1. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km scenic ocean drive passing by several small towns that serve as notable breakpoints. Although it’s shorter than most of that ‘epic’ roads you’ll take on your Big Lap road trip, it’s filled with unforgettable highlights and breathtaking views. It serves as a great starting point if you happen to live near Sydney, and takes you all the way to Jervis Bay.

Grand Pacific Drive starts at Royal National Park, less than an hour south of Sydney and takes you to the Bald Hill Lookout, a great scene and popular paragliding place. The drive continues on the Sea Cliff Bridge – a 665m bridge that hangs over the sea, certainly one of the most impressive views on your road trip.

If driving through a rainforest is on your bucket list, the Grand Pacific Drive will help you fulfill it by taking you through the Minnamurra Rainforest. This road allows you to stop for a break in some of the most picturesque coastal cities like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, or Shoalhaven.

2. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Great Ocean Road is a great starting point for those who decide on taking off from Melbourne. An hour away from the garden city, this road is 250km long, stretching from Torquay to Warrnambool. One of the highlights of this road that attracts thousands of tourists daily is the 12 apostles – 12 massive limestone structures that rise 45m above the ocean.

Although this road seems short, don’t underestimate it; it’s still absolutely road trip worthy. There are plenty of notable highlights along the best drive on the planet. Just to mention a few: Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, The Arch, and The Triplet Falls are just a fraction of the places where this road will take you!

Read Next: Your Ultimate Guide To The Great Ocean Road

3. The Savannah Way, North Australia

The Savannah Way is an adventurous 3,700km route across northern Australia, from Cairns to Broome as part of your Aussie road trip. Along the way, you’ll get acquainted with the tropical savannahs of the north, drive through sealed and unsealed roads, and stop at some jaw-dropping places.

It’s easy to get deep into exploring this route. With 5 World Heritage sites, 15 national parks, waterfalls, plenty of wildlife, and hot springs surrounded by palm trees, you won’t be short on adventurous sites!

4. Great Alpine Road, Victoria

Experience the Victorian Alps by taking the Great Alpine Road. Starting at Wangaratta in the north to Bairnsdale in the east, this road is 308km long and quite the opposite of the Savannah Way.

If you long to get a glimpse of what a European winter looks like, this is the spot to go during the cooler months. Or opt to visit in spring and enjoy some horseback riding, explore the local vineyards and breathe the fresh mountain air.

Don’t forget to pack your wheel chains if you plan on driving this road during winter – snow and ice are very common!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5. Eyre Peninsula Road, South Australia

If you’ve ever heard anyone saying they’re crossing the Nullabor (with the exception of the movie Australia, of course!), they’re actually driving the Eyre Highway. This road is known as the longest straight road in Australia and will take you from Perth to Adelaide by passing through the Eyre Peninsula’s top.

Ever feel like driving around to clear your mind? Well, the first part of this road can offer you a straight drive into the middle of nowhere.

Roughly 1,664km long, this highway offers some astonishing landscapes, wildlife in their natural habitat, and excellent seafood stops in the second part. Don’t miss out on exploring the Eyre Peninsula, and dive into the crystal blue water!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. The Red Centre Way, North Australia

Take the 1,135km loop around the heart of the Northern Territory, starts at Alice Springs, passes through Glen Helen, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, Uluru, and comes all the way back to the start.

It’s a one of a kind journey to take through the red desert sand, come close to the massive sandstone monolith that is Uluru, and dive in the various waterholes. Explore the national parks, deserts, canyons, and cave pools – there’s so much to discover!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7. Gibb River Road, West Australia

Buckle up for the greatest 4WD adventure on your Big Lap – The Gibb River Road! Located in the heart of the Kimberley, this gravel road is 660km long, stretching from Derby to Wyndham.

The Gibb River Road is an instant adrenaline spike and a challenge for the not as experienced drivers. Due to the road’s state, the days required to pass it are somewhere between a week and a half. Stoping to take a dip in the waterfall-supplied rock pools is a must.

While drifting on the water with your 4WD is a memorable adventure – beware, you’re near the crocodiles’ natural habitat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8. 75 Mile Beach Road, Queensland

Continue your 4WD adventure on Fraser Island, hitting the iconic coastal drive – the 75-mile highway. Rated as one of the world’s best coastal drives, this road is a sandy adventure for the bold.

