How to go camping in Queensland's tropics
How-to
By Sarah Bristow
Get up close and personal with the wild beauty of Queensland’s top tip with a camping trip. A land of ancient rainforests, crystalline coastlines and vibrant reefs, Queensland’s Wet Tropics belongs on every bucket list. Forgo your creature comforts to reconnect with nature at this World Heritage site, sleeping out under the stars and the ever-present rainforest canopy. Not familiar with these parts? Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of pitching a tent here. Armed with these suggestions you’ll soon be camping in the tropics safely and with ease.
How to store food
The humid temperatures of Tropical North Queensland are no ally of yours when it comes to keeping food fresh. But the deeper you travel into the wilderness the more important it will be to remain self-sufficient when it comes to all your eating requirements. Refrigeration is going to be your best friend - pack as much of your fruit and vegetables as you can into your caravan or 4WD fridge to prevent browning, sweating, and crisping. If you’re camping, fill up the esky but use wrapping or containers to keep melting ice from spoiling your goods.
While this region is home to a bounty of popular 4WD tracks, if you do plan on going off-road, be mindful of your meals. Fruit like apples and tomatoes are best protected with extra wrapping so that they don’t bruise. The same goes for the likes of more fragile ingredients like eggs.
How to deal with native wildlife
Photo by @fourwhoexplore
Prepare to greet a few locals along your journey - humans are few and far between but native wildlife are abundant in these parts. Camping in the tropics tends to attract attention from local fauna, especially when it comes to the camp kitchen. Use tupperware or sturdy containers to store both food and any valuable goods that will attract insects, particularly ants. It’s also often handy to pack mosquito repellent and fly spray as you never know when you’ll have a swarm on your hands.
Though not all Wet Tropics residents are quite so small. Southern cassowaries are common in these parts, and known for being aggressive. It’s best to keep your distance should you cross paths. Saltwater crocodiles are another local to keep an eye out far, especially for campers. If there are warnings about resident crocodiles in your chosen area or waterhole, don’t swim no matter how hot you are. If you’re unsure if they’re around, it’s best to seek out a local for advice.
How to deal with the heat
Mossman Gorge
Queensland’s Wet Tropics have a reputation for soaring temperatures and rising humidity, and the place rarely disappoints. Thankfully you’ll discover a handful of ways to cool off in these parts when the heat proves too stifling. Take a dip in a swimming hole - make way for the beach but beware you’ll need to find one with jellyfish nets. Or keep inland, making the most of the water holes and waterfalls that scatter Tropical North Queensland - the ones safe to swim in should be marked as such.
Throughout the day, keep that tent of yours cool by keeping windows open to encourage airflow. It’s also recommended you embrace lightweight clothing and breathable light sheets over sleeping bags for undisturbed slumber. Portable battery-operated fans are also common for those seeking even greater relief.
How to deal with the wet season
Between November and April is when the wet season rolls through Tropical North Queensland. As conditions tend to be more challenging for the average camper, this is a far more quiet period to enjoy the landscape for those feeling adventurous. Preparation is key at these times, with potential rain a key concern when it comes to your packing.
Consider a rollaway bed, tree tent, or a rooftop tent for a wet season adventure - these make for far more comfortable sleeping arrangements then a tent pitched on top of soggy ground. Avoid river or creek banks at this time of year as well - they tend to swell during heavy downpour.
And don’t forget to take plenty of extra clothing with you - think along the lines of quick-dry items like boardies or cotton T-shirts. Rain will prevent you from being able to wash or dry as much as usual. Which means that when the sun does appear, make use of it - hanging up damp towels or wet socks wherever you can, whether that means your car door or camp chair.
