If you and your family are adventurous enough to embark on a camping trip in Australia, you need to know what to expect and where you can find the perfect spot for your holiday.

As you may know if you are an experienced camper, this type of vacation is quite different from others and requires more careful planning. Also, it’s not for everyone, but only for those who are true nature-lovers and who are ready to accept that they would have to live without the “normal” amenities found at home.

So, here are some tips that should help you have a great time at the right place down under.

Tent or camper van?

One of the first big decisions you have to make is whether to invest in a tent or camper van. The right choice depends on many factors and you might want to consider renting the equipment if you’re not sure your family will like this type of holiday. Both options have their advantages. A tent is easier to pack and lighter, but it doesn’t provide the same level of comfort. A camper van is more expensive but has its great advantages. Finally, another point to consider is the weather you’re expecting while away on holiday.

Location

There are many campsites suitable for family camping, but they all offer something different. Just like no two families are the same, you can’t expect to find two campsites that are the same. What is important, though, is to know exactly what your family is looking for. Once you have a clear idea, you need to check the reviews about the facilities posted by fellow campers. Pay special attention to comments about the type of people a particular campsite is best suited for. For example, if you have small kids, you don’t want to choose a place known for parties thrown by young Australians and foreigners.

Make a list well in advance

Your list should contain two sections: things to pack and things to do before the holiday. In the former, you need to include all the camping equipment, clothes, food and medications, while the latter needs to include a car inspection, booking a place in the camp and making sure you leave your home in order, among other things. The sooner you make this list, the sooner you’ll be able to get ready for your trip and you’ll avoid any delays and stress caused by lack of planning. Find a reliable camping shop and consult experts working there in case you are not sure what to buy.

Organise fun

If you really want your trip to be a resounding success, you have to make sure your kids are entertained. You can rarely rely on them to entertain themselves, especially if you choose a location in a forest. Another potential problem is evenings – then, you might play board games or engage in some other activity that your kids would enjoy.

Where to go camping in Australia?

Being so diverse, Australia is able to offer a wide range of unique campsites that can appeal to all types of families. From Isaac Point in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, where you can find a basic bush camp on a deserted beach with pit toilets, Five Rocks camping area in Byfield National Park, Queensland, which you can only reach with a 4WD with high clearance at low tide, or Gunn Point, a secluded campsite offering great opportunities for beachcombing, hiking and fishing to Coledale Camping Reserve on Coledale Beach, New South Wales, with hot showers, a kitchen with sinks and electric barbecues, you are bound to find something that would suit your family.

In a nutshell, you need to consider what kind of holiday your family would like to have and what kind of equipment you need. Only after you’ve sorted that out can you start looking for the right location.

Take your time and choose wisely, because one wrong decision in the process can really ruin the whole experience that should be memorable, relaxing and fun for the whole family.