Go Camping Australia

Photo of the Week - Walhalla in Victoria, Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:58:00 +0000

Have you been to Walhalla?

I hadn’t even heard of this town in the Gippsland Region of Victoria, until Jin from http://www.campingwithmorris.blogspot.com/ shared her photos with us! It once was a busy gold mining town, but now has a population of around 20 permanent residents!

Jin says

Walhalla is renowned for its beautiful scenic and the very cute old train. It is indeed a very beautiful town, both Steve and myself found ourselves constantly gasping for the beauty of this little country town.

Based on what I have now seen and read about Walhalla, it looks like a place to visit.

If you have been there, let us know below!!

Thanks to Jin at http://www.campingwithmorris.blogspot.com.au/

And if you have been camping and want to share your story, your photos, your camping locations, then we would love to have them featured here.

Send to address below (but more information on what to do can be found here)

Easy campfire recipes that use a stick!

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Everyone knows about putting a marshmallow on a stick, and cooking it over the fire. If you have camped, you probably have done it at least once!

But do you put anything else on a stick and heat it up? Read on, and find out there is more to cooking with a stick than you ever dreamed of!!! Yes, we have some easy camping recipes.

Here are 8 other foods to cook over the campfire.

You will need the food, and a good stick (free of loose bark, and nice and clean).

But for longer cooking times, a metal skewer (a long one, ideally with some sort of handle at the end to stop it burning in your hands) might be the implement to add to your cooking utensil box.

1. Damper

This is a very popular item to put on a stick – easy and delicious.

Make up your damper (not too wet, or its going to slide right off) and roll it into long snake-like shape. Roll around a clean stick, and when its on securely, SLOWLY rotate it over the fire, so the dough is cooked evenly and thoroughly. It can be a bit trial & error getting the dough cooked just to your liking. Tap the dough, and if it sounds hollow, it should be cooked.

When done, pull off the stick (well cooked, it comes off a lot more easily), and pour jam or maple syrup or whatever you like into the hole where the stick was, and enjoy!

Hint: Kids love Nutella on their damper on a stick!

2. Hot Dogs

Easy way to heat up your hot dog sausage and get that smoky taste too! Put the stick through the sausage and heat carefully (don’t put it right into the middle of the flame).

Then slide off onto your bun, with all the condiments ready to go!

If you want to jazz up the humble hot dog, make 4 slices at the end of the sausage, to about 1/3rd of the way down. Do this at BOTH ends of sausage. The middle of the sausage is unsliced.

When it cooks, the ends, curl up, supposedly looking like a spider!

3. Roasted Bananas

photo credit: Darwin Bell via photopin cc

Put a banana on a metal skewer (a stick may work, but a skewer is going to be cleaner removing it from a mushy banana) , then heat it over an open flame.

When its nicely warmed and starting to go a bit soft, you can roll it in choc flakes (Cadbury Flakes all smashed up works), or nuts or any topping you think goes well with a warmed banana.

4. More fruit - apples, pineapples or peaches.

One way to get fruit into the kids is roasting your fruit near the flame. Other than bananas, fruit that goes well on a skewer includes apples, pineapple and firm peaches. I love strawberries done like this, but they can fall off quite easily! .

If you have the ability, brush the fruit with some melted butter and a dash of orange juice or honey, which contributes to the flavour.

Those who are mega-prepared with camping supplies, can dip the warmed fruit in cream (sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon!!!)

photo credit: Luz Adriana Villa A. via photopin cc

5. Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

This isn’t one that I would normally associate with cooking on a stick, but comes from the Food Network.

On bread, spread mayonnaise, ham, cheese (of choice, but swiss would work well) and pickles. Top with another slice of bread, and cut the sandwich into quarters.

Toast each quarter on a stick/skewer until the cheese melts.

Photo http://www.foodnetwork.com

6. Prosciutto & Mozzarella Balls

Another one courtesy of Food Network!

And one to impress. Would be very tasty for those who are wanting to have something to munch on with your drink before dinner!

Wrap prosciutto around mini mozzarella balls. Thread a cherry tomato, a prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella ball and another tomato onto each skewer; toast over a flame until the tomatoes blister.

Photo http://www.foodnetwork.com

7. Egg in an Orange

This one got a lot of “likes” on our Facebook Page! The following information comes from Egg Farmers of Alberta.

Cut a large orange in half and scrape out the fruit from both pieces. With a sharp knife, cut a small “x” on one orange half about 1 cm below the rim. Cut another “x” just below the opposite rim. Thread a long pointed stick through the cuts so that the orange half hangs like a basket. While someone holds the half peel steady, crack a small egg into it. Grasp the end of the stick and hold the orange shell over the campfire (low flames or embers) for about 10 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes and remove the orange from the stick. Add salt and pepper… and enjoy your egg!

(reference: http://eggs.ab.ca/recipes-1/campfire-quot-eggs-in-an-orange-quot)

8. Kebabs

photo credit: wEnDaLicious via photopin

Whatever you call it,shish kabobs or kebabs, these are good on the campfire too. Generally it is a meat/fish and a vegetable alternated on a skewer.

The choice of what you put on it is up to you and your pantry!! The options are limitless.

But a couple of things to ensure you get it right are:

- don’t make the protein so chunky that it takes a lot longer to cook than the vegetable, and vice-versa. You want the kebab contents to all cooks roughly at same time.

- if you brush a sauce or marinate over them, sometimes it will make them look burnt, and may mislead you into thinking the meat is cooked. If its chicken, you don’t want raw meat!

- If the food looks like it could fall right off into the fire, 2 skewers could be used to stabilise the food

Now, its your turn to tell us what you like to cook over the campfire!! Share your thoughts below. Or maybe you have an easy camping recipe of your own? Tell us.

And if you liked this story, please subscribe to our blog.

Australian Outback - Photo of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:12:00 +0000

If you ever want to see more of Australia than the typical Sydney Harbour shots, then you might want to see the blog Amazing Australian Adventures.

The owner of this site, Red, has done more camping and been to more places off the beaten track than we can possibly imagine!   Little jealous I must admit.

Red visits places that I would have just driven straight past, and finds cool stuff there!!   A lot of Australian locations have weird names, and Red finds them all it seems!!!

And she knows all the best bakeries too, which is pretty important when you are on the road.

And today, Red shows us her Queensland outback camping locations.   Great photos which highlight the beauty of the Australian Outback.

Poddy Creek Camp is between Winton and Middleton. It's just a rest stop with a toilet, but the view over the nearby ranges across the endless spinifex is marvellous. And a campfire under the stars, or to boil the billy in the morning makes it perfect!

