If you’re getting ready for an Aussie roadtrip adventure, you might be wondering how to keep everyone entertained. Going outback is great, but steering some kids away from the iPad to experience the wildness can be a challenge.

There’s no denying how much fun camping is though. And nothing severs our ties to technology quite like grabbing your caravan or camper trailer and exploring everything the outback has to offer. Most camping ventures need proper planning to be successful – especially if you’re bringing the kids. But your preparations should involve more than just choosing a location and preparing the caravan, plan for some fun activities too! Here are a few great ideas to get you started:

Cool off with Water Activities

Water activities is one of the best parts of camping throughout the warmer months. This is the perfect time to explore some of Western Australia too, with beach camping and National Park water holes offering the ultimate cool off. Summer camping trips across Australia means you and the family can experience anything from kayaking to swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, snorkelling, tubing and so much more!

Waterside campsites make keeping entertained and active easier. Whether you want to laze around and soak up the sun or adrenalin-filled water activities is more your thing, there are a ton of exciting things to do.

Tip: If you’re bringing equipment for water activities, like canoes, fishing rods or surfboards, investing in a soft floor camper trailer or hard floor camper trailer can fit the bill just make sure you choose the right rig for your needs.

Explore Hiking Trails

Hiking is another great activity to do when you’re camping. You don’t have to be a hiking enthusiast either. But finding some trails to explore can encourage you to get at one with nature and take in the country’s beautiful surroundings. Bushwalks can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you desire. Make sure you check the location you’re wanting to camp at prior to the trip and find out what trails are nearby to explore.

Master Nighttime Photography

Nighttime landscapes can make for some beautiful photography. Tap into your creative side by experimenting with some nighttime photography. With a decent camera that allows you to set the shutter speed and lens aperture, you can capture the night sky in all its stunning glory.

Camping offers the perfect excuse to study the stars too. If you’ve gone outback away from the city lifestyle, the display of stars is much more vivid and spectacular. Look for the Milky Way with the kids, see who can find the saucepan and three sisters first and grab some great snaps of the nighttime sky while you’re there.

Toast Marshmallows for S’mores

No camping trip is complete without a campfire! And with a campfire comes the urge to toast marshmallows and indulge in tasty treats. It’s an activity that children (and us adults!) rarely get tired off. Start by checking local regulations on open fires (great way of teaching younger kids the importance of safety)

Campfire Cooking

Campfire cooking isn’t just the ultimate excuse to get the melted chocolate and marshmallows out. It’s also great for trying new camping recipes and different food. Plus, it gives you the time-honoured tradition of bonding with family and friends. If you love fresh seafood and fishing adventures, try your luck with catching your own meal or two. Fishing with the kids can be a fantastic activity – and if you can get dinner out of the process too then it’s even better. Again check local regulations for this activity.”

Go Local

Exploring new locations come with it a chance to experience the local culture too. Even if you’re only a few hours away from home, eating and living like the locals opens up a world of new opportunities and fun to be had. Put some time aside to visit the locals. Head into the town city, check out the shops and find some local activity inspiration from the tourist centre.

If you’d like more information on which camper trailer to buy, contact a team member today.

Heading off on a caravanning holiday across our great state?

Outback adventures in your trusty caravan are one of the best ways to explore our vast country. There’s nothing like venturing into the Australia’s outback while still having the luxury of a kitchen, beds and a full bathroom to come back to.

However, without proper preparation and planning, the exciting trip you’ve been waiting months for could soon come to a halt. Malfunctioning vehicles, mechanical faults or lack of (forgetting) necessities are sure to top the list of trip ending issues. Luckily, with proper planning and a comprehensive checklist, you’ll be exploring the amazing outback of Australia, prepared for whatever the open road throws at you.

Tips for Your Next Caravan Holiday

Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing and travelling Australia.

1. Understand your caravan’s features

It’s important to pay close attention to the features and benefits that come with your caravan. What is it capable of? What are some of the drawbacks? Can it handle rough off-road terrain? If you’re purchasing a new caravan, ask your dealer to take a test drive of the caravan to get a feeling of how to drive it attached to your vehicle on the road and learn how to park it before taking it on your trip.

2. Plan and prepare

Plan your trip and make notes of the fuel stations and towns along the way. Create a checklist and ensure your caravan is properly stocked with everything you require, including emergency equipment. Don’t forget to inform family and friends where you will be travelling, so they can check in with you to ensure your safe and well.

3. Packing your caravan for travel

Before leaving your starting location, and each location along the trip, ensure your caravan is properly packed for safe travel. The first step is to ensure all cords (such as the electrical cord to power mains) are disconnected from the caravan. Store all appliances in secured cupboards and secure your clothes and belongings.

If you have a pop-top caravan, lower and lock in the roof for travel. Turn off the gas, fill up your water containers and pack away external accessories such as caravan awnings and fold-down tables. Check the fluid levels of your vehicle including brake fluid, petrol and coolant.

Finally, do a walk around your caravan to ensure it is all secured for travel. Hook up the caravan to your vehicle, turn off the handbrake and remove chocks. Also, check that the jockey wheel has been removed or raised and secured.

4. Setting up on location

Once you get to each location, look for even ground to park your caravan. Put on the handbrake, lower the jockey wheel and place wheel chocks under each tyre to make sure the caravan is stable and secured. Dismount your vehicle from the caravan and connect your caravan to power mains (if available). If you have a pop-top caravan, raise the roof and secure it in place. Open your caravan awning and set up your equipment, tables and chairs.

Checklists

Your caravan holiday checklist will usually become overly complicated due to the lengthy list of items you might need. One way you can help to keep it organised is to split it into categories, such as caravan, vehicle and personal checklists.

Caravan Checklist

• Spare wheel
• Hydraulic jack for changing caravan tyres
• Wheel chocks to keep caravan stable when stationary
• Fire extinguisher
• Full spare water containers
• 25metre mains electrical extension lead
• Cooking equipment and appliances
• Full gas bottle
• Water hose

Vehicle Checklist

• Spare globe set for all vehicle lights (indicators, headlights, taillights etc.)
• Towing mirrors
• Spare coolant, oil and brake fluid
• Full tank of petrol and spare full jerry can (Australian Standards Approved)
• Spare wheel
• Printed maps and a GPS
• Comprehensive toolkit

Personal Checklist

• Torches and headlamps
• Clothes
• Ample food and water
• First aid kit
• Camping furniture such as fold up chairs and tables
• Sun protection (sun cream, hat, sunglasses, etc.)
• Toiletries
• Any prescription medicines
• Electrical devices and charging cables
• List of important contact numbers when travelling
• Board games

If you’re looking to live in pure comfort on your next trip away, have a chat to the friendly staff at PMX Campers on (08) 9455 1454 or head over to our contact page to find your ideal caravan.