What most people discover on a trip to the land down under is that it is a country of vast open spaces and remote wilderness areas. And because of this, Aussies love nothing more than hitting the open road and heading out bush for a few days of camping.
Aussies grow up with memories of lazy summers spent by the beach under canvas so camping is embedded in the culture. It’s partly a cultural thing (a love of the Great Outdoors) but also a practical thing – once you get outside the main cities the accommodation options are limited to dodgy motels and motor inns.
Whether it’s a family trip to a ‘tourist park’, a grey nomad adventure around the country or 4WDers and surfers heading into remote areas where there are no other accommodation options, getting away for a few days under canvas is the ultimate Aussie getaway.
Here are a few reasons why Aussies love to camp:
1. space
Australia is so huge that the number one retirement dream of many Aussies is to explore the country by taking a year or two to drive around it, which generally involves camping.
The grey nomad circuit around Australia is a real ‘thing’.
And if you’re going to explore Australia camping is the best way to do it because you can drive for hundreds of kilometres between towns and settlements where there is no accommodation.
But inbetween you will come across lots of fantastic beaches, creeks and landscapes where you will want to stay for a while, and having a tent in the back makes that possible.
Just be aware though that even in the remote outback all land is owned by someone so check whether you need permission.
2. weather
Australian culture is geared around the Great Outdoors simply because they are blessed with a great sunny, warm and dry climate.
This means you can plan a camping trip knowing that you are pretty much guaranteed to have good camping weather. And anyway, who wants to stay indoors when the sun is shining?
3. escape
If you needed more reasons to sleep under canvas for a few days there’s lots of actual research to show that camping helps reduce stress and anxiety.
‘Going out bush’ to commune with nature every once in a while is a very good Aussie reason to ‘chuck a sickie’ (otherwise known as a ‘mental health day’ where you use up one of your sick days from work).
So if you’re feeling revved up by modern life there’s nothing quite like getting out of phone range to help reset your internal clock.
4. nature
Camping is the best way to immerse yourself in nature.
Waking up with the sunrise, listening to kookaburras, taking walks in nature, watching sunsets on the beach, gazing at the starry skies and enjoying the clean, fresh air are good for the soul and definitely a great reason to go camping.
And coming out of your tent in the morning to see kangaroos and wallabies hopping around is definitely much better than seeing them in a zoo.
5. reconnection
There’s nothing quite like spending a few days feeling unwashed and filthy together to reconnect with family and friends.
Cooking together, going for walks, spotting wildlife, playing boardgames, sitting around the campfire are all great opportunities to spend quality time together to talk and reconnect.
6. adventure
Aussies love a bit of outdoor adventure so camping is often teamed up with activities like surfing, kayaking, fishing or 4WDing.
7. affordability
Camping is a much more affordable holiday than a hotel, resort or luxury getaway and that’s why it is so appealing to Aussies, because it means you can get away more often.
Most hardcore campers already have all their camping paraphernalia packed up and ready to go at the drop of a hat. But to be honest, spending time in the great outdoors is priceless.
travel nq fast facts:
- For extra cultural points, buy some marshmellows, find a stick and toast them on your campfire
- Collect pipies on the beach and cook them up for lunch
- If you’re going out bush be prepared, take a medical kit and other supplies to be self-sufficient
