Camping in Australia is a beloved activity, but it’s important to follow proper camping etiquette to ensure you respect nature, wildlife, fellow campers, and Indigenous lands. Here’s a guide to good camping manners and best practices.
Respect Campsite Rules
- Follow signs and rules at national parks, state forests, and free camps.
- Camp only in designated areas (especially in national parks).
- Know the rules for national and state parks.
- Book ahead if required – many campsites in Australia are now online and need bookings.
Be Mindful of Others
- Keep noise down, especially after dark. No loud music or shouting.
- Generators – there are rules on when and where you can use them to minimize noise disruption. Always check the campground’s specific rules before your trip, as some parks ban generators entirely or have special generator-free zones.
- Give space to other campers – don’t set up too close unless necessary.
- Respect privacy and avoid walking through others’ campsites.
Campfires
- Check fire bans – especially during bushfire season.
- Bottle camps do not burn, so don’t put into fires.
- Use designated fire pits and never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure you clear at least three metres around the campfire.
- Fully extinguish fires with water, not sand.
- No firewood, don’t chop down any trees, you may be able to collect from around camp area if permitted or purchase before arriving if fire allowed.
Rubbish and Waste
- Leave no trace – pack out what you pack in.
- Take all rubbish with you if there are no bins.
- Use biodegradable soaps and stay away from waterways when washing.
Toilets and Hygiene
- Use provided toilets or bring a portable toilet.
- If pit toilets put down the lid to avoid attracting flies.
- If bush toileting is unavoidable: dig a hole 15–20 cm deep and 100 m away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
- Don’t leave toilet paper – take it with you in a sealed bag.
- Toilets are not playgrounds for children.
Wildlife, Nature & Pets
- Don’t feed animals – it harms them and can attract pests.
- Store food securely (kangaroos, possums, and dingoes are clever).
- Stick to marked trails to protect plants and habitats.
- If pets are allowed, ensure they are controlled.
4WD and Vehicle Camping
- Stay on designated tracks – off-road driving can damage fragile ecosystems.
- Deflate tyres on soft sand and avoid spinning wheels.
- Be respectful at popular free camps – don’t hog space.
Cultural Awareness
- Respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Land.
- Acknowledge Traditional Owners of the land.
- Follow local Aboriginal cultural protocols – some places are sacred or off-limits.
- Leave cultural sites untouched.
Useful Links:
- Camping-What are the rules?: https://www.vic.gov.au/camping
- Going camping? Our rangers give us the low down: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2021/11/30/03/06/going-camping-our-rangers-give-us-the-low-down
- Generator etiquette when camping; how to keep everyone happy: https://www.4wdingaustralia.com/camping/generator-etiquette/
- Generators: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and-heritage/care-for-parks/considerate-camping/camping-generators
- Can You Take a Generator Camping?: https://truegear.com.au/blogs/generators/can-you-take-a-generator-camping?srsltid=AfmBOoo8DQAlE1E3LtzYx34nOMO2EI5fIo6PFRMykxxbIds6R-iQMkuH
- Campfire safety: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/visitor-safety-tips-in-parks/campfire-safety
- Campfires: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/bushfire-basics/campfires
- Campfires, stoves and BBQs: https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs
- Dog Camping Etiquette: https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/dog-camping-etiquette/
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/managing-country-together/aboriginal-cultural-heritage
- When nature calls: https://naturallyvic.com.au/code-of-conduct/nature-calls/