Here is some helpful info that can be good to know before and during your camp!

Camping tips

• Make sure that you are aware of the fire danger rating in your area, and adhere to it!
• Book early!
• Find new, less common places. Victoria is full of spectacular camp grounds, so mix it up, and you might find a nice, secluded spot!
• Make sure that somebody in your group has a phone with charge at all times. 
• A rock or shoe can work in place of a mallet or hammer!
• Put pegs in at a 45-degree angle so that they aren’t easily pulled out in windy weather, then pull pegs out on the same angle.
• If you end up camping on a hill always sleep with your head toward the top of the slope.
• If you end up setting up your kitchen on a slope, dig holes for your table legs to stably level it without creating a tripping hazard!
• Before you leave, put your matches in a zip lock bag in case it rains.
• Beware of leaving your shoes outside your tent in case it rains!
• Set up your fire at least three metres away from any trees, this should make sure that your fire is not on top of any roots which it can set fire to. Also make sure that your fire isn’t underneath any overhanging branches.
• It can be a good idea to put reflective tape on your guy ropes so that they are more visible.
• Use food containers and eskies which are solid with a good top in case your camping with/around animals (always close them particularly overnight!).
• Don’t keep food in your tent if you don’t have to as animals can rip through your tent in order to get to it (a good container or your car is a better option to store it).
• It can be a good idea to take spare toilet paper and hand sanitiser with you just in case it’s needed!
• If you come across leeches, you can use a flame to detach them from skin or salt which absorb their moisture and make them unable to stay attached.
• Always have a spare set of matches in your first aid kit.

When choosing a camp site:

• Look for one far enough away from the toilets so that you are not disturbed by its lighting or people using it throughout the night.
• The flatter the site the better.

When setting up your campsite:

• Factor in the size of your tent’s guy ropes (normally 1m out from the tent) so they don’t end up in a walk way where people can trip on them
• Always set up your kitchen away from the tents as they can become a fire hazard as well as out of a possible walk way so that people are not walking past an open flame, hot BBQ etc.

When choosing a place to set up your tent:

• Make sure that it won’t be under any trees particularly older ones likely to drop branches.
• Watch out for any holes, divots, sticks etc. that would be uncomfortable to sleep on.
• Similarly, be aware of where water will pool if it rains (don’t set up in any likely puddles of at the bottom of a hill)

Knowing when to go camping

There are pros and cons to whatever time of the year that you decide to camp. Depending on where and when you go, there are couple of things to keep in mind, such as:

• Whether or not it’s school holidays-this timing might be great for a family but does often get busy so if your dates don’t depend on the school holidays then you may wish to choose a quieter time.
• What time of year your going-this can be a major factor as the weather can significantly influence the enjoyment of camping. Keep in mind that the summer holidays can be great but also very hot so pack your sunscreen, electrolytes and remember to keep your tent open during the day so that it can get some airflow and stay as cool as possible. The June/July period is often cold so make sure you take your warm gear, however, some people think it's the best time for camping in Victoria! Similarly, August/September/October can be cold as well as windy! This is not great if you have big tents for the wind to catch on, so make sure you pack more sturdy tents; a strong hiking tent is ideal. November/December is often heating up but not burning as much as February so can be ideal for warmer camping. Otherwise the March/April period when the weather is getting cooler but not by too much is often ideal. Of course this all depends on where you are going and if you want to catch the snow season! Either way, keep an eye out on the weather warnings particularly for fires and storms.
  It's important to note that camping can be an amazing experience at any time of year. You just need to make sure that you have the right gear, to get the most enjoyment out of it! 

Hiking tips

• ​Never hike in jeans as they become heavy when wet and take a long time to dry. Instead try light weight hike pants or leggings.
• If you are hiking with two water bottles drink from them both evenly so that you don’t end up with half a kilogram weighing down one side of your pack.
• Take a topographical map with you (preferably one with your hiking track on it!).
• Take an extra meal in case you get caught out and have to stay an extra night somewhere.
• Always carry a first aid kit.
• Don’t forget your tooth brush and tooth paste!
• Make sure you check whether or not the trail has running water and if it’s safe to drink.
• Taking snacking food- salted peanuts are always good.
• Place tooth paste, sunscreen, toilet paper etc. into separate zip lock bags (make sure you label them!) to cut down on weight.

First aid and emergencies 

Always take a first aid kit! Good items to include are:

• Lip balm
• Multiple different kinds of band aids (including blister band aids)
• Bandages, both crepe and elastic
• An instant ice pack (or multiple depending on who you’re going with!)
• Tweezers
• Cotton balls
• Pen and paper
• Spare matches
• Sunscreen
• Aloe Vera for sunburn
• Hand sanitiser
• Antiseptic cream
• If you are creating your own first aid kit you can find these items at a supermarket or chemist and put them in a large zip lock bag to cut down on weight and space
• If you are not taking your own first aid kit be sure to have a good look inside it and take note of what you have and where it is.

When calling emergency services there are three numbers that you can use: 000, 112 and 106. Most mobile phones are now compatible with the most common emergency number: 000 but if you are unsure, the number 112 will work for all mobile phones. The number 106 will connect you to a text-based relay service for those with hearing or speech impairments. All calls to these numbers are free of charge and will work even if you are out of reception as they bounce off a satellite.  
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Always be aware of fire safety. Keep track of all warnings particularly ones in your area. You can find the CFAs website here: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.