Camping checklist for Australia

Before you go

• Book the site, or check that the camping area is open and whether it needs a permit or a fee.
• Check the weather forecast and the fire danger rating for the area, and read any current park notices. A fire ban or a total fire ban means no campfire, so plan your cooking accordingly.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Check you have mobile coverage, or a plan if you do not.

Shelter and sleeping

• Tent, poles, pegs, guy ropes and a mallet; check you have all the parts before you leave home.
• Ground sheet or footprint.
• Sleeping bag suited to the coldest night, plus a pillow.
• Mattress or sleeping mat, and a pump if it is inflatable.
• Tarp or shade cover for the day.

Seating and comfort

• A chair for each person; see the chair guide.
• A table for food and gear.
• Mat or rug for the entrance of the tent.

Cooking and water

• Stove, fuel and a lighter or matches, kept somewhere dry.
• Pots, a pan, a knife, a chopping board, plates, cups and cutlery.
• Cooler or fridge, ice or ice bricks.
• Drinking water, more than you think you need, and a way to carry it.
• Dish tub, detergent, a cloth, and rubbish bags. Take your rubbish with you unless the site has bins.

Light and power

• Head torch for each person, and a camp light.
• Spare batteries or a charging bank.

Safety and health

• First aid kit, and any personal medicine.
• Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.
• A fire extinguisher or fire blanket, and a bucket of water or a shovel if fires are allowed.
• A paper map or offline map.

Clothes

• Layers, including a warm top for the evening, even in summer.
• Rain jacket and spare socks.
• Sturdy shoes and sandals.

Leaving

Leave the site as you found it. Pack out all rubbish, check the fire is fully out, and let the tent dry before you pack it away, otherwise it can grow mould.