Ultimate Guide to Camping Power Stations in Australia [2023]

A portable power station is the best way to remain powered while camping unless you want to pay the electric hookup fee at the campground. In recent years, power stations have become significantly less expensive, with many more options.

Portable power stations use rechargeable batteries to power electronic devices. They resemble power banks but have a larger capacity, higher output power, and AC (wall) outlets, allowing them to charge everything from smartphones to home appliances. The smaller models can be carried camping, while the larger ones can be used as backup power during power outages.

Determining what functions and features I require in a camping power station can be overwhelming. This camping power station guide will provide invaluable information on selecting the best camping power station, the advantages of owning one, and what size you require. We recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations as the ideal camping companions for powering outdoor appliances.

What Is A Camping Power Station?

As its name implies, a camping power station is identical to a conventional one, except it must be portable and capable.

A camping power station is a battery-powered generator that solar panels, a vehicle adapter, a wall adapter, or a gas generator can recharge. A camping power station is a large battery that can be charged at home before being taken on the road. Effectively, a power station functions by conserving energy for later use. It is beneficial when traveling without access to an electrical outlet.

Nowadays, people use portable power stations for camping, picnicking, music festivals, and other events where it is essential to charge their devices. For instance, the Jackery Explorer is the most popular power plant. AC outlet, USB charging connector, and DC carport are included. Once charged, it can easily power camping appliances like coffee makers, micro coolers, and portable grills.

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Why Do You Need A Camping Power Station in Australia? 

A camping power station can enhance your outdoor experience and make your wilderness excursions safer. Camping on the shore or in the woods necessitates a portable power source for the following reasons.

• Convenience

Those who desire comfort and convenience while camping must have access to electricity. With a portable power station, you can experience the amenities of modern life while camping outdoors. Think of waking up to the sights and sounds of nature and making a pot of coffee without needing a campfire or a propane stove.

We suggest substituting a gasoline-powered generator with a solar-powered portable power station to keep your campsite quiet, safe, and sanitary. They can produce the same energy as a gasoline generator, are easily rechargeable, and emit no air pollution.  

• Easy to Carry

You may be on the fence about purchasing a portable power station for camping. After all, sleeping bags, containers, and camping chairs are packed in your vehicle. You may be amazed, however, at how small a camping power station can be. With a compact camping power station, you no longer have to choose between power backup and light backpacking for a pleasant camping experience; you can have both.  

Most portable power stations provide at least sufficient energy storage to power all of your camping essentials for a weekend. For long-term camping vacations, the best way to access clean, renewable solar power no matter where you are is to bring a portable power station and solar panels.     

There is something nostalgic about roasting bacon and potatoes over a fire or warming a can of baked beans on a propane camping burner for people who grew up camping. By all means, indulge your nostalgia, but bringing a portable power station will increase your camping culinary options.

What Are The Types of Camping Power Stations in Australia?

Camping power stations have three primary battery types: Li-ion (Lithium-ion), LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate), and Lead-Acid. Lithium-ion is utilized by the finest portable power stations on the Australian market, primarily due to its enormous lifespan.

Lithium-Ion Power Stations: are widely employed in numerous applications, including solar camping systems. They offer a high energy density, a compact form factor, and remarkable round-trip efficiency.

Lithium-ion power stations have a longer lifespan than lead-acid, making them a reliable and resilient energy storage option for Jackery Portable Power Stations. Compared to other varieties of batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the highest quality.   

LiFePO4 Power Stations: have gained popularity in solar camping systems. Compared to other lithium-ion battery compositions, these batteries have a longer lifespan, higher energy density, and superior safety. LiFePO4 batteries have a long cycle life, allowing repeated deep cycling without capacity loss.

Lead-Acid Batteries: camping has utilized lead-acid batteries for a long time. They are affordable and available in various forms, including absorbed glass mats (AGM), flooded lead-acid (FLA), and gel. FLA battery electrolyte levels must be routinely monitored and replenished. AGM batteries, on the other hand, are maintenance-free and have superior deep cycling capabilities.

