Whether it's a long weekend at a state forest or a week on the coast, a good list stops the classic "we forgot the tent pegs" moment. Here's the checklist we use, grouped so you can tick it off as you pack the car.
1. Shelter
- Tent (check the poles, pegs and fly are all in the bag before you leave)
- Spare pegs – sandy and rocky ground both chew through pegs
- Mallet or tent hammer
- Tarp or ground sheet to protect the tent floor
- Gazebo or shade shelter for daytime – Australian sun is harsh even in spring
Browse tents, gazebos and shelters.
2. Sleeping
- Sleeping bag rated for the overnight low, not the daytime high – inland nights get cold fast
- Self-inflating mat, air mattress or stretcher to get you off the cold ground
- Pillow (an inflatable camp pillow packs tiny)
See camp sleeping gear.
3. Camp kitchen
- Stove and enough gas for the trip, plus a stabiliser stand
- Cookware, utensils, plates, mugs and a sharp knife
- Fridge or cooler, with ice blocks
- Water container – allow roughly 5 litres per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing
- Rubbish bags – take everything out with you
See the camp kitchen range.
4. Furniture
- A chair per person
- A folding table for cooking and eating
See camp furniture.
5. Light and power
- A lantern for the table and a head torch each
- Power bank or solar panel to keep phones charged
- Spare batteries or charging cables
See lighting and power.
6. Safety
- First aid kit, checked and in date
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Fire starter, and a check of local fire restrictions before you light anything
- Offline maps and someone at home who knows where you're going
7. The things everyone forgets
- Toilet paper and hand sanitiser
- Tea towel and dish-washing gear
- Clothes line and pegs
- Rain gear, even if the forecast is fine
- Your campsite booking confirmation
Print this out, stick it to the gear tub, and you'll be set up and relaxing while everyone else is still unpacking. Happy camping!