Coronavirus QLD: Tips for camping at home

With Queenslanders banned from their favourite campgrounds, beaches and national parks over the Easter long weekend, The Courier-Mail has compiled a list of tips for the thousands planning to pitch a tent in their own backyard.

GRAB the mozzie spray, remember the neighbours and don’t forget to check for ant nests.

With Queenslanders banned from their favourite campgrounds, beaches and national parks over the Easter long weekend, The Courier-Mail has compiled a list of tips for the thousands planning to pitch a tent in their own backyard.

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Queensland outdoor retailer BCF is also encouraging Aussies to create the biggest backyard campout on Saturday and capture the fun using the hashtag #BCFBACKYARD.

Brisbane-based outdoor specialist and BCF ambassador Sammy Hitzke said the backyard campout concept on Saturday night was a great opportunity to get the family out of the house.

“Come Sunday morning I’m sure everyone will be wondering why they don’t do it more often. It’s bloody good fun,” he said.

Hitzke’s top five tips for setting up for a night under the stars are:

1. Don’t hammer in any pegs too close to the house in case of buried services

2. Check with local authorities before you have a backyard fire and don’t forget to put your fire out before you go to bed. “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s not out”

3. Don’t forget the insect repellent and keep your tent zipped up unless you’re going in or out so ants and spiders don’t try move into your new house.

4. Separate the kids if you plan on getting any sleep.

5. Be mindful of your neighbours when it comes to noise after dark.

For parents, Hitzke said transforming tents into the ultimate outdoor room, after-dark treasure hunts and marshmallows on the fire were a great way to get kids excited about a backyard campout.