Camping guides
Practical guides to camping in Australia, checked against park agencies, fire services and the Bureau of Meteorology. Each one lists its sources and the date we last checked them.
Photo: Eucalyptus Forest, Benambra National Park, B 897, CC0
How to choose a campsite in Australia
National park, state forest, caravan park or free camp? What each one gives you, what it costs and who it suits.
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Booking national park campsites, state by state
Who you book with, when bookings open, what it costs and whether you also need a park pass, for each state.
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Camping with a group, school or Scout and Guide troop
Venue hire, insurance, permissions, supervision and the lists that make a group camp run smoothly.
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First camping trip gear checklist
The gear that matters for a first trip, what to borrow instead of buy, and a printable packing list.
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Camping safely: fire bans, heat, bushfire season, water and wildlife
Fire danger ratings, Total Fire Bans, heatwaves, water, wildlife and the daily checks that keep a trip safe.
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Free camping and rest areas done right
The difference between free campgrounds and rest areas, the rules in each state, and how to do it well.
Read the guideRules, fees and fire restrictions change. Before you go, check the land manager's page for the site and the current fire danger rating for the district.