There's nothing worse then going camping, positive that you have packed everything, only to arrive to your camp destination to find that you have forgotten something. They may only seem like little things, but it is amazing how these little things can dampen your otherwise perfect holiday. To make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible we hope to share with you some helpful camping tips and ideas, (some of which we have learned first hand).

If you have a handy hint that you would like to share with us, please contact us so we can add it to this page.

Campfires should be extinguished using a bucket of water - not sand or dirt: A small amount of glowing embers can start large bushfires. Water cools the fire quicker. Using sand or dirt only disguises the fire, it does not cool it down - making it especially dangerous for young children who think they have a sandpit to dig in. [more on campfire safety]	Carry a sink plug in your pantry - some campgrounds have sinks available but it is rare to find one with a plug......by Michael.	Keep the campsite clean. After meals clean dishes, utensils and eating area; put trash in bins provided (or an appropriate container). Food left out will attract possums and other wildlife; storing in containers with lids is better than in plastic bags - making it harder for animals to get to.
	Cut up some old carpet to line your camp chair. This will keep you warm while relaxing around the campfire. ......by John.
	Take a couple of garden solar lights with you and place outside the tent of a night for that little extra light and safety if you have to get up during the night. Saves searching for that torch! ......by John.	Fit a clean 5 litre garden spray with a larger hose and small shower rose. Fill with warm water and use as a shower when in the bush. .....by John.
Shade cloth makes a good surface for your living area - it's easy to sweep off, reduces dirt coming into the tent and doesn't kill the grass underneath. (If it's large enough to cover from peg to peg, it also makes a quick pegging guide if you put some gaffa tape where the pegs are.).....by Michael.	Fill empty cordial or juice bottles with water and freeze. Can be used to keep your cooler cold and give you a fresh supply of drinking water as they defrost.	When collecting firewood, check to see if it is home to local wildlife before taking away. Many animals use fallen branches as shelter.
	Keep flies away from picnics and meal tables: Sprinkle a sponge with Lavender oil, place in a jar under the table.	For a cost effective cooler, use an old bar fridge with the motor, shelves etc. removed.
Spray mantles for gas lamps with hairspray: This will help prevent them from breaking. (there's nothing worse than trying to fit a new mantle in the dark)	Clean up when you leave. Leave the area cleaner than before you came. Take away everything you brought and anything else that shouldn’t be there.	Don't rely on wood being available  - always carry a fuel stove.
Remember the Bug Spray. Don't get eaten alive by mozzies! The one thing we forgot on our first camping trip; we had to buy some the next morning.	Always take a supply of drinking water with you. There is no guarantee that drinking water will be available.	Be careful not to dispose of wash water near rivers and streams. The detergents and chemicals can contaminate the water supply for native plants, wildlife and fish.
Sunscreen is a must. Don't spoil your holiday by getting burnt. An ideal way to carry sunscreen with you in your pocket is to fill an empty roll-on deodorant bottle - just pop out the ball, wash out and fill with your favourite sunscreen; roll it on whenever you need it! Can also be used for insect repellant if you prefer to use a lotion - saves getting it on your hands.	Save water. Use moist ‘baby wipes’ for quick clean-ups or washing hands.	Keep the noise level down. Be considerate of neighbouring campers, especially at night when the noise levels can get a little loud whilst around the campfire. If you use a generator, try and turn it off early in the evening and use a car battery where possible to run lights.
	Spare Roll of toilet paper anyone? We've been camping heaps and have been caught without any. Take a roll or two with you just in case, especially during the busy seasons.
A rake is a good idea as well as a tarp. Before setting up your tent be sure to search for rocks or sharp objects likely to put a hole in the tent floor. If you have a rake it is a good idea to take it with you and rake the area first. If staying for a few days you may like to place a tarp under the tent for added protection - making sure that it is smaller than the floor of the tent, so that if it rains water won't get between the tarp and floor, keeping the floor dry. Check for falling branches as well.	A first aid kit is a must. Be prepared for the unexpected. You can never be too careful, especially when camping in a remote area. Bandaids, disenfectant, bandages, tweezers, burn cream, headache pills etc.	A clothes horse is a good investment. There isn't always somewhere to hang rope; great for drying teatowels and wash cloths as well as other things. It doesn't have to be new, an old one will work just a well. Remember the pegs!
	Take a Door mat. Try as hard as you can, you can't avoid walking dirt and sand into your tent, which quickly finds itself amongst your things. The easy way to try to avoid this, is to sit a door mat at the entrance to your tent, wiping your feet each time you enter. Taking your shoes off can help also.	Is your tent dry? If stored wet, mildew will form and quickly ruin your tent. Mildew will also form if a tent is stored on concrete. If you must pack a wet tent, set it up again as soon as you can to dry it out.

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