EQUIPMENT
Tent including poles, pegs, guy ropes & pegs, fly. Plastic pegs for sand,
metal pegs (Tents usually come with lightweight pegs that bend in hard
conditions, consider buying the heavyweight metal pegs.
Ground sheet – cut slightly smaller than base of tent) Extra tarp and rope to
make shade or rain protection cover

COOKING
Fridge/cooler
Stove & stand, gas hose & fittings
Gas bottles – check full
Cooking plate
Fry pans & saucepans
Camping or Dutch oven
Toasting fork
Plates & bowls – paper or plastic
Cups or glasses
Cutlery
Utensils- tongs, sharp knife, vegie peeler, mixing spoon, egg rings,
Cooking tools, spatula, bottle/can opener
Tea towels, detergent, sponge, pot scrubber
Cutting board, grater, sieve for pasta or rice, mixing bowl
Roll of foil, cling wrap, freezer bags, zip lock bags,
Small containers for leftover food to go in
Paper towel

SLEEPING GEAR
Mattress
Sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, doona
Pillow & pillow case

TABLES & CHAIRS
Camp table – for preparing food
Extra table to sit around or play games
Chairs – foldable and comfortable

MISCELLANEOUS
Fishing boat & safety equipment
Bicycles
Floor mat for entrance of tent
Flashlight, rechargeable lantern, gas, 12 volt light
Rope for clothesline etc.
Clothes pegs
Battery radio
Large water bottles 10 or 20 litre
Personal water bottles
Matches or lighter
Pocket knife
Compass
Binoculars
Watch or clock
Mobile phone & recharger, CB radio
Axe or hatchet & small shovel
Buckets
Back pack
First aid kit
Sewing kit
Garbage bags
Fishing gear, rods line bait tackle
Hammer for tent pegs
Floor brush
Repair kit – large rubber bands, tie wire, strong needle and nylon thread,
cable/zip ties, nylon rope, spare shoelaces

PERSONAL
Prescribed medication
Hair brush/comb/clips/shampoo/conditioner
Toothbrush & paste
Soap, Deodorant
Towels – some for swimming & showering
Shaving razor/cream
Lip balm
Sunscreen & Insect repellent
Toilet paper
Anti bacterial hand cleaner & Hand towel

MEDICAL
First Aid kit
Panadol or similar pain relief
Cold & flu tablets
Prescription medication
Asthma & allergy relief
Nose spray
Eye drops
Antiseptic cream
Tweezers
Bandages & band aids
Sunburn soothing cream
Moisturizer
‘Sting goes’ type spray or cream
Tissues
Scissors
Vitamins
Water purifying tablets

CLOTHING
Take enough to be clean, dry & warm.
Depends on conditions cold/warm/hot/wet allow for the number of days you
will be camping.
Hand or machine washing can be done.
Mornings and evenings can be cool.
Layers of clothing usually work well.
Long/short pants or jeans
Long/short sleeve shirts
Jumpers/windcheaters
Sun hat or warm hat
Wet weather gear
Thick/thin socks
Old pair of shoes for walking creeks or mud
Gloves/mittens
Sunglasses
Hiking boots, runners, walking shoes

KIDS
Soft & play toys
Card & ball games
Reading & colouring book/pencils
Book suitable for diary
Scissors, colour paper, glue stick
Life jackets/flotation device
Glow sticks/torch
Bicycle & helmet
Baby & toddler requirements

PERSONAL ITEMS
Mobile phone & recharger
Wallet, money, credit cards, etc.
Sunglasses
Note paper & pen
Watch
Identification
Itinerary
Camera, film, batteries, video camera
Map books, tourist info
Contact phone numbers
Envelopes, stamps, address book

FOOD
Basic foods (add other foods required)
Drinks milk, fresh or long life
Soft drink, cordial etc
hot drinks, coffee, tea, Milo etc.
Sugar
Salt & pepper
Sauce
Cooking oil
Bread/toast spreads
Breakfast cereal
Snacks
Meat, Packaged & tinned food
Fruit, vegetables & cheese
Bread, rice & pasta

