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6 tips for choosing the perfect campsite

<p>The right spot on a campsite can make or break your camping trip. Here are six tips to help you find the perfect spot the pitch a tent.</p> <p><strong>1. Flat, flatter, flattest</strong></p> <p>First things first, look for the flattest spot you can find. This means both that the ground is not on a slope (which could leave you sleeping on an angle) and that the surface of the ground is also flat. You want to avoid any holes, ridges, or large mounds of grass. Beware of depressions in the ground – if it rains there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a puddle beneath you.</p> <p><strong>2. Smooth things over</strong></p> <p>It’s always a good idea to give your site a quick sweep before you set up your tent. Remove any rocks, sticks or other objects that could make for an uncomfortable sleep or even tear your tent. Ideally, you should be able to set up on something relatively smooth, even and soft like grass or sand.</p> <p><strong>3. Look out for anthills</strong></p> <p>We really can’t stress this enough. Nothing (really, nothing) will ruin your camping trip faster than a tent full of ants. These little guys will find you before you know it, so do a thorough check of the area around your site.</p> <p><strong>4. Be smart with shade</strong></p> <p>The sun can very quickly progress from pleasantly warm to searingly hot, so you’re going to want some shade. Position yourself close to some trees that will provide shade in the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest. Give the trees a good once over before selecting your spot and make sure there are no branches that are dead or look unstable. A strong wind can easily bring one down on you.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/33971/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (93)"/></p> <p><strong>5. Get some privacy</strong></p> <p>If you’re camping at an established campground, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the most popular thoroughfare. Try to stay at least one site back from roads or paths where people will walk frequently. Avoid choosing a site too close to the amenities blocks or right by the barbecues as these can be noisy at all hours of the day (and night).</p> <p><strong>6. Pick the right neighbours</strong></p> <p>Setting up next to a large family with lots of young kids or a bunch of blokes on a beer and fishing trip could spell disaster. If you want peace and quiet, choosing the right neighbours will make all the difference. Do a quick scan when you arrive and try to work out which co-campers are going to suit you best.</p> <p>Are you a serious camper? What tips would you suggest? Share them with the Over60 community in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/5-reasons-to-start-wrapping-your-luggage-in-plastic/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 reasons to start wrapping your luggage in plastic</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/major-airline-replaces-meals-with-chocolate-bars/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Major airline replaces meals with chocolate bars</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/sleep-better-in-a-hotel-room/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room</strong></em></span></a></p>

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6 more great spots to camp in Australia

<p>Grab your tent and your sense of adventure – it’s time to go camping with this list of some of the best places to camp in Australia.</p> <p><strong>1. Springlawn, Narawntapu National Park, TAS</strong></p> <p>Here’s your chance to camp with some furry friends. Narawntapu is renowned for its wildlife, so much so that it’s often referred to as the Serengeti of Tasmania. At Springlawn you’ll find common wombats happily trundling around the grass, and because of repeated exposure to humans they will let you get quite close. Just don’t try to pat them.</p> <p><strong>2. Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River National Park, WA</strong></p> <p>The Kimberley region in northwest Australia is one of the most remote areas of the country, but intrepid campers will be rewarded for their efforts. The Mitchell Plateau is around 16 hours by road from Kununurra and a further six kilometres from the campsite you’ll discover the stunning four-tiered Mitchell Falls. The walk itself is equally beautiful and you can cool off along the way with a dip in a freshwater pool.</p> <p><strong>3. The Fortress, Grampians National Park, VIC</strong></p> <p>There’s something extra special about sleeping outside without even the thin walls of a tent between you and the elements. At The Fortress you can roll out your sleeping bag on a rocky ledge overlooking the mountains of the Grampians. The views are spectacular and at night you’ll be sleeping under a blanket of stars.</p> <p><strong>4. Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA</strong></p> <p>This sheltered bay on the southern coast of Western Australia, around 45 minutes from the town of Esperance, is an idyllic spot for beachside camping. Turquoise water meets blindingly white sand and you can spend your days swimming, snorkelling, fishing and surfing. Lucky Bay is so lovely that even the local population of kangaroos spend most of their time hanging out on the beach.</p> <p><strong>5. Poepple Corner, Simpson Desert National Park, QLD</strong></p> <p>If you really want to get away from it all, why not try camping in the harsh landscape of the Simpson Desert? Poepple Corner marks the spot where Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory meet in the middle of the desert, around 175 kilometres west of Birdsville. You’ll need to be entirely self-sufficient and there are no designated camping areas, but it’s a starkly beautiful, one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.</p> <p><strong>6. Main Range, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW</strong></p> <p>Camp on the roof of the country at the highest campsite in Australia. The views stretch out across the lush alpine landscape and the air is clean and crisp. Freezing temperatures mean it’s not much of a winter campsite, so visit in spring or summer for an endless carpet of wildflowers and bright, sunny days. You can camp just about anywhere in the park, so can be as remote or as close to civilisation as you like.</p> <p>Have you ever camped at these locations? Where’s your favourite place to pitch a tent? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/08/best-camping-destinations-in-the-world/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>6 of the world’s best camping destinations</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/5-amazing-attractions-to-experience-in-alice-springs/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 amazing attractions to experience in Alice Springs</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/06/10-lesser-known-new-zealand-holiday-spots/"><em><strong>10 lesser-known New Zealand holiday spots</strong></em></a></span></p>

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