Where to camp is often a vexing problem in the Outback, especially if you are trying to find a camp as the sun is going down. Following are some tips and information on finding and setting up a decent camp. In the western half of the continent there are often endless miles of Spinifex and campsites can be really tough to find. It is often best to get to a camp nice and early so you can set up and relax, rather than hoping to find a spot at last light. You are permitted to pull in and camp at roadside stops on the Stuart Highway, these are free. You can also camp 200 metres on either side of a gazetted unfenced road. It is ALWAYS polite to ask permission from lessees/landholders before setting up camp on private land.
Check out the wind direction, select a campsite that is upwind from any road or track to avoid dust and noise from traffic.
Look for a spot where you can light a fire where there is a clear area and ensure there is no leaf litter or combustible fuel around the fire as well as a good distance downwind of the fire.
When selecting where you pitch your tent, park your camper or roll out your swag ensure you are upwind of the fire so you don’t get smoked out
Preferably use an existing fireplace. Don’t place rock rings around your fire. When finished spread the ashes out around the ground and extinguish with water or wait until the fire is cool to touch. Wind and rain will do the rest and ensure that within a few seasons there is no evidence of your campfire. Do not bury your fire, this creates a fossil fire that is unsightly and will survive for years. And please do not put any aluminium foil, glass, cans, ring pulls, beer tops or other non-combustibles into the fire.
Do not camp in dry river beds, they have a habit of flash flooding, and this can occur even when there is not a cloud in the sky.
Try to avoid camping near waterways in the inland; they are usually (but not always) full of mosquitoes. Get some local advice.
Never camp beneath River Red Gums – especially not on still hot days, they have a nasty habit of dropping their branches, some weigh as much as a car!
Check for level ground before setting up your swag, parking your van or pitching your tent. There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and learning your feet are elevated and the blood is flowing into your head!
Look for ant nests, and give them a wide berth.
Remove all your rubbish in the morning; there is nothing worse than arriving at a filthy campsite.
It is not always necessary to find a paradise view if you are travelling and breaking camp early the next day. Once the sun goes down the stars are the same wherever you are in the Outback. |
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