4WD Camping 101: How to Camp with 4WD in Australia

4WD Camping 101: How to Camp with 4WD in Australia

Australia is a large country, and driving from one side to the other takes about 40 hours. We all love unplanned road excursions and adventures, so you know that having your 4WD with you is the most excellent way to satisfy your wanderlust. Beautiful, lengthy beach lines and perfect sloped paths are standard in Australia, making 4WD considerably more necessary to visit inaccessible regions.

4wd camping in australia

Because it can readily reach challenging tracks, whether sandy, muddy, or icy, 4WD makes your camping trip more convenient and pleasurable. It enhances your driving experience and is far more secure than 2WD. On this page, you will learn everything about 4WD camping in Australia, including its benefits, equipment, tips, and the best spots to visit. Furthermore, Jackery Solar Generators, which combine solar panels with portable power stations, give continuous and dependable electricity to 4WD camping gadgets at any time of day or night.

Key Takeaways:

  • Today, 4WD may appear to be an absolute necessity.

  • There are many benefits to considering a 4WD camping, such as its self-sufficiency, more storage spaces, comfy sleeping arrangements, and access to the remote area.

  • When preparing to embark on an off-road expedition with your 4WD, you must have the highest quality 4WD accessories.

  • We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro and 1000 Pro to charge most 4WD camping accessories, like your fridge, portable stove, and more.

  • When preparing your 4WD, it is suggestible to check the vehicle correctly, check the Tyre, and know your vehicle. During your trip, you should plan your route, know how to get out and practice more.

  • The Benarkin State Forest, Myall Lakes National Park, and Conondale National Park are the heaven of 4WD camping.


What Is 4WD Camping in Australia? 

The initial four-wheel drive vehicles (AWDs) manufactured in France and Italy in 1898 were tractors and gun tractors with front-wheel drive. Spyker, the first vehicle to be constructed with full-time 4WD, was manufactured in the early 20th century. Felix and Norman Caldwell then founded Caldwell Vale 4X4 tractors, which featured four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.

Using two-wheel drive, they are perpetually stranded in the middle of the road during the First World War, regardless of whether the terrain is flat or rough. They grew weary of getting trapped in traffic, so they devised the concept of 4WD, which is equivalent to two trucks in one. In addition to the ability of 4WD's rear axles to rotate, it also possesses the capabilities of standard drive. 

Today, 4WD may appear to be an absolute necessity, particularly for those who are always up for 4WD camping, as it enables access to the most remote camping locations in the nation. The most authentic camping opportunities and breathtaking vistas are found in inaccessible areas that can only be reached by 4WD.    

4WD Camping VS. Tent Camping

Owning a four-wheel drive vehicle allows you to camp in exceptional comfort. While it is possible to camp comfortably in a car of a different design, a four-wheel drive (4WD) provides the most excellent versatility in numerous respects. 

If you have experienced tent camping for at least one night during which sleeping was difficult and uncomfortable, this is a simple method to put off sleeping. It frequently boils down to inferior equipment. Camping comfortably requires a high-quality mattress and sleeping bag; a restless night's sleep will rapidly dampen your excursion.

Obtaining access to a toilet and shower is more difficult in the wilderness. However, it is not impossible; there are numerous portable restrooms and a vast selection of showers available. However, bringing enough water is the greatest challenge; therefore, it is impossible to shower hot for days if you choose tent camping.

Nevertheless, with 4WD camping, every obstacle can be surmounted. A 4WD enables you to transport additional equipment with less concern for space conservation. Certainly, guarantee that your vehicle is not overloaded! Roof mounts are ideal for storing light equipment such as swags, tents, chairs, fishing gear, and solar panels, and they are large enough to accommodate everything you need on a 4WD.

What Does A 4WD Camping Provide?

With the knowledge that you can traverse a sandy shore or traverse rugged terrain in your 4WD safely, you gain the assurance to explore an entirely new realm. You can study without being tethered to bitumen roads by deflating your tires and locking the axles.

Clearance: One of the main concerns associated with 2WD vehicles is the inadequate ground clearance at the lowest position of the car. A 4WD vehicle has at least double the ground clearance of a 2WD vehicle, making boulders, holes, and rough terrain considerably less of an obstacle. 

Durability: Even if your two-wheel-drive vehicle can traverse some rugged terrain, how long will that last? A 4WD is constructed entirely differently than the average 2WD vehicle and is targeted for use on rugged terrain. Shock absorbers are arguably the finest example; when subjected to rough corrugations, 4WD shock absorbers heat up to more than 100 degrees.

