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Frequently Asked Questions:
Essential equipment includes:
- Tent (with stakes and a rainfly)
- Sleeping bag suitable for the weather
- Sleeping pad or air mattress for comfort
- Portable stove or campfire equipment, cooking utensils, and food supplies.
- Esky, fridge or food storage container is important for perishables.
- First aid kit
- Torch or headlamp with extra batteries
- Multi-tool or knife
- Appropriate clothing, including layers for warmth and rain protection
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Personal items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and hygiene supplies
To choose a good camping spot consider:
- Accessibility and proximity to amenities like water and restrooms
- Look for a flat, well-drained area to set up your tent, away from potential hazards like falling branches or flooding
- Ensure the site is within allowable boundaries and adheres to local regulations.
- Check for privacy and distance from other campers to enhance your experience.
- Consider the availability of shade or shelter from the elements.
- Assess the terrain for ease of setup and safety.
- Review weather forecasts and potential wildlife activity to ensure a comfortable and secure camping experience.
- Always set up your tent in a safe, level area away from hazards like cliffs or water.
- Keep food stored securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Use a campfire safely, ensuring it’s fully extinguished before leaving.
- Carry a first aid kit INCLUDING a snake bite kite and know basic first aid procedures.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared for changes.
- Use a torch or headlamp to navigate after dark and avoid walking alone.
- Follow local regulations and respect wildlife.
- Keep your campsite clean and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Ensure your gear is in good condition and check for safety recalls.
- Use designated toilet facilities if available; otherwise, follow local guidelines for creating a suitable waste area, like a “cat hole” for human waste.
- Secure all trash, including food scraps and personal items, in sealed bags.
- Use biodegradable soap for cleaning dishes and wash away from water sources to avoid contamination.
- Dispose of greywater properly, following local regulations.
- Keep hand sanitizer or hand wipes handy for cleanliness.
- Use a portable toilet if camping in areas without facilities, and ensure it’s used and cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent illness.
- Start by selecting a flat, well-drained area free of rocks and debris.
- Lay out the tent footprint or groundsheet to protect the tent floor.
- Unpack the tent and assemble the poles according to the instructions.
- Insert the poles into the corresponding sleeves or clips on the tent.
- Raise the tent by carefully fitting the poles into their sockets and securing with stakes.
- Ensure the tent is taut and adjust the guy lines for stability.
- Attach the rainfly, ensuring it overlaps the tent body to prevent leaks.
- Secure the tent with additional stakes if needed and check for proper ventilation.
- Wikicamps
- Hipcamp
- Anycamps
- Check Wikicamps for locations and reviews
- Check with the local council
- Caravan parks and campgrounds
- Tourist information centres
- Service stations, trucks stops and travel centres
- Public rest areas
- Dump points
- National and state parks
- Marinas and boat ramps
- Supermarkets and shopping centres
- Hardware stores
- Tourist attractions
- NO! They are for stabilising only and not engineered for levelling.
- Use a spirit level.
- Level sire-to-side by placing the level on the drawbar and placing leveling ramps or blocks under the wheels on the lowest side.
- Level front to back using the jockey wheel to adjust the height.
- Stabilise using the stabiliser legs.
- Wheel clamps
- Hitch locks
- Corner steady locks
- Alarms
- GPS trackers
- Security cameras
- Remove valuables
- Locks on windows and doors
- Park in well-lit areas
- Use a security post or bollard
- Regularly check and clean the exterior, roof, and underbody for damage and rust.
- Ensure tyre pressure is correct, tread depth is legal, and wheel bearings are greased.
- Inspect and tighten wheel nuts and test the brakes for responsiveness.
- Check all seals and joints for leaks, and service the gas, water, and electrical systems annually.
- Clean the interior, and check appliances for proper function.
- Regularly inspect the chassis, hitch, and towing equipment, and store the caravan in a dry, covered area when not in use to prevent weather damage.
Your caravan should be professionally serviced annually or every 15,000 – 20,000km (whichever comes first).
The cost of a caravan in Australia varies widely depending on the size, brand, features, and whether it’s new or used.
Here’s a general price range:
- Basic Used Caravan: $10,000 – $30,000
- New Entry-Level Caravan: $30,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Range New Caravan: $50,000 – $80,000
- Luxury/New High-End Caravan: $80,000 – $150,000+
- Custom or Premium Models: $150,000 and above
Prices can fluctuate based on market demand, condition, and additional features like solar panels, off-road capabilities, and luxury fittings.
- Comprehensive Caravan Insurance
- Covers: Damage or loss due to accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. It also includes third-party liability if your caravan causes damage to someone else’s property.
- On-Site Caravan Insurance
- Covers: Caravans permanently stationed at a location, like a holiday park. It includes protection against events like storms, theft, and fire.
- Touring Caravan Insurance
- Covers: Caravans that are regularly towed to various locations. It covers damage while in transit and while parked at different sites.
- Contents Insurance
- Covers: Personal belongings inside the caravan, such as electronics, appliances, and furniture. Make sure the level of contents insurance is enough to replace everything. Usually the standard coverage is $1,000 which is nowhere near enough!
