Camping Oz-style
Back to nature - Fair Dinkum
Once you eventually get to where you're going, you'll probably be staying for a while and deserve a bit of cosseting. There are larger versions of dome tents which are quite spacious with reasonable head-room, but we prefer the rectangular frame type. They look similar to a canvas shed and come in various sizes. If you've never put one of these up before, be prepared for a few laughs, especially from any audience watching at the time. The first effort is always the worst, but you'll soon get the hang of it. The bigger ones usually have divided bedrooms with a sitting/eating area at the front. There will be windows: some clear plastic, others just fly-screen with roll-up flaps on the outside - great for letting the breeze through on a hot night while keeping the mozzies at bay. Most have an outside canopy over the entrance wall: a shady spot for alfresco eating; and if you're in a proper tourist park you can sit under it with a coldie while being entertained by caravanners who haven't yet got the hang of reversing.
Should you be seriously contemplating an Aussie camping vacation, and what you've read so far hasn't turned you off the idea entirely, pay ASOH a visit in a couple of months to check out Camping Oz Style Part 2. That will be about cooking - the basic equipment you'll need and a few tips to help you serve something other than canned beans. How would you fancy knocking up pizza, quiche, meat and potato pie, or some pan-fried cakes and cookies? They can all be done, and more, no worries. You'll be able to make even the caravan mob envious.
CAMPING CHECKLIST
Safety items:
First aid kit.
Small fire extinguisher.
Battery radio tuned to ABC local channel; plus spare batteries.
Road maps - don't rely on satellite navigators.
Mobile phone - an EPIRB (personal emergency beacon) if going off-road.
Sun block and insect repellant.
Plenty of drinking water.
Basic Equipment:
Tents: a small overnighter (dome-type), plus a larger, long-stay tent.
Ground sheet: a poly tarp big enough to lay under the main tent, plus 4 corner pegs.
A hammer or mallet, plus spare tent pegs.
Outside mat: shade cloth, plus 4 corner pegs - reduces sand inside and water flows through.
Door mat/foot wiper for inside main entrance.
A polypropylene washing line, plus clothes pegs.
Self-inflating mattresses or floor cushioning: camp stretchers if desired.
Sleeping bags, plus extra doonas or blankets and pillows for each person.
Folding chairs and table.
Dustpan and brush.
Water containers: 2 X 20 litre, plus personal drinking bottles.
An Esky or insulated cooler box.
Cooking stove, gas bottle, pans and utensils.
Plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs for each person.
Dishwashing bowl, liquid, sponges, scourer and drying towels.
Plastic 9 litre bucket - handy for fishing, and carting hot water from the camper's kitchen.
Battery lantern, plus hand flashlights and spare batteries.
Extras:
a roll of waterproof cloth tape to fix rips in canvas.
a length of strong cord for guy-rope repairs.
4 or more storm guy ropes (for obvious reasons) with long steel pegs.
4 or more long sand pegs for the really soft stuff.
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