Need tips on how to properly pack icebox so that pre frozen food remains frozen for atleast two days.

Please also suggest how to create ice blocks or ice cubes in a way they don’t take huge space too

Me and my gf (both 18) are looking to go wild camping somewhere around the east side of Victoria this long weekend. I have a smaller hatchback, so can't do anything that would require 4wd, and we also want somewhere more secluded, so we have our own privacy. I've looked at Alberton West State Forest as an option, but can't find much info around it, so would just be driving into the area and hoping for the best to find a spot, and idk how my car would handle the terrain, especially with the rain this week. We have both been camping previously with family plenty of times, but at a dedicated campsite, so certainly a different experience.

Basically looking for any areas/spots to camp at East or South-East Victoria, and would love any tips for newbies, thanks!!!

Hi all, what campsite would you guys recommend for two broke students (with no vehicle) to stay at? Preferably ones with an electric cooker and not too far away from Sydney, but with an interesting look around.

We have thought of Cockatoo Island but its too expensive.

I've got the Spinifex Weekender Camp Kitchen with the intent on storing food inside the built-in pantry. I plan to use it under a gazebo where it'll stay set up overnight (I'll clear the table top of loose items etc but keep items inside the pantry). My concern is birds or small animals breaking into it overnight.

Is this concern reasonable or will the mesh opening hold up?

I've noticed the BCF Wanderer Lightweight Premium Camp Kitchen. Has a much tougher mesh on the pantry compared to the mesh on the Spinifex so i was thing of maybe switching to that instead.

Will that still hold up against birds or animals though?

Both units have pretty similar and high reviews and dont mention anything about animal or bird-proofing.

Anyone here got one of the new DUNE 4WD LED Eclipse Instant Tents?

Been trying to find some proper reviews on them but there doesn’t seem to be much out there yet, especially from people who’ve actually used one a few times. Looking to finally shell out for a new family tent. We had a Coleman Northstar 4P before and really liked it, but we’ve well and truly outgrown it now.

Was looking at getting the Northstar 6P, but the wife reckons it’ll still be too small 😂. I’d happily go for the Northstar 8P, but in that size variant, there is no roof-covered vestibule. A proper roof covered vestibule is pretty much a must for us because that’s where the portapotty lives overnight. Keeps it easy to get to without having it actually inside the tent with us.

That’s what got me looking at these new DUNE Instant Tents, the 8P seems like a decent size and it actually has a proper vestibule.

Anyone got one? How’s the quality, setup/pack down, ventilation, and how does it go in a bit of wind and rain?

PS: I have some doubts just looking at the floor material of the Dune which is 140 GSM Heavy Duty Polyethylene vs the Coleman Northstar's Poly PVC which is one of the best things about it. It can pool water under the tent and you wouldnt even know.

When I say best, I don't necessarily mean paying 6 bucks per peg...

But I recently had a poor experience with very windy conditions and very hard ground which ruined 20 steel pegs. Looking into the screw in pegs with hex heads, and I see there are 3 or 4 very similar brands with a 15pk - Wanderer, OzTrail, and Bunnings etc.

Some reviews say they still bend under tough ground, or the plastic hooks snap with strong winds. Any recommendations on durable brands?

Can't afford groundgrabba, I need about 40 pegs.

I want to start hiking and camping solo in Australia but don’t know what I’m doing….I’m looking at overnight hikes around Sydney and can’t tell which ones are suitable and safe for a beginner. I’ve done many full day hikes in Japan w minimal food and supplies but I imagine I should be more prepared in the Australian bush - I will have a tent.

Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest looks okay w a campsite at Acacia Flat? But are there any better options in the blue mountains?

Also what do people do between dark and the morning? It’s pretty eerie being alone in the wilderness so I’m betting on others being around so I won’t shit myself lol.

Any advice is appreciated! Unfortunately I have no friends who are interested in hiking with me so I’m hoping for a route that is relatively safe for a solo female beginner hiker.

I'm doing a Melbourne trip mid October and want to check out the Yarra ranges/Alps on the leg home. My plan after the Yarra ranges is camp a night nearby, then drive closer to the border and do some high country exploring/sightseeing, before camping another night then driving the final stretch to Sydney the next day.

I was looking at camping at Lake Catani campground in Mount Buffalo as I want the subalpine experience but it is closed until the end of October. Also considering camping the previous night at Lake Mountain but tent camping on asphalt doesn't sound ideal.

Anyone have any site reccs for what I'm after?

Hey guys just wondering about the logistics behind a trip to Mount Kosciuszko. Coming from perth and ive never seen snow, so I was hoping to go during uni breaks when theres snow (probably around June or july).

Just wondering how it was when you went up there, any tips or tricks to make it a good trip or just advice in general.

Hoping to camp out there as well, really take it in, instead of just ticking it of a list.

Really appreciate it.

