by Loni Peeters from Ballina Camping and Disposals
Go solo or get a group together and start exploring our great outdoors. It’s a great way to gain an appreciation of your local (or not so local) area and spend quality time with family or friends. That’s true now more than ever. Advancements in camping technology combined with fewer opportunities to travel overseas or interstate mean there has never been a better time to go on a road trip . Here are some tips to make your next camping adventure more enjoyable, particularly if you are a first timer.

- Check your existing gear as soon as possible. If it hasn’t seen the light of day for a few years, it is best to ensure it is still in working order. A rat may have fancied your tent as a cosy little nest or your gas bottle may be past its use by date.
- Make a list of essential items and make sure to buy them well in advance of your departure date. Stock availability or other supply issues should not be allowed to ruin an otherwise excellent adventure. Only buy quality equipment with good guarantees and after sales service. Cheap gear can be a false economy and just end up as landfill. If you buy online, consider how much it might cost in both time and money to post it back if there is a problem.
- Become familiar with your equipment, including your tent, bedding, and cooking arrangements. If you have never camped before, have a practice night out in the backyard so you can get an idea of what is needed and what isn’t. Don’t forget to make sure everything fits in your vehicle.
- Consider carefully the luxuries you can’t do without when you choose where to stay. Do you need electricity, a park with kids’ entertainment, or bathroom facilities? Would you prefer to be close to town so there are places to eat and buy supplies. If you don’t need any of these things, then the peaceful surrounds of a National Park may be more your cup of tea.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of light. Arrive at your campsite with enough time to set up your tent in daylight. Think about what you may need to illuminate the campsite at night. It’s no fun tripping over tent ropes or branches, and how do you prepare a meal while holding a torch?
My family has been fortunate enough to have had overseas holidays, but our best memories are from the adventures when we went camping. Put your feet up, go exploring, fish, swim, make new friends….. you are guaranteed a good time. For further information and to source all your camping needs, visit us in person at Ballina Camping and Disposals, 207 River Street, Ballina or online at www.ballinacamping.com.au.