Swanvale Lookout is near Stonehenge - the Australian version! This magnificent 'Jump Up' is a perfect campsite - great lookout, off the road, private - and great birdwatching for those who care... For most of our 3 night stay, we were there alone - and with a campfire, clear sky and killer view, we could have stayed there forever!

Noccundra Waterhole, near the Noccundra Hotel out from Thargomindah en route to Coopers Creek was a great place to set up for a few days. Enjoy a meal at the pub, hot showers for a gold coin donation to the RFDS, and the peace & quiet of the waterhole. Our first time won't be our last time!

We thank Red from Amazing Australian Adventures sharing these beautiful shots with us. Head across to her blog to see and learn more!

And if you want to share your photos with us, send to address below (or find out more on the tab at the top of this page).

Winter is coming; stay warm when camping

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:23:00 +0000

Photo credit: http://pop-sesivo.tumblr.com/post/24690167886/

Being cold is a miserable experience when you are camping. I know this, because I really feel the cold a LOT, and I have been unprepared for some temperatures when in our tent.

A camping trip in June resulted in one of the longest nights of my life as I desperately tried to get warm (and not wake all the others who were sleeping peacefully and snugly). I don’t think I warmed up to mid morning, when the sun hit our campsite and started to melt the frozen surrounds, and me.

With winter coming (Game of Thrones fans will know the importance of this), here are some tips to help you keep warm, as being cold when camping can make for some very unhappy campers.

Bedding for the right conditions

photo credit: Snap Man via photopin cc

We have mentioned this before: the importance of buying the best you can afford.     When it comes to bedding, this is so important.

With sleeping bags, ensure you get one that will meet the conditions you are needing it for, and keep in mind that the temperature rating is a guide only – and a lot of factors need to be considered when choosing what sort of sleeping bag will keep you warm.    Don’t go crazy and get one for Artic conditions if you are not sleeping in the Artic, but do your homework.

I feel the cold, so a sleeping bag rated at 0 degrees (which means it will generally keep me warm as long as it doesn’t get colder than 10 degrees) is not going to work for me on really cold nights!    I need to go to a –10 degrees bag, for when the temps get down to 0.

You can read a blog post here on being too cold and without the right gear.

You can also add a sleeping bag liner to increase warmth (though I am not 100% sure how effective my liner has been in increasing my warmth but others swear by them), or add extra sleeping bags or blankets over the top of you.     Have the thickest sleeping pad you can manage/afford.

What you have under you is more important than what you have on top of you.

Need more info on what sleeping bag could work for you?   Check out Go Outdoors advice on choosing a sleeping bag.

This is a big decision, and loads of info is out there to help you make the best choice.

Get your sleeping bag and sleeping pad right for YOU and the conditions, and one of the biggest issues about winter camping is solved.

Warm yourself up

This is one of my fave ways to get myself warm in the tent. Filling a Nalgene bottle with hot water and putting it in my sleeping bag before I get in.

These bottles are sturdy, great lid so no leakages, and don’t melt with the heat of the water. I put the bottle at my feet or hug it.

photo credit: Aaron Jack via photopin cc

Ensure you have had a nice hot meal for dinner (and on a cold night in the outdoors, this is a highlight for many campers). This food will be used as fuel by your body during the night, helping with the warmth.

Another way to warm yourself prior to getting into bed is eat something like a high-energy snack, as your body warms itself as it burns up the calories.

Avoid too much liquid before bedtime, as it is painful having to get up in middle of the night for a wee.

If you are up to it before you go into the tent, jump around the campsite, or do a quick walk – you are trying to get your metabolism going to help with keeping you warm. Its not meant to be like a big workout at a gym, but this little exercise will help.

Standing around the campfire is lovely, but the warmth only stays with you whilst you are next to it, so think about these other warm up methods too.

photo credit: Steve took it via photopin cc

Sleeping wear

The correct clothing is going to make a big difference to any outdoor adventure.

When its time to get into your bed….do you climb in wearing what you had on, or do you change?

The correct answer is to change into clean, non sweaty clothes (plus this will help keep your bag clean). Layering your clothing is the best option, avoiding cotton. Wear your thermals, and build layers upon them. Do this before you are icy cold and its bedtime.

Wear socks and a hat (you lose a lot of body temperature through your head, so don’t forget this one important item).

photo credit: CKTravelblog via photopin cc

In the sleeping bag, now what?

So, you have done all the above – you are fed and watered appropriately, you are in the right clothes and have done a quick workout, and now you are in the sleeping bag that you spent hours deliberating over its purchase to get the right one.      Now what?

If you think that is the end to keeping warm, just a couple more points to digest:

- even when it gets cold in the tent, don’t burrow your head in the sleeping bag.    As tempting as it is to put your head under the covers, condensation could build up in the bag, making it damp and therefore cold.      Even though I know I shouldn’t do it, I often do.

- use the drawstrings around the top of the sleeping bag to trap the air in.   That’s what they are there for.

- if air is still getting in, use a scarf or jacket to pad around your neck.

- don’t make the bag so hot that you end up perspiring.

- if your bag is bigger than you, and there is a lot of empty space, you can fill it up with the clean clothes you are wearing tomorrow

photo credit: AZRainman via photopin cc

Hopefully, this might help you stay a little bit warmer in the winter months. And if it all seems too hard, then, spring is not that far away either.

And if its raining, then you need to know these tips about camping in the rain.

If there are any tips about camping in winter, please share below. Or sign up for emails and never miss out on our stories again.

Photo of the Week – Ngarkat Conservation Park

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Ngarkat Conservation Park is in South Australia, close to Pinaroo. (243km east of Adelaide), and is known for sand dunes, mallee and 4WD driving. There are 9 campgrounds, but some are only accessible in a 4WD.

And today, we are sharing photos by Deb and Andy who visited there, and from the photo below, do an amazing lamb roast in the camp oven!!

We thank Deb & Andy for sharing their photos with us.

And if you want to share a moment from your camping trip (location, views, set up) please send through to us at:

(Size of the photo(s): the bigger, the better)

Where to go camping with dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 05 May 2013 22:14:00 +0000

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles M. Schulz

One of the most common questions we get in our inbox from readers, is regarding taking the family dog on a camping trip. “Are dogs allowed?” “Can we bring our dog"?”

The answer is always going to depend on the location, but if your destination is a National Park, the answer will be a "no"....read on to find more about dogs and where you can take them.

National Parks

photo credit: itspaulkelly via photopin cc

Dogs and National Parks don’t go together.

Taking your pet into a State or National Park is forbidden in order to protect our native wildlife. Your dog might be this calm and well behaved dog, kept on a leash, but that still does not make it permissible to take them into the Park when you camp.

