Camping in Australia

Camping in Australia is very different from camping in Europe or in North America. For starters, our seasons are back to front because we're in the southern hemisphere... That means that July is our coldest time of the year and our hottest time is December/January. Yup. that's right on at Christmas.

Unless you are trying to go camping up one of our mountains, such as Mount Kosiosko in NSW or Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, you are unlikely to experience any snow, even in winter. But summer time can be very hot in Aussie-land — with the added annoyance of flies and mosquitos. So be sure to bring the Aerogard (our iconic insect repellant).

This snap was taken on my cellphone recently when I visited a camping and picnic area north of Hornsby Heights. There were a couple of families all set up for a weekend campout, while more families were arriving with their carloads of kids to take part in camping for Scouts and Guides.

Children love camping. They take to it like ducks to water, but when they're small you have to keep an eye out for their safety. Keep them safe from fire, sharp tools and supervise them anywhere near water. This group of campers has two canvas tents. The smaller tunnel tent on the left is for the children, while the adults bunk down in the cubical-shaped cottage tent on the right.

During the day, the tent's awning opens out and provides extra shade. In poor weather the two front poles can be removed and the tent awning zipped up firmly to keep out the rain and the wind.