The camping thread #3

This camping thread is for sharing tips and ideas of camping with little ones (and bigger ones!). Camping/caravan ground recommendations too. It's one thing to read a review from a mag or paper, but sometimes it's quite another to hear feedback from someone with a family actually experiencing it.
Please share your stories of great spots, clean facilities and friendly locals, so we can keep doing this, Australia wide.

The "Must Have" list

Camping equipment - Tent, Rubber interlock mats for tent floor, Air Mattresses & Pump, Camp Stretchers, Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Pillows, Esky, Fold-up chairs, Table, Rechargable Lantern, Extension Leads, Double Adaptors, Tarps, Dustpan and Broom, Storage Tub to convert to Bath, Duct Tape, Torch, Umbrella, Hammer/Hatchet, Batteries, UHF Radio/Walkie Talkies, Puncture Repair Kit, Firestarters, Fire Extinguisher.

Car Equipment - GPS, Jumper Leads, Jerry Can, Reserve Water/Coolant, Fan Belts, Roof Racks, Bike Rack, Headlight Globes

Food & Cooking Items - Gas Stove & Bottles, Camp Kitchen (with Sink), Pot, Frypan, Crockery, Cutlery, Cups, Tongs, Freezer Bags, Garbage Bags, Tea Towels, Dishwashing Liquid, Tin Foil, Glad Wrap, Matches, Hot Rocks, Sauce, Napkins, Hot chocolate, Marshmellows, Skewers, Vacuum Sealer, Oil, Ice, BBQ Tray, Scotch towels, Water container, Jex, Sponges, Tupperware food containers, Ant rid, Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Can Opener, Noodles, Canned Soup, Casseroles, Spag Bol

Misc Items - Board Games, Cards, Uno, Towels, Mozzie coils, Thongs/crocs, Phone charger, Books, Puzzle books, Fishing Rod & Tackle, Toilet Paper, Tissues

First Aid - Bandaids, Bandages, Detol cream, Cotton wool balls, Cotton Buds, Sunscreen, Aeroguard, Aftershave (for mozzie stings), Tissues, Toilet paper, Ice pack, Heat pack, Eye wash, Gauze, Cough lollies, Cold & Flu tablets, Vicks, Panadol, Bottle of water, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Sewing kit

Dogs - Leads, Collars, Balls, Dog food, Treats, Water bowls, Towels, Food bowls, Plastic Pooper Scoop Bags, Immunisation Paperwork

WYSIWYG - Guess what, we will be a Robe as well for Easter!! We will be with the 4wd club as there is a big day trip we will be doing as a club. Not sure if we will be at the same caravan park, but it also had minimum stay requirements, so could be the same one.

Astrid - The one we are at is Discovery/Big 4 at Robe - my mum and dad I found out stayed there once and dad being dad kept all the campsite maps - we are in NP 6 (non-powered 6) which is right next to kids playground, if you are at same one am sure you will spot us (White Prado, and Kimberley King of the Off Road camper trailer).

Just got home from towing course, and am sunburnt and exhausted - who knew maneuvering a trailer all day would be so tiring. Well we got it back on drive ok, and I got alot from the course which was nearly all practical. Also found out that DH who never drives, is pretty good at the parking side of it so that is good too.

Just looked it up, we are at lakeside tourist park not the Big 4. Doing a mouth of the Murray 4wd run on Saturday. We arrive Friday and leave Tuesday. So we will have some time to catch up if you want.

We arrive Friday and leave on Tuesday too - we have a baptism on Sunday all day in Mt Gambier and not sure of our other commitments as meeting friends from Adelaide too - but I have your number I think - so can play it by ear?

Just got back from camp out at Hanging Rock (is put one once a year by the council) - was great - there were 18 of us altogether and the weather was great (although a little chilly overnight) - and kids and adults all had a great time. I stayed in a friends tent with 3 kids, we were up early 6:45 but the SES were there putting on breakfast so woke up to the smell of bacon - great!

Camping at Mt Baw Baw next weekend at a kids adventure weekend.

We are heading off to ConFest again this Easter but need to organise a couple of supplies first. What type of sleeping bag would be good for a 2 1/2 year old please?
Is anyone else going to confest this year?

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We are heading off to ConFest again this Easter but need to organise a couple of supplies first. What type of sleeping bag would be good for a 2 1/2 year old please?
Is anyone else going to confest this year?

