Bush and Free Camping Checklist

Track & Canopy · Updated 2026-10-16 · Tick items as you pack — print or save as PDF from your browser.

Water system

No taps out here. Plan drinking, washing and cleanup as three separate supplies.

  1. Main tank or 25L containers Essential
  2. Jerry cans as overflow supply
  3. Water filter or purification tablets
  4. Hand-wash station with a tap bottle
  5. Greywater tub for dish water

Waste out

Bush sites have no bins and no rangers on duty. Your bin is a bag in the car.

  1. Heavy-duty bin bags, full trip supply Essential
  2. Sealed bucket with lid as the camp bin
  3. Portable toilet or dig-kit with bags Essential
  4. Biodegradable soap
  5. Ash bag for fire debris where permitted

Power and comms

Beyond coverage, your electronics are the emergency equipment. Keep them alive.

  1. Personal locator beacon Essential
  2. Portable solar panel
  3. Deep-cycle or power-station battery
  4. 12V car charger and leads
  5. Head torch plus one spare lantern Essential

Food and wildlife

Unlocked country means possums, wallabies, birds and, in some regions, far worse visitors.

  1. Hard-sided latched food bin Essential
  2. Airtight jars for crumbs and coffee
  3. Esky or 12V fridge
  4. Two-burner stove with wind guard Essential
  5. Cooking scrub and grease bag

Shelter and insects

Bush sites deliver shade and bugs in equal measure. Screen everything you sleep in.

  1. Tent or swag with fine-mesh inner Essential
  2. Screen house or gazebo for evening
  3. Bush repellent with high DEET or picaridin Essential
  4. Incense coils for the dining table
  5. Groundsheet sized for leaf litter

Safety kit

The nearest help is measured in hours. Pack for the boring injuries that actually happen.

  1. Comprehensive first-aid kit Essential
  2. Snake-bandage kit knowledge and supplies
  3. Fire extinguisher and blanket for the vehicle
  4. Shovel for site tidy and a drain cut
  5. Written trip plan with check-in times