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Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Escape the cold, camp in Queensland

Moreton Island wrecks — Guillaume Marques

5 Essentials for Car Camping in Queensland and 5 of our favourite places!

Planning a car camping trip in Queensland, Australia? It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. To make sure your trip is fun and stress-free, packing the right gear is key. From sleeping to cooking to power solutions — here are the must-have essentials.

1. Sleep like a log

Get comfy by grabbing a quality air mattress or sleeping pad. Pair it with a sleeping bag that’s rated for the temps you’ll face. For extra comfort, bring a camping pillow. Designed for ultimate comfort and packability, the Luno Packable camping pillow is just as good as your regular pillow. With a cold, and warm side, it’s perfect year-round.

2. It doesn’t need to be in-tents

But really, it doesn’t! You can transform your commuter into a camper with the Luno Air mattress 2.0.

Windows down mean optimum airflow, and opportunistic bugs. Luno Window Screens have your back! They’ll help you avoid condensation and keep you comfy at night.

Also, a tarp or canopy is great for extra living space and protection from the sun or rain.

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Lake Mckenzie, K'gari — Duncan McNab

3. What is camping without food?

A reliable stove is a must for car camping. A two-burner propane stove is a favourite because it’s easy to use and lets you cook multiple dishes at once. Don’t forget essential utensils like pots, pans, and a portable coffee maker if you need your morning brew. A collapsible sink or basin will make washing up a lot easier.

4. Get hydro-matic

Always bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Large water containers with spigots are great for easy pouring. Consider bringing a water filter like the Stream or Eddy if you’re camping near fresh water sources.

5. Zap

For longer trips, keeping your devices powered up is important. Solar panels let you charge devices without draining your car battery. Portable power stations are an all-in-one solution to power everything from your phone to fridge.

Aerial view of Noosa River Mouth — Timothée Duran

Location, location, location

  1. Moreton Island
  2. K’Gari — formerly Fraser Island
  3. Carnarvon Gorge
  4. Rainbow Beach
  5. Noosa

Important tips!

Additional Tips for a Successful Trip

  • Prepare for Weather: The climate in Queensland can vary greatly, so prepare for both sun and rain. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket.
  • Safety Gear: Always carry a first aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries. A fire extinguisher and a tool kit for your vehicle are also advisable.
  • Plan Your Route: Use apps like CamperMate and Camps Australia Wide to find the best routes, camping spots, and available facilities (CamperMate) (Camps Australia Wide).

Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by following the principles of Leave No Trace. This includes taking all your rubbish with you and being considerate of wildlife and other campers.

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CategoriesCar Camping Lifestyle Off-grid Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Stay Bug-Free: Your Essential Guide to Summer Camping with Off-Grid Adventure Co

Bug-Free Camping: Essential Gear for Summer

Summer camping is a blast, but those pesky mosquitoes can be a real buzzkill 🦟. Ditch the bedtime bug-spray with Off-Grid Adventure Co.

Imagine enjoying a summer evening at your favourite campsite, drink in hand and cheese platter within reach. Then you hear it, and before you know it you’re swarmed by mosquitoes. Time to crack out the Bushmans, or is it?

Beat the bugs 🐜

The Mantis40D and Mantis UL (70% off!) hammock tent comes with a built-in insect net ensuring you can relax in bug-free peace. Dragonet™ provides complete protection, while handy pockets and a stargazing panel add convenience and luxury. Plus, the included rain fly keeps you dry during dewy nights.

Get a free Ridgeline Organiser and Mantis Gear Loft when you purchase a Mantis40D hammock tent.

For hammock campers, the nearly invisible bug net: the Dragonfly, offers easy setup and dual zipper entry for bug-free nights under the stars.

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Luno Car and Van Window Screens offer all of the airflow with none of the critters. Easy to install and remove, these screens provide supreme privacy and bug protection — essential for comfortable Australian summer camping.

Off-Grid Adventure Co has everything you need for a bug-free, summer camping trip. From hammock tents to insect nets and window screens, we’ve got you covered, and not with bug repellent. Say goodbye to bug bites and hello to hassle-free, comfortable camping this summer.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our gear in action!

