Outback camping
My oldest (and normally wisest) sister and her husband are veteran campers of many years standing – they’ve got all the gear you could possibly want and then some – so I naturally turned to sis for advice on what to take on an Outback camping trip.
‘Google it,’ she said.
I was expecting an instant list off the top of her head; the must-have items no self-respecting camper should ever be without; top ten tips if it’s been a decade or more since you slept under canvas (and you’re the wrong side of fifty); sleeping arrangements, lighting options, feng shui tent orientation and the one barbecue tool you shouldn’t leave home without.
But no.
‘Google it.’
To be fair, my sister lives in a small Gloucestershire village on the other side of the world and she and her husband would normally camp in approved sites near places of outstanding natural beauty, close to footpaths and farmers’ fields, village pubs, second hand shops and Norman churches.
We’re going to William Creek, officially the smallest town in South Australia where the last recorded population was 3 people. Most of them presumably live in the pub, which is the only building in town. I’m not even sure it qualifies as a town.
William Creek is way out on the Oodnadatta track, not far from Lake Eyre, and the temperature in summer can hit fifty degrees. Summer officially ended four days ago and we’re not going until the day after tomorrow, so who’s worried? (I’m guessing my sister is by now.)
The nearest campsite appears to be at the forbiddingly named Coward Springs, an hour and a half’s drive away from William Creek. This is a picture of the toilet block.
So far all I’ve packed is a head torch, because that’s all I can find at home that remotely resembles camping gear.
I reckon I should get googling.
See you all back online in two weeks.
I hope.
18 comments on “Outback camping”
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I'm a writer based in Australia with a passion for gardening, remote places and people with a story to tell.
Strawberries in the Desert 
Ha ha just read this out to Jef and he immediately started spouting a list. Stove, fuel for stove, kettle , huge container of water, pots and pans …………. and on and on xx
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Yes, but what’s in the ‘on and on and on…’ bit???? xx
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She’ll be right love! Have fun!!!! We will think of you while we do it tough at WOMAD!
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Ah yes, the rigours of a laid-back music festival, poor you 🙂
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LOL!
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I remember going camping with Wendy and Jef many many years ago to somewhere in Cornwall (?) I think and Jef had to return home and pick up the tent poles he had forgotten to pack!!
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Hah, thanks for reminding me about that trip Jeanette, I’d forgotten all about it (but I bet Jef hasn’t). Makes me feel a whole lot better about my meagre preparations!
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Ha ha! That is one camping trip we will never ever forget!
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Very kind of Jeanette to remind me, I’m feeling heaps better now! x
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Toilet paper and a shovel!! Have a great time Deb. ❤
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Hi Deb, I am new to your blog. I asked a friend the same question once when I was going camping and she said, “How would I know. The only stars I sleep under are “5”.
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Hello Wendy, welcome to my blog and thanks for visiting. I hope we’ll see more than five stars out at Lake Eyre but I reckon the thread count on the sheets won’t be much higher. I remember meeting a woman who always responded to the question ‘Do you dance?’ by replying, ‘Only on my back.’ (And I have no idea why that should be relevant to camping, it’s not of course.)
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Ah yes, a very fine and extremely practical suggestion!!
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I would take Bear Grylls
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I’d be worried we’d end up eating our own toenails.
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oh yeah, I don’t do worms or caterpillars…..
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Grin, Just my kind of town. Not over run with city folk and has it’s very own pub! Doesn’t get better than that.
Happy camping
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Wouldn’t like to be in a tent with the weather you’re expecting!
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