Enjoy the sea view and salty air while cruising at 80km per hour on the sand along the coastline of the world’s largest sand island. Make sure to check the right time when to pass through the 75-mile highway since you must avoid high tide.

The sand is unpredictable; there could be some bumps and dunes, so take caution while driving and respect the speed limit. Although the ocean is pretty close, swimming isn’t considered safe, so it’s best to avoid it.

Fraser Island is home to some epic swimming spots including Eli Creek, Lake Wabby and the Champagne Pools and magnificent rainforest, so schedule some on-foot exploring time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9. The Coral Coast Highway, Western Australia

The Coral Coast highway is 1,250km long, starting at Perth all the way to Exmouth. It’s an impressive picturesque drive through the Pinnacles Desert and World Heritage sites that are Shark Bay and the Ningaloo Reef.

Park your camper at some of the campsites and admire the plethora of wildlife, flora, crystal waters, and rugged coastlines from dusk till dawn. Try to travel this road in spring or fall- the summers can be dangerously hot and unpleasant in the desert!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10. The Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

The Great Eastern Drive follows Tasmania’s east coast, starting at Orford and ending at St Helen’s. The ride is 176km long and takes you through some of Tasmania’s most remarkable sites, like the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park.

Call it a day and hit some of the pristine beaches along the road, spend untracked time in the turquoise waters, visit some of the vineyards, or take a detour exploring nature.

The road is sealed and can be done in a day but what will keep you longer in this part of Tasmania is that it’s full of places and things to explore. The marine life and the delicious local produce are just a portion of East Tasmania’s treasures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So, Which Road?

So, which road are you most excited to drive on your epic Australian road trip? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Awesome Roads You’ll Come Across On Your Big Lap Road Trip appeared first on Big Lap Bible.

1. Rim Walk, Northern Territory

The perfect way to experience the Kings Canyon is by walking the Rim Track. The beginning is a tad challenging since you’ll be climbing 500 steps but trust me, it’s worth it. This trail will take you through the canyon’s most picturesque parts, including the Garden of Eden and an astonishing 360-degree panorama. You can do the whole circuit in 3 to 4 hours. Skip sleeping in for a day and hit the trail at sunrise; you won’t be disappointed.

Distance: 6-kilometre loop.

Difficulty level: Grade 4 moderate to difficult.

2. Valley Of The Winds Walk, Northern Territory

Admire the spectacular Mars-like landscape at Kata Tjuta through the Valley of the Winds Walk. It’s a rocky, dusty and challenging walk that’s best to do early morning, especially in summer. You can come across plenty of wildlife and two breathtaking lookouts – Karu and Karingana. This walk is not very popular among tourists, so if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet hike, go for this one! In the Anangu culture, the domes are deemed to hold wisdom that you must experience in person, so commercial photography is banned.

Distance: 7.4-kilometre loop.

Difficulty level: Grade 4 – moderate to difficult.

3. Uluru Base Walk, Northern Territory

This circuit takes you up close to the base of Ayers Rock. It starts at the Mala carpark and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Some parts of the walk will surprise you with lush native grasses, waterways and waterholes, while others are a typical desert. Avoid this walk in summer or go really early in the morning as it can get dangerously hot.

Distance: 10-kilometre loop.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

4. Heysen Trail Loop, Northern Territory

Every avid bushwalker aspires to do at least a part of the Heysen Trail. This challenging trail is whopping 1200 kilometres long, starting at Cape Jervis and ending at Parachilna Gorge in Flinders Ranges. It takes approximately two months to complete it. There are many campsites, cottages and shelters along the track and camping is allowed in tents only. If this is not your cup of tea, try the Heysen Trail Loop through Mount Crawford Forest Reserve, it’s only 13 kilometres long.

Distance: 1200 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

5. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Larapinta Trail is fairly new but already a trendy walk. It’s easily accessible from Alice Springs and takes two weeks to do from end to end. The trail is divided into 12 sections, ranging from 10 to 20 kilometres that you can do in a day or two. There are free camps and excellent facilities along each segment, as well as waterholes and exciting views. The best time to hit this trail is April to October.