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/04/23/comprehensive-camping-checklist-for-travelling-in-australia/

Shelter
Tent, Pegs & Hammer
Ground sheet
Poly tarp for rain cover
Sleeping bags/Blankets/Sheets
Air mattress or foam mattress
Pillows

Basic Camping Equipment
Lights/Lantern & fuel/mantles
Matches or lighter
Headlamp/torches
Stove & Folding stand for stove
Camp chairs & table
Multi-tool/pocket knife
Axe/camp saw/shovel
Rope or cord

Food Preparation & Cooking
Camp stove & fuel
Cooler, esky or fridge
Large water jug
Pots, pans & camp oven
Coffee pot/kettle/Thermos
Mixing bowl & food containers
Cutting board / Sharp knife
Ziplock bags / Rubbish bags/Paper towel
Cups, plates, bowls & utensils
Salt & pepper
Dish cloth/sponge / detergent
Cooking utensils

Personal Items
Toothbrush & paste
Soap in holder
Shampoo & conditioner
Razor & shaving cream
Medications & supplements
Deodorant
Hand/Bath/Beach towels
Quick-dry wash cloths/towels
Brush/comb/Mirror
Toilet paper
Moist towelettes
Sunscreen/lip balm
Sunglasses

Clothing
Weatherproof jacket
Jacket/jumper/vest
Pants / Shorts
T-shirts/long sleeve shirts
Socks & underwear
Pyjamas
Swimsuit
Rain gear
Sun hat/cap
Hiking shoes or boots
Sandals/Thongs

Miscellaneous
Insect repellent
Firewood
Solar camp shower
Two-way radios
First aid kit
Safety pins
Fire extinguisher
Small sewing kit
Duct tape
Travel alarm clock
Notepad & pen
Camera & film
Binoculars / Compass
Maps/ Travel Books/info
Backpack
Fishing gear

For Kids
Travel games & cards
Books & magazines
Frisbee, Bat & Ball
Colouring book & textas, crayons

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/06/15/basic-camping-checklist/

Use this list as a guide. You may find a few things that you may not have thought of previously and decide to take. Be safe and prepared. Have a great trip.

General Items

Basic recovery gear – see below

Fire extinguisher

CB radio, satellite phone

Tool kit & spare parts – see list below

Water – carry at least 5 litres per person, 10 litres for remote areas

Take a good 4WD map and GPS navigator

Spare fuel and jerry cans and pouring spout

Use the Extensive Camping Checklist for your camping equipment

General Tools

Pliers & wire cutters

Open ended spanners of suitable type

Pliers & wire cutters

Adjustable spanners

Pipe wrench screwdrivers, flat and phillips

Socket set of suitable type, including ratchet, extensions, universal joints

Spark plug spanner

Hammer, chisel

Silicone sealer

Glue – general purpose like araldite and super glue

Jack – suitable for lifting car, preferably high lift mechanical type

Wheel nut spanner

Air compressor (12 volt) or foot pump

Tyre pressure gauge

Metal file

Multi meter

Hacksaw

Nuts, bolts and screws of various sizes

Gaffa or Duct tape

About a metre of Heavy wire eg. No 8 fencing wire

Battery jumper leads

WD40 or CRC

Repair manual

Hand drill & bits

Cable Ties

Any customized tools for your vechile

Basic Recovery Kit

Snatch strap

Two rated and stamped ‘D’ shackles

Shovel

Axe

Jack and jacking plate

Add these if you are going into remote areas

Manual and/or Electric Winch

Tree protector strap, winch extension straps

Snatch-Block, extra ‘D’ shackles

High lift jack and accessories

Air bag jack

Chainsaw

Snow chains – if required

Recovery points securely mounted to front and rear of vehicle

Vehicle Spares

Radiator hoses, heater hoses, fan belts

Hose & fan belt for air conditioner.