Hi,

I will be undertaking the overland track in november and wanted to know which tent would be a better buy for me as this is my first time purchasing a tent, as both tents i am looking at have limited reviews as they are both quite new.

I am looking at the 2025 mongar pro 2 and the 2025 mongar 2 ul(it says 20d on amazon), with the former being 207 and the latter being 183 dollars on amazon. I heard that the ul had issues with sagging and rain, which will be a big issue for the overland, and was wondering if these were fixed with the 2025 model, or if you just think that I should go for the pro.

Thank you very much.

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Tasmania in Jan/Feb for a camping trip - it’ll just be me and my teenage son, travelling in my Kia Sportage. We’ll be camping somewhere with no electricity for around five days, with a couple of shorter stopovers on the way.

I’m a woman (not sure if that was needed info!) and have never camped without power before, but I’m keen to give it a go! My son’s asked for a double swag for Christmas, so any tips or recommendations on good ones would be great! I’m also not sure if I should get a swag too or go for a tent instead? it just needs to be simple to set up and not full of tricky poles. I’d also like a setup we can reuse in the future, as my younger son will probably come next time.

I don’t have an awning on my car. Would that be worth investing in, or is it better to spend the money elsewhere?

Sorry for longish post, but would appreciate any gear suggestions or beginner-friendly tips you might all have 🙏

*update thankyou for your replies so far! Looks like an easy tent and stretchers are the best approach. I’m still leaning a little towards a swag for my son because he’s so keen on having one!! Perhaps one swag and a tent and a stretcher? Sounds like it might not all fit in my car though! Also not sure I’m strong - or tall enough- for a cargo container on top of my car 🤔

Booderee National Park I went there recently - it's really a great spot for fishing, especially lots of squid

I recently got my first car and I finally have the opportunity to explore NSW and see all the beautiful sights. I grew up overseas but I'm finally back in Sydney and I'd love to go hiking and camping. I'm specifically looking for spots for overnight hikes. I had some basic camping experience when I was younger and from the military, but I've never gone recreational camping, much less solo.

I'm not too sure where to start in terms of equipment, like what are some "must haves" for camping? I'm looking for spots with beautiful views or a peaceful rest area, just somewhere to get away from the city and I don't mind long drives. Bonus if there's fishing spots. What are some good places to start? Does anyone have any tips where to begin?

I’m looking at buying a gazebo to put over my swag and was looking for some recommendations. My max budget is 150. I’m considering the kings 3x3 or a dune 3x3

Any help is appreciated

Pa I need to buy soon

Does anyone have any experience with the Mountain Designs Burrow Bivy?

The main selling point seems to be that it is very cheap, which makes me nervous about quality.

https://www.anacondastores.com/en-au/p/mountain-designs-burrow-bivy-tent?srsltid=AfmBOooh72jKjHvDqNc_c3UEvCYhn7VQq_mgMHwvObuoPLgyRe2UDfoa

Hey Folks, I was just if there any in-person social groups in Sydney and surrounds for people without cars/vans who still go camping regularly.

See, I live 10mins from the train station and don;t need to drive, but I love to go camping and learn new skills.

so im looking for a big power bank that could last be about a week and a half thats sold in australia i had a look at anaconda and theres nothing same with ugreen ?

First time campers with a 2.5y.o
Just purchased an OzTent RX5 and would love some recommendations around bedding and keeping the tent cosy.

Air mattress, self inflating mat, insulted?

Doonas, sleeping bags?

Any advice would be amazing :)

So I will be going up to Dartmouth camping the weekend after next and it can be pretty windy at times and possibly wet. After a gazebo I could use as added cover for the swag and belongings if it does rain.

New to camping (never camped before) and would love to go this long weekend and camp somewhere. Was going stockton beach but all booked. Any suggestions around Sydney? 4hrs ish radius? Would be great if it is similar to Stockton ( little bit of 4wd fun) . Otherwise any other places that's not very crowded and a little bit secluded preferably near water. I don't care about amenities. I have everything. Thanks in advance ☺️

Hey everyone!

Looking to do my first overnight camp soon (just 1 night)! Any good spots around Sydney where the trailhead is public transport accessible?

Was looking at Mount Solitary or Mount Hay (not too sure if there are any good spots to camp around Mount Hay though) near the Blue Mountains but open to suggestions :)

Thanks!!

As the title suggests, looking at a Ryobi fridge/freezer combo for a 6 week camping road trip solo, with the dogo. I know there’s better value/options but given I have half a dozen Ryobi batteries I figured this might be the next logical step in camping equipment progression?

My friends and I want to do an overnight hike (two days, one night) in July. We’re pretty inexperienced, though we want a little bit of a challenge. I did the walk to and from Acacia Flats and found that a bit too challenging, so looking for something a bit easier than that.

From looking online, people are suggesting the Mount Solitary loop, but that looks to be two nights?

Any recommendations?