School Holiday Camping: What to Pack, Where to Go, and What to Cook

The September school holidays are the perfect excuse to pack the car, load the kids, and head bush for a few days of fresh air, no screens, and fireside feeds. With the weather warming up and spring in full swing, it’s one of the best times of year to go camping with the family.

But to keep it smooth (and stress free), you’ll want to make sure you’re prepped. So here’s your no fuss guide to school holiday camping in Australia, covering what to pack, where to go, and how to keep everyone well fed and happy around the fire.

What to Pack for Family Camping

Camping with kids is a little different from solo swagging. Here's a family-friendly checklist to get you started:

Must Have Checklist

• Tent or Swag (with enough space for everyone’s gear and grub)
• Sleeping bags (3 season or better nights can still get chilly in Sept & Oct)
• Toiletries + wipes (non negotiable with kids)
• First aid kit (blisters, mozzie bites, scraped knees cover it all)
• Headlamps or lanterns (for night time toilet trips and card games)
• Hats, sunscreen & mozzie repellent (spring sun still stings)

Clothing & Comfort

• Layered clothing (cool mornings, warm arvos)
• Spare socks + dry shoes (especially if they find a creek)
• Camp chairs & picnic rug (so everyone can be warm)
• Backpacks for day walks or exploring (to go enjoy the bush)

Entertainment

• Fishing gear (great for patience and peace)
• Cards, books or camp games (games are a must)
• Leave the tablets at home (nature’s the entertainment)

Best Family Friendly Campsites in Spring

Looking for somewhere safe, scenic, and not too far from civilisation? Here are a few family camping favourites around Australia:

VIC

Wilsons Promontory – Wildlife, beach access, and walking trails galore.

NSW

Lake Macquarie – Easy drives, swimming spots, and lots of campgrounds with facilities.

QLD

Cooloola Recreation Area (near Noosa) – Beach driving, sand dunes, and kid safe camp zones.

SA

Deep Creek Conservation Park – Bush walks, wildlife, and epic coastal views.

WA

Walpole Nornalup National Park – Giant trees, river views, and space to explore.

NT

Katherine Gorge – Waterfalls, kayaking, and warm spring weather.

Wherever you choose, make sure to book early, as school holiday sites always fill up fast.

What to Cook (That the Kids Will Actually Eat)

You don’t need a full kitchen to eat well while camping, just some basics and a fire or grill. Here are some easy family favourites:

Spit Roast Hits

• Whole butterflied chicken on a mini spit (For the full breakdown, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries to read it here) 
• Pork belly bites with crispy skin ( For the full breakdown, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries to read it here)
• Gyros-style lamb (For the full breakdown, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries to read it here)

Campfire Classics

• Hot dogs on skewers
• Damper cooked over coals and slathered with butter
• S’mores or marshmallows on sticks

Pro Tip: Bring a Portable Spit Roaster or charcoal grill, they’re compact, quick to set up, and deliver way more flavour than your average gas BBQ.

Why Camping These Holidays Is a Game Changer for Kids

• They’ll disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature.
• Learn simple life skills, such as setting up tents, starting fires, and cooking.
• Burn energy outdoors (and sleep like logs).
• Spend quality time with the fam without distractions.
• Create memories that beat any school holiday program.

Final Word

If you're looking for a low cost, high reward family getaway, you can't beat a spring camping trip. The weather’s right, the crowds are low (if you plan ahead), and the firepit is calling.

So pack your gear, fire up the spit, and get the kids outdoors these school holidays, you won’t regret it.

Gear Up for the Holidays

Make your school holiday camp trip easy with our portable spit roasters, fire friendly grills, and camp cooking gear built tough for the Aussie bush and kid-proof.

Shop Family Camping Gear Now