Winter camping is like Christmas coming early for the Aussie families, especially if you’ve got those little adventurers in tow.
Unlike those busy and sweaty summer camps, winter camping gives you a chance to soak in nature’s raw beauty without the crowds. Imagine peaceful landscapes, crisp fresh air, and plenty of space for the kids to roam. What’s not to love about it, right?
Does the task of managing your little, too excited children on such a trip seem daunting to you? There’s nothing to worry about if you stick to a proper plan.
In this blog, I’ll take you step by step through all the essentials needed for a fun winter camping experience, where nobody throws a tantrum all the way to the camping site.
Top Family-Friendly Winter Camping Spots in Australia
Before you actually begin planning and packing for your camping trip, you need to decide where exactly you will go.
The following spots are favourites of most Aussies when it comes to winter camping, which will hopefully reduce your uncertainty about the camping destination.
-
Kangaroo Valley (NSW): A calm, scenic area popular for family-friendly activities, such as interacting with zoo animals.
-
Mount Field National Park (Tasmania): A cold, snow-covered winter camping park with playgrounds and picnic spots attractive to kids.
-
Barmah Lakes Campground (Victoria): A secluded campsite on the banks of the Murray River and Barmah Lake is about as off-grid as it gets in these parts. There is a boat ramp nearby, making this an ideal spot for canoeing, fishing, and the like.
-
Lamington National Park (Queensland): With cool nights and pleasant days, it offers hiking opportunities in the rainforest for kids.
-
Porongurup National Park (Western Australia): Besides short trails and natural beauty, it’s packed with activities for older kids.
-
Flinders Ranges (South Australia): Mountains, wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities make it a favourite.
Now that you’ve decided where you want to go, let’s move on to our main topic of discussion – the ultimate winter camping checklist.
Winter Camping Checklist for Aussie Families
What follows is the single checklist you’ll need before you set out on a winter camping trip with your family.
For the sake of understandability, I’ve divided the checklist into three mini-checklists that will serve different purposes at different points in your camping journey.
The Camping Essentials Checklist
Tent and sleep setup
Appropriate winter camping clothes
Heating and lighting gear
Easy to prepare meals
Emergency supplies
- Invest in a robust 4-season tent that can withstand wind and moisture. Buy insulated sleeping pads or air mattresses to keep the ground and everyone inside your camp warm.For added warmth, make sure to bring insulated down sleeping bags.
- Get thermal, insulated, waterproof, and windproof clothing layers. Pack warm and comfortable beanies, thick socks, fitting gloves, and hiking shoes or waterproof boots, depending on activities. Grab a towel hoodie; they come in handy after visiting the shower block, so there’s no need to juggle clothes back to your campsite.
- Pack compact and safe lighting gear that can last through multiple nights. Choose heavy-duty headlamps and lanterns. To combat the cold, pick a portable heater that can be safely used inside tents.
- Get a portable camping stove, extra fuel, thermos bottles for warm beverages, and reusable dining sets, cups, and cutlery. Plus, ingredients for easy-to-prepare yet delicious meals, such as soup, baked potatoes, pasta, noodles, stew, and oats, are a must.
- Don’t forget to grab emergency supplies: a first aid kit, an emergency whistle, an ID bracelet, GPS devices, a compass, a waterproof torch, weatherproof matches, lighters, and a portable power bank.
The Packing Checklist
Hygiene items
Dining necessities
Vehicle essentials
Miscellaneous items
- First and foremost, pack hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, soap, toilet paper, deodorant, insect repellent, mosquito coils, sunscreen, moisturiser, feminine products, laundry bags)
- Then, go for dining necessities (folding table, camp chairs, dishwashing tub, dishwashing gel, sponge, zip lock bags, rubbish bags, water bottles)
- Shove some miscellaneous items into the backpack (shovel, clothing line, sewing necessities, duct tape, printed map with phone number of campsite)
- Lastly, don’t forget your vehicle essentials (spare tyres, extra fuel, tyre changing necessities)
Entertainment Checklist
Board and card games
Craft supplies
Journaling and drawing supplies
Podcasts and audiobooks
- Playing board or card games with your family in a cosy tent makes for a perfect camping trip.
- Your little ones are mischievous minions of Satan. They need something to keep them busy constantly. Craft supplies do that very well and also satisfy their creative curiosity.
- If the kids aren’t interested in craft supplies, try the alternative – drawing supplies. Hand them a bunch of paper, a pencil, and crayons, and watch them have a field day with the stuff.
- For the more sane adults, it’s good to take some podcasts and audiobooks on your devices to fill that entertainment void on the trip.
Bonus: Important Pre-Trip Planning Tips
1. Check the Weather Forecast
In Australia, different regions have different climates during the winter. For instance, you’ll find snow in Victoria, while the winters of Queensland are much milder. Check the latest weather forecast for the specific area before planning the trip and pack accordingly.
2. Pick a Child-Friendly Campsite
While making reservations, ensure the campsite is appropriate for children and families. Make sure they have toilets, shelters for picnics, and a designated tent-building site. The site must be safe and easily accessible during winter, and it should offer playgrounds and related kids’ activities.
3. Pack Wisely for Kids
Children are more susceptible to colds and illnesses, so pack multiple layers for them. Always be prepared to deal with weather changes.
4. Test All Gear at Home
Set up all necessary camping gear in your backyard. Pitch your tent, check the batteries, and ensure everything is rust-free and in good working condition. Inspect closely to ensure there is no obvious damage that could cause your gear to crumble under extreme weather conditions.
5. Create a Backup Plan
No matter how much you plan, your plan may still fall apart at the most unexpected moments. So, you need to be prepared to deal with all of them.
In case the weather worsens, kids won’t be able to explore outdoors. Pack your kids’ favourite toys, books, and games like card games, board games, and travel games. For yourself and other adults, you may opt for something like audiobooks and podcasts to keep boredom at bay.
Parting Words
From misty mornings and stunning landscapes to filling comfort food and a toasty campfire, winter camping trips offer a phenomenal experience for families.
All you need to do is prepare diligently for your kids and keep your adventurous spirit alive, and you’re bound to make unforgettable memories.
Lastly, don’t forget to grab Sunreal Days' towel hoodies. Keep the little adventurers warm and stylish.