How to Pack Like a Pro for an Aussie Camping Weekend

Planning a camping weekend in Australia? Good on ya. Before you charge into the bush with nothing but enthusiasm and a half-flat esky, use this quick checklist to pack like someone who’s done it before—no GPS rage or soggy sausages included.

Quick links: Camping Gear · Camp Chairs · Tents & Shelters · Camp Cooking · Coolers & Fridges

1) Start with a realistic plan

Ask yourself: where are you going, for how long, and what’s the weather doing? A mild coastal weekend needs very different gear to a frosty high-country overnighter. Check park alerts, fire restrictions and road conditions. Planning properly stops you packing for Antarctica when you’re heading two hours up the highway.

2) The essentials (no waffling)

• Swag, tent or rooftop setup (shelter options)
• Sleeping bag rated for Aussie temps + sleeping mat
• Pillow (your neck will thank you)
• Headlamp or torch (lighting)
• First aid kit and basic tools (multitool, duct tape, zip ties)
• Navigation: phone maps downloaded + paper backup

3) Camp kitchen basics

• Portable stove/BBQ & fuel (camp cooking)
• Esky or portable fridge (coolers & fridges)
• Reusable cutlery, plates, cups and a chopping board
• Plenty of water (drinking + washing) and a way to heat it
• Coffee/tea kit and easy snacks (one hand free for mozzies)
• Wash tub, sponge, biodegradable soap, tea towels

4) Comfort add-ons that earn their space

• Solid camp chairs (ditch the wobbly one) — see Camp Chairs
• Shade or awning if the forecast is brutal
• Firewood if permitted—don’t rely on finding any on site
• Power bank or battery pack to keep essentials alive
• Trash bags—leave no trace (except a good story)

5) Clothing: layers and logic

Pack for warm days, cool nights and the odd sideways shower. Prioritise breathable layers, a warm jumper, rain shell, hat and decent socks. That festival outfit you’ve been saving? Maybe not this trip.

6) Pro tips to avoid rookie mistakes

• Lay it out first: Put everything on the garage floor before it goes in the car. You’ll spot duplicates fast.
• Pack by activity: Cooking in one crate, sleep kit in another, tools in a third. Faster setup, easier pack-down.
• Weather-proof: Dry bags or tubs for anything you hate getting wet.
• Lighting plan: Headlamp for each person; lantern for the table.
• Safety: Let someone know your plan and ETA; take a proper first aid kit.

Printable mini checklist

• Sleep: shelter, bag, mat, pillow
• Cook: stove/BBQ, fuel, cookware, utensils, lighter
• Cold: esky/fridge, ice bricks, food plan
• Light: headlamps, spare batteries, lantern
• Water: drinking + wash, coffee/tea
• Comfort: chairs, shade/awning, warm layers
• Safety: first aid, tools, maps, power bank
• Rubbish: bin bags, wipes, paper towels

Bonus tip: Count socks. You’ll thank us when it’s 6am and the ground is wet.

Gear up with RoamAU: We hand-pick kit that stands up to Australian conditions. Start with our Camping Gear, Camp Cooking and Camp Chairs, or chat with us for suggestions.