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For both mine I just got cheap sleeping bags from Big W or the like - DS would have been about 2.5 when first went camping. I am glad I only got cheap ones especially for him as he really is no good at staying in it (he barely will stay under a doona at home) so when it is cold (as it was this weekend) I just attempt to get him in it and then put a blanket or one of our unzipped good sleeping bags over the top - I get him to wear one of those warm sleep suit things plus PJ's to try and keep him warm despite his own best efforts.

Thanks wysiwyg. I guess I'll be off shopping tomorrow :-)

Did everyone see the recall on camp stoves? Those cheap single butane stoves you can get at bunnings etc. I have 2. Both different brands. I wasn't too worried til I read comments on a fb post & every second person was telling the story of theirs exploding, or them getting burnt. Last I heard it was NSW only.

I didn't get around to looking more into it, but we're heading away for easter & maybe I should be more concerned? I never leave mine connected when not in use, but I better look more into it I guess.

Ha ha, I'm probably the only one still using one anyway?

I read a bit about it but as haven't got one didn't think too much about it. I wouldn't buy one now, but whether or not would still use if had I don't know. Sorry not much help.

My DH has his and still uses it Clover. He is an oil and gas engineer ;)
What's the alternative? Is the alternative expensive?

I looked into it & one of my 2 wasn't on the recall list, so I put the other one to the side. I don't think I'll throw it out just yet, but it's not with my main camping gear.

All the cases were due to misuse anyway it seems. I didn't realise you shouldn't use a fry pan with them, so I won't be doing that again.

We have a KMART one, just as a back up in the camper trailer. Have not used it yet. Need to check if it is on the recall list and if so, we will take it back to Kmart.

Anyone any tips on where to stop between Melbourne and Robe - we will leave early around 7:00 and make a couple of stops - so any recommendations playgrounds, cafes, just nice spots (roomy places that won't panic me having to park the trailer preferably :-))?

Had a great time at Mt Baw Baw - although DD sick on the way up (that road is very windy - we took the unsealed road route home via Moe which although longer was a much better drive for both car sickness and just more pleasurable for the driver). It was pretty chilly - overnight wasn't so bad as just me and the kids in quite a small tent and I have a decent sleeping bag but in the morning cooking damper on the fire it was pretty finger numbing.

Have really enjoyed the past two weekends camping - but with working all week too, never seem to unpack the car, and sort things etc. which seems to mean I take more than necessary.

Which way are you driving? The B140 via Hamilton? Or via the Princess via Colac then Warrnambool?

Warrnambool has Lake Pertobe. Huge park, Cafe and a takeaway across the road on the beach side. You may be able to park at it, otherwise park up the top of the hill at Flagstaff Hill, as there are heaps of caravan parking spots there.
Botanic gardens are good as well
Port Fairy is quite nice, found a reasonable park there just down from where the fishing boats are. Sadly I think the fish and chip shop there has closed down. Otherwise Port Fairy has many cafes.

Mmm hadn't decided on the route - google maps quickest route from here takes you up M8 then B160 to Hamilton (When have been to Mt Gambier before years ago that was always route took, and stopped at Lake Wendouree once for lunch) - hadn't even thought of Princess (from your way that would definitely make more sense).

Are you going via Geelong or Ballarat? Ballarat is a nice town to explore. It's been a few years, but from memory it is quite an open spaced little town.

There is a similar question on trip advisor. I had to google to see where Robe was, and it came up :)

I miss spontaneous camping trips! So does DH. We've talked about taking DS camping, but my main concern is how to wash his bottles, and I am still pumping.

What is the youngest age you have taken a child camping?

Mum and Dad are trying to find somewhere (preferably beach but open to suggestions) for the last two-three weeks in Jan - not too far from Melbourne (Wye River was where wanted but is booked out already) - as they will stay there with the kids in camper trailer while we are at work and just head for weekends. So many places seem booked up already - prefer the campsites with less facilities but open to suggestions.

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What is the youngest age you have taken a child camping?

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We went camping with dd when she was 7 months and then when she was 15 months and ds was 6 weeks. It was easier when the baby was younger. 7 months was crawling and being awake enough to not want to sleep in the tent...