CategoriesCar Camping Lifestyle Off-grid Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Snow Camping with Luno

Snow Camping with a Luno Mattress

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Are you a bold and fearless explorer with dreams of conquering winter wonderlands? Does the thought of remote, backcountry escapades ignite a fire in your belly? If so, snow camping is undoubtedly on your bucket list. But hey, who needs the fuss of setting up a tent when you can embrace the rugged convenience of camping in your car with a sturdy (but very comfortable) Luno mattress? Here’s some things you need to know.

No Tent Setup Hassles

Setting up a tent in the snow can be tricky. Camping in your car eliminates the need for tent assembly, allowing you to spend more time exploring the rugged backcountry without the fuss. No prep, no digging, and no building snow walls  – no need to battle the elements when you have a Luno Mattress!

Warm and Insulated Sleep

Your vehicle will have an element of insulation in the snow, but cars can still get pretty chilly. Keep your sleep space cosy by placing a foam bed roll beneath your Luno Mattress and one of those plaid, woollen blankets pretty well nearly every Australian household has (where do they even come from? They just turn up). If you inexplicably don’t have one of these, any other warm, fleecy blanket will do because you’ll be lying on top of it inside your super warm sleeping bag!

Access to Fresh Water

Staying hydrated is essential during outdoor adventures – even if it’s super cold. You can either bring your own water or melt snow using a gas stove (keep an eye on your emails for some Off-Grid solutions) to quench your thirst (just stay away from the yellow snow). 

If you have access to a fresh water source, why not bring a Stream with you? No need to cart around heavy jerry cans or water or fuss around with melting snow.

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Prioritise Safety

Living on the edge doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live dangerously. Remember to carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or a similar device in case of emergencies. For backcountry exploration in places like Kosciuszko, fill out a trip intention form with National Parks to ensure someone knows your whereabouts.

Keep Your Gadgets Warm*

Cold weather can be tough on electronic devices, especially batteries. If you rely on your phone for navigation and communication, keep it warm in your pocket or sleeping bag. Cold conditions drain batteries quickly, so keeping them snug will ensure they remain functional throughout your adventure.

*not like this

So, there you have it – the practical reasons why snow camping in your car with a Luno mattress is by far the superior choice. Say goodbye to tent hassles, embrace the comfort of a warm bed, enjoy fresh snowy water, and always prioritise safety during your winter escapades. Happy snow camping, off-gridders! 🏔️❄️

CategoriesCar Camping Lifestyle Off-grid Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Car Camping for Beginners — the Off-Grid Guide

Car camping beginner tips

Start small.

Do you have aspirations of long, lone car camping expeditions  – just you, your car and your dog? Well those are great but if you’re starting out, maybe do a short trip first. We’re talking one night in a local area. Car camping close to home offers all the adventure and excitement of a great trip but in familiar surroundings. There’s no need to throw yourself in the deep end immediately, you can even start in your driveway (if it’s flat enough)

Hit up HipCamp for some car camping campsite inspiration near you.

Know your stuff.

Australia is pretty big, so before you get ready to set off it’s a good idea to decide where you actually want to visit.

Check camping regulations: Research the camping rules and permits required for your chosen destinations. National parks, private campgrounds, and even some roadside rest areas may have specific guidelines.

Season and weather: four seasons in one day – there’s literally a song about it. Consider all possibilities and plan accordingly. Keep an eye on the forecast when you plan to head out. On the plus side, car camping is much more secure than a tent and if it really gets dicey, you can just drive home!

Research campgrounds: Look for established campgrounds with amenities such as toilets, showers, and potable water if you prefer those comforts. Alternatively, you can explore free camping options or stay on private properties.

Book in advance: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Consider booking in advance to secure your spot.

Don’t fall into the ‘gear’ trap.

Everyone loves gear and gadgets and the pull is strong to buy everything all at once, but you don’t need to go overboard. Start your car camping forays with some quality, staple basics. The car camping starter bundle includes the Air Mattress 2.0, window screens, a fitted sheet and seatback organiser. It’s all the essentials you need for a comfortable night’s sleep in your car. Add a blanket and pillow and you’ll literally be a happy camper.

Do a test run.

The call of the open road may be strong, but use the practical part of your brain for a minute. You have all this new, amazing gear – do you know how to set it up? Before you embark on your car camping endeavour, do a test run, a dress rehearsal of your gear. Make sure you know how to set it up, make sure it’s functional and comfortable, make sure everything is charged!

