Best Camping Gear in Australia 2026
James's honest buying guide · free delivery Australia-wide
Camping in Australia is all about getting out there, whether it’s a quick weekend at the beach or a long trip into the bush. But let’s be honest, the first trip is often where the excitement hits a snag. You realize you forgot your chair, the tent poles are missing, or the rain decided to show up uninvited. It doesn’t have to be that way.
We’ve put together this honest guide to help you sort out what you actually need. We won’t promise that every trip will be perfect, but we can help you avoid the common headaches. We sell the picks listed below at AskMarket, and we want you to feel confident before you pack the car.
What to look for
- Tent Assembly Look for "instant" or "pop-up" designs if you are a beginner. You want to be in bed, not wrestling with poles while it starts to rain.
- Seating Comfort A flat-bottomed chair is fine for short stays, but a reclining chair or a sturdy stool makes a big difference when you are sitting by the fire for hours.
- Waterproofing Don’t trust a "water-resistant" label if you are heading to the coast or the hills. Look for roll-top dry bags and 100% waterproof materials for your essentials.
- Lighting A rechargeable LED is far superior to a battery torch for camping. You need a light that can hang from a hook or stick to a metal surface so your hands are free.
- Portability Check the folded size of your gear. If you are driving a small hatchback, a chair that packs down to 50cm is much easier to fit than a bulky frame.
Questions Aussies ask
What do I really need for my first camping trip?
Keep it simple. You need a place to sleep (tent or hammock), a place to sit, a light, and a way to keep your phone and clothes dry. That’s it. You can buy fancy gear later, but these four basics will keep you comfortable.
How quickly does the tent go up?
An instant pop-up tent is the fastest kind there is. You pull it out, and it pops open. There are no fiddly poles to connect. This is huge if you are tired after driving or if the weather turns.
What is comfortable to sit on around the fire?
Sitting on the ground gets cold and uncomfortable fast. A reclining chair lets you lean back and relax, while a sturdy tripod stool is great if you want to save space. Just make sure the stool can hold your weight comfortably; ours holds 100 kg, which is plenty for most people.
How do I keep my phone and clothes dry?
Use a dedicated dry bag. A roll-top design with a shoulder strap is best because it seals tight. Keep your phone, wallet, and spare clothes in the 10L or 20L bag. It’s better to have a slightly wet tent than a wet phone.
What light works best at night with no power?
A rechargeable LED light is the way to go. You charge it via USB at home, and then you can hang it inside the tent or on a tree branch. Magnetic bases and hooks are handy because they free up your hands. Just remember to charge it before you leave.
Our picks
Instant Pop-Up Tent, 2 Person
This is the best option if you want a fast set-up without the hassle. It is a 2-person capacity tent with no fiddly poles, making it ideal for camping, festivals, or hiking. It ships from an Australian warehouse with free delivery Australia-wide, so you don’t have to wait ages for it to arrive.
Reclining Camping Chair, Grey
If comfort is your priority, this grey reclining chair is a great pick. It functions as both a recliner and a folding chair, so you can adjust your position as the night goes on. It ships from an Australian warehouse with free delivery, though you may want to check the product page for specific folded dimensions to ensure it fits your vehicle.
Folding Camp Stool - Tripod Seat, Holds 100 kg, Packs to 50 cm
This is the best choice for packing light. It is made of 600D Oxford cloth and 19mm steel pipes, holding 100 kg, and folds down to just 50 cm x 7 cm. It comes in Red, Blue, or Green, a solid, lightweight option for those who need to save space.
Rechargeable Folding LED Camp Light - Magnetic, with Hook
This is the best light for the tent. It has a 2600 mAh battery, charges via USB, and features a magnetic base and a fold-out hook for hanging. Please note that the wall plug is not included, and it ships from an overseas warehouse, so delivery takes 8-15 business days.
Camping Hammock - Parachute Nylon, Holds 150 kg, Packs into Pouch
This is the best option for an afternoon nap. It is made of 210T Nylon, measures 270 x 140 cm, and holds up to 150 kg. It comes with an attached sack for easy packing and is available in several colors, though please allow for slight color variations due to lighting.
Waterproof Dry Bag - 10 or 20 Litre, Roll-Top with Shoulder Strap
This is the best for keeping gear dry. It is 100% waterproof, made of 500D PVC, and features a roll-top design with a shoulder strap. Available in 10L or 20L sizes in Black, Blue, or Orange, it is a casual yet effective way to protect your essentials from the elements.
James's verdict
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great camping trip. Focus on the basics: a tent that sets up fast, a seat that doesn’t hurt your back, and a bag that keeps your phone dry. We sell all these picks at AskMarket with free Australia-wide delivery, so you can pack with confidence. Happy camping!