The following is an excerpt from the NSW Government Environment & Heritage page, giving a few reasons why you can’t take your dog into a National Park:

Native animals see dogs as predators. The lasting scent left by dogs can easily scare small animals and birds away from their homes, often causing them to leave their young unprotected.
Dog faeces carry diseases which can be harmful to wildlife and people, and also add nutrients to the soil, increasing the spread of weeds.
If dogs and other domestic pets have frightened native animals away from popular visitor areas, there will be no wildlife for other visitors to see.
Dogs can interfere with the enjoyment of other park visitors.

Assistance dogs, or dogs that provide support for people with disabilities, are an exception.

Failure to pay attention to this rule in a National Park can result in you being asked to leave, or an on-the-spot fine (and could make a cheap camping trip, a whole lot more pricey).

Dog Friendly Camping

photo credit: Defence Images via photopin cc

You know that a National Park is out of the question, so what are your options?

Basically, the answer is going to depend on where you are staying. The rules will vary from place to place, so you will need to do some homework. If in doubt, call and ask.

Some private properties will also have a ban on pets, so its important to check, and not just assume.

Useful links

We can’t give a blanket answer for every camping location, but below are some links to help you in your search.

Camping With Your Dogs   is a website covering campsites that do allow dogs, and covers 5 states, but with a focus on Queensland.

Dogs on Holiday is for those in Victoria, and covers all sorts of accommodation including camping.

Turu – NSW Pet Friendly sites are listed here, and at time of writing, listed 226 pet friendly camping grounds.

Heading to Tasmania? Then this site has a list of places where dogs can go.

The Courier-Mail listed 7 best sites in Queensland to take your dogs camping.   You can see the sites listed here.

Selected Big 4 holiday parks allow dogs.    To see which parks accept dogs, you can click here.

Travel Dogs Australia covers dog friendly locations in QLD, Victoria and NSW.

A book devoted to camping and dogs is Bush Camping with Dogs. If you are planning on doing a bit of camping, this might be worth investigating.   The link is for one site that sells the book, though there are many others.

And remember, just because you love your dog, doesn’t mean everyone else will, so please be a responsible owner and keep control of your pet and clean up after them too!!

Do you take your pet camping with you?     Is it easy to find places that allow them?   Let us know below.

Photo of the Week shared by Our Naked Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to throw in your day job and travel around Australia?

Well, I have, but its not going to happen with 2 kids still at school.   But I can live vicariously through 2 people who have done just this.

Our Naked Australia is the blog of Juz and Dave, and their experiences in this amazing country.    You can read about the places and attractions they visit, plus their camping locations, all accompanied by some great photos.

In fact, one of their photos went viral on the web. Did you see the picture of a camel "eating" a girl’s face?   It’s impressive.   But if you missed it, see it here on their Bunbury blog post.    This is one classic photo!

And today, Our Naked Australia, are sharing a few photos (minus camels) from their epic journey!

Moore River (WA).

WA Goldfields (note: neither of these bearded people are Juz….I don’t think so anyway!).

Valley of the Giants (Walpole-Nornalup National Park,WA) The above is not a giant!! The “giant” in the Valley refers to the red tingle trees and karri trees.

We thank Our Naked Australia for sharing their photos with us. And don't forget to check out their travels and stories at their website.

And if you want to share your own camping photos, please send to:

5 warning signs that you are next to the camper from hell

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

When you choose your campsite, do you ever check out who your neighbours will be? Do you secretly study them before you set up to see if they look like they will be
rowdy/rude/weird?

After a recent camping experience, we might need to be more choosy on where we set up!

photo credit: Jan Tik via photopin cc

Here are 5 warning signs that indicated we chose badly that trip……

1. The camper was sitting in his car for a very long time by himself. Not that there is anything wrong in sitting in your car, but when you go camping on a sunny day, its just not the most common way to spend your time. What was he doing? I don’t want to think too much about that.

2. He advised that he was a citizen of Australia, so did not need to pay to come into this National Park, and we shouldn’t have either. This tirade went on for a few minutes.

3.     He told us that he had placed cameras around the campsite and was watching everything.

4.     He got into a fight with the Park Rangers over Point 2.

5.     Told us and the Rangers that he had a gun.

Before you write to us and say "what's wrong with sitting in your car for a long time, and that doesn't mean you have a bad camping neighbour", I need to add - there is NOTHING wrong with that!

But when all 5 signs mentioned above, occur together in a very close period of time upon our arrival at the campsite, our alarm bells weren't just tinkling.   They were clanging loudly.       Maybe, this person wasn't the ideal neighbour to be camping (with young children) next to, in a remote setting??

So, what happened next?

We didn't have to resort to leaving the site, as the police were called, but our neighbour wasn't waiting around for them, and moved out of the area quite rapidly.       When he tore off, we all breathed a little easier, and it certainly made for good conversation around the campfire that night!

But maybe, if we have that many warning signs again as we set up, it might be time to re-think that location!

Have you ever camped next to someone difficult or not exactly an ideal neighbour?   Please share below!

Photo of the Week– campfire memories

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

The campfire is part of the camping experience.    Nothing is better than at the end of the day, sitting around the fire and just relaxing.

Today we share 2 such moments, shared by our readers.

Firstly Steve S. shows us his moment at Old Adaminaby on Lake Eucumbene, in the Snowy Mountains of NSW.     That is one place you definitely need a campfire, because it gets so cold there!

We thank Steve for sharing his moment with us.

And Dawn C. shared her campfire (with the Dutch Oven baking something yummy?) at Melrose in South Australia.

Melrose is a great base for camping if you want to hike up Mt Remarkable (or just explore some of the beautiful Flinders Ranges).

Thanks to Dawn for sharing.

And if you have a camping moment or a camping location that you wish to share with us, please send photos to:

Photo of the Week – Chaffey Dam

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Chaffey Dam is in the Tamworth area of New South Wales, and I had never heard of it. But Tony from Camp Well Eat Well has, and shared his camping moments with us.

And because he sent in a few shots of this area, I haven’t just limited it to one photo, but a few of the area.

So thank you for sharing with us Tony.

And if you want your photos on our blog, please send them to us at:

We would love to add them here.

Tips for Camping in the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Have you ever camped in the rain? And I don’t mean a sun shower. I mean rain, that doesn’t ease up.

Good or bad experience?

photo credit: Kalexanderson via photopin cc

Generally, most people will say its far from ideal, and many just pack up and head home early. And if that is possible, then do it. Because its not fun. Sometimes, ending a holiday is not possible, and you are going to have to just deal with it.

Important disclaimer before you read further: I do like rain on the tent at night. It’s a great sound to hear when you are warm and dry. So a little rain, is not going to kill you, and doesn’t mean a ruined holiday. Stay calm and keep camping.