Traction: Four wheels of a 4WD are in motion, whereas only two are on a 2WD vehicle. With both clearance and traction, it is possible to travel virtually anywhere. In conditions of limited propulsion, 4WD vehicles are significantly safer than 2WD ones. The tens of thousands of kilometers of gravel highways are an example. While some are flatter and more comfortable than the average bitumen road, most will jolt your bones. 


What Are The Benefits of 4WD Camping in Australia? 

As you increase your frequency of 4WD usage, you will gradually find elements that make you comfortable and convenient, such as enough storage space to take more accessories on your camping trip or the big water tank that can supply the water for shower and dishwashing. A camping 4WD that satisfies your needs and makes journeying enjoyable is ideal.

4wd camping benefits

Self-Sufficient: Individuals capable of packing and venturing beyond civilization for two days can be considered autonomous. This includes the ability to comfortably consume, sleep, use the restroom, and explore. You should be able to recover yourself in the event of an emergency or restore any items that may malfunction during your travels.

More Space for Storage: The mesmerizing kitchen and stowage arrangements in the rear of 4WDs are readily apparent. As well as drawer systems, refrigerator slides are frequently found in table configurations. The days of sifting through countless tubs and bags for the items you need have passed; drawers make it incredibly simple to retrieve everything at once. They were cooking and performing necessary tasks while camping transformed from a burden to a simple activity.

Comfortable Sleeping: The most straightforward way to ruin a camping vacation is to have a poor night's sleep, especially if taking more than one! The situation may be remedied if you awaken with cold toes, a sore back, or condensation-covered fingertips. Whether you choose a standard tent, a rooftop tent, a swag, or a camper trailer, it is all a component of spending a comfortable night in the wilderness.

Find Quiet Place: Camping is enjoyable, except for being surrounded by many individuals. A four-wheel drive enables access to areas inaccessible to most individuals; rather than being crammed into three-by-three-meter campsites like sardines, you can locate your own with no one else around you.


4WD Camping Accessories: What to Pack?

When preparing to embark on an off-road expedition with your 4WD, you must have the highest quality 4WD accessories. Being adequately equipped for any circumstance entails more than preventing disruptions to one's journey. It is about ensuring your safety, the availability of supplies for your vehicle, and the functionality and dependability of your equipment at all times.

Therefore, how do you determine which accessories are ideal for your 4WD camping excursion and which are the most essential pieces of equipment? For the quintessential off-road camping experience, we strongly advise you to invest in the following 4WD camping accessories:

4WD Camping Accessories

Fridge

Drawers

Water Tanks

Wheel Chock

Camping Chair & Table

Slide Out Kitchen

Vents

Tyre Inflator

Tool Kit

Awning

Camping Tent

Shades

Water

Foods

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

First Aid Kit

Navigation Tool

Satellite Phone

Handheld Radio

Recovery Gear

Extra Tire

Belt

Jackery Solar Generator

In four-wheel drive (4WD) camping, proper equipment can mean the difference. As an alternative to tents, domes, and shades, which provide a protected and comfortable place to slumber and unwind, awnings and other shade structures may provide supplementary sun and additional elemental protection. To affix these structures to your 4WD vehicle securely, you will require a collection of components, including bars, brackets, and other support and connection elements.  

Your 4WD camping vacation can be genuinely unforgettable with the appropriate gear and some forethought. At the same time, power is critical for 4WD camping, particularly for communicating with others in an emergency. The Jackery Solar Generator combines solar panels with a portable power station to harness solar energy and provide clean, unlimited electricity for outdoor equipment. 


Jackery Solar Generators for 4WD Camping in Australia

Jackery is an extensively acknowledged brand that specializes in producing solar products of superior quality. Jackery Solar Generators, powered by lithium batteries, offer a consistent and dependable energy source for 4WD camping accessories. 

The Jackery Solar Generator optimizes the utilization of solar energy by integrating Jackery Solar Panels and a portable power station. When the solar panels are fully charged, connect them to an electrical grid or power station, then click the devices you wish to set.

how jackery solar generator works
The power storage capacity of Jackery Portable Power Stations is sufficient to supply energy for an entire weekend, even for the most critical camping equipment. We advise combining Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station for extended camping excursions to ensure constant access to pure, renewable solar energy. 

Many techniques can be employed to recharge a portable power station. An exemplification of solar energy harvesting involves the interconnection and wiring of solar panel connectors and power stations. Furthermore, charging capabilities can be extended to a carport or an AC adapter.

Combining the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station with SolarSaga 80W solar panels, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is capable of simultaneously powering multiple devices. Power your electronics while wild camping or during a blackout with the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station, which has a battery capacity of 1002Wh. In addition to its 94V-0 fire rating, foldable handle, and pure sine wave technology, the BMS is the industry leader.