How Does A Camping Power Station Work in Australia?

A camping power station is a device with an integrated energy inverter that can convert the power of an internal battery to long-range capability, which allows it to charge any external devices you desire, individually or simultaneously, provided it has sufficient capacity and watt-hours.

Most camping power stations are no larger than a toolbox or a microwave on a countertop. Most of these devices contain lithium power cells to provide conserved electricity when and where you need it, particularly when camping.

In addition, these devices are significantly safer and cleaner than other types of power generators, particularly those that utilize fuel. They provide a more sustainable source of energy.

How Many Watts Does A Camping Use in Australia?

Jackery Explorer Power Stations are reliable for generating electricity for outdoor camping appliances at any time and location.

How many watts does an Australian camping site consume? Typically, camping consumes between 1500W and 3000W, although some air conditioners can increase that number to 3500W. It is determined by your camper's dimensions and air conditioning or heating systems.

All electric devices, from refrigerators to phone chargers, are measured in Amps, the first and most essential thing you must understand. Amps represent the rate at which electric current travels through a device—consequently, a larger current yields more electricity.

How Many Watts Does A Camping AC Use in Australia? 

When you first switch on the air conditioner, the compressor can consume up to 3000 watts of energy. When operating at total capacity, a camper air conditioner consumes between 1,000 and 2,000 watts of power. Compared to a 200-watt laptop and a 100-watt refrigerator, a camper air conditioner will likely be the most power-hungry appliance in your arsenal.

The two most essential stages of operation for camper air conditioners are initialization and operating wattage. The startup power is the utmost power surge required for an AC to begin functioning. In contrast, the circulating wattage is the continuous operating wattage of an air conditioner.

How Many Watts Does A Camping Refrigerator Use in Australia?

Choose the capacity of your camping refrigerator based on how you intend to use it. This involves contemplating the number of people using the fridge, how long you want it to last, and the size of your vehicle. Keep in mind that while larger refrigerators may have a greater storage capacity, they also require more electricity.

Some travelers choose a slightly higher temperature on their camping refrigerators to conserve battery power. Your home's deep freezer operates between -18 and -20 degrees Celsius for chilling. Again, minus 15 degrees Celsius is adequate for camping applications and conserves battery power.

The Best Camping Power Stations Australia with Jackery

Possessing a camping power station to charge your essential devices may be the best way to compensate for these inconveniences. A portable power station can be a safe and environmentally friendly solution to your power-related issues. Having one will make you better prepared for emergencies, but it can also be helpful for work or recreation.

Jackery is the foremost manufacturer of solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators. Jackery Portable Power Stations are up to 30% lighter and smaller than competing products. Its ergonomic handle makes it simple to transport to any location you desire to explore.

Jackery Australia offers portable power solutions ranging from 240 W to 2160 W that can power up to 99% of outdoor appliances, including refrigerators, electric grills, CPAP machines, and bilge pumps.

Combined with the Jackery Solar Panels, solar energy can be stored in the lithium-ion power station and used to charge all your equipment. It can be a camping solar generator system.

Explorer 2000 Pro: Best Power Station for Extended Camping

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station, with a battery capacity 2160Wh and an output power of 2200W, can simultaneously power up to 8 devices. Explorer 2000 Pro meets all your electrical needs during camping and power disruptions. The optimal option is due to its exceptional features, which include rapid charging in two hours via AC input, all-around safety with an industry-leading BMS, and a cutting-edge screen.

Assuming twice-weekly use, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro can last up to ten years. It can be left in standby mode for over 365 days at total capacity, making it a highly reliable emergency backup power supply.

The battery is equipped with Jackery's built-in Battery Management System (BMS) for comprehensive circuit protection. A battery management system (BMS) facilitates short circuit protection, voltage regulation, temperature regulation, and other advanced safety operations.

Product Specs

Explorer 1000 Pro: Best Power Station for Family Camping

The Explorer 1000 Pro has a foldable handle for transport and storage convenience. Save space for any travel on the go. In addition, its inventive SMART screen display provides crystal-clear viewing of 18 functional modes.