It’s much easier to do this in the comfort of your own home than potentially getting caught out in the middle of nowhere.

Leave No Trace.

Respect the environment, pack out your trash, minimise your impact, and leave the campsite as you found it.

Have your car camping packing list ready to go.

Preparedness is next to godliness – here’s a list we prepared earlier!

Download it here

CategoriesCamping Car Camping Off-grid Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Want to head off the beaten track this Easter long weekend?

Overlooking Wolgan Valley

Head off the beaten track this easter long weekend

Sometimes we want to go where the people DON’T go and we’re willing to cross a few creeks to get there. So how about getting off the beaten track this Easter long weekend? 

Off-Grid HQ are here to help. The Off-Grid minions have compiled a list of their favourite off the beaten track camping spots in NSW (mostly 😬). 

Whether you’re going for a three day weekend or three weeks, the Trailmaster Active Pod will carry everything you require for your off-grid travels. It’s lightweight, rugged and fully customisable to your needs. Throw on a rooftop tent and you’ve got yourself a compact camping solution. Did we mention it’s rugged? Keep the car for carrying people, let your Active Pod carry your stuff.

 

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Here are our Off the Beaten track recs:

The Basin – Olney State Forest

Basin Campground is located in the Olney State Forest, New South Wales, Australia. The campground is managed by Forestry Corporation and entry is free, so first in, best dressed.

It’s a picturesque camping destination that offers visitors the chance to enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. 

The campground is equipped with a range of amenities including BBQs, toilets, and picnic tables. Visitors can access the campground via car and park their vehicles near their campsites.

Aerial overlooking Pines Campground in Olney State Forest, Lake Macquarie.
© Destination NSW

Bendethera Valley campground

Bendethera Valley Campground is situated in the Deua National Park, New South Wales. The campground is located in a remote location and can only be accessed with a 4WD. 

It’s located in a valley surrounded by mountains and offers a range of outdoor activities such as bushwalking, fishing, and swimming. The campground features amenities such as toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables.

Camping is free, however there is a minimal entry fee.

This is a remote campground, to make sure you’re well prepared. Equip yourself with the Guzzle H2O Eddy Inline Water Filter or ultra-portable Stream to avoid lugging heavy water containers in with you.

Katie and Kangaroos-1
Roos at Bendethra © James Lawson-Craig
Campsite Fire-1
Bendethra at night © James Lawson-Craig

Newnes Campground 

Newnes Campground is nestled in the heart of the Newnes State Forest, New South Wales. 

It’s a secluded camping site by the Wolgan River that offers visitors the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Australian bush.

Explore the remains of an old shale oil mining town, read a book in the shade or float down river on your Luno Air Mattress (don’t worry, it’ll dry!). Easy walking tracks will take you to the Newnes Industrial Ruins walk and the glow worm tunnel is a short drive away.

For an even more off-grid experience, camp across the river. Accessible by foot or 4WD across the ford near the Newnes Hotel.

Bookings are required + minimal entry fee. BYO water!

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Entrance to the glow worm tunnel

Coorongooba Campground

Coorongooba Campground is a scenic camping site located in the Wollemi National Park in New South Wales.

The campground runs beside the crystal clear Capertee River, offering visitors the opportunity to swim in the river, enjoy invigorating walks along the Capertee River trail, or kick back in your hammock chair with a book? If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take your Luno air mattress down the (usually) shallow river? 

The Capertee River trail is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with the endangered regent honeyeater often seen in the area during spring. As the afternoon light changes, relax with a cup of bush tea brewed on a wood barbecue for the perfect end to a simple but wonderful camping experience.

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Blue skies at Coorongooba

Woperana Campgrounds

Woperana Campgrounds are located in Murray Valley National Park, New South Wales.

For those seeking a true off the beaten track camping experience, Woperana campgrounds in the Murray Valley National Park are this and more. There are three sites sat along the riverbank and shaded by majestic river red gums to choose from. Spend your days birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and adventuring with some self-guided walks around the park and your nights enjoying the stars.

With only three to four campsites available at a time, you can expect a peaceful and relaxed trip. Access to the campgrounds is limited to dry weather conditions and is best reached by a 4WD vehicle. Bookings are required + minimal booking fee. BYO water and necessary equipment.