Three ports are featured on the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station: one DC vehicle port, two USB A connectors, and two 1000W AC outlets. It can provide power for as many as 93% of the electrical requirements of a typical household, including electronic radios, refrigerators, phones, and more. It can power a 20W headlamp for an impressive 40.1 hours, sufficient time to illuminate the area. It can power a personal location beacon of 100W for eight hours.

The handle's collapsible construction facilitates effortless transportation and storage. Ideal for camping excursions, this lightweight power source has a lifespan of one thousand charges. A pure sine wave inverter can supply your devices with dependable power devoid of voltage fluctuations. The battery life of this BMS-monitored, ultra-quiet (46dB) product is maintained.

Solar Generator 1000 Pro

Image

jackery solar generator 1000 pro for wild camping

Capacity

1002Wh (43.2V, 23.2Ah)

Life Cycle

1000 cycles to 80%+ capacity

Dimension

34x26.2x25.5cm

Recharging Methods

Explorer 1000 Pro + 6*SolarSaga 80W: 9H

AC Adapter: 1.8H

12V Car Adapter: 12H

Output Ports

2*AC Output: 230V, 1000W, peak 2000W; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

Working Hours

Phone(10W): 80.2H; Headlamp(20W): 40.1H; Location Beacon(100W): 8H; Satellite Phone(25W): 32.1H; Camera(20W): 40.1H; Portable Stove(600W): 1.3H

The Solar Generator 2000 Pro has a large charging capacity of 2,160Wh and can be charged in less than 5.5 hours with 6*SolarSaga 100W solar panels or in 2 hours with an AC wall connector. It is an excellent option for 4WD camping in Australia. As previously said, 4WD has more storage than 2WD to put more appliances; therefore, it is essential to bring a solar generator to charge devices such as mini-fridges, phones, and lighting, among others.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has an assumed lifecycle of ten years, based on twice-weekly usage. Its capacity of 100% allows it to remain inactive for over a year, which makes it an exceptionally dependable reserve power source in emergencies. The Explorer 2000 Pro portable power station is designed to be more durable by integrating heat dissipation and high-temperature protection mechanisms. The SolarSaga 100W solar panel is waterproof to severe and moist conditions due to its IP67 waterproof rating.

Using a simple switch activation, an infinite amount of power is accessible. Modernized and optimized input and output display screens, along with brand-new on-screen functions (e.g., a malfunction code indicator and low battery indicator), provide high-quality data for plain reading and comprehension.

Solar Generator 2000 Pro

Image

jackery solar generator 2000 pro for 4wd camping

Capacity

2,160Wh (43.2V, 50Ah)

Life Cycle

1000 cycles to 80%+ capacity

Dimension

30.75x26.9x38.4cm

Recharging Methods

Explorer 2000 Pro + 6*SolarSaga 100W: 5.5H

AC Adapter: 2H

12V Car Adapter: 24H

Output Ports

2*AC Output: 230V, 2200W (peak 4400W); 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

Working Hours

Phone(10W): 172.8H; Fridge(400W): 4.3H; Portable Stove(600W): 2.9H; Coffee Maker(700W): 2.5H; Camping Light(20W): 86.4H; Location Beacon(100W): 17.3H; Satellite Phone(25W): 69.1H


How to Camp by 4WD in Australia?

Australia is the most popular backpacking destination in the world. Every year, a large number of tourists visit the East Coast, which is known for its metropolises and attractive beaches. However, the desert, the west coast, and the north are all beautiful tourist destinations. We've put together a few tips and methods for wild camping in Australia so you know what to look for when planning a trip with your camper.
how to prepare for wild camping

How to Prepare Your 4WD for Camping in Australia?

Imagine having no assistance while standing amid the night with a malfunctioning 4WD. Do you ever anticipate witnessing this predicament? If you desire to prevent this circumstance and have an enjoyable camping experience, ensure that your 4WD is prepared before embarking on the journey.

Check Vehicle Correctly: Familiarise yourself with your 4WD; the greater your understanding of your vehicle, the more readily you can identify any areas that require inspection or adjustment. Always inspect the interior and exterior of your vehicle to ensure your safety while traveling. If you have any doubts about your ability to maintain your vehicle, seek out a reputable and skilled mechanic; therefore, if you are still determining, look elsewhere. 

Check The Tyre: Diverse types of terrain demand distinct tire pressures; failure to attain them will result in an exponential increase in tire pressure. It will make a significant difference if you modify your pressure appropriately for the terrain. Improper tire pressure can result in uneven degradation, diminished traction, and premature puncture.

