Snow camping in Australia might sound a bit wild at first. Freezing nights, icy mornings and the odd sideways look from your mates are all part of the package. But with the right gear, a bit of planning and a healthy respect for the conditions, camping in the snow can be an absolute ripper.
From alpine rivers to snow-covered mountain tops, Australia’s high country is hard to beat in winter. Before you load up the fourbie and head for the hills, here are 10 snow camping tips to help you stay warm, safe and ready for a cracking cold-weather adventure. If you want to brush up on the basics first, have a look at layering up for winter.
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1. Layer up with the right clothing
The right clothing can make or break a snow camping trip. Start with a thermal base layer to trap warmth, add a fleece or insulated mid-layer, then finish with a water-resistant and breathable outer layer.
A puffer jacket might feel warm around town, but down can lose its warmth when wet. For snow camping, look for outerwear with solid waterproofing, breathability and enough room to layer underneath.
Don’t forget the extras either. Waterproof gloves, thermal socks, a beanie and a neck warmer are all must-haves when the temperature drops. Merino blend socks are a great pick for keeping your feet warm without too much bulk.
Heat warmers are small, easy to pack and handy when the cold really starts biting.
2. Choose a sleeping bag built for cold nights
A quality sleeping bag is one of the most important bits you can add to your winter camping kit. When temperatures dip below zero, you’ll want a hooded bag with a suitable cold-weather rating.
For most Australian alpine camping conditions, a sleeping bag rated around -5°C to -10°C is a good starting point. Everyone sleeps differently, so colder sleepers may want to go even warmer than that. Sleeping bag liners make for a handy addition, giving you extra comfort and an easy boost of warmth.
3. Get your sleeping setup sorted
Staying off the cold ground makes a huge difference to your overall comfort level. Rooftop tents, swags and stretcher beds can all work well for camping near the snow.
A rooftop tent keeps you elevated, protected and away from wet ground. A canvas swag is another solid option, especially when paired with a stretcher and awning. If you’re using a tent, add a quality sleeping mat, ground sheet or rubber matting to create a barrier between you and the frozen ground below.
4. Pack a portable toilet
When it’s freezing outside, the humble shovel loses its appeal pretty quick. A portable toilet keeps things cleaner, easier and a whole lot more comfortable when the weather conditions aren’t playing the game outside.
Portable toilets and bucket-style systems are handy options for snow camping, especially if you’re camping in areas where digging isn’t practical. Just make sure you dispose of waste properly at a toilet or designated dump point.
5. Use the loo before bed
Speaking of toilets, it’s important that you use one before hitting the hay. Heading to bed with a full bladder can make it harder to stay warm through the night. Make a quick toilet stop part of your bedtime routine, even if you don’t feel like you need to go.
6. Keep the snacks coming
Your body works harder to stay warm in cold conditions, so high-energy snacks are a snow camping essential. Think nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, muesli bars or a few cheeky lollies for a quick sugar rush.
Having a small snack before bed can help keep your energy up overnight. Plus, let’s be honest, snacks always taste better at camp.
7. Choose your cooking setup carefully
Canister gas burners are great for most camping trips, but they can struggle in freezing conditions. Cold weather can make gas harder to light and harder to keep running.
For snow camping, consider other cooking options like portable stoves, fuel burners or the good old campfire where permitted.
Campfire cooking is a great experience that everyone should try. A hot stew in the camp oven or a crispy jaffle over the coals just hits different after a day of adventuring in the snow. Always bring dry firewood if fires are allowed and check local fire rules before you go.
Collecting firewood in national parks may be illegal, so it’s important to plan ahead before you leave home.
8. Prepare your vehicle for alpine conditions
Your car needs to be ready before you head into snow country. If you drive a diesel, alpine diesel or anti-freeze additives can help prevent fuel issues in freezing conditions.
Snow chains may also be required depending on where you’re travelling, so check the rules for your destination before leaving home. Practise fitting them before the trip too, as learning on the side of an icy road is no one’s idea of a good time.
If you’re planning on 4WDing in the high country, pack the right recovery and safety gear, travel with another vehicle where possible and choose tracks that suit your experience level.
9. Pick a campsite that suits your gear
You don’t need a monster 4WD to enjoy snow camping in Australia. If you’re new to it, choosing a camping spot that’s below the snowline is a great way to get a taste of the alpine experience… without taking it to the extreme.
Places around Mansfield, Bright, Omeo and parts of the NSW Snowy Mountains offer more accessible winter camping options. For experienced 4WDers, areas in the Victorian High Country can offer tougher tracks and more remote campsites.
Just remember, some alpine tracks close seasonally between June and November, so check local park updates before you hit the road.
10. Have fun and camp within your limits
Snow camping takes more planning than a regular weekend away, but that’s part of the adventure. Pack the right gear, keep an eye on the weather and choose a spot that matches your experience.
Australia’s alpine regions are seriously special in winter. With a bit of prep, you’ll be swapping funny looks from your mates for snowballs at camp in no time.
So rug up, pack smart and get ready for a BCFing good time in our very own winter wonderland.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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