And just under 20 minutes down the road we have…

Ulupna Island 

Ulupna Island is a secluded and picturesque island located on the Murray River – technically not NSW BUT it’s well worth a visit.
The closest towns are Tocumwal in New South Wales and Strathmerton in Victoria

Ulupna Island offers a remote and peaceful camping experience in a beautiful natural setting with a variety of activities to enjoy. The island offers pristine natural beauty with a range of flora and fauna including kangaroos, emus, and many bird species. Ulupna Island is the perfect off-grid locale to unwind and relish being properly off the beaten track.

Fishing and birdwatching are popular activities on the island, which has sandy river beaches, wetlands, and a rich cultural history. Camping is available in designated areas, with visitors required to bring their own camping equipment and take all rubbish with them. 

With no facilities on the island, visitors need to bring their own equipment and supplies

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© Destination NSW
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© Destination NSW
Which off the beaten track location are you heading to this year?
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CategoriesCamping Car Camping Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Valentine’s Dessert Recipes for Your Romantic Camping Micro-Escape

5 easy campfire recipes for a romantic Valentine's micro-escape

Photo by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash

Feeling a lil romantic this Valentine’s Day? Do you want to take your favourite person out for a romantic camping micro-escape?

Well, there’s nothing micro about a Luno Car Camping Setup except maybe the footprint in your boot. More room for snacks. Throw in the window screens and privacy curtain for perfect solitude with your Valentine (or Galentine!).

You’ve dinner covered, but what about dessert (arguably the most important meal of the day)? You want dessert to impress, preferably with four ingredients or less and a step above a toasted marshmallow (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

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Here are our romantic camping micro-escape hot takes:

Chocolate Marshmallow Dipped Strawbs

Ingredients: 
Strawberries
Marshmallow fluff (you can get it from Coles or Woolies)

Method:
1. Wash and dry strawberries
2. Dip strawberries in fluff
3. Carefully toast the fluff side over a fire
4. Enjoy!

Campfire Pies

Ingredients: 
Sliced bread or brioche
Butter or marge
Cooking spray
Raspberries (or berry of choice)
Nutella (or chocolate spread of choice)
Campfire jaffle iron

Method:

  1. Spray your jaffle iron lightly with cooking spray
  2. Butter two slices of bread/brioche
  3. Place one slice into the jaffle iron, butter side down
  4. Spread Nutella generously 
  5. Pop on some raspberries
  6. Top with the second slice of buttered bread, with the butter side out
  7. Close and place the jaffle iron directly on the hot coals of your fire
  8. Cook for around 3 – 4 minutes while rotating
  9. Carefully open the cooker without burning yourself
  10. Remove the sandwich and try not to burn your mouth on molten Nutella. Top with whipped cream 

Aussie S’mores 

Ingredients: 
Marshmallows (Pascall are the favourite at Off-Grid HQ but you can get dedicated giant roasting marshmallows)
Choccie digestives or Belmont Palazzo biscuits (Aldi) 

Method:
1. Toast marshmallow 
2. Squish between two biscuits 
3. That’s it, there is no other step.

Banana Boats

Ingredients: 

Bananas
Your filling of choice: Off-Grid HQs favourite is Maltesers, but you can use anything small enough to fit inside a banana: chocolates, berries, mini marshmallows, Fantales, anything!
Tin foil

Method:
1. Slice banana lengthwise 
2. Stuff bananas with your goodies 
3. Wrap in foil and place in coals or edge of a campfire
4. Remove from campfire, open foil and let cool for a bit

5. Eat up

 

Okay we know this isn't technically dessert...
but hear us out

Cheese Board

Slap on a double brie, crumbly cheddar a blue or a Jarlesberg on a plate or a board. Top it off with some grapes, dried apricots and almonds, honey or pear slices. 
You can make it as fancy, or not fancy as you like with artisan flatbread, wafers or fig and sunflower seed crackers or just keep it simple with some rice crackers. 

There’s nothing better than a trio of cheeses to end the night, even better if accompanied by some sparkling or port.

LET US KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE CAMPING DESSERTS IN THE COMMENTS 🍫

and where will you spend your romantic camping micro-escape this Valentine’s Day?