Distance: 223 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

Related: Every Free Camp You Need To Know About In Northern Territory

6. Figure 8 Pools Walk, New South Wales

The Figure 8 Pools are a unique sight on the dangerous rock shelf in Royal National Park. You can reach them through a very challenging track, only at low tide, between April and late June. It’s not for inexperienced bushwalkers; it requires suitable shoes and a good fitness level. Depending on where you decide to access the walk, it will take you from 6 to 8 kilometres. Most choose to start from Garawarra Farm carpark. Be aware, the National Park closes the gates at 8.30 pm, so make sure to go early.

Distance: 8 kilomteres.

Difficulty level: Grade 4 -Difficult.

7. Bouddi Coastal Walk, New South Wales

Located in Bouddi National Park and stretching from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, this walk is full of scenic views, ocean breeze and pristine beaches. You can stop along the way for whale watching or a quick swim at Maitland Bay. As you walk the boardwalk, you’ll notice the affluence of birdlife. The Bouddi Coastal Walk is rated as one of the most beautiful central coast walks. If you prefer shorter hikes, try the sections from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay or Maitland Bay to Little Beach.

Distance:  8.5 kilomteres one-way

Difficulty level: Grade 3- Moderate.

8. Pulpit Rock Walking Track, New South Wales

The Pulpit walking track takes you through the best part of the Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park. Starting at Govetts Leap lookout, you’ll be in awe of the scenery, birdlife and wildflowers. You get to see two marvellous creeks and a 280-degree panorama of the Grose Valley. As a cherry on top, you get to witness the Horseshoe Falls.

Distance: 7 kilometres return.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

9. Mount Gower Walk, New South Wales

The goal of this magnificent walk is to reach the highest point on Lord Howe Island. Mount Gower is home to the island’s rarest plants and wildlife, and you get to see them on this walk. The walk is strenuous and unmarked, and you’re obligated to book a guide. Make sure you call in early to score a spot for your preferred dates. The view from the top is worth all effort.

Distance: 14 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

10. Kosciuszko Walk, New South Wales

The Kosciuszko Walk is under snow during winter, but if you happen to be in the area in spring or summer, I highly recommended you do it. It starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift and takes you around the Snowy River, Lake Cootapatamba and Rawson Pass. Once you climb the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, you get rewarded with a captivating 360-degree view of the Snowy Mountains and Victorian High Country.

Distance: 13 kilometres return.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

11. Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

The Great Ocean Walk is the on-foot take on the Great Ocean Road. It starts at Apollo Bay and finishes at the astounding rock formations that are the Twelve Apostles. It takes approximately eight days to do it and features plenty of tent camps along the way. The walk takes a detour from the beaches and dives into the lush forest of the Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park.

Distance: 100 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 2 – Easy to Grade 3 – Medium.

Read Next: Your Ultimate Guide To Great Ocean Road

12. Cape To Cape Track, Western Australia

The Cape to Cape track runs from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin and can be done in 7 days. The terrain is primarily flat, but it includes walking through soft sand along the ocean. There are four official campgrounds along the way and many more unofficial. If 123km are a big bite for you, you can choose a segment and go for a day walk. This trail shows a vast part of the remarkable beauty of the region.

Distance: 123 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

13. Fraser Island Great Walk, Queensland

The K’gari or Fraser Island Great Walk is a 6 to 8 days adventure emphasising some of the best parts of the island. Throughout the 90 kilometres, you’ll walk through a mangrove forest, woodland and subtropical rainforest. You’ll witness vivid blue lakes and enormous dunes. You can pick a shorter walk for the family or do the entire circuit and camp under the stars for a week.

Distance: 90 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

14. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is not all lush greenery; it’s also home to the country’s most ancient and sturdy terrain. Located in Flinders Chase National Park, this walk is a five-day bushwalking adventure. You get to see Rocky River, Admirals Arch, and the Remarkable Rocks, hike to Hanson Bay, and go back through the woods to Kelly Hill. If you have to choose one walk in the southwest, go for this one.

Distance: 73 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

15. Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, Tasmania

This splendid walk takes you down to the charming Wineglass Bay, continues to Hazards Beach and goes back through the coastal cliffs. The walk starts at the Freycinet National Park, and it can be pretty busy since it’s a popular tourist attraction. There are plenty of Aboriginal shell middens along Hazards Beach, but please note it is an offence to destroy or remove them.

Distance: 13.5-kilometre circuit.

Difficulty level: Grade 4 – Intermediate.

