It’s all part of the experience!
Camping for the first time might feel a little daunting, but trust us—it’s worth it. There’s nothing like sitting by a campfire, cooking up a storm on the grill, and sharing dinner under the stars. Even if things don’t go exactly to plan, you’ll come back with some great stories.
So pack your gear, grab your family and friends, and get ready for your first adventure. And if you see City Steve, keep an eye on your snacks!
Happy camping! 🏕️🔥