Fuses, globes, electric wire, spark plugs, plug leads, points, coil and condenser

Air, oil, fuel filters

Spare tyre tube and patches

Hose Clamps

Engine Oil

Wheel bearing grease

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/07/29/vehicle-checklist-for-4wd-driving-in-remote-areas-when-travelling-australia/

There are many other things that you don’t want to forget because it will be an inconvenience or a child will be very upset when a favourite toy or book has been left at home.

Here are a few  ideas for next time you are going camping or on a holiday.

The ‘Must Do List Before Leaving’ should set out all the things you must do before leaving home, depending on how long you are going away for. If you are going for a weekend there may only be a few things to do, while for a longer holiday you may need someone to collect the mail and look after pets etc.

The ’Must Have List’ will be a list of everything you require or want to take. You can start collecting items a week or two before packing.

A good way to get these things together is to have a box that these get placed into as you collect them. Place the box somewhere it can be easily seen. As you add items to the box, cross them off the list. Keep the list attached to the box itself or on the fridge or notice board.

Kids can add their special items as well, they may find it fun to have their own list and cross off items as they are placed inside the box.

The last minute ‘Reminder List’ is for just before you are leaving. Maybe you are leaving very early in the morning and you need a reminder to grab your pillow, torch, food and drinks for in the car, toiletries, check your animals and turn everything off in the house etc.

To make that last minute packing a little easier, it will help you if you can pack most of the usual last minute things earlier. To do this, pack as much as you can and use spare or alternate items. For your toiletries, have a spare toothbrush and small containers of shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.

Usually the ‘Must Have’ things are necessary or comfort items, having a list may help remind you to take these necessary items with you, it may be the difference between having a great holiday or one of inconvenience or discomfort.

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2010/04/07/make-a-checklist-for-the-%E2%80%98must-have%E2%80%99-things-to-take-on-holidays-or-camping/

Photo Album

For your printed photos buy several matching photos albums of different colours, matching albums will look better then several different types on your shelf. Also if you have different colours than you can have a different one for each holiday, child, subject or year etc.

Gather up all your photos and sort them into the different subjects that suit you. Mark each packet as to what the photos are if you haven’t already. Then start with the one subject and sort them in order that you would like them to be displayed.

The photo albums with the slip in pockets are by far the easiest to manage, the details can be noted next to the photo. Do one photo album at a time, rather then trying to bits of each one or you will get in a mess and it will seem like you are getting nowhere. Continue until all albums are complete, don’t expect to do this in a week, it may take several months. Well Done! Now you can proudly show everybody and leave one on your coffee table.

Photo Collage in Frame

Another way to display your printed photos is to place them in a large frame and make a collage. I made this one, I purchased the frame from a discount store for $30 Bargain! The frame had a poster size picture in it so I took the picture out and I was left with a large frame to add my photos to. I sorted out the photos I wanted to display and stuck them onto the backing board.

There are many ways to display them just use your imagination, you can add some decorative paper like scrapbooking paper to make it more interesting and fill in any gaps.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a decorative and exciting way to display your photos. Your photographs will hold more meaning, for you and your loved ones, if they know the story behind them. Create individual pages with many layouts and decorations available. Here are some examples at KaiserCraft. If you are interested in scrapbooking visit a craft or hobby store they will have the supplies and helpful advice.

Collection of Photo Frames

Another excellent way to display your printed photos is to buy a selection of frames and hang them together in an organised way or randomly. There are many types of frames available at reasonable prices, it’s worth looking at discount stores, you may find a bargain. The frames can be wooden, plastic or metal and a variety of colours and choose frames that suit your homes decor.

Whether you put your photos in a frame, album or scrapbook take the time to capture those magical moments in your life. Those special times in our lives when something wonderful happens . . . or you’re amazed by your child’s achievements. Capture those special moments as they happen and treasure them.

