Desert caravan camping in Australia: tips and recommendations

The great outdoors in Australia contains a plethora of natural wonders, and exploring the vast deserts and lush outback regions is an experience you will never forget or regret! Preparing yourself with knowledge of the area, essential items and adding a few extra comforts will ensure your journey is as carefree and adventure-filled as you wish. Read on for some useful tips and recommendations to help get the most out of your Australian RV bush experience.

Planning your route

Preparation is key to successfully undertaking any off-the-beaten-track camping trip and planning your route is vital for not only capturing nature at its finest moments but also ensuring your safety. The Australian bush can be as harsh as it is beautiful, so take the time to research weather forecasts and recommended times of year to visit. Be sure to share your route with someone before you set out as an added safety measure. 

Scenic and beautiful locations

There are so many amazing places to visit across Australia. From Ningaloo in Western Australia, with its beautiful reef and cliffs offering the opportunity to experience whale sharks, to the red centre providing access to the ever-changing colours of Uluru or the stunning twelve apostles in Victoria. Choosing the right time of year to visit each place will allow you to view these spectacles in their finest glory and ensure that your travel there and back is safe, easy and filled with scenic stopping points. After all, camping is about the journey too, not just the destination.

Preparing your RV

Any travel, particularly if you are planning to go quite remote, should start with a full mechanical check of your RV and a double-check that you have the appropriate spare parts for any potential breakdowns. A trusted company such as RV Parts Express is perfect to help you find the right spares. Remember to include spares not only for your mechanical needs but also parts that can assist in situations such as water filtration system malfunctions or if your solar panels are unexpectedly damaged. 

Gathering vital supplies

When planning your route, it is imperative to map out where refuelling is possible or when replenishment of drinking water is available along with where to gather your food supplies. This will allow you to calculate how much you need to stock for your journey. You should always have basic medical supplies available and don’t forget, pharmacies are few and far between in Australia’s more remote locations, so stock any medication you need for the duration of your trip to ensure you are not caught out. Phone connectivity can be a bit sketchy in places, so a 2-way radio or even a satellite phone should be considered, in case something unplanned happens and you need assistance.

Not-so-vital supplies

You are taking a journey to have fun! Yes, there are many serious considerations for supplies and spare parts required, but what about your favourite things? There is nothing like setting up camp under a blanket of stars and enjoying a glass of your favourite beverage or having your favourite food available to savour as a treat along the way. Simple things such as roasting marshmallows on a campfire seem so much better when you are in the bush, but as with everything, if you didn't bring it, you can’t just nip to the shop on impulse. Comfort supplies are something you will definitely appreciate when on the road.

Setting up camp

So now you’re on the road, living life. You’ve found an ideal place to camp for the night or maybe a few days. This is where all the preparations before your departure will be a welcome relief. Depending on where you have stopped and how long for, you may wish to set up the outdoor chairs and deploy your retractable awning to sit back and enjoy your surroundings or head straight for the nearest waterhole for a refreshing dip first. How you set up camp is entirely up to you, but you should always ensure your setup provides the shelter required from the elements, including the temperature fluctuations from daytime to nighttime. One important tip for stops is to take the time to refill water supplies, recharge any solar equipment, and check over your RV at every opportunity to hopefully catch any potential issues before they occur.

Weather

As part of your planning, you will have discovered the times of year when extreme weather might be encountered, be it excessively hot and dry or at a time when flash floods could be possible. Keep abreast of weather conditions and the associated hazards by travelling at appropriate times of the year, ensuring where you choose to camp is safe and you have adequate supplies should you be delayed a few days due to impassable roads that might have been affected by the weather. 

Fire

If you decide to have a campfire or open flame, make sure it is not in an area where there is a high fire risk, and never leave it unattended or smouldering when you depart, regardless of the current weather you are experiencing. The risk of serious bushfires is very real, particularly during the hot, dry months, or when it is windy. As you travel, ensure you check with local authorities for any restrictions or total fire bans.

Medical needs

Being away from a town, should you have an accident, no matter how serious, you will need to tend to it yourself before being able to get back on the road and travel to the nearest station or community for help. It is a good idea for everyone to have basic first aid knowledge as a minimum, along with a well-equipped first aid box. Also, consider ensuring at least two people know how to operate the RV. Likewise, everyone should know how to operate your chosen method of communication, such as the 2-way radio or satellite phone. Remember, relying on one person can cause major issues if they are the person who is injured or incapacitated.

Travelling with children

What a great adventure to take your children on. The experience will be unforgettable. To avoid the "Are we there yet" or "I'm bored", provide a few activity books, play I Spy, challenge your children to find the Southern Cross or name animals that may be nearby. Interaction is the key to keeping your children engaged. You may find a few additional stops are needed as well to let them expel some energy, so be sure to include that in your route planning.

Leave no trace

Above all, you should always respect the cultural significance of sacred sites and the environment in general. Be aware of forbidden areas. Take your rubbish with you and ensure that your fire (if you had one) is 100% extinguished. Leaving no trace should be your mantra to ensure you do not have a negative impact on wildlife, communities or the land in general, no matter how unintentional it may be.

Enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Appreciate its beauty and keep your caravan rolling through the amazingly unique Australian outback.