So, here are some tips for camping in the rain (ie. not sun shower) And add yours in the comment section too.

Don’t go

Now this might seem like a bloomin’ obvious thing to say.

But if you do have an option to cancel, do it. If your camping trip is just a weekend away, not planned with military precision, you might find that staying home could be better way to spend your weekend.

Yes, it can be disheartening that planning and preparation is put on hold. Yes, the kids might whinge and moan at the plans being thwarted.

But ask yourself this – would you much rather have the kids upset at home (and with lots of distractions and options available) or have them miserable and trapped in a tent/caravan with you for 2 days?

There will always be another time.

Location Location Location

Think about where you set up each and every camp trip.

So even if its sunny when you arrive, think about what its going to be like should it rain. Where will the water run? When it runs off your accommodation, will it run away from the tent, or pool in the indentation where you set up?

We camped in pouring rain, and as it ran off the annexe, it was running straight to the tent entrance (in a dip). Our son ran out in the rain, and dug trenches away from the tent (which he still talks about today!).

Extra shelter

photo credit: knowinspiration via photopin cc

If space allows, bringing an extra shelter (apart from where you are sleeping) is VERY helpful. You can use it as a space to wait out the rain and not be trapped indoors. It can provide protection for other camping gear, plus provide an area to cook and eat in (because you should avoid having food in your tent).

And if there is a leak in your accommodation, you can always use this tarp/extra shelter, to provide much needed protection.

It does not need to be a massive pop up shelter either. A tarp can do a great job. The site Camping with Charlie has some good ideas on ways to set up.

And important point, a shelter, provides an opportunity to set up a clothes line to dry off wet clothes.

If you have children – this might just save your sanity.

photo credit: Pig Monkey via photopin cc

Appropriate Gear

photo credit: via photopin

Bring wet weather gear.   That means waterproof jackets with hoods (or at least water-resistant).    Umbrellas can work in the right situation, but not ideal especially if you are moving around the campsite and need hands to be free.

Cotton clothing is really useless in rain. It gets wet and stays wet.   Whilst it can be great on a warm day, for rainy weather, its bad news.     See more on why cotton and rainy weather are not best friends, in this article about why cotton kills.

Dress appropriately, with layering is the best option.

And if camping in the rain, seems to happen a bit to you, then do invest in the best wet weather gear you can afford.    When it comes to camping and hiking gear, you do get what you pay for.

For children, sometimes a rain poncho works well.     And good Wellington boots or any shoes that are are waterproof.    Wet socks for little one (and big ones, is miserable).    Pack extra!

Bags and more bags

Image: seatosummit.com

Keeping your “stuff” dry is paramount.

Don’t let wet gear into your sleeping area, because that is an area you need to remain pristine.   All wet gear stays outside, and store it a plastic bag to keep it touching anything else. Dry sacks are great for keeping wet and dry, apart.

Ensure all clean clothes (and dry) stay in a bag that won’t let water in.    Use a garbage bag if really necessary.

All equipment especially cameras/phones should be in dry sacks when not in use.   Water getting into them can be fatal to them.      In your tent at night, keep them in waterproof bags too – if the accommodation lacks adequate ventilation, condensation can build up on them.

Lack of ventilation in your sleeping area, will mean condensation that makes everything damp. Avoid letting bedding touch the walls of the tent.

Cooking

The meal on the campfire might have to wait due to rain.      Bring at least one backup meal that doesn’t require a roaring fire.   Pasta and a bottled sauce is a good one to have in the supply box.

But just don’t try to cook inside your tent – ever.

A good campfire stove is recommended for those times when a campfire is not an option.    We have a variety, but the Trangia is very multi-functional stove and is lightweight and portable too.      Just ensure if you are cooking under your tarp/shelter, that there is a large distance between the stove and the shelter.

And there are lots of articles on how to start a fire in the rain – but for me, it all sounds too hard when camping is meant to be fun.     If you are into Man Vs. Wild style of camping, then read up on how to do it here.

Hopefully some of these tips will help make your next rain-filled camping adventure a little easier to cope with.

And if you do hang in there, and not head home because of the rain, don't let a bad experience colour your opinions on camping.   It's all these little, not-so-perfect moments, that can make your life one big adventure.

So, what do you think about camping in the rain?

This post was inspired by 2 bloggers who really have had a crap time camping in the rain. Read their wet weather camping stories below.

Seven Cherubs and Cup of Tea & A Blog

Photo of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:26:00 +0000

Our first fan photo of the week (and we have had some great submissions and we will get through them all, so if you have submitted a photo, please check back to see if yours is here on our blog)!

We have chosen our first photo today as it captures a true camping experience; sitting around the campfire. The photo was taken in Hamelin Bay, WA.

It comes from Prue, of Modern Nomads with Kids, who has a blog that covers many aspects of modern parenting, including camping! Thanks to Prue for sharing one of her camping experiences.

If you would like to send in your own camping moment, or a photo of your favourite campsite, please send to us at:

Win an Aeropress coffee maker

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:54:00 +0000

Kookaburras are really very noisy birds in the morning!    When we go camping, they always seem to be right above our tents, announcing its time to get up, long before anyone actually wants to!

So, on many a camping trip, I stumble out of bed and head for coffee, because no way with those kookaburras am I going back to sleep.      And I really need coffee to get me going in the morning.    Could have a slight addiction to caffeine!

Our favourite way to get a good coffee is with the Aeropress – it is the coffee maker that gives me the best tasting brew that doesn’t come from a fancy big Italian coffee machine (not very practical to carry on camping trips).

We never go camping without our Aeropress.     I can’t and won’t drink instant coffee anymore.

We reviewed it last year on our main website, and you can read how it works (and see video) here.

Make sure you check it out, because you will be amazed at how simple it is to use.

And now, we are giving you, our readers, a chance to win your own Aeropress, and get fantastic coffee when you are camping, hiking, on a picnic – or even at home or work!

The prize is

1 Aeropress (valued at $55)

How to enter

Two simple steps.

1. Subscribe to our blog via email (at the top of our blog page you will see the subscription page box or to the right of this page there is another box - either one!) If you already subscribe, that is great, because should you win, we will already have your email address to contact you.

You must verify your subscription too! Email addresses are never disclosed to anyone else.

2. Leave a comment in the section below on why you need a good coffee

Remember, you need to do both of the above steps to be eligible.

How we will judge

Nothing technical for us. We will read all the comments and give it to someone who gives us a great reason on why you need good coffee in your life. You will then be contacted via email and will have 7 days to get back in touch with us!

Prizes will posted to Australian addresses only. If we don’t hear from you within that time frame, a second winner will be chosen.

Closing date for entries

This competition has now closed. The winning comment was by Rachel!
Rachel, please check your email inbox for a note from us.