16. Dove Lake Circuit, Tasmania

Dove Lake is one of the many gems of Cradle Mountain, so don’t miss the pleasant and easy circuit around the lake. It’s a heavily trafficked walk since there’s a shuttle bus every 10 minutes taking visitors from the park to the lake’s entrance. Don’t let this discourage you from doing the walk; it’s one of Tasmania’s premium walks. Pack snacks – there are plenty of picnic spots along the trail for a deserved break.

Distance: 6.5-kilometre circuit.

Difficulty level: Grade 1 – Easy.

17. Overland Track, Tasmania

A six-day, demanding, challenging and life-changing alpine walk through the heart of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park. It’s recommended only for skilled bushwalkers and not for kids. The trek goes through drastic elevation variations leading to rapid weather changes. Unprepared walkers can end up fatally ill. This is one of the world’s greatest wilderness bushwalks; go for it if you think you’re fit.

Distance: 65 kilometres one way.

Difficulty level: Grade 4 – Difficult.

18. Bay Of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania

The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a 4-day guided walk you can take from October to May. It primarily includes sand walking with a bush side and exposes you to some of the unforgettable deserted beaches of Tasmania. Even if you’ve already done your Big Lap, it’s an incredible Tasmanian escape for the holidays.

Distance: 33 kilometres.

Difficulty level: Grade 3 – Moderate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Read Next: 96 Things To Know About Your Big Lap

The post 18 Of The Best Walks In Australia That Even Non-Hikers Will Enjoy appeared first on Big Lap Bible.

What is Free Camping?

As the name may suggest, free camping is all about being free (both in a monetary and physical sense). The ultimate bush experience, free camping means being one with nature, setting up camp away from the amenities and facilities of a caravan park and enjoying some of Australia’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Although you’ll generally have no access to power or other amenities (other than a toilet in some cases), free camping offers a way to stay on Australia’s beautiful beaches, under the outback stars, by trickling streams and among all the other natural environments around the country.

While staying at a caravan park allows you to be close to sites and attractions, free camping immerses you in the experience meaning you don’t have to wander too far to enjoy the area. You can simply while the days away outside your caravan and exploring the world around you.

Are Free Camps Actually Free?

In terms of costs, as the name suggests, free camping is generally free! That said, there are some places, namely National Parks which do have a fee attached. Although they aren’t ‘free camps’ in the traditional sense of the word, they can be discussed here as the same rules apply.

• QLD – $6.65 per person per night, or $26.60 per family per night (see more)
• NSW – Site fees are set on four levels depending on location and facilities, from $0 – $16 per person, per night (see more)
• VIC – varies per location, from $5- $29.90 per person, per night (see more)
• SA – from $12.50-$21.50 per couple, per night (see more)
• WA – $8 (no facilities), $11 (basic facilities), $15 (additional facilities), per person, per night. Sites in Windjana Gorge National Park, Purnululu National Park or King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park are $13, $17 and $20 (see more)
• NT – $3.30 (basic facilities) and $6.60 (moderate facilities) per person, per night (see more)
• TAS – varies per location, many parks are free (see more)

It’s important to note that you can’t just pull up and camp anywhere you want. You can only stay in ‘legal’ free camps. And since there are thousands of dedicated free camping spots around Australia, there’s really no need to camp somewhere you’re not supposed to!

What Kinds Of Places Will I Find Free Camps?

Beaches

When you think about free camping, or if you’ve ever searched instagram for Big Lap inspo, you’ve undoubtedly got an image in your mind of waking up with the sand and sea at your doorstep.

Australia’s beaches are the setting for some of Australia’s most incredible free camps, allowing you to embrace that coastal breeze and unobstructed sea views. many beach camps are National Park or council-run so make sure you check the rules before pulling up for the night.

National Parks

National Parks free camps come in all shapes and sizes. From the middle of the outback to beachfront on Fraser Island, the number of National Park free camps in Australia is vast, and if you’re looking for a good ‘bush camping’ experience, heading to a National Park is a great idea.

Most National Parks will require that you book a pass, even if there’s no charge to stay. The facilities at each one also vary. Some have no facilities, some have toilets and showers. Some allocate spots, some allow you to park where you please.

Rest Areas

Australia was made with travellers in mind. Along every long highway, there are rest areas for weary travellers to rest their heads. Whilst these rest areas are usually nothing flash, and not worth travelling to or for, they do provide a free place to park up for the night.

