Water is the one thing you cannot run short of at camp, especially in an Australian summer. The right amount depends on the heat, how far you are from a tap and what you use it for. Here is a simple way to plan it.
Start with drinking water
Drinking water comes first and should be kept separate from everything else. In hot weather you need much more than on a mild day. For remote travel in very hot conditions, the Royal Flying Doctor Service advises carrying 10 litres per person per day.
Add water for cooking and cleaning
Cooking, washing up and a basic wash add up quickly. The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia suggests a minimum of about 5 litres per person per day for cooking and basic cleaning, and 15 to 20 litres if you want a quick shower.
A quick planning example
- 2 people, 3 days, hot weather, no tap at the campsite.
- Drinking: plan generously, up to 10 L per person per day in very hot or remote conditions.
- Cooking and cleaning: about 5 L per person per day.
- Add a margin for a delay, a breakdown or a hotter day than forecast.
If the campsite has drinkable tap water, you can carry less, but check before you go: not every tap is safe to drink from.
How to carry it
- Sealed bottles or a dedicated container for drinking water.
- A separate container for washing and cooking prep. A 10L collapsible water bag folds flat when empty, which saves car space on the way home.
- A 6L portable shower bag if you want a rinse after a hot day.
- Keep water containers out of direct sun and off the hot ground, for example on a compact folding camp table.
Before you go
- Check whether the campsite has water and whether it is drinkable.
- Check the fire danger rating and any total fire ban for the area.
- Tell someone where you are going if the trip is remote.
More summer tips: Summer Camping Checklist for Australia. Standard shipping in Australia is free on orders of A$70 or more. Need gear by a set date? Ask Voltrek before you buy.