So, please tell us in the comment section – why do you need some good coffee in your life?

Happy Camping and Comping.

Share your photo with Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Recently on our Facebook page we asked our readers to share some of their camping spots at Easter.    We have had some wonderful photos sent in.

So I got thinking, “why just do it at Easter”?

Maybe, like us, there are lots of you out there who have taken a great shot of your camping site or captured a true camping moment, and would like to share with others?    If we get any interest, then we could make it Fan Photo of the Week or similiar – all posted here, on one of the few camping blogs for Australians!

So what do you need to do?

If that sounds like something you want to participate in, then all you need to do is send in your photo to us with a short description (or a long one) about the photo(s).

And don’t worry about your privacy – no email addresses will be published on the site.

So what are you waiting for?   Start looking through your photos now!

Where to send the photos?

And just to get you started, here is one camping spot worth visiting…….

Hutchenssons campsite (and the view from it) in the Lower Glenelg National Park, Victoria.

We hope to see your photos soon.

Easter S’Mores

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

S’Mores, the great American tradition are about to get an Easter twist, Aussie style.

Mind you, we haven’t had the greatest success in the past making the traditional sort (that story can be found here) but that isn’t stopping us attempting to recreate a S’More for around the campfire this Easter.

The verdict? Read on……

Ingredients for Easter S’Mores

Marshmallow shaped like Easter eggs (there are also marshmallow bunnies or chickens in the shops, it just depend on what you want to melt)

Flake or Twirl, or any chocolate that you think will melt reasonably fast, and can be squashed a little flat

Arnotts Marie Biscuits (and if you have access to Graham Crackers, then of course, use them!!). But we didn’t and these seem to be about the right size plus were available readily!

How to:

Now comes the assembly line.    Get your biscuit ready, with the chocolate already on it, ready to go. When the marshmallow is ready, time is of the essence.

Roast the marshmallow (we chose the one on the left to be first victim to a fire)

and these particular marshmallows melted so fast, it was a bit freaky.

Place on the biscuit.

Place another biscuit on top and squish down.   The chocolate may melt, but ours stayed firm.

Eat and enjoy.

The verdict by younger members of family:     “Yum” and “Messy” .

Adults opinion:   “God, that’s sweet”.

And then we tried it all in the microwave, to reduce mess…….

Pre-microwave

Post-microwave

Sugar overload! What do you think of this Aussie Easter S’More?

(or check out this S'More variation - Nutella and Banana S'Mores)

5 tips for Easter camping

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Four day break is nearly here – yes, its Easter very soon, and not only does it mean way too much chocolate, but it means going on holidays, and for many – camping.

So here are a few tips to help you prepare for camping at Easter including a VERY important one near the end…..and we also need to hear YOUR tips at the end of this post.

photo credit: JolieNY via photopin cc

Get to your campground early

Our advice is, if you are going to a place where there is no booking system in place, try to get there as early as you can – either Thursday or very early on the morning of Good Friday.

It is one of the busiest time of the year for campgrounds.    If you haven’t booked a site (where it is possible to do so), you probably have missed out. Big popular places like Jervis Bay NSW, Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, book out months in advance or are so busy, have ballots you need to enter to be considered for a campsite.

Caravan parks are very similar – they are booked weeks/months in advance, but you should contact your park of choice to see if they have had any last minute cancellations.

Unpowered sites are greater in number, and often less restrictive on where you can camp. If you are a self sufficient camper, then your chances of getting in at some places is greater.      eg.   Wilpena Pound seems to have unlimited unpowered sites, and can hold a large capacity of campers.

Many other National Parks, work on a first in, first served basis, so you are taking your chances when you arrive at a Park.      Getting there a bit earlier, will allow you time to look for the best available campsite, though your choices may be a little more limited than usual.

Wilsons Promontory – photo by Steve Bennett

Have a back up plan

If you haven’t got a guaranteed site:- where will you go if your first choice is already taken?

You don’t want to spend valuable time, aimlessly driving to location after location, hoping there is a spot.

Work out before you leave, where will you go if Site A is busy. Research now, what is in the area and what other campsites appeal should you need to visit. Do it before you leave home!!!

There are a lot of free camping apps which you can have on your smartphone which could help you narrow down other spots in the vicinity.

Check out

Campee
Campin’ Australia
Wikicamps

Love Thy Neighbour

photo credit: kloppster via photopin cc

The above picture is a picture of camping hell.    Let us hope your Easter camping spot is not like this.

Remember:   Your favourite spot during the year, may be lovely and peaceful and quiet.      At Easter, sometimes this can change.      Where once you had no-one near you for miles, Easter means closer proximity to other campers.

This is not always a good thing.         Because, as I have discussed numerous times before (and it’s a subject close to my heart), some people, really really can be very annoying and rude when it comes to the great outdoors.

You can read some camping etiquette guidelines that we put together (and what our readers thought too).

Top 10 tips on Camping Etiquette    and Part 2 – Camping Etiquette

Stock up

We found one Easter how scarce chemists can be when you need them.    In the city, there is always a chemist open, somewhere.     In remote areas, there may not be a chemist at all, nor any for kilometres, and instead of sitting by the camp, you are in the car, driving around to townships trying to find this medicine.

So, be prepared if you are going somewhere away from large townships.      Like you, some storeowners have gone on holidays, so these quaint little towns, can be very quiet.

You can’t plan for every contingency – stuff happens, but with children involved, do take pain medications and a well stocked first aid kit.

Take whatever food and drink you think is a must for the trip too……..just in case, the local store you counted on is closed over the Easter period.

and lastly, the important tip I mentioned at the start…………

Don’t forget the chocolate

Remember this for the children (and adults) who might be expecting the Easter Bunny to arrive - so add to your camping checklist today (and if its hot, pack it at the bottom of your esky).

If you have an Easter Egg hunt planned, you don’t want the animals getting to it before the children do!

We have put our Easter Eggs in plastic moulds (available at Woolworths – $2 buys a packet of around 10 medium size plastic eggs). The chocolate stays safe, and you can fit a medium size egg, or lots of the little solid ones in it.

So, please share your tip on camping at Easter…..what advice would you share with others before they head off?

Hammock camping - Sky Bed review

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

If you have read some recent posts on our blog, you will know that we have started hammock camping.     It’s fun, lightweight and appeals to anyone who might be trying to reduce the amount of gear they take when they go camping.

In saying that, we still use our tents a lot and you never know if your campsite is going to have trees to rig up your hammock, so a tent is a good back up choice for us.

I like a tent because it allows me space to move around, store extras, get changed etc, but hammock camping has some great benefits plus its fun.     And it is one great way to relax.