Each state and territory manages these roadside rest areas and the conditions to stay and availability vary.  Many service stations have parking facilities which are usually popular with truck drivers who need somewhere to stay overnight, but they’re free for anyone to make use of. That said, there are specific truck-only rest areas so make sure you don’t park in one of these unless you want a rude awakening by a tired truckie!

Most rest areas have toilets but some, especially the ones in the car parks of service stations, have showers too. BBQ facilities, picnic benches and firepits can be found at some.

Don’t get too comfy here, most rest stops have limits of 1-2 nights.

Showgrounds

Showgrounds are a hidden gem in terms of free camps. Most of the smaller towns have them and many of provide a free or cheap place to stay during your Big Lap.

Bushland

Under the gumtrees, alongside a river, in a clearing. Australia’s bushland provides the setting for some of the most amazing free camps. Many bushland free camps are National Parks but there are plenty of council-run, private-owned and random spots that you’ll discover. Keep your eyes open as you won’t find every awesome spot online or even on WikiCamps. Sometimes, the best free camps are places you come across on a whim.

Station Stays

How To Find Free Camps

These days, finding free camps is really easy. With Big Lappers sharing their experiences on Instagram, ever-updated apps and comprehensive guides, finding somewhere incredible to stay is not hard at all

WikiCamps App

Most Big Lappers have the WikiCamps app downloaded. This is by far the most popular camp-finding app among Big Lappers as it is an incredible resource for finding free camps. Perhaps one of the best things about WikiCamps is that it is crowdsourced, meaning that every time a user finds an awesome free camp, they can add it for you to find!

But that’s not all. Because of its interactive interface, Big Lappers can add their own reviews, comments and photos to help give other people travelling Australia a betting understanding of what the place is like.

Not only does it show you where these camps are, it also provides information about the amenities/facilities and gives you booking information. This can be invaluable as if you need certain facilities, it’s better to know whether you’ll have access to them before you commit to it.

Camps Australia Wide

If you want something a bit more tangible than an app, the Camps Australia Wide guide book is another option which is really popular amongst Big Lappers as it contains information of over 5,000 caravan parks, free camps, community camp stays, national and state parks and station stays.

This guide has is now in its 10th edition and has been the go-to guide for Australian travellers for some time.  Each site comes with GPS co-ordinates and information about facilities etc.

Check Out Our Top Picks

You can also find our top picks for free camps by state here:

• Best Free Camps in New South Wales
• Best Free Camps in Queensland
• Best Free Camps in Victoria
• Best Free Camps in Tasmania
• Best Free Camps in South Australia
• Best Free Camps in Northern Territory
• Best Free Camps in Western Australia

What To Expect From Free Camps

It may come as no surprise to you that your camping experience at one of Australia’s many free camps won’t be the same as staying at a caravan park. But what you lose in facilities, you make up for in other incredible ways.

Here’s what you can expect from free camps in Australia.

No Power

Generally, free camps do not have powered sites (or access to power at all). So, being self-sufficient when you stay at free camps is quite important. Many free campers have solar panels or battery systems to help them free camp for longer.

Limited Amenities

Free camps vary in terms of the facilities they offer. The very basic free camps have no facilities, meaning you have your own toilet OR commit to bush-toiletting. It should be noted though, that not all free camps allow you to just do your business wherever you please: some require you to have your own toilet.

Some free camps have toilets (somes drop toilets, sometimes flushing toilets) and few have showers. It may come as no surprise that there are usually no more advanced facilities than that! No pool, no laundry, no handy kiosk. But hey, it’s free, right!?

Beautiful Scenery

If there is one thing that is almost guaranteed at a free camp, it’s that you’ll be surrounded by some amazing scenery. Some spots are obviously more spectacular than others, but even if you’re not waking up beachside or going to bed overlooking Uluru, you’re sure to be treated by some amazing scenery.

Tips For Free Camping Like A Pro

Free camping is an incredible experience but there are certain things that you can do to make sure you get the most from your trip.  Follow these free camping tips and you’ll be well on your way to free camping like a vanlife pro.

Before You Go

Ever heard the saying, ‘if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail’? Well, that sentiment certainly rings true when it comes to free camping. Making sure you’re prepared before you go can make the difference between enjoying your free camping experience or not.

Here are some things you need to consider before you go.