Pure sine wave inverter provides consistent power that prevents equipment damage. The product is noiseless (46dB) and includes a battery management system (BMS) for ultra-long battery life. The LED light is adjustable to meet your outdoor requirements.

The 2* 100W PD interfaces allow devices such as smartphones, iPads, drones, and cameras to receive constant, rapid power. Multiple charging methods with 2*1000W AC ports, 2* USB-A ports, 2* USB-C ports, and a DC vehicle port.

Product Specs

Explorer 500: Best Power Station for One-Night Camping

The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518-watt-hour lithium-ion battery cell (24Ah, 21.6V) and a pure sine wave inverter. It has 1* AC outlet (240V 500W peak 1000W), 3*USB-A ports, 2* DC ports, and one carport for running low to high-power camping appliances, such as a mini-fridge, air compressor, and more.

The Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station is approximately basketball-sized and has a sturdy handle. The Jackery Explorer 500's lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for RV camping and road excursions.

The Explorer 500 is equipped with a high-quality MPPT charge controller. When paired with the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel, this enables fast and simple green solar charging. The Explorer 500 can also be charged via a wall outlet, car outlet, and generator.

Product Specs

How to Choose The Best Camping Power Stations in Australia?

Camping power stations in Australia are costly. Before making a purchase, consider your final selection. Determining your camping power supply needs and conducting some preliminary research will save you a great deal of trouble in the future. Here is what should be evaluated.

First, you should be aware that a 1000Wh power station, for example, measures the power station's total continuous output capacity. You'll discover the power station's surge power (peak power) if you dig deeper, which is the maximum power it can produce in a brief burst.

Safety is always of the utmost importance when exploring the vast outdoors. It is crucial to ensure that the power station you select has all the safety features necessary for storing large quantities of energy.

A fast-charging power station is an unequivocal lifesaver when traveling. However, the time it takes to recharge your device can vary significantly, contingent on the charger and supply you employ.

When selecting a camping power station, give close attention to the available outlet ports. Does it have sufficient AC wall receptacles for your needs? Check if you also require USB-C or a portable DC power supply. Numerous premium models feature multiple connections, allowing you to charge almost any device simultaneously.

Camping Power Stations Australia FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about camping power stations in Australia:

Although an extensive selection of camping power stations on the Australian market exists, a few stand out. However, not all are guaranteed to provide you with the reliable energy that your particular demands demand. Before purchasing a power station, it is essential to determine your energy requirements.

If you are considering purchasing a camping power station, you should determine how much energy you need. It will help you choose the size of the power station you require. Depending on your needs, Jackery Portable Power Stations have capacities ranging from 240Wh to 2016Wh. The formula for calculating the recharge time for your device is as follows:

Working Time = Power Station Capacity*0.85 / Your Device's Operating Wattage

For example, using Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station (1002Wh capacity) to charge a 20W camping fan will last 42.6 hours (1002Wh*0.85/20W).

A power bank for camping is a more compact and less potent alternative to a power station. A camping power station is more durable, lasts significantly longer, is compatible with multiple energy sources, and is suitable for use in the great outdoors. A power bank may be ideal for recharging your phone while on the go, but more is needed for a week-long camping excursion. Undoubtedly, it will not charge a laptop.

It depends on the frequency of use and the quality of maintenance. Power stations have limited life cycles or the number of times they can be charged and discharged. A typical Li-ion-based power station has around 500 life cycles. Some LiFePO4-based power stations can range from 2,000 to 3,500 life cycles. Using your power station daily will degrade rapidly, but most should still last a few years.

Final Thoughts

Nothing disturbs the tranquility of a campsite more than the sound of a generator, let alone the diesel vapors it emits. Be considerate of your fellow campers and the environment by opting for a camping power station.

Camping is best suited for Jackery Portable Power Stations due to their portability, capacity, and quality. Portable power stations from Jackery provide swift charging. The Explorer 1000 Pro can be entirely charged in less than two hours via wall, car, and solar charging. Additionally, pass-through charging technology permits simultaneous charging and recharging of devices.