- Annexe Insurance
- Covers: Damage to any attached structures like annexes or awnings.
- Towing Liability Insurance
- Covers: Liability for damage or injury caused by the caravan while it is being towed.
When selecting insurance, make sure the policy is tailored to how you use your caravan—whether stationary or on the move—and includes adequate coverage for all potential risks.
- Choose a secure, sheltered location or use a breathable cover.
- Clean the exterior, apply protective wax, and inflate the tyres, rotating them periodically.
- Clean inside thoroughly, ventilate by leaving cupboards and the fridge slightly ajar, and use moisture absorbers.
- Drain all water systems to prevent freezing, and disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger.
- Secure all windows, doors, and hatches, and consider additional security like wheel clamps or hitch locks.
- Regularly inspect the caravan for moisture, pests, and damage, and ensure the cover remains secure.
A caravan is a fully enclosed, towable vehicle with solid walls (sometimes a pop-up roof or pop-out sides), offering built-in amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and beds, making it ready to use with no setup required. It’s generally larger and more comfortable, ideal for long-term stays.
A camper trailer, on the other hand, is a lighter, towable trailer that unfolds or expands with soft walls, offering basic amenities. It requires some setup upon arrival and is more versatile for off-road use. Camper trailers are more compact and easier to store, making them suitable for shorter trips and rugged adventures.
Start by evaluating your current setup and determining your needs. Consult a professional to recommend suitable components, such as heavy-duty shock absorbers, upgraded springs, or independent suspension systems. It is recommended this type of work be carried out by a professional, however if you are handy consider the steps below:
- Ensure compatibility with your caravan’s weight and usage.
- Remove the existing suspension system, following manufacturer guidelines for safety.
- Install the new components, ensuring proper alignment and secure fittings. Check and adjust the caravan’s ride height if necessary.
- Test the new system with a short drive to ensure stability and comfort.
- Regularly inspect the upgraded suspension for wear and proper function.
First check your states laws and requirements. Verify that your caravan meets safety standards, including lights, brakes, and registration. Ensure it is fitted with proper towing equipment and that the load is within legal limits. Check that your caravan’s tyres are in good condition and meet legal standards. Keep up with regular maintenance and any necessary modifications. Ensure that your caravan’s weight is properly distributed and that it’s within your vehicle’s towing capacity. Regularly inspect and update registration and insurance as required. Always adhere to specific road rules and regulations for caravans.
The best camping foods are easy to prepare, nutritious, and portable. Here are some top choices:
- Canned Goods: Beans, soups, and chili are convenient and require minimal preparation.
- Instant Meals: Instant oatmeal, noodles, and rice meals are quick and lightweight.
- Dry Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, and nuts provide energy and are easy to pack.
- Fresh Produce: Apples, oranges, and carrots are durable and healthy.
- Pre-Cooked Foods: Pre-cooked sausages or bacon can be quickly heated over a campfire.
- Dehydrated Foods: Meals and fruits that rehydrate with water are space-saving and long-lasting.
- Condiments: Salt, pepper, and other spices enhance flavour.
Choose foods that match your cooking setup and preferences for a satisfying camping experience.
- Prioritize safety by seeking shelter immediately. If in a tent, ensure it’s well-anchored and free of leaks; move to a more secure shelter if possible.
- Avoid areas prone to flooding or falling branches.
- Keep dry by wearing waterproof clothing and staying inside your tent or shelter.
- Secure or stow away loose gear that could be damaged or cause hazards.
- Monitor weather updates and be prepared for changes. If conditions worsen significantly, consider packing up and heading to a safer location if necessary.
- Always have an emergency plan and supplies ready for severe weather situations.
- Choose a clear, level area away from overhanging branches and flammable materials.
- Use a fire ring or pit if available.
- Gather dry kindling, small twigs, and larger logs. Start with a small pile of kindling and light it with matches or a fire starter.
- Gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire establishes.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
- Never leave the fire unattended, and ensure it’s completely extinguished before leaving by dousing it with water, stirring the ashes, and adding more water until cold.
- Ensure the campsite is pet-friendly and follow local regulations.
- Keep your pet on a leash or within a secure area to prevent them from wandering or disturbing wildlife.
- Bring necessary supplies, including food, water, bowls, and a first aid kit for your pet.
- Provide a comfortable, shaded sleeping area and protect your pet from extreme weather.
- Clean up after your pet to maintain campsite cleanliness.
- Keep your pet’s vaccinations and flea/tick treatments up to date.
- Always supervise your pet around campfires, and ensure they are well-trained to handle various camping situations.
- Use a high-quality sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you’ll encounter.
- Pair it with a thermal sleeping pad for insulation from the cold ground.
- Wear moisture-wicking, thermal layers and avoid cotton, which retains moisture.
- Bring a hat, gloves, and warm socks.
- Use a tent with good insulation and a rainfly to protect against the elements.
- Keep extra layers and a warm drink handy.
- For added warmth, use a camping heater designed for tents or a hot water bottle.
- Avoid getting your sleeping bag wet, and ensure ventilation to prevent condensation inside the tent.