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CategoriesCamping Car Camping Tips & Tricks Travel
Post By Off-Grid Minion #4

Beachside Car Camping

5 GREAT SPOTS TO START YOUR CAR CAMPING ADVENTURES

Photo by Andy Hutchinson on Unsplash

So the summer holidays are nearly over. There’s been some actual sunshine and days warm enough to warrant a beach trip. The good news is you don’t have to try to bottle those beach holiday feelings and live off the memory if you get yourself a car camping air mattress.

Car camping is taking Australia by storm – and we don’t mean just sleeping in your car, this is the first class of sleeping in your car. It’s convenient, efficient and cosy. Especially with the right mattress.

Luno has got you covered. Their Air-Mattress 2.0 is fully customisable to your vehicle, it’s double sided so you can get away solo or with a second, and you and said companion can adjust the firmness of the mattress on each side for personalised comfort. 

The privacy curtain blocks out the sun and transforms your car into the ultimate sleeping space. The car window screens provide added privacy while sleeping in the comfort of your vehicle as well as air flow and protection from bugs.

Off-Grid has all the car-camping gear you need to transform your commuter into a camper and are proud to be the exclusive distributors for Luno. 

Every weekend has the potential for adventure.

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With all that said, here's 5 great spots to start your car-camping adventures.

Honeymoon Bay 

Honeymoon Bay Camping ground is located in the Beecroft Weapons Range at Jervis Bay, NSW, approximately 10 kilometres from the edge of Currarong along the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse Road. It is only open during holidays and weekends due to Defense exercises during the week, and due to its popularity, camping is fully booked during the summer holiday period via a ballot system held each August. Keep an eye on the Beecroft Weapons Range and Peninsula Facebook page for updates or closures.  

Location: Corner Lighthouse Road & Currarong Road
Booking: first come, first serve (get in early)
Camping type: Unpowered — Tent, camping beside, car camper trailer site 
Facilities: showers, portable toilets (byo toilet paper), byo water
Pets: no

Pebbly Beach

Spend the day swimming, fishing, surfing, bird watching, kangaroo petting and your night sharing stories with the neighbours next site over and star gazing. Pebbly Beach is the perfect base to explore Murramarang National Park and the various walking tracks that connect to the campsite.

Location: Murramarang National Park, NSW
Booking: booking required through National Parks, or call 1300 072 757.
Camping type: Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside vehicle 
Facilities: BBQ facilities, carpark, drinking water (must be sterilised before drinking), (cold) showers, toilets
Pets: no

Ganguddy – Dunns Swamp Campground 

 (technically not the beach, but waterside still)
Set along the Cudgegong river in Wollemi National Park, this tranquil waterway was created as a result of the Kandos Weir construction in the late 1920s to supply water to Kandos cement works. It’s the perfect location for fishing, kayaking and swimming and comes with a network of relaxed walking tracks. Keep an eye out for elusive platypus and long-necked turtles!

Location: Wollemi National Park, NSW
Booking: booking required through National Parks, or call 1300 072 757
Camping type: Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside vehicle 
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
Pets: no

Bonnie Vale Campground

Located between Bundeena and Maianbar at the north end of Royal National Park, just over an hour from Sydney, boasting a fresh refurb with powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, flushable toilets and drinking water – this campground is the best of the best. It’s the perfect location for family camping trips, groups and educational visits. Grab a kayak or a lilo and set the kids afloat in the Cabbage Tree Basin.

Location: 2 Sea Breeze Lane, Bonnie Vale, NSW, 2232 – in Royal National Park
Booking: booking required through National Parks, or call 1300 072 757
Camping type: Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, showers, toilets
Pets: no

Woody Head Campground

Located under 10 minutes from beautiful Iluka (a known Hemsworth sighting location), Woody Head Campground is perfect for families and waterbabies. There’s a boat ramp (if that’s not incentive enough to befriend the neighbours I don’t know what is), a sheltered beach for swimming and fishing, rock platforms to explore, rainforests to amble and shallow reefs to explore. You’ll never run out of things to do or not do if that’s your preference! 

Location: 92 Woody Head Road, Woody Head, NSW, 2466 – in Bundjalung National Park
Booking: booking required through National Parks, or call 1300 072 757
Camping type: Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, carpark, drinking water, public phone, showers ($1 for 4mins), toilets
Pets: no

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