Know Your Vehicle: Utilize your vehicle as an extension of your senses while traveling. Constantly be aware of the daily workload and capacity of your car. Please pay attention to the abnormal sounds; the quicker you recognize the problems, the less expensive it will be to repair. Because 4WDs are constructed differently, please do not assume they can conquer the world. Additionally, maintain a constant awareness of the temperature of your vehicle, as it is vital to your driving experience. 

How to Find A 4WD Campsite in Australia?

Australia is hugely accommodating to 4WD camping. Trails can be found throughout the nation, and they remain accessible to adventurers so long as they are not fenced in, private property, or governed by local regulations that prohibit their passage. Wherever you take your 4WD should be by its capabilities, skill level, and common sense.

Beaches are an excellent place to transport your 4WD, but you need to observe the tides to avoid getting into various trouble! National parks contain some incredible 4WD trails and campsites; however, you will only be safe if you remain within the designated areas. It has never been simpler to locate the ideal camp. 

You should travel to less well-known caravan or trailer camps. These sites are substantially less expensive, if not free. Aside from the decrease in population, the scenery is nearly invariably more picturesque. But camping in the wilderness necessitates a greater degree of preparation. It is not a problem to be self-sufficient; however, considerations such as water, restrooms, cooking, and showers must be considered.

How to Drive Safely for 4WD Camping in Australia?

To keep yourself and your car safe, you need to know how to drive safely on track. Thus, when traveling to a campground that only accepts four-wheel drives, bear in mind the following:

Plan First: Similar to constructing a home, camping requires always presenting the blueprints in advance, including your camping strategy. It would be best to become acquainted with the area's entrance and exit. It is advisable to conduct preliminary research and familiarise yourself with the site, as four-wheel drive (4WD) trails are frequently situated in remote locations and are not routinely maintained.

How to Get Out: Unspoiled 4WD trails are frequently slick with dirt and, occasionally, sand. Determining how to escape this situation is therefore essential if you wish to discover exceptional accommodations situated in secluded regions.    

Gear Up: Because not all 4WD vehicles are created equal, your car may be incapable of traversing specific terrain; therefore, it is critical to take action and prepare. It is possible to adjust your vehicle to accommodate certain landscapes and enhance your driving experience.   

Practice: Mastering the skill of traversing a rugged terrain can be completed on time; therefore, it is recommended that you enroll in an accredited 4WD camping course or enlist the assistance of an experienced acquaintance who drives. If you spend even a day with them, you will undoubtedly acquire knowledge.


Where to Go 4WD Camping in Australia?

Australia is an ideal location for 4WD camping due to its vastness and diversity. Regardless of whether you are organizing a trip for later in the year or an upcoming long weekend, there is one aspect that demands your attention: the location where you pitch your tent.

4wd camping spots in australia

1. Benarkin State Forest

Benarkin State Forest, located a mere 130 kilometers southwest of Sunshine Coast, unquestionably boasts one of the finest off-road trails in the area. This scenic forest road winds through verdant southern pine plantations, eucalyptus forests, and scenic Emu Creek. It resembles something from a movie, encompassing four distinct picturesque environments within a single track. Each segment presents its own set of obstacles that will undoubtedly put your 4x4 prowess to the test.

Location: Taromeo QLD 4306, Australia
Phone: +61 137468
When to Visit: Spring to Summer

2. Myall Lakes National Park

Myall Lakes National Park is, quietly speaking, one of the finest places in New South Wales to observe the sunrise or sunset (depending on your vantage point). This region, which the Worimi people also inhabit, is renowned for its exceptional secluded camping opportunities and, as you may have surmised, for providing you with sandy Dunlops. It would be best if you began by locating your campground headquarters, which will resemble a sheltered and beachfront alcove in Banksia Green. 
Location: Tickerabil Trail, Mungo Brush NSW 2423, Australia
Phone: (02) 6591 0300
When to Visit: May to November

3. Conondale National Park

Water crossings, vegetation, challenging ruts, and rainforest as far as the eye can see! Consider planning your next camping excursion to Booloumba Creek, which features many challenging 4WD trails that will put even the most experienced 4x4 adventurers to the test. A few mouse strokes south of Kenilworth lead to the entrance of Conondale National Park, which offers many options for fun in the fresh air.  
Location: Conondale QLD 4552, Australia
Phone: +61 137468
When to Visit: Summer to Autumn


Final Thoughts

Regardless of the grit on our mud flaps, dust on our bonnet, or sand in our rims, nothing quite compares to a day of 4WD camping. Equipped with 4WD and its accessories, the world becomes your oyster. The next time you plan a vacation, broaden your horizons beyond well-known tourist attractions and bitumen roads. When you venture off the beaten path in a 4WD, you will be highly grateful. Additionally, remember to bring a Jackery Solar Generator on your 4WD excursion so that you can charge your electronics using solar energy. 

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