Camping in Australia can be delightfully simple — but Australia’s sun, coastal humidity and occasional sudden weather changes mean a cheap kit that’s also sensible will keep your trip fun (not soggy). Below you’ll find three ready-to-buy budget camping kits (Starter, Weekend Warrior, Family Car-Camping), each assembled from reliable, widely available items in Australia. I’ve focused on real-world value: rugged enough for repeated use, light on cost, and easy to replace or upgrade later.
Quick buying rules for Australian campers
- Choose tents with good ventilation and UV coatings (hot days) and a decent fly for rain.
- For sleeping, insulation matters: a warm bag + decent mat is better than two thin layers.
- For cooking, butane/isobutane canister stoves are cheap and widely available for car camping; check local regulations for open fires.
- Buy core items (tent, sleeping bag, mat) new; smaller extras can be cheap shop finds (Kmart, Big W) or secondhand.
(See product picks below with Australian retailers referenced.)
Kit 1 — Starter (best for backyard, festivals, occasional car camping) — Approx AUD $150–300
Great if you’re new to camping or want a low-cost kit for weekend escapes.
- Tent: Oztrail Tasman 3P (easy dome tent; good value for weekend use).
- Sleeping bag: Coleman Brazos (budget, machine-washable, good for mild seasons).
- Sleeping mat: Kmart foam bed roll or basic air mattress — cheap and usable for short trips.
- Cookware: Oztrail 5-piece mess kit — compact, cheap and hardy for simple meals.
- Stove: Single-burner butane/canister stove (budget models are fine for beginner cooks).
- Light: Kmart USB/solar LED lantern or basic headlamp for each adult.
Why this works: you get a full functioning kit for short trips without huge upfront cost. Expect to upgrade the mat or bags later for longer, colder trips.
Kit 2 — Weekend Warrior (for regular campers who want comfort) — Approx AUD $300–600
A solid middle ground: more comfort, better durability, still budget-friendly.
- Tent: Larger Oztrail Fast-Frame or 3–4P dome (more room, faster setup).
- Sleeping bag: Mid-range synthetic bag (Coleman higher-rated models or a value-rated 3-season bag). Coleman lines offer warm, dependable budget options.
- Sleeping mat: Oztrail self-inflating leisure mat / Napmat for real comfort at campsite (keeps kids and adults happier).
- Cookware + utensils: Better cookware set from Oztrail/Anaconda — pots, frypan, kettle and a 1–2 person camp utensil set.
- Stove: Coleman Classic 1-burner or similar budget canister stove — reliable and cheap.
- Lighting: Rechargeable lantern + a decent headlamp (Petzl or budget Petzl alternatives / Black Diamond style).
Why this works: the weekend warrior kit removes the most annoying trade-offs (cold nights, sore backs, tiny cooking gear) while keeping costs reasonable.
Also Check: Budget Beach Adventure Ideas for Families in Queensland
Kit 3 — Family Car-Camping (durable, for regular family trips) — Approx AUD $600–1,200
Built for families who camp often and need durability plus comfort.
- Tent: Oztrail Fast Frame 6 or family cabin-style tent (bigger living space, robust fly). Look for models tested in Aussie reviews.
- Sleeping system: Pair mid-price 3-season sleeping bags for each person with thicker self-inflating mats (Oztrail 3D FatMat or Leisure Mat) for better sleep.
- Stove/kitchen: 2-burner camp stove (Coleman 2-burner or Camp Chef-style) + larger cookware set; add a collapsible tub and Kmart drying mat for dishes to save time.
- Lighting & power: Rechargeable LED lanterns, headlamps for kids, and a small power bank for phones. Big-site comforts (camp chairs, folding table).
Why this works: family comfort costs more but reduces cranky kids, increases night-safety, and doubles as a base for longer trips.
Smart money moves — Australian shopping tips
- Buy core gear during sales — end-of-season (autumn/winter) and Big W / Anaconda seasonal sales are great. Anaconda and Oztrail have wide local availability.
- Mix new + secondhand — tent and bags new; chairs, cookware or lamps can be secondhand. Facebook Marketplace and local Buy/Sell camping groups are active in Australia.
- Test before you leave — set up your tent once at home and sleep on your mat to check comfort.
- Check fuel compatibility — canister types (butane/isobutane/propane mixes) vary — buy matching canisters locally.
- Local hacks: Kmart is a goldmine for affordable extras (mats, lanterns, drying mats). They often release “Special Buys” worth watching.
Quick maintenance & safety checklist
- Dry everything before storing (mould grows fast in Aussie humidity).
- Patch kits for mats and tents; spare guy lines.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a compact first-aid kit.
- For bush/remote trips: water treatment or large water containers, map/GPS, and a basic vehicle recovery kit.
FAQ
Q: Can cheap gear survive Australian conditions?
A: Yes — with sensible expectations. Budget Oztrail/Coleman items are fine for regular car camping and family use; for extended bush/4WD trips you’ll want to upgrade select items (mats, tent fly, stove).
Q: What’s the single best upgrade after buying a starter kit?
A: A good sleeping mat (self-inflating or thick foam) — it turns a so-so night into a restful one and makes the tent feel worth the effort.