Last December, after years of talking myself out of it, I finally committed to my long-held dream of camping in Australia. I booked a campsite, rounded up every piece of camping gear I thought I might possibly need, and even hired a four-wheel drive from Hertz so no scenic spot was off limits.
I braced myself for spiders, snakes and summer storms, but when the weekend rolled around, it was a relentless heatwave that truly put my survival skills to the test.
As a complete novice to the great outdoors, I quickly learned that camping comfortably in extreme heat is less about roughing it and more about making smart choices. From the gear you pack to the site you choose, a few small decisions can make all the difference.
So, to help you nail your next summer escape, I’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to camping in Australia during the warmer months, blending my hard-won lessons with expert advice from people far more qualified than I am. And yes, it is possible to do it comfortably.
Looking for something specific?
Preparing for an Australian camping trip
From the get-go, I knew that the lead-up to my first camping trip in Australia was the most crucial stage. This was my opportunity to make sure all my bases were covered, and all my camping gear was purchased and ready to go.
For anyone thinking about following in my footsteps, consider adding these essentials to your survival kit; trust me, they make for a much more comfortable trip.
01
Pop Up Camping Tent, 2 Person
$264.99, Decathalon
Best for: a 2-second setup and keeping you cool
This isn’t the tent I bought for my trip, but if I were to go shopping for summer camping gear again, this is the exact tent I’d choose (hindsight is 20/20, after all). With patented fresh and black technology, this crowd-pleasing tent keeps your nights cooler and darker, even during Australian summers. Better yet, it takes just two seconds to assemble, and no, that’s not a typo.
But don’t just take my word for it; Decathlon‘s Commercial Sports Leader for Mountain Sports, Daniel Khoury, listed this tent as his top pick too, and advises summer campers to “look for designs with multiple doors, panoramic vents, and reflective fly sheets to bounce heat away.”
Key features:
- Free lifetime returns
- Free 1-hour click and collect
- Assembly takes just 2 seconds
- Fresh and Black cooling technology
- Sleeps two
02
Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station
$549 $449, Anker
Best for: powering phones, fans, coolers, and everything in between
While I felt the need to put a tent in the #1 spot (given that it’s a non-negotiable), this little gadget was the real star of the show during my recent camping trip. During our 1-night stay, my fellow camper and I charged our phones, ran a full-sized fan in the tent, powered our auto-inflating air mattress, and even powered a projector for a late-night movie marathon. Having access to power really made all the difference, and unlike smaller portable chargers, I didn’t have to worry about adaptors or draining the battery.
In my humble opinion, a portable power station should really be considered a necessity for those camping remotely. After all, if you run into trouble in the wilderness, a charged phone might just be the thing that saves you.
Key features:
- Solar panel compatibility
- Recharges to 80% in just 50 minutes
- 288Wh Capacity and 300W Output
- Supports 140W two-way USB-C fast charging.
- USB, USBC, and wall socket charging ports
- 5-year warranty
03
Spinifex Dreamline Double High II Air Mattress, Queen
$199.99 ($119 for Everyday Club Members), Anaconda
Best for: an effortless setup and genuinely good sleep
Just last year, I was manually blowing up air mattresses when my friends came to stay, and now, having graduated to this luxurious self-inflating option, I can’t believe I didn’t invest in one sooner. After plugging it into my trusty Anker SOLIX power station, it inflated in about 5 minutes with no additional effort required (meaning I got to sit in the air-conditioned truck while it did its thing).
The best part? Ease-of-use didn’t come at the price of comfort; this mattress gave me the first good sleep I’ve had on an air mattress, and that’s coming from a notoriously bad sleeper. I’m not the only one who adores it either, just check out this hilarious 5-star review:
“This mattress understood the assignment. After dancing all night like I was 22 again (I’m not), I collapsed onto this thing expecting the usual inflatable betrayal. Instead? Bliss. The double height felt downright luxurious, like glamping snuck into my tent while I was on the dance floor. No sinking, no wobble, no waking up shaped like a taco. It stayed firm till morning, survived aggressive flopping, and made getting out of bed surprisingly easy, considering my legs had forgotten how festivals work.”
Key features:
- Double-high profile
- Outer perimeter construction for enhanced stability
- Self-inflates in 3 minutes
- Manual inflation option available
- Built-in pillow
- Free delivery or 2-hour click and collect
04
Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L Electric Cooler and 2x Battery Bundle
$2248 $1298, Anker
Best for: keeping your food and drinks icy cold
As someone who drinks iced lattes year-round, it comes as no surprise that I can’t stand a warm drink, especially during a heat wave. However, this powerful electric cooler is more than just a chilly bin; think of it more like a mini-fridge on wheels, equipped with a powerful battery and an incredibly generous storage compartment. You don’t need any ice, and with two 288Wh batteries, it offers 4.3 days of cooling power.
In fact, we managed to fit 10 cans, 5 bottles of beer, 5 1.25L bottles of water, a salad, and an orange juice in this cooler while still having plenty of space to spare. If you’re camping in a remote spot, this kind of cooling power is a game-changer and prevents long trips back into town to constantly restock your food and water supply.
