Camping must-haves for a long-weekend getaway

There’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned camping trip. Evenings around the campfire, sunrise beach walks and days spent lazing in a hammock, surrounded by the simple magic of the great outdoors.

Time your escape for a long weekend and you’ve got even more reason to take off: everyone’s in relaxation mode and it’s just enough time away without having to take annual leave.

Whether you’re heading on a coastal break or going bush with the kids, a little planning goes a long way – and having the basics sorted before you leave makes it easier to relax once you arrive. Whatever you do, don’t forget these essentials.

Stress-free shelter and set-up

Without a doubt, the tent is the most important piece of equipment – which is why it pays to do your research into different camping tents and shelters.

Think about who you’re travelling with. If you’re going with your partner or a mate, a two-person tent with either a queen airbed or two single stretchers might suffice. If you’re taking the kids, you’ll want a tent big enough to sleep everyone and store all your gear (along with the obligatory snacks and card games). Travelling solo? You can probably get away with a compact swag.

Quick-pitch tents are excellent for short stays, making them a top pick for long weekend adventures. Simply unfold, secure, peg down and your accommodation is sorted.

Don’t forget to pack tarps and a groundsheet for extra weather protection, along with a rubber mallet to simplify securing your tent and a small clip-on tent light for late arrivals. Extra tent pegs are also campsite must-haves. These tiny bits of hardware are very easy to lose, so it’s worth having several spares.

A waterproof dry bag is a smart way to store valuables like your phone, wallet, keys and other important items. And if you’re taking inflatable mattresses, a portable air bed pump will save you the hassle of inflating them by hand.

Smart ways to keep things fresh

Eskies and coolers are camping classics. Depending on what you’re packing, you could go for a compact drinks cooler or something roomier to store food and beverages.

For perishable items like meat and fresh produce, level up your camp kitchen game with a portable camping fridge and freezer. This nifty appliance stores food and drinks at optimal temperatures, powered by batteries for ease of use.

For one or two people, the OZtrail 20L Fridge/Freezer is the ideal size – big enough to store all your provisions, but compact enough to fit neatly in smaller cars. Packing for a larger group? Upgrade to the OZtrail 40L Fridge/Freezer, which offers more space for bigger food hauls. Both options are single zone, meaning they can operate as either a fridge or a freezer, depending on your storage needs.

For families with kids, the OZtrail 80L Fridge and Freezer has plenty of room for all the supplies and snacks, and extras such as a built-in bottle opener and cupholders. Better yet, it’s a dual zone unit, allowing you to use it as both a fridge and a freezer for ultimate flexibility.

Kitchen and cooking equipment

If you’re keen to take your food game beyond the communal BBQs, make sure to pack a decent selection of camping kitchen and cooking supplies. You’ll soon forget you’re off-grid, and the experience will feel more master chef than makeshift.

Camping stoves, portable cookers and portable BBQs are great for whipping up pancakes or pasta during your long weekend adventure. You can even get portable induction cookers to really elevate your experience.

Pick up a few cooking accessories, like a camping-friendly Dutch oven, billy can and camp toasters, plus a folding storage table for food prep and utensil storage. A camping kettle is a must for morning cuppas, but you can also grab a portable coffee machine so you don’t have to go without your daily brew.

Camping dining essentials include the usual basics like plates, bowls, cups, cutlery and serving ware, but in outdoor-ready materials like enamel, bamboo, stainless steel or melamine. Ensure you’ve got enough settings for everyone in your group.

Don’t forget to pack picnicware and water storage, too. Picnic gear like blankets and cooler bags are great for day trips, while portable water containers let you access fresh, drinkable water throughout your stay.

Space for relaxing

Between beach trips and bushwalks, you’ll need a designated spot for soaking it all in.

A portable gazebo or pop-up shelter creates extra space outside your tent. It provides reliable protection from the sun and rain, along with additional room to gather and dine. Add some weights, guy ropes and pegs to keep your relaxation zone secure.

Kit out your space with a selection of camping furniture, including camping chairs. The right chairs are comfortable, sturdy and able to fold up easily. Bonus points if you pick one with a drink holder.

A camping table should comfortably fit your entire camping crew and be solid enough that it won’t wobble on uneven ground. Folding tables and trestle tables are reliable options, because they’re lightweight and can pack down small to fit neatly in the boot.

Practical picks for staying clean and comfy

Going off-grid? If you’re sans shower and toilet blocks, you can set up your own – because you shouldn’t have to rough it if you don’t want to. Camping hygiene essentials include camping toilets, camping showers and shower tents.

