Today’s Culture with Travel post is by Roxana Oliver

If you’re keen on seeing the real Australia and exploring everything this gorgeous country has to offer, there’s no better or cheaper way to do so than camping. But if it’s your first holiday in Australia, or if you’ve never been camping before, the whole idea might seem overwhelming. Even experienced campers still sometimes learn something new or encounter unexpected problems. That is why we have decided to make a useful guide with plenty of tips about camping in Australia.

Why choose camping?

There are literally hundreds of camping sites in Australia, so a traveler is spoiled for choice. Most of them are in gorgeous natural surroundings – forests, national parks and coastal areas. This is a great opportunity to see the wildlife of the country up close too. Compared to staying in hotels or Airbnb rentals, camping is much cheaper – the entire family can have a great holiday for a small amount of cash. Not to mention that camping grants you a far greater freedom of movement than when you book a hotel. Camping with children is especially fun – they will be able to play games outside, meet new friends, and explore. Children also enjoy the novelty factor of staying in a tent or a caravan, so they are bound to love this new adventure.

What are my options?

There are several options. Of course, you can just do the classic setup – go to a camping site by car and pitch a tent. If this is your first time and you’re not sure about all the gear, a reputable camping shop should be able to inform you about all the necessary equipment. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you could go off-road and explore some more rugged terrains too. Alternatively, biking and even hiking are also popular in Australia. If you’re fit and eager to experience as much of the country firsthand, these multi-day trips could be the adventure of a lifetime. Finally, if you’re looking for a bit of extra comfort, look into hiring an RV or a caravan for your holiday.

What should I bring?

The equipment you bring will depend to some extent on the season and part of the country you are intending to visit. Invest in a quality, waterproof tent, and a sleeping bag appropriate for the temperature range you expect to be dealing with. A large water bottle (at least 2l) is something you should always have with you, especially if you’re expecting hot weather or are visiting the drier areas. Durable shoes and clothes are a must. Finally, don’t forget the stuff you will need to light a fire, and any necessary dishes and eating utensils.

Choosing your campsite

National parks are some of the most popular choices. They usually offer a pretty stripped down, back to basics experience though, so come prepared. Of course, in terms of nature, they are unparalleled. Commercial campgrounds, on the other hand, normally offer more in terms of facilities and amenities. The Jacobs Well Tourist Park in Queensland is a great example of a well-equipped, fun-filled commercial campsite. There are plenty of entirely free campgrounds around the country, too. If you still can’t decide, there are plenty of useful sites and apps that can help you. Campermate and Wikicamp are usually up to date and full of useful info on the best campgrounds.

Australia is an amazing country to go camping for the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences to choose from. Whether you are looking to crash near a beach, or cool down in the mountains, to explore the desert or go trekking in a rainforest – Australia has it all. The natural beauty of the country is unparalleled. On top of it all, the weather is amazing all year round, so you can go whenever you want. All that’s left for you to do is to pack your camping gear and explore this wonderful continent!

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing and follow her on Twitter.