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/08/12/tips-forhow-to-display-holiday-photos-tips/

• Most parks have a playground, which  can be anything from a basic swing set to an adventure playground. A family friendly Park will have with a playground with a good variety of activities with safety in mind.
• Larger Parks usually have a pool, with a shallow end for little kids or a separate small shallow pool. Usually parents are to supervise their own children.
• Look at the Park or Campgrounds promotional brochures and website. Check  all the photos, they will show all the main points about the Park and also read the text info. From that you will get a good idea of what the Park is like. It’s worth checking if the photos are recent and not taken 2 or 3 years ago, as sometimes Parks change hands and standards are not kept the same, on the other the hand the Park could have improved.
• Ask if the Park has a large mown area for kids and adults to play and run about freely. Some parks may have a mini golf course or a half size tennis court for a small fee, a deposit on equipment usually applies.
• Does the Park have amenities for families like a ‘family change room’, ‘baby change room’, a indoor family activity/games room that may have a large TV, table tennis and room to play other games.
• Are organised activities available, like craft, night walks around the park, cooking, sport lessons etc.  Check if they are free or to be paid for.
• Is there a family friendly dining room available that welcomes kids at the Park or is there a family restaurant nearby within walking distance?
• Are the amenities in a Central location so it’s only a short walk away from your campsite?
• If the Park has DVD’s to hire are they family friendly titles.
• It’s a help if a Park has been recommended to you recently then you can ask them any questions that are important to you.
• The park may have special prices for families to stay especially for several days or weeks, ask if they don’t offer. The Park Office may also have special family prices on attractions in the area.
• Kids (and adults)  love having a campfire at night so check if they have firepits and wood available.

A big plus with family friendly Parks is that there is lots of company for your kids and parents get to meet some other parents too.

Occasionally long term friendships are created when camping, this happened with my family when we camped at Ayers Rock Campground in 2000. The kids started playing cricket together then the parents met, we come from Victoria and the family we met was from Sydney. We just happened to be going the same way, so we travelled for another 10 days together and went to Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and Alice Springs and parted at Three Ways Roadhouse. Ever since then we have met every year and had some amazing travels together including The Kimberley, Fraser Island several times, Eastern Central Australia in 2008 and more.

Have you made any long term friendships when you have been camping or can you recommend a family friendly Campground or Holiday Park?

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/07/03/how-do-you-know-if-a-holiday-park-or-campground-is-family-friendly/

Younger kids will start with the very basic jobs and older kids will be able to put up their own tents and set up stoves, lights etc. Here is a few ideas that they can do for starters and you may be able to add in different jobs and share them between several children depending on your situation.

• Unpacking the car is usually the first job which everyone can help with.
• Gathering firewood is a good one they love doing, show them what types of firewood you need, dry leaves, kindling, sticks and logs. Then show them how to start a campfire and keep it going.
• Setting up tents can be done by everyone, even younger kids can help clear the area if necessary, help unfold the tent and pull it tight, carry the pegs and try to hit them in. Older kids will be able to do this by themselves, depending on the size of tent a few extra hands may be needed to steady the tent to set up the poles.
• Getting the bedding ready can be done once the tent is up, set up the mattresses and unroll sleeping bags and add a pillow. This is usually the fun bit getting their bed just right, adding luggage and maybe favourite toys, books etc.
• Preparing meals should be reasonably easy if you have planned out what you are having for at least the first few days. Let the kids help with the camp cooking if they are interested, usually it’s a good idea to have some of their favourite meals included. Take your time, you are camping so make it casual and don’t worry if the meal is later than usually time doesn’t usually matter.

There will be lots of little jobs to be done, make them fun rather than being a chore. Everything may take a little longer to do, but remember you are having quality time with your kids.

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/07/05/jobs-kids-can-do-when-you-are-camping-with-your-family/

Camping with babies is easier than you might think. Babies are adaptable and sleep more than toddlers. Toddlers are more of a challenge as they can run around and must be watched constantly, but they love it, there is so much for them to do.

