Australia’s vast wilderness offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to leave urban life behind and immerse themselves in nature. Bush camping is one of the most favoured activities of Australian adventurers who want to escape the busy life of the city, come closer to nature and experience a level of self-sufficiency that is not possible to find anywhere else. However, most outdoorsy Aussies remain unable to figure out what to bring for camping in order to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Among other valuable things to carry for a bush camping adventure, you need a battery pack for camping that will allow you to keep all your electronics up and running out in the wild.
Let’s see what to bring for camping for your next bush camping trip in Australia.
Essential Gear for Bush Camping
Knowing what to bring for camping can significantly impact your comfort and safety. Here is the list of what to bring camping in Australia:
1. Shelter & Sleeping
First of all, pack a sturdy tent or swag to ensure you have reliable shelter throughout your trip. Choose options that are weather-resistant and easy to set up, and do not forget to consider the weather conditions you will face during the trip.
Weather appropriate sleeping bags, mats or inflatable mattresses are also necessary that will help you sleep comfortably after a long day of adventure.
2. Clothing & Protection
Packing the right clothing ensures comfort across changing weather conditions. Pack different layers of clothing that will allow you to dress according to the temperature on any given day.
A waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, and a wide-brimmed hat are also important. Do not forget to pack items like gloves and thermal wear if you are camping in colder regions. Sun protection, including sunscreen and sunglasses, is equally critical to carry.
3. Food & Water
Pack easy-to-prepare foods with a long shelf life. Also, make sure to carry a portable stove, preferably an electric one, that will allow you to cook meals whenever you feel hungry. Carry ample water for drinking and cooking. In remote regions where access to clean water is not possible, bring water purification tablets or filters to ensure safe drinking water.
4. Lighting
Bush camping sites turn completely dark at night since this type of camping is mostly done in remote regions. That is why carrying headlamps, flashlights, and rechargeable camping lanterns is important not only for your convenience but also for safety purposes.
5. First Aid & Safety
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must thing to carry during a bush camping trip. It should include essentials like bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and pain relievers. Insect repellent and treatments for bites or stings are also useful in Australia’s wilderness. Additionally, a multi-tool or pocket knife comes in handy for numerous tasks, such as cutting rope and opening cans.
Advanced Gear for Experienced Campers
Experienced campers who want to go beyond the well-discovered trails to explore the wilderness in its true sense should also know what to bring for camping, as they need some more important gadgets for their safety and convenience. These gear items include:
1. Navigation Tools
A reliable navigation system is essential in unfamiliar or rugged terrain. A detailed map, a compass and a GPS device are some important tools that will keep you on track and make sure that you are not lost in the wilderness.
2. Backpack
A large and comfortable backpack that is spacious enough to carry all the important gear items and gadgets will help you carry all the necessary things. The size of the backpack will depend on the length of your trip and the place where you want to go. For a short trip, a 25 to 30-litre backpack is a good starting point, while a 35 to 45-litre backpack will be your best partner for long adventures. Always aim for backpacks that offer well-organised sections for different types of gadgets.
3. Emergency Communication
When you step into the great outdoors of Australia, you will realise that it is next to impossible to find reliable mobile coverage in many areas. That is why you need to take care of what to bring for camping in order to communicate with your loved ones or emergency services if need be. Always carry a satellite phone and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that will allow you to find necessary support in case you are lost in the wild. Even if you are stepping out on the known trails, carrying these items is important, just in case things go south during the journey.
4. Portable Power
While many adventurers are well aware of what to bring for camping in Australia, they often overlook a reliable electric source that will keep them powered during their trip. Carrying a portable power station is the best decision you will make while going on a bush camping adventure. A camping battery pack that can be charged with solar energy or a power bank that will keep your electronics up and running all the time will save you from much trouble.
These power stations will make sure that your lighting solutions, as well as the navigational devices and other essential appliances such as electric stoves, mini-fridges and mobile phones, can be powered whenever you want.
Recommended Camping Locations
While knowing what to bring for camping is important, getting knowledge about where to go for your camping trip is equally important in order to enjoy your trip. Let’s have a look at the top five camping locations in Australia for every type of camper:
Beginner-Friendly: Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Located in the west of Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park provides accessible camping options with essential amenities, which makes it an ideal place for families and beginners. Some of the most famous attractions of this historic national park include iconic waterfalls, mountain biking, and adventure sports for every level of expertise.