• Drinking-Water: Make sure your water tanks are full.
• Toilet Paper: You never know when if the toilets where you’re going will have toilet roll (or if there will be a toilet at all!)
• Fill Up Gas: You don’t want to run out of your cooking fuel!
• Mozzie Coils: Don’t let pesky bugs cut your fun short.
• Lighting: Make sure you have torches (with charged batteries!) and ample lighting so you can find your way around free camps with no facilities.
• Shopping: Shop smart before you go. Ensure you have enough non-perishables to last as long as you need them to!
• Empty Your Toilet: There may not be a dump point where you are so, if you have a toilet, make sure it’s empty before you go.

When You Arrive

• Find Flat Ground: there’s nothing worse than setting up only to get into an uneven bed at the end of the day. Since most free camps don’t have specific spots, they are generally not level, so it’s up to you to find somewhere that it… or have some way to make it level yourself.
• Don’t Camp Under Trees: gumtrees and palm trees are two iconic Australian trees, but unfortunately, they’ve got a nasty habit. Both of these tree types like to drop branches, even in non-inclement weather. So, make sure you don’t park your caravan or set up your tent under trees if you can help it.
• Find Somewhere Safe: While most free camps are safe, if you don’t feel safe in an area, trust your gut and move on.

During Your Trip

During your free camping experience, you’ll soon come to learn that you need to be conservative with your resources. While you’ll come up with your own hacks and tips, here are some things that you’ll want to consider.

Power

Power is one of your biggest limitations to the longevity of your free camp stay. Most campers, when they run out of power, will need to head back to civilisation to charge up again. So, you’ll end up doing everything you can to preserve power and make sure you don’t run out for the duration of your free camping adventure.

• Turn It Off: if you’re not using it, turn it off. This goes for lights, chargers and anything in between!
• 12v Cooling: In the heat, you won’t be able to run your caravan’s airconditioning, but you may be able to use a 12v fan or cooling system of some sort. This will, obviously, mean you run out of power quicker.
• Solar: If you want peace of mind that you will never run out of power while free camping, investing in solar is a good option.
• Generator & fuel: Generators are another option when it comes to power but they’re not the most popular option, partly due to the fact that they’re usually bulky and they’re not permitted in National Parks due to the noise. Even in camps where generators are permitted, your neighbours might not be too happy about listening to your generator all night long!

Water

Water is also a resource you’ll constantly trying to conserve. Depending on how long you take in the shower and how many times a day you wash your dishes etc, you’ll begin to understand how long your water tanks will last. And empowered with that information, you’ll be able to make informed choices about your water usage.

While this doesn’t mean you’ll have to embrace the dirt (although there’s nothing wrong with that!), it does mean you will need to be more conscious about how much water you’re wasting and how much you actually need!

Cooking & Food

As with everything at free camps, it’s important to not assume when it comes to free camp cooking. While you may want to cook on an open fire, for example, campfires are not permitted everywhere. So, make sure you are set up to cook using your own equipment and that you have everything you need.

Free Camping Etiquette

Since there is generally no on-site park manager to keep travellers in line and make sure people are following the rules, it is down to the travellers themselves to ensure they’re doing the right thing.

Leave No Trace

Perhaps the most important rule of free camping is ‘leave no trace’. It is a privilege to be able to travel the country and experience the pristine outdoors as nature intended them to be, so it is your duty as a traveller to ensure it stays that way.

So, if you’re going to stay in free camps, you need to adopt the ‘leave no trace’ mindset. Take all your rubbish with you, don’t feed the wildlife, don’t empty grey water (or god forbid, black water) into waterways.

The goal is to leave the spot as if you were never there, both so the natural eco-system continues functioning as normal, and so the next set of travellers can enjoy it in its pristine beauty too.

Camp In Legal Spots

As mentioned, you can’t camp wherever you want. You must camp in a designated free camp or area, rather than pulling off to the side to the road or just staying in a car park. You can receive fines for staying in areas that you are not supposed to!

Be Neighbourly

With no park management keeping travellers in order, it’s down to each camper to ensure they’re being neighbourly with one another. That means, no late-night blaring music (unless all the neighbours are invited!) and being considerate about the space you’re taking up!

Only Light Fires In Designated Areas/If Allowed

As you know, bushfires in Australia are serious business, so it is absolutely vital that you don’t light fires in areas where they are not permitted. Some free camps have designated fire pits, so make use of them where you can.

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