There are several options when it comes to camping toilets, from compact models with disposable bags (ideal for short stays) to portable toilets with a sealed tank and flushing mechanism (perfect for family trips). Grab a few accessories like toilet sanitiser or waste bags to keep things clean and hygienic.

Many portable showers come with adjustable flow settings and controls that let you adjust the temperature to an optimal level. You can also go for a shower tent for extra privacy or a versatile pop-up shelter, which can be used for showering or changing. A portable clothesline is a great addition for drying clothes or towels after outdoor adventures.

Smart safety and protection

When you’re spending time in the outdoors, you’re inevitably more exposed to the elements and insects: think harsh sun, unexpected showers and steady swarms of flies and mozzies. That’s why smart travellers never skip camping safety and protection.

High-protection sunscreen – preferably one that’s SPF 50+ – along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing are absolute musts for staying sun-safe when you’re out and about exploring your surroundings. A camping fan can help keep you cool when you’re relaxing under the gazebo.

When you’re navigating the campsite at night or heading out for a stargazing session, you’ll want a decent torch. The best camping torches have features like multiple light modes and rechargeable batteries, plus they’re durable and weather-resistant.

Ambient lighting around your campsite can also help you find your way in the dark while adding a cosy vibe. Go for camping-friendly options like LED lanterns and string lights.

To keep pesky pests at bay, pack protective items like insect spray, citronella candles or oils, or even a bug zapper. These handy little devices can repel or attract insects away from your space and are perfect for camping.

And if something does go wrong during your trip, a first aid kit can really come in handy. With essentials like bandages and antiseptic wipes, it contains everything you’ll need to treat minor injuries quickly and safely.

Portable power and batteries

Countless camping accessories rely on batteries for power, like camping lanterns, torches, portable fans and fridge/freezers – so it only makes sense to take a decent supply of spares. Check which battery sizes your devices need and pack your camping power accordingly. To save space in your packing kit, you could opt for rechargeable batteries that let you power up again and again.

If you’re taking items like fridge/freezers and induction cookers, you can also go for a portable power station, which lets you plug in multiple appliances for added convenience.

Camping essentials checklist

Shelter and set-up

• Tent (two-person, family tent or compact swag)
• Quick-pitch tent
• Tarps (for additional weather protection)
• Extra tent pegs
• Waterproof dry bag
• Portable air pump (for inflatable mattresses)
• Gazebo or pop-up shelter
• Gazebo weights
• Guy ropes
• Pegs

Keeping food and drinks fresh

• Esky or drinks cooler
• Camping fridge/freezer (single zone or dual zone)

Camp kitchen and cooking

• Camping stove, portable cooker, portable BBQ or induction cooker
• Dutch oven
• Billy can
• Camp toasters
• Camping kettle
• Portable coffee machine
• Folding storage table
• Picnicware
• Water storage containers
• Picnic blanket
• Cooler bags

Relaxation and furniture

• Camping chairs
• Camping table

Hygiene and toiletries

• Camping toilet
• Toilet sanitiser
• Waste bags
• Camping shower
• Shower tent
• Pop-up privacy shelter
• Portable clothesline

Lighting

• Torch
• LED lanterns
• String lights

Safety and protection

• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Protective clothing
• Camping fan
• Insect spray
• Citronella candles or oils
• Bug zapper
• First aid kit

Camping power and batteries

• Batteries (correct sizes for devices)
• Rechargeable batteries
• Portable power station

Frequently asked questions

What are the essential items for a long-weekend camping trip?

Camping essentials include reliable shelter, sleeping gear, food storage, cooking equipment, lighting, safety items and portable power. Packing the basics ahead of time helps you relax and enjoy your trip from the moment you arrive.

What size tent do I need for camping?

Choose a tent based on how many people you’re travelling with and how much gear you’re bringing. Couples may suit a two-person tent, while families should allow extra space for comfort and storage.

Is a camping fridge/freezer worth it for short trips?

A portable camping fridge/freezer is ideal for long weekends, keeping food and drinks fresh without relying on ice. Compact models suit couples, while larger or dual-zone options work well for families.

What cooking equipment should I take camping?

At a minimum, pack a camping stove or portable BBQ, cookware, a kettle and basic tableware. Adding extras like a Dutch oven or portable coffee machine can make meals more enjoyable outdoors.

How do I power camping appliances off grid?

Many camping accessories run on batteries or rechargeable power. For larger items like fridge/freezers or induction cookers, a portable power station provides a convenient off-grid solution.