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Mum and Dad are trying to find somewhere (preferably beach but open to suggestions) for the last two-three weeks in Jan - not too far from Melbourne (Wye River was where wanted but is booked out already) - as they will stay there with the kids in camper trailer while we are at work and just head for weekends. So many places seem booked up already - prefer the campsites with less facilities but open to suggestions.

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I don't know if it's too far from you but I've been meaning to go to Joanna Beach which is in the ottway national park. The camp ground is owned by parks vic. Parks Victoria - Johanna Beach

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I don't know if it's too far from you but I've been meaning to go to Joanna Beach which is in the ottway national park. The camp ground is owned by parks vic. Parks Victoria - Johanna Beach

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Probably a little further than was thinking - but it looks lovely - one to investigate at some point for sure, will see what Dad thinks.

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Probably a little further than was thinking - but it looks lovely - one to investigate at some point for sure, will see what Dad thinks.

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We really like the look of it - Tinks any other recommendations for campsites in that Otways area

No, I don't. Maybe look on the wiki camps app.

What about the Yarra Valley? I know it's not beach but it's close enough to Melbourne to go up for a weekend. Plenty to see and do. I know some really good camping spots there.

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No, I don't. Maybe look on the wiki camps app.

What about the Yarra Valley? I know it's not beach but it's close enough to Melbourne to go up for a weekend. Plenty to see and do. I know some really good camping spots there.

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I think they are set on Johanna bay for last week-ish as is the long weekend so the distance doesn't matter so much. Prior to that they may well like the idea of Yarra Valley - and I agree loads to do there - which campsites in particular would you recommend?

Hello campers!
We're off to Wilson's Prom in a few weeks and it's the first time we've camped with three little ones. Hubby and I have camped quite a bit pre-kids but survived just fine with a little esky and a trangia. Suddenly I have no idea how we're going to cater for a hungry family of 5!
So any tips? How do you meal plan when camping? What do you eat? How do you cook?
I'm thinking I might try and borrow a little gas stove from my parents but also wondering whether this counts as a 'fire' and there is a no-fires rule year round. There are barbeques and washing up stations thankfully, so that should help us a bit!
Any catering thoughts and Prom experience much appreciated. :)

I made up the meals and froze them. We only went for a few days so it was doable. All I had to do then was cook the pasta or rice. We had honey mustard chicken, beef stroganoff and a tomato pasta surprise.

Was super easy and we have agreed this is what we should do all the time now.

Have fun Santosha looks like great weather for camping. I have never been that organised with food, we use either stuff in camp kitchen or mum and dad's gas stove in their camper trailer (normally fine when fire bans). We tend to have lots of sausages, wraps, pancakes, potatoes, pasta.

Anyone any recommendations camping within a couple of hours of Sydney (blue mountains) for after Christmas - not fussed beach or not but dad having trouble booking anywhere (national parks can't seem to book so might just wing it but all advice welcome)

Okay ladies (and gents?) - I've decided to pack everyone up and get out on a camping trip next weekend (19th-21st), but I've run into a few planning issues. The biggest of which being I have no idea where we should go! Our vague list of things we want is:

- in/near the bush, with open skies for stargazing.
- campfires allowed.
- west of Melbourne, no more than 3-4 hour drive.
- free or minimal fees on campsite.

I'd also love to take the girls for a play in the snow either on the way there or back, so something like that would be great but not necessary.

We'll be in a fairly basic 4-person tent, by the way. Definitely not "glamping" :lol:

You won't find much snow west of Melbourne. I know it's not in the direction you were thinking but I'm going to suggest Big River which is out Marysville/Eildon way. You can swing by Lake Mountain on the way home. Or even the Upper Yarra Dam past Warburton, you do have to pay there but I think it would be perfect for your family. The kids would love it.

Anyone any great ideas for Christmas gifts for kids that are great for camping. My two are camping with my parents for whole of Jan (while we work so I am envious) but we are at relatives for Christmas, we are not big on gifts but they are and want ideas for the kids, so either we need something suitable for their big camping trip (a few different locations) or something DH and I will bring home with us. Anyone use walkie talkies? I had some as a kid and have fond memories of the games we used to play using them and thought they might be fun for camping?

Sorry wysiwyg i have only just worked out how to get back on here. How did you go? I would have suggested mystic fire. They are little sachets that make your campfire flames turn multicolour