Why camping in the Australian outback is the best experience you can give your kids

“We knew camping for two weeks in winter with no reception would be a struggle. But what we saw and experienced was worth every whinge!”

We were around 30km out of Bourke, NSW when I broke the news to the kids: “Guys, your devices won’t work from here on. We’re completely off grid,” I announced. 

Questions about what this meant followed before a few complaints about iPads not working… and then it settled. We were officially on a family holiday with no reception or access to the "outside world". 

Now let’s be clear, a camping trip in the Aussie outback in the middle of winter is NOT going to be a relaxing holiday. Some called us crazy (and still do) and I don’t completely disagree with them! It’s not exactly the “holiday” you go out seeking when annual leave is so precious. A frappe on the cliffs of Santorini sounds far more worthwhile. 

But once you accept the fact that there will be no nannies or kids club to take care of the kids, no happy hour cocktails, no relaxing by the pool with a good book, and definitely no warehouse shopping sprees, you’ll be at peace with your decision opting for adventure rather than relaxation. And realise it will be one of the best family holidays you’ll ever have. Let me tell you why…

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A frothy at the local and red dirt for days... the Aussie outback is a must-do for families. Image: Leah Goulis

Camping in winter is the best

Bloody freezing, but the best! On this particular outback adventure, we travelled from Sydney to Bourke and followed the Darling River into Louth, making our way to the edge of NSW into Cameron Corner. 

These spots are particularly cold in the middle of July, but it means there are no bugs to fight off. No flies, no spiders and the snakes are sleeping for the winter. This time of year is where parents can relax a little knowing their kids are that little bit more safe wondering around camp sites. Camping in winter also means there are no restrictions on fires, so you’re free to have your own campfire near your set up, which not only keeps everyone warm, it also adds to the fun. And also, marshmallows!

Checking out the very full Darling River. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

There’s no time to be bored

This backyard of ours is home to SO much history and if you take some time looking around towns like Bourke, Louth, Tibooburra, and Milparinka, you’ll learn a lot about the goings on back in the days. 

In our travels, we also ventured into the opal mining town of White Cliffs. If you’re a fan of the TV show Outback Opal Hunters like us, you’ll know this is home to the Young Guns - three Aussie lads on the hunt for the famous Pineapple Opal. We signed up for a night tour where the kids were not only able to find opal using UV torches, but also keep their findings. Every town has something unique on offer through their visitor centres, so it’s worth speaking to locals about what to do. It’s amazing what kids will find interesting when YouTube or Roblox aren’t on the menu. 

Opal found in White Cliffs, NSW. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

The wildlife and red dirt

Forget the zoo, traveling in the outback means you’re guaranteed to spot plenty of wild animals. On the Darling River Run, you’ll find a heap of wild goats and emus grazing on the side of the road. You could also be lucky and spot a wild camel or two. When sitting by the campfire in Louth (we stayed at the very hospitable Trilby Station), we were also treated to a visitor in the form of an echidna, who was oblivious to what was going on around him/her and happy to stroll along into the bush with an audience. Of course, plenty of kookaburras, magpies and other bird life are around too. Animals always give kids a thrill, and even better when they’re not surrounded by a fence. 

Catching Yabbies. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Roughing it up keeps you humble

When you take all of life’s comforts away, your kids will quickly realise just how little they actually need. When it’s time for a snack, the only ones on offer are what is packed in the esky. Sometimes the bed isn’t comfortable, and entertainment is whatever you can find. Dinner sometimes just has to be canned soup instead of your favourite gourmet meal, and that’s just the way it is in the bush! It makes that trip home so much sweeter. 

Food by the fire... sometimes it's in a can, sometimes it's home cooked. Image: Leah Goulis

Completely zone out 

We hear so much about being “present” with our little ones these days, and there’s nothing that forces you into this zone than switching off... like, from everything. Heading off grid is a great way to just enjoy every moment and realise that you really don’t need to see what people are getting up to on Facebook or Instagram (and to be honest, you’ll be having too much fun, you won’t even want to know!) But going off grid does come with its challenges if you’re not prepared. For starters, if you’re not with Telstra, nothing will work. So for your own safety it’s worth investing in a good CB radio to communicate with others on the road if you get stuck or even just other parties you might be travelling with. 

Downtime at camp - reading, writing, playing and ... wine! Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Supporting our rural communities

Between the drought, bushfires and floods, our outback neighbours have endured their fair share of suffering lately, so it’s nice to be able to keep our money on our own shores and support our own people for once. Each time we visited a new town, we made sure we bought a little souvenir, some snacks and fuel. A yarn with the locals also gave us great insight into how it is living out in the middle of nowhere and also any history worth knowing about areas in town. Those stories are invaluable.

So when you’re considering your next family holiday destination, consider our own backyard first and get that red dirt in between your toes. The memories will stay with you forever. 

Originally published as Why camping in the Australian outback is the best experience you can give your kids