Summer is the busiest camping season in Australia, and hot days change what matters at camp. This checklist is built around five things: water, shade, staying cool, keeping clean and light after dark. Use what you already own first, then fill the real gaps.
Before you go: check the fire danger rating and any total fire ban for the area you are visiting, and follow campground rules about fires and generators. Carry more drinking water than you think you need.
1. Water
- Drinking water in sealed bottles or containers, kept separate from washing water.
- A container for washing up, cooking prep and rinsing gear. A 10L collapsible water bag folds flat when empty, which helps when car space is tight.
- A plan for refills: check whether the campsite has taps and whether the water is drinkable.
2. Shade and a place to sit
- A shelter, awning or shady spot for the middle of the day.
- Somewhere to sit off the hot ground, such as a reclining folding camping chair or a foldable seat cushion.
- A small surface to keep food and drinks off the ground, like a compact folding camp table (47 × 37 × 40 cm).
3. Staying cool
- Plan active jobs for the morning and late afternoon.
- Keep perishable food in a cooler, out of the sun, and open it as little as possible.
- A rechargeable fan can help in a tent or under an awning at night. Check the charging method against the power you will have: rechargeable camping fan with LED light or a hanging table fan.
4. Keeping clean
- Biodegradable soap, a wash bowl or bag, and a way to dispose of grey water as the campground asks.
- A 6L portable shower bag for a quick rinse after a hot day or a swim.
- Dry bags to keep clothes and electronics apart from wet or sandy gear.
5. Light after dark
- A head torch or lantern per person, plus one for the camp kitchen.
- Spare batteries or a way to recharge. See our camping lighting.
Pack it so you can find it
Group items by when you use them: arrival and set-up, meals, and pack-up. A foldable storage basket keeps camp-kitchen bits together and folds down between trips. New to car camping? Start with Your First Night Car Camping: A Buy-Less Checklist.
Ordering before your trip
Delivery time depends on the product and your postcode. If you need gear by a set date, order early and check the delivery estimate, or ask Voltrek before you buy. Standard shipping in Australia is free on orders of A$70 or more.