What is wild camping?
The swaggie way
Can I camp for the night?
If you pull up at a rest area you are usually not permitted to camp there. Now, the definition of camping in relation to rest areas is not really well defined. Most advice from the Internet seems to suggest that you are not allowed to stay more than 20 hours. It doesn’t say you can’t pitch a tent. Rest areas are designed to help you overcome fatigue so pitching a tent and taking a nap should be positively applauded for the said person’s responsible behaviour.
Why should such a differentiation exist?
Discrimination towards tents
Staying alive
Cons
- Noisy
- Uneven ground
- Away from tourist areas
- Cars coming and going all night
- Over powered security lights
- Potentially woken up by police in the middle of the night
- No shower
Pros
- Cheap
- Don’t have to give car rego and sign paper work
- Often near towns
- Generally good amenities
- Local history
- Support town bakery in the morning
- Plenty of space.
Camping considerations
Should I take a stretcher?
Security
Don’t under estimate a good torch
Is there really a risk?
Final Note – Keep it clean
Clean up after you. I have come across places in the most beautiful settings that have been destroyed by people acting as animals. Human waste and toilet paper has not be properly disposed of, or rubbish taken away. If you are wild camping the trick is to ensure no one knows that you have been there. Don’t cut down trees or make big fires and clean your site before you leave. If you absolute have no choice and need to go to the toilet. Make sure it is buried deep and far from where others might want to camp.
I’m in Cairns and getting a xr190 honda ready to travel with ,it’s light ,durable ,does a 100 if needed, besides tent mat and sleeping bag, would u take , is a chair necessary? Tyre ?
Hi Marcel
The gear selection will depend on where you’re going and how long you intend to go for. consider taking a small stove or a Jetboil, I have a review of these in my gear review section. Also look at the following blog on chairs https://digitalswaggie.com.au/gear-review-camp-chairs-helinox-vs-outrak/
You will need a spoon and/or spork and a knife, cup bowl and some cooking gear.I take spare tubes for front and back although you can probably get away with just a front one and at a pinch use it for the back. Obviously your clothes, a first aid kit and a head torch. Don’t forget your personal hygiene gear. Most of all take a pillow, possibly one of those sea to summit ones.