Camping for the first time doesn’t always go perfectly but you soon learn with more practice and better planning. Start with a short trip like 2 nights close to home, so you can return home if necessary.

Avoid the hot or cold weather, pick a time that is nice average weather, it’s much harder if you are trying to keep everyone warm or cooling them down.

Remember to take all the usual baby or toddler supplies eg. nappies, wipes, blankets, bibs, bottles, cups, medication, clothes etc. Take more rather than less.

Several days prior to packing make list of all the things you use during the day for your baby or toddler then hopefully you won’t leave anything at home.

If you have been camping before consider going to a familiar campground, then you will know exactly what facilities are available.

Plan to arrive at your campground well before dark, setting up camp with babies or toddlers with you add to the challenge and everything will take longer.

Make your meals very easy to make and prepare, preparing your meals (like soup or a casserole) at home and freezing them in small containers is a big help. They will be defrosted by the time you will need them just heat them in a saucepan or camp oven.

Most important thing is to enjoy camping with your baby, toddler or older kids. Make it fun, let them get a bit dirty, play with other camp kids, let them help you setup camp and get them involved even if it takes twice as long.

http://www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au/2009/06/11/how-to-camp-with-babies-and-toddlers-tips/

Camping is the cheapest way to get a break and it does not have to be far from home. If the campground is only an hour or 2 away from home you are much more likely to go more often. Also you can easily go home early if necessary.

Do a bit of research on the campground that you are going too, if it is close to where you live go for a drive and look for yourself. If it’s not close ring the park, tourist info or look online and also check the weather forecast for the area before you go. Book your campsite, some parks can get very busy.

A few questions to think about are – Find out how hot or cold the weather will be? Is it likely to rain? Does the campground have a store? Is the playground appropriate for your age kids? Is there laundry facilities? Is there any shade? Find out what tourist attractions, nature walks etc are in the area

Use a checklist and have everything on that list you plan to take – Include tent, bedding, cooking equipment, table, chairs, esky or fridge, clothes, baby or toddler extras, kids toys, personal items and much more.

Wear layers of clothes, most likely it will be cooler in the mornings and warm up in the afternoon then cool down again. Kids tend to be messy so always pack a few extra clothes and pack a full set of clothes separate for going home in or going out for a meal etc.

Decide where everyone is sleeping, do you need 2 tents; older kids may like their own tent. Younger kids will usually be in the main tent. If anyone has to go to the toilet at night, a pop up shower/toilet room nearby are great with a Portapotti inside.

If you have planned a camping trip for several weeks or more and you are moving from town to town you can stay at a motel or cabin for a break from camping and use their amenities. There is nothing like sleeping in a real bed.

Always be prepared for a rainy day, if you are tenting or in a camper trailer have a tarp you can setup for shelter. Take games, books etc to keep everyone amused. The tarp can also be used on a sunny day for shade.

If you are going camping for the first time set everything up in your backyard several times so you know how everything is assembled and works.

When you are finding a campground be aware of any hazards for your kids like busy roads and water courses or a pool. Always have someone watching young kids.

Take it easy, every hour does not have to a planned activity, have some time out and read a book, go for a walk, it doesn’t matter if meals are a later than usual and make them easy to prepare and cook.

My family have had two 6 week camping trips, the first in 2000 & the 2^nd in 2003 where my 3 kids were taken out of school for 4 weeks each time as we included the June holidays both times.

The first trip we went on my kids were 7, 10, and 12 years old, the eldest being in the first year of secondary school. We travelled from Victoria to Central Australia, to Darwin, Kakadu and back down through Outback Queensland and New South Wales.

The second trip they were 10, 13, and 15 so this time 2 were in secondary school. This time we travelled from Victoria to Alice Springs, on the Tanami Track to The Kimberley, around the Gibb River Road, then to Katherine and down the Stuart Hwy to home.