By Natasha Fujimoto
CAMPING in nature is a bona fide tonic for all the stresses of modern life, however, planning your first camping trip can be daunting.
With glorious rivers, beaches, lakes and mountain peaks to choose from, booking the right campsite ahead of time is best done via the Parks Victoria website at parks.vic.gov.au.
With October to April being the most ideal months to camp, the Parks Victoria website provides campers with specific site information detailing available facilities.
Once your site is booked, it is prudent to discuss your camp requirements with your local outdoor retailer to ensure you take the gear required to enjoy every moment of your trip.
Camp essentials will include a tent, tarp for underneath, camp mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows.
Seasonal clothing as well as ample sunscreen and insect repellent are key as well as making provision for four litres of drinking water per day for each person on camp.
Cooking basics include a camp stove, esky, plates and cutlery as well as a tub for washing up.
To ensure a smooth camp set up, remember to practice setting up and packing away your tent several times before leaving home.
Finally, remember that the flattest spot-on site is the best place to set up your tent, away from other campers and free from any overhead, hanging branches.
Reversing your set up exactly when packing up is a good start for your next trip and remember to always leave your campsite the way you found it, beautiful and rubbish free.