Hammock Bliss Australia kindly sent us a Sky Bed hammock to review, and we leapt at the chance to give it a try.   You can find out more about Hammock Bliss and all their products, at their website   www.hammockbliss.com.au

So on a gorgeous sunny weekend in Adelaide, we headed out to give it a try.

The important figures:

Dimensions:
4'5" x 10'10"
135 cm x 330cm

Weight:
23 oz
660 grams

The important facts:

This Sky Bed is described as a two-point flat hammock. Which means it allows you to sleep flatter (eg. more bed like) than other gathered end hammocks. Incorporated into the design is a sleeve into which you can insert a sleeping mat – adding insulation in cooler weather while increasing the rigidity of the hammock, and allowing you to lie more flatly, giving you the option of sleeping on your side if that’s your thing. Stomach sleepers are still going to struggle though.

Material is ripstop nylon, and comes with strong 6mm climbing rope to help with the suspension of the hammock. Suspending the hammock doesn’t require any special knots, and if you can tie your shoelaces, you should be OK here too.

The tree straps (which should always be used to prevent damage to trees) are not included in the price of the hammock and must be purchased separately. They come in various sizes, but I’d probably get the largest so you have the best chance of getting it around some larger trees.

First impressions

It all looked so neat and compact in the the bag which the hammock was provided in (and incidentally is permanently attached to the open hammock, providing an attached gear bag). The straps were provided to us, in a separate bag.

Unravelling it was easy, but was a little concerned how I would get it all back in the bag! I can, but its a tight fit. I would prefer a stuff sack a little larger to make for quicker pack up of the hammock.

The setting up

Our other hammocks, have different ways of being attached to trees, so this was another learning experience for us with the Sky Bed.

Attached to the hammock at either end was strong climbing rope and of course we had the straps provided, but we weren’t sure how to put it all together. Thankfully (and because we like to be prepared) we Googled and came across a great YouTube video which taught us everything we need to know.

More experienced hammock campers would not have had any dramas knowing what to do, but we needed some expert guidance for our first time with this style of suspension.

That video can be found here or watch it below:

Very handy to watch before you use the straps

Setting up proved to be easy, especially after watching the video. I especially liked the fact that there were no tricky knots to deal with in securing it to the tree.

Our first time took about 5-7 minutes of experimenting to get it right, but the second go was much faster.    The video shows 2 main methods of setting up, and we tried both.

The knot needs to be done like you tie your shoes! I was a bit sceptical on how safe that sort of tie would be, but it worked well for me.

The hammock is set up, and ready to sit/rest/sleep in…

But if you want some warmth or to make the hammock lie flatter (in my personal opinion) then there is one more step.

There is a sleeve built into the hammock to insert your sleeping mat.

Like a lot of other camping hammocks, the Sky Bed is meant to be lay on the diagonal, with your head over one side and your feet on the other. When the mat is inserted, you can see the angle that you are meant to sleep on, and I definitely thought it provided a flatter lay, plus would help with warmth in cool weather.

Now we had no idea at this point if the sleeve should be in the section where you sleep, or underneath the hammock itself!

So you can see we took the former option.      It worked for us!!!    (I have since had confirmation that we did do it correctly).

It seems that lying in the hammock on the sleeve side, could put the sleeve stitching under some stress as you move around, but time will tell.

We used our Prolite Plus by Thermarest, not completely inflated, and that inserted easily into the sleeve.    These mattresses are very lightweight, so carrying the mattress plus the hammock, makes it a great choice for hikers.     None of our other self inflating mattresses we own, would have fit in the sleeve, so ensure you check that out before any trip!

You could use an underquilt with it instead of the sleeping mat, but then it would be like any other hammock and I don’t think that the flat lay would be as noticeable..

The results

Image: Trying out the hammock for the first time

With the sleeping mat inserted, the hammock, to me, did definitely feel like I was lying flat – compared to other hammocks.

After being in this Sky Bed, I tried another of our hammocks (different brand), and I could tell the difference between the two in how I lay.

And it was lovely to lie there and feel so comfortable. Check out the view what you see when lying in a hammock!    Nothing but the sky and trees!!!

As I sleep on my side, this also made the Sky Bed an attractive option.

All the materials seemed very strong and reliable.

My husband likes the footbox design incorporated into another hammock we own, so he thought he would like some extra material in the Sky Bed, where the feet would lie, but being shorter than him, it was not an issue for me.

Having the stuff sack as a gear bag attached to the hammock is great, as I want to keep torch/phone/glasses nearby and off the ground.

If you want bug netting that is purchased separately, as is the tarp/fly for the hammock.       Because I am not a fan of bugs of any sort, sleeping without a net would be an issue.    I think I would spend half the night wondering what was going to drop onto me or climb into the hammock.     Now, not everyone would be a girly as me I know, but for me, I really, really need a bug net.

Hammock Bliss do sell the No See Um mosquito netting/cocoon, and more info can be found here.

Weather protection is not included with this hammock, so the additional tarp would be highly recommended.   We had to purchase tarps for our other hammocks as well – they generally seem to always be a separate purchase.

To see the Hammock Bliss shelter, click here.

The verdict

I truly think this is a very comfortable hammock, and if they get the built-in bug netting, it will be even better.

The way you attach the hammock to the trees is very easy and requires no fancy finger work to do – there are a number of webbing suspensions systems out there for hammocks, but this way works and is easy for a beginner to grasp too (which I believe is really important).

One of our other hammocks has all the straps attached to it, which means everything is in one bag and attached, so nothing would be forgotten or left behind on a trip – that could be something, down the track, that Hammock Bliss could incorporate into this hammock set up?

Overall, this is a hammock that I can definitely see myself lounging around the campsite in.

To read more about our other hammock experiences, check out

7 tips on hammock camping

Swinging in the breeze – first time with a Hennessey Hammock

If you have experiences, or thoughts on this, please share your comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Get real and get outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Who remembers when a tweet was what a bird did?

And a hotspot was to be avoided in case you got burnt?

Below, check out these clever ads by Stihl about getting real by getting outside. The ads are about unplugging from the computer, and social media and enjoying the outdoors!

My favourite ad is the one about the Playstation, as it seems very relevant to us – parents to a child who loves their PS3.

So how you do you unplug? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: 9gag.com via Go on Pinterest

The biggest camping mistake

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

The picture of the tent looked wonderful.   The tent looked spacious (all those extra rooms!) and the kids would love helping put it up.

And so begins a tale of shattered dreams and crushing reality.

At a campsite.

And at dusk.

If you have camped before in a tent, you may have an idea where this story is heading….and if you haven’t camped, read on and learn a vital lesson.

