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The tail end of the summer months is peak camping season – time to enjoy a last hurrah under the stars before the tent goes into storage until the next break. Whatever outdoor adventures you’re planning, from a backyard sleepout to an off-the-beaten-track wild nature experience, Bunnings has the essential camping gear for a successful jaunt, plus optional extras to take your trip to the next level.
Must-haves: Before you load up the barbecue, look into what camping gear is allowed at your location (smokers, for example, may not be permitted for the comfort of other guests) and check what facilities and utilities are available. An on-site holiday park kitchen might take the barbecue off the packing list, while a powered site means you can bring an electric one. A barbecue that uses a portable fuel source is likely a must.
David Hardie, Bunnings national barbecue and accessories buyer, says portable gas is the most popular while butane gas is the most cost effective. “Also consider the weight and size of the barbecue, as well as the type of food you plan to cook,” he says.
If you do BYO barbecue, Lucy suggests compiling a kit of useful camping equipment and cookware accessories such as barbecue wipes, tongs, a scraper and spatula. “Keep these stashed in a container separate from the ones you use at home, so you never arrive at camp without a crucial piece of equipment,” she says. And there are many camping accessories to help make your trip comfortable. “These include collapsible containers for food preparation and washing up, cutlery, plates and cups, as well as picnic blankets,” says David.
Make it extra: If open fires are permitted, cooking over coals truly captures the back-to-nature romance of camping. At its most simple, use a roasting fork to spear a snag (or a marshmallow), or go a little more gourmet with a bubbling stew in a camp oven, a skillet-seared fish fillet (freshly caught, of course), or a jaffle iron!
Must-haves: Good sleep is essential, however the ingredients for solid slumber vary. “Some people like stretchers, some prefer inflatable mats, and others want to sleep outside under the stars,” says Lucy. “You probably want to look at the size of your tent (and your car) because stretchers are a little bulkier to lug around.”
Warmth is important when outdoor camping, especially as autumn’s changeable weather nears, so choose a sleeping bag to suit the lowest overnight temperature. If you have room, a hot water bottle is useful if it turns icy, while a sleeping bag liner adds comfort, a little extra warmth and can be used on its own on balmy nights.
Make it extra: Give your camp bed a glamping-style makeover with an outdoor rug - this mostly just looks great, but will also help a little with insulation. Bring a self-inflating pillow for extra comfort. And if nights are still sweaty, consider a cooling mattress.
Must-haves: Don’t let a whining mozzie ruin your holiday buzz. “A good night’s sleep is always mosquito and insect-free, so stock up on coils, fly traps and repellent,” says Lucy. A personal insect repellent with antiseptic will protect against biting bugs, soothe old bites and help to prevent further irritation and possible infection. To create a bug-free zone around the dining area, good old-fashioned coils and citronella candles work well – but be aware of fire restrictions!
Make it extra: Take your personal protection up a notch on your camping trip with a battery-operated bug-zapping lantern – the Ryobi ONE+ bug zapper attracts all flying insects, illuminates the campsite (with variable brightness settings) as you’re relaxing in your camping chairs, and can also charge your phone! For a bug-free bedtime, channel a five-star safari vibe with a canopy mosquito net.
Must-haves: An experienced camper expects the unexpected, so make sure to pack a kit of essentials in case the worst happens. “When camping, in case of an emergency, it is a must to have an up-to-date first-aid kit, torch with spare batteries, plenty of water and non-perishable food and a multi tool,” says David.
Make it extra: If your camping trip is likely to go off the beaten track, be ready for any sticky situations. An offroad adventure may leave you stuck in the mud, but having recovery tracks and tyre deflators tucked into the boot can get you out of trouble in a jiffy – the latter product allows controlled and even deflation of tyres, giving a greater surface area for grip.
Before leaving, arm yourself with useful information. Check forecasts, tides and even the UV index on apps such as NIWA Weather and Metservice, and refer to your region’s hazard/emergency app and live traffic apps for updates on fires, floods, road incidents, closures and conditions. Discover walking and hiking tracks all over the country on the AllTrails app, explore nature using your state’s national parks app – and pack a paper map with your hiking gear for navigation backup!
Check out our tips on setting up the ultimate camping or caravan set-up.
Photo Credit: Reuben Looi
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
