You’ve packed the car, the weather’s looking great, and the esky’s cold. But once you pull up and start setting camp, things get interesting. Something’s gone missing, the fire won’t catch, and a few uninvited insects make themselves at home. That’s camping in Australia. It’s wild, beautiful, and completely unpredictable if you’re not ready for it.
A good camping trip comes down to preparation. Knowing to expect the unexpected, to pack the right gear, and to set things up safely from the start.
Staying safe while camping in australia
Australia’s backyard is unlike any other. It’s enormous, diverse, and it’s full of surprises. From blistering heat and strong coastal winds to curious wildlife that keeps you on your toes, it pays to have a few good safety habits up your sleeve.
Before you roll out on your adventure, run through a basic camping safety checklist.
Check for:
- Local weather at your destination
- Fire danger ratings
- Road and track conditions
- Park alerts or closures
It’s not about overthinking it, it’s just knowing what’s ahead. A quick look at the forecast or park website can save a world of trouble later. If you’re new to camping, keep it simple. Pick a well-maintained campground with facilities and learn as you go. Once you’ve got your setup sorted, the off-grid stuff will come easy.
How do you set up a safe campsite?
A safe camp setup starts with a good spot. Look for flat ground, away from dead branches, steep edges, and low areas that might flood in a downpour. Once you’ve found your patch, get your base sorted properly before you start unpacking.
- Make sure you’re not blocking public walkways.
- Clear away sticks, rocks, and rubbish before pitching your tent or swag.
- Choose the right pegs for your surface - go for Tiegear Hard Terra in solid ground, and Soft Terra in sand, soft grass and snow.
- Secure guy ropes with glow ropes so they’re easy to see at night.
- Keep your camp layout tidy - trip hazards are the quickest way to ruin a fun weekend.
- Always face tent openings away from the wind.
How do you stay safe in bad weather?
Australia’s weather can turn fast and catch you off guard. One minute you’re roasting in the sun, the next you’re hanging onto your awning while the rain comes in sideways. Camp safety means paying attention to the forecast, and setting up so you’re ready for a change in the conditions.
- Drop or roll in awnings and tarps if the wind picks up.
- Tighten your guy ropes and check your pegs are still solid.
- Clip in Tiegear Screen Springs if you haven’t already, to absorb the pressure of wind gusts.
What about fire safety while camping?
Camping in Australia has its dangers, and the risk of fire is one of them. If you’re using fire, it’s your responsibility to prioritise safety. Always check for fire bans and restrictions, as well as the current fire danger rating for your area - they can change quickly and often throughout the day.
- Check the conditions. If it’s dry or windy, be especially cautious (or avoid lighting one entirely)
- Keep your campfire small and controlled, and well clear of anything flammable like dry grass.
- Maintain a clear, 3-metre radius around the fire pit.
- Never light up under trees, inside awnings or in any other shelter.
- Keep a bushfire-rated fire extinguisher and fire blanket close by.
- Make sure your first aid kit is on hand, and fully stocked.
If there’s a fire ban in place, respect it. It’s there for a reason.
How do you maintain security when you’re camping?
When you’re out in the elements, you want to relax into it. Feeling safe and secure is important, and if you’re on edge, you’re not going to enjoy the experience. Camp security is about protecting yourself, your family and your camp from curious hands, and from unexpected changes in the conditions, too.
- Leave valuables at home, pack them away or lock them in the car.
- Strap down eskies and storage boxes with Linx bungee straps.
- Keep your camp tidy and clear of trip hazards.
- Loop glow ropes across guy lines and pegs so they’re visible after dark.
- Use Nero ratchet straps or Flexstraps to keep heavy gear secured to your roof racks or trailer.
- Keep torches and solar lights on low overnight to mark out paths or to illuminate your camp.
- Make friends with your neighbours - a few extra eyes around camp never hurt.
Make a habit of doing a quick night-time check before bed:
- Make sure tent zips are closed
- Have a torch handy, and in reaching distance
- Ensure food and snacks are packed away securely
- Double check all fires are extinguished, cookers are switched off, and gas bottles are secure.
A few tips for camping by yourself
Camping alone can be one of the most rewarding ways to reset. There’s the peace and quiet, and the humbling challenge of facing the unknown alone. But, camping by yourself calls for a few extra precautions, too:
- Let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back.
- Share your live location if you’ve got reception.
- Stay away from isolated areas, or flood-prone sites.
- Keep your phone charged and a torch or whistle handy.
- Trust your gut. If a spot feels off, move on.
Is camping safe in Australia?
Camping in Australia is safe. It builds character and resilience, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. And, it should be simple. Pack the right gear for the destination and the conditions, and make safety part of the routine.
Now that you're equipped with our camping safety tips, explore our collections of glow ropes, pegs, screen springs, and bungee straps, and make your next outdoor adventure safer, more secure, and one that will stay with you forever.