The campers-to-be had purchased this wonderful tent for amazing adventures in the bush. Adventures the whole family would love.      The trip was planned, and off to a National Park for a weekend of outdoor fun.

(Note to the reader….the above tent is not the tent in this blog post – but still that’s not a tent I would want to put up in a hurry).

Well, the trip took a little longer than expected……and the kids had gotten hungry on the trip, so a detour to McDonalds was needed half way, and by the time the intrepid family had found the campsite (sure gets dark quickly in April), nerves were already frayed.

But now to the inaugural setting up of “the tent”.   Inaugural?   Isn’t that like, first time?

Yep, new camper mistake number 1 – not trying the gear out before you camp.

And so began a comedy of errors, copious amounts of swearing and palpable frustration as they tried to put up this mammoth beast of a tent.

A lot of poles and ropes on some of these biggers tents aren’t there?    And where are the instructions? And the sun seems to be setting unnaturally fast about now isn’t it?

That extra room that looked so good on the tent picture, is not looking so wonderful right about now, as the poles you thought should go in one part of the tent, really are meant for this vestibule. Might explain why the tent is not looking so crash hot.

And where are the kids during this? Fed up with the fiasco and heated mutterings of dad, they abandoned camp, only to return to complain of hunger, and advise how dark it was getting!

We offered to help and speed up the process, but newbie Dad was determined (read: stubborn) that this tent would be put up by him and the family better damn well enjoy it.

So dusk turned to night, and the beast wobbled, sagged but ultimately stood upright by 8pm. And the new campers could finally rest…..well sort of.     They still had to tackle the sleeping bags and mats.

Have you ever made a mistake like this camping?      Share your experience in the comments below.

( photo credit: Faisal AlKhudairy \  فيصل الخضيري via photopin cc)

How to be happier in 1 easy step

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Want to be happy?

Have children who feel happier with their family?

Be less stressed?

And more socially connected?

I think that applies to you, me and everyone else.

But how can you do it?

One relatively easy way to do it is to go camping.

Liverpool John Moores University did research (proof that I am not making this stuff up can be found here) and an interactive brochure “The Real Richness” that outlines this research, can be found here.

The facts

93% of campers said camping made them happier

77% of campers are satisfied with their quality of life compared to 59% of non-campers

21% of campers feel stressed on an average day compared to 33% of non-campers

84% of campers think camping can make you healthier

Benefits for children?

There’s another set of impressive facts too, including these 3 big points:

91% of kids said that spending time exploring the outdoors with their Mum and Dad would make them feel happy

80% of kids who camp feel their parents are less stressed when camping and 76% say their parents shout less!

76% of kids who camp notice that their parents have more time for hugs than usual

And if you are looking for more reasons to go camping, read about our top 5 reasons to take your children camping. The facts do speak for themselves.

We all lead busy lives, but if you are looking to give yourself a much needed break (and reap some health benefits at the same time), you know what you need to do…..

If you liked this post, then share your thoughts below, or maybe subscribe to our blog? Subscribe here

7 tips on Hammock camping

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:21:00 +0000

So you are thinking about trying hammock camping?

Maybe you have heard about it, but not really sure if its for you?

That’s OK, because we were just like you too. (and you can see more about our first time here) Not sure where or how the interest came about for us. It sort of just happened. I know my partner spent a lot of time researching (ie. lots of YouTube videos) to see what would work, and then the expenditure began (he's known as Gadget Boy for a reason).

Hammock camping is a different way to go camping. It’s not really huge in Australia, but is a very popular way for hikers to camp.

And we are newbies at it – there are LOADS of forums/posts/stories from the experts and more experienced, so if you read on, you are not going to get something technical and tricky because we are just learners.

What you will get are some (not too serious) lessons we have learned thus far!!

Our top 7 hammock camping tips are:

1) If you haven’t secured your hammock correctly to the tree, it hurts when you go crashing to the ground plus can be slightly embarrassing (note: very amusing to the rest of the family).   Check your straps/webbing before you plonk yourself down in the hammock.

2) On a cool night, you need to be prepared. Failure to have the right sleeping gear, can result in a bad nights sleep (just like a tent).   Cold air underneath you gives you the medical condition of “cold buttock syndrome”.

3) Not having enough hammocks for the whole family to relax around camp during the day, causes hammock-envy and no one wants to get out of them in case they “lose their spot”.

4) Camping at a populated campsite with hammocks, causes other campers to be intrigued by your sleeping choice.      You may get a lot of questions and some odd looks.   Be prepared to explain how cool the hammock is to camp in.

5) Kangaroos stampeding through your campsite at night can nearly run into the hammock, so unprepared is the Aussie icon for this way to sleep amongst the trees.    Maybe reflectors needed?     Try to have the hammock at least half a metre off the ground, as those wombats are big when they waddle underneath you.

6)    If you can’t find a second tree to tie the hammock to, your car’s roof rack works a treat. (see below)

7)    Enjoy this new experience.   It doesn’t mean that you will always camp like that, but its an option (and takes up hardly any room in your vehicle or pack) that you may want to try.

What do you think of this way to camp (or just relax) in?       Would you try it?         Or maybe you have another tip to share.     Please comment below!

Romantic Camping. Is that even possible?

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Image source here

Did you know there is such a thing as Romantic Camping?

Maybe its only for people who don’t have children.......

How romantic is camping? Apparently quite a bit judging by the amount of information out there on this topic. When I think "camping", the idea of romance doesn't even enter my head for a minute. I am not sure if the word "romance" has entered my partner's head ever!

The Livestrong site (the Lance Armstrong foundation) has a topic called “How to Plan a Romantic Night in a Tent: with performance enhancing drugs”

Lance says yes to romance (and drugs)

Well, the drugs reference isn’t technically part of this article, but might prove to be a worthwhile addition to the romance aspect in the tent.

The article suggests:

“take along tea light candles in Mason jars; several camping lanterns; nice pillows, linens and towels; elegant dishes, silverware and glassware; and sexy clothing to wear in the evening. “

Hopefully not suggesting that those candles go inside your tent, as the tent catching on fire, could be a real romance-killer.

Still not sure how to make that camping trip more romantic?     There is a book dedicated to it.   You can brush up your romance techniques by reading the book, titled, surprisingly, “Romantic Camping”.    Have I read it? No.   If you have though, would love to hear about it.

And if you are still keen on pursuing this romance idea, then “What to bring on a Romantic Camping trip” article, may help you!   One suggestion: lavender scented pillows.     And a camera (so much I could say here, but will refrain from doing so).

Image source here

Overall, the articles on romantic camping, definitely focus on those people who don’t have the kiddies around! The idea of sleeping late, enjoying the serenity of being in nature, peaceful time looking at the stars as you sit around the campfire becomes a little bit trickier if you have the kidlets with you.