Key features:
- Solar, car charging, USBC, and wall outlet charging options
- Up to 4.3 days of charge with two batteries
- Doubles as a Power Bank with USBA and USBC ports
- Drop from 25°C to 0°C in just 15 minutes
- No ice required
05
Pressure Solar Camping Shower, 10 Litres
$129.99, Decathlon
Best for: staying fresh and sweat-free
While camping during our recent heatwave, there were so many extras I wish I packed to help me feel fresh in the scorching weather, but this portable camping shower sits at position #1. With an impressive 10 litre capacity and a pressurised system (which means you don’t have to hang it up), it’s the best investment you could make when travelling to camp sites without facilities.
This is another camping gear must-have that has been endorsed by Daniel from Decathlon, who says, “One of the easiest ways to get comfortable on a hot night is to start by rinsing off with a quick portable-shower. Cooling your skin before settling in can make a big difference.”
Key features:
- Pressureised water; no need to hang the shower
- 10 litre capacity
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with a carry strap and transport bag
- Free lifetime returns
What to take on a camping trip for extra comfort
Essentials like a tent, mattress, cooler, and power station are non-negotiable when you’re packing for a camping trip. However, I believe that the following camping gear essentials are too. After all, it’s often the little things that make a big difference.
Golden Hour Outdoor Insect Repellent Body Oil$76 $69, Outdoorish
I absolutely adore this insect repellent body oil; it smells great, makes my skin look amazing, and genuinely keeps the creepy crawlies away. I’ll likely be repurchasing this for the rest of my life.
Folding Camping Table
$149.99, Decathlon
When it’s boiling hot outside, the last thing you want to do is be stuck in your tent. Create a cosy setup for up to 6 campers with this folding table from Decathlon and enjoy the breeze.
Reclining Armchair, Comfortable & Folding
$82.99, Decathlon
Looking for a seating arrangement that’s a little more luxe? Opt for this folding reclining armchair from Decathlon. Comfortable, compact, and cute, it’s the perfect addition to any campsite.
Bod Brigade SPF 50+ Sunscreen
$77, Ultra Violette
I’ve used Ultra Violette’s Daydream Screen Tint for years, so when I saw Bod Brigade at my local Sephora, I just had to grab a bottle. It feels great and looks even better with its subtle sparkle.
Spinifex 12 Piece Enamel Camping Dining Set, Charcoal
$69.99 $39.99, Anaconda
When you go camping, it’s easy to forget the most basic things; in my case, leaving plates and cutlery behind proved very inconvenient. But had I snapped up this dining set, I know I wouldn’t have forgotten.
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan
$199.99, Shark
When it comes to beating the heat, noone does it better than Shark, and their HydroGo Misting Portable Fan is a must-have for summer camping trips. Add this to your rotation and enjoy total comfort.
Camping Sleeping Bag Arpenaz 20°
$25, Decathlon
The best thing about camping during summer is not having to worry about spending hundreds on an ultra-warm sleeping bag. This one is only $25, and it’s designed for warm conditions, too.
The All Day 30 OZ Quencher Carry-All
$65, Stanley
If, like me, you take your Stanley Quencher with you wherever you may go, invest in the Carry-All ahead of your camping trip. It makes it so much easier to stay hydrated on long walks.
Expert camping tips for Australian summers
While I’ve been on one camping trip in Australia, I decided to seek out someone who’s been on many to deliver the best possible camping gear recommendations. Luckily, I found just the man for the job: Decathlon‘s Commercial Sports Leader for Mountain Sports, Daniel Khoury. Read on for his expert insights on how to camp comfortably in the summer heat.
The biggest game-changer is choosing the right tent. Always look for polyester tents with good ventilation, large mesh windows, and ideally Dark & Fresh or blackout + cooling technology. Pitch your tent in natural shade and open all vents during the day to allow heat to escape.
Inside the tent, use lightweight, breathable sleeping gear, swap winter sleeping bags for sleeping sheets or tropical-weight bags. A compact USB or rechargeable camping fan also makes a huge difference, especially at night.
Arriving at the campsite at the hottest part of the day and then setting up in direct sunlight. If possible, arrive early morning or late afternoon. This avoids heat stress and gives you time to position your tent smartly for shade and airflow
One of the easiest ways to get comfortable on a hot night is to start by rinsing off with a quick portable-shower. Cooling your skin before settling in can make a big difference. From there, a comfortable camping mattress or stretcher that lifts you off the ground helps keep air flowing beneath you, preventing heat from building up.
Pair that with a cooling pillow or even a lightly dampened microfibre towel, and you’ll create a much fresher, more breathable setup for a better night’s sleep.
Prioritise ventilation, sun protection, and moisture-wicking materials. For tents, look for designs with multiple doors, panoramic vents, and reflective fly sheets to bounce heat away. For clothing, choose quick-dry, UV-protective fabrics.
Many campers forget about their camp setup. A good shade structure, such as a tarp or pop-up shelter, can dramatically improve comfort so you’re not spending all day inside the tent.
Choose a tent with fine mesh screens to keep mosquitoes out. Bring citronella candles, mosquito coils, and insect-repellent clothing if you’re sensitive to bites. A simple but important tip: avoid bright, white lighting at night, as it attracts bugs. Use warm-tone or orange/amber lights, which are designed to be insect-repelling.
Think of your campsite like an outdoor living room. Start by setting up a tarp or gazebo to create a central, shaded area, and don’t forget to make use of natural structures like trees for extra shade and cooler pockets of air. Then position your tent, kitchen setup, and chairs around it.