For Experienced Adventurers: Kakadu National Park, NT
If you are an experienced camper who is ready to explore the true meaning of bush camping, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is one of the best places to go. It offers a more rugged camping experience and allows you to push your limits. Apart from camping, visitors are also attracted to hiking, fishing, sunset viewings, and four-wheel driving here at this site.
Beach Camping: Jervis Bay, NSW
Jervis Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales is renowned for its pristine beaches and clear waters, making it a perfect destination for beach camping and watersports. Walking on white sand, exploring Jervis Bay maritime museum, whale watching, and stargazing tour are some of the major attractions of this place.
Desert Camping: Simpson Desert (SA/QLD)
The Simpson Desert in South Australia and Queensland presents a challenging environment for campers seeking a true outback experience. Camping is on;y allowed within 100 meters of the QAA Line, but there are no designated campgrounds or facilities. That means that Australians who are ready to leave behind the comfort of urban life by stepping into the remote and challenging outdoors will find this place highly attractive.
Extreme Adventure: Cape York Peninsula, QLD
If you want to sign up for extreme adventure, Cape York Peninsula is the place to go. This is the camping site that offers minimal facilities, meaning that you will have to be self-sufficient in order to survive this trip. In sites like these, where you are stepping into extreme adventure, knowing what to bring for camping becomes even more important.
Jackery’s Camping Batteries Recommendation
Jackery brings two highly reliable portable power generators that will help you run your electronics in any bush camping experience.
Let’s have a look at both these solar generators:
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
This portable generator is the top choice to operate most camping appliances due to its impressive capacity of 1264Wh capacity and a power output of 2000W output. With this capacity and output, you can run lights, small ACs, mini refrigerators, mobile phones, navigational devices, stoves, and many other portable items you will need during your camping trip. The initial capacity of 1.2kWh can also be expanded up to 5kWh, which will allow you to achieve energy independence in the true sense.
When paired with four Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station can be fully charged in just 4.5 hours using advanced IBC Technology. This will allow you to quickly replenish your battery in the daytime to use the system throughout the day.
The power station utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells, known for their extended lifespan of up to 10 years and 4,000 charge cycles. You can easily monitor and control this Jackery system through a user-friendly mobile app.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
If you are going on a shorter camping trip or at a place that offers some amenities, carrying the Jackery solar generator 300 Plus is a perfect choice. Here is why:
- This compact and lightweight generator has an energy capacity of 288Wh capacity and a 300W output, which will help you power your phone, camera, drone, or other small devices.
- The generator is incredibly easy to carry and weighs less than 5kg.
- The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus offers various charging options, including solar, AC wall outlet, car charger, and even USB-C charging. Using an 80W solar panel, this power station can be charged in just 6.3 hours, while wall charging takes 2 hours, and car charging takes only 5.5 hours.
- This Jackery model is also built with a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery and comes with safety measures like ChargeShield technology to protect your devices.
- The Jackery SolarSaga panel (available in 40W or 80W options) is IP68 waterproof and dust-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Both these portable power generators have a three-year warranty that is extendable to five years if purchased through Jackery’s official website. They are easy to carry and provide features that are hard to find in any other portable power solution.
Bush Camping Tips and Precautions
While it’s important to know what to bring for camping in Australia, you also need to take care of some camping tips and precautions that will allow you to stay safe and be a good citizen during the trip. Let’s have a look at those things that you need to consider as part of knowing what to bring for camping:
1. Weather Preparedness
Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Australia is a vast country, so make sure to get prepared for the weather conditions you will be facing in all the different places you will be passing through on your journey.
2. Wildlife Awareness
Familiarise yourself with local wildlife and store food properly to avoid attracting animals. If you want to observe wildlife, always do it from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
3. Fire Safety
Check local fire restrictions and regulations before lighting a campfire. Use designated fire pits and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving the campsite.
4. Leave No Trace Principles
Always practice leaving no trace principles by packing out all trash and waste and putting it in the designated areas. Respect the nature and the place you are visiting and minimise your carbon footprints to the maximum possible extent.
Wrapping-Up
Going on a bush camping adventure in Australia offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and experience the thrill of the wilderness. However, it’s critical to be well-prepared and know what to bring for camping in Australia. This is important not only for your convenience but also to make you safe from all the dangers outdoors. Among all the things you need to carry for your trip, Jackery portable power stations top the list. These power generators make sure that you will not run out of power in the wild and that all your essential appliances, such as mobile phones, stoves, lights, mini-fridges, and navigational devices, remain powered.