Good luck to those of you who do create some camping romance in your lives!

What advice would you give to someone wanting a romantic camping getaway (apart from saying “forget it – head to a 5 star hotel”)? Let us know in the comments.

And if you want to read more from us, subscribe to our blog and never miss a stupendous post like this one again!

Top 10 tips when hiring a campervan

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:39:00 +0000

Image source here

Have you tried camping in a campervan/motorhome?

They are different to caravans and camper trailers which are pulled by another vehicle.   These campervans are the vehicle you drive, cook and sleep in – all in one.

We are tent campers, and haven’t experienced the great fun of motorhome/campervan travels around Australia….yet!

There seems to be something incredibly stress-free about having your camping needs all in the van with you as you travel.        It’s definitely on my list of different ways to camp in Australia in the future.

Today’s blog post is by guest blogger, Anya, who has worked for www.mydriveholiday.com and CamperTravel for 5 years.     She is going to share with you, her Top 10 things you need to know before you hire a campervan.

A campervan holiday is one of the most fun and convenient ways to travel on a budget. A campervan provides you with the convenience of a hotel room and a kitchen with wheels, giving you the freedom to see more sights and cover more miles on a budget.

Here's a list of important things you'll need to find out about hiring a motorhome.

1. Check the Package Inclusions

The good news is, most campervan rental companies make it easy for their clients by including all the essentials into their rental package.

Here are some items that are usually already part of the rental:

a. Linen and Bedding – This may also include the sheets, pillows, pillowcases, sleeping bags, and towels as well.

b. Kitchen Equipment – No need to bring your own pots and pans. Crockery, cutlery and drinking glasses are also included, so all you'll need are the perfect campsite recipes.

c. Camp Table and Chairs – These may sometimes be an extra, so make sure to ask if you can get them in your package as well.

d. Child Seats (optional, for those traveling with a child) - Also could be an extra, so don't forget to mention the age and weight of your child and see if they can offer it for free as well.

Photo: LeeLeFever

2. Ask about the Taxes

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable to campervan rentals, so motorhome operators also include this to their package. However, it is still safe to double-check with the company before booking the vehicle.

3. Verify the License Requirement

As long as you have a full (not probationer) driver's license that is valid (not expired), you can drive a motorhome. International drivers with licenses that are not in English will need to get an official translation of the license, otherwise an international permit will be required.

4. Know the Age Restriction

Image source here

In Australia, any driver 21 years and over can rent and drive a campervan.
Drivers over 75 will need to provide a current medical certificate to confirm that they are fit to drive.

There are also some rental companies that allow 18 year old drivers to rent the vehicle, provided that their licenses are full and not probationer, and sometimes with a different excess/liability. It is best to declare your age upon enquiry to get the correct rates.

5. Be Aware of the Excess

and

6. Check If It Can Be Reduced

An excess (or liability or deductible) represents the amount you would you would need to pay in case of accidents and vehicle damage. Most vehicles are already insured for property damage and personal injury, but always ask the rental company to explain your insurance coverage in detail.

Just about every operator offers an option to reduce the excess, so make sure to double-check on this as well.

7. Determine if You Need Travel Insurance

Although some people would not consider this option, taking out your own personal travel insurance is highly recommended, whether you're looking to hire a car or a motorhome.

Image source here

8. Find out about the Depot Opening Hours

Unlike car rentals, where the vehicle is delivered to you at the airport or your hotel, a campervan hire would require for the customer to collect and return the vehicle at the designated depot. This way, the renter are allowed to get a better look at the unit and learn how to handle it properly.

Most depots are open during business hours so make sure to check so you can determine whether the operator can work around your schedule.

9. Know Your Pick Up and Drop Off Locations

This is especially important, so you can plan your itinerary properly. Although most rental depots are located close to the airport or city centre, it always helps to get the right directions beforehand so you don't end up wasting your time driving around looking for the office.

Image source here

10. Is it the best rate in the market?

In Australia there are more than 15 motorhome rental companies, each with over hundreds of vehicles at different rates and package inclusions.    Like any purchase of any product, its important to do your homework before you commit.

Campervan hire in Australia by http://www.mydriveholiday.com/australia/campervan-hire features an Instant Quote Calculator that does all the complex calculations for you. It is the easiest way to compare prices and vehicles, with specials and discounts already included in the rate.

You'll realize that renting a campervan is fun and easy, as long as you take note of these items.    Happy and safe camping.

Have we missed anything about campervan hire?    Have you got an experience you would like to share with others? Please comment below.

To buy or not to buy this camping equipment?

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:56:00 +0000

Image source: here

Do you have any advice for this reader? Leave a comment at the end of this post!

“My husband is really keen for us to try camping. I am not so sure because of the toilets (or lack of them). I can live without a bathroom, but no way am I going without a toilet. I want to buy a portable toilet but he says its an expense that we don’t need. Would you recommend?”

This is a BIG issue for loads of people (full disclosure: this was very much like me, and I remain a little like that) .

Where to go to the toilet seems to be a big concern for some (and mainly women: we like those creature comforts).

But camping is meant to be an enjoyable experience, and the fear of not being able to use a toilet in comfort and privacy, can be a real, and legitimate concern for some.

Buying a portable toilet is an expense – around $100-300 and its not something you can sell on Ebay readily if the novelty wears off after one or two uses (Well, I can’t imagine buying a second hand porta pottie, though I am sure you can).

Image source: here

If you are new to camping, I would not rush out to buy one.

Try to use campsites that have toilets (flush would be ideal), or clean drop toilets as a second option.      See how you enjoy the whole experience of tents, campfires, sleeping bags etc in the first instance.

If you do like the freedom and experience, and want to get away from crowds or less established campsites then a Porta Pottie may be an investment to help you feel comfortable when camping.

But it’s not a must have purchase in the initial stages of your camping adventures, but it definitely can make a camping holiday less stress free!

We reviewed our Thetford Porta Pottie here and this may help you a little in your decision!

Good luck if you do decide to venture into the great outdoors – with or without a toilet!

What other advice would you give this reader on camping toilets?   A good purchase or not necessary?       Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

Gone Camping

noreply@blogger.com (Go Camping Australia Family) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:30:00 +0000

Summer holidays are here, so it's time for me to do more with the family, and chill out (when I am not at work, but I am trying not to think about that place too much!!) Hope that you have some time off, to relax and unwind.

Our blog will have a little rest for the month of January - but if you want to be sure you don’t miss out on our return, subscribe via email at the top of our blog page.

Thanks to everyone who has visited and commented on our first year of blogging and to those who used www.gocampingaustralia.com website to find out about campsites and good gear.

Happy and safe holidays.