The Ultimate Guide To Becoming An Eco-Camper

From solar power to beeswax wraps, here’s our ultimate guide to becoming an eco-camper.

1. Solar panels

Let’s start with one of the best decisions you could make for a more environmentally-friendly camping experience: solar panels. Whether you’re towing a caravan or driving a van, installing solar panels is a no-brainer. Keep in mind that in case of bad weather you will have to recharge your battery or else contact a tow truck to take you to a place where you can either replace or change your vehicle battery.

Not only do they mean you’re not drawing on a town’s electricity supply, but they’ll give you the freedom to go anywhere. Relying on the sun to power a 12-volt fridge, lights, camera, laptops and your phone means you can camp in remote locations, and that means more money in your pocket for tours and eating out when you return to civilisation. You don’t have to permanently attach solar panels to your vehicle either, with plenty of collapsible set-ups on the market. Folding solar panels and solar blankets are great because they can be moved during the day to capture the best sunlight and then packed away easily at night.

Check out… 4WD SupaCentre and REDARC to familiarise yourself with the options.

A van with solar panels on the roof camping on cliff sea shore. — Solar power means more money in your pocket (or more travel)

2. Mozzie spray

Those nostril-burning mosquito repellents certainly do their job, but one sniff and it’s obvious they’re not doing the environment – or your skin – any good. Thankfully, there are natural alternatives, mostly in the form of creams.

Keep an eye out for the term “DEET-free" and look for child-friendly options. Essential oils such as citronella, tea tree, lemongrass and eucalyptus are said to keep mozzies at bay, so get yourself a designated camping diffuser. If nights are cool, light a campfire as the smoke is also believed to be a deterrent.

Check out… Australian-made Nature’s Botanical or any repellent made from essential oils.

Woman spraying insect repellent on skin outdoor. — DEET-free mozzie repellent is a lifesaver.

3. DIY washing machine

Forget saving up coins for caravan park laundries, which can be stocked with dated (read: power-zapping) washing machines, and let your caravan or car wash your clothes for you. Yes, you heard right. Buy a tub with a lid from a hardware store, fill it with water and soap, and then stuff it with your red-dirt-stained camp clothes before you head to your next destination.

As the car or caravan moves, the water and clothing will agitate, knocking that dirt out of your favourite sundress. Once you arrive at the next campsite, rinse the clothing under a tap, hang it in the sun to dry and Bob’s your uncle.

Check out… Bunnings Warehouse for a cheap, hardy bucket.

4. Beeswax wraps

Tupperware was so last century and using plastic wrap is a wasteful, bad habit. Stay ahead of the crowds by replacing both products with beeswax wraps. At $30 a pop for a three-pack, they’re expensive but worth the coin.

Not only do they take up less room in your caravan kitchen, but they’re better for the environment and your long-term health. Simply made out of cloth and beeswax, the wraps can be used as a lid for ceramic and glass crockery, and can be wrapped around cheese and cut vegetables to keep them fresh. You’ll find a lot of small businesses producing them, too, so you know your money is going directly into the pocket of the creator.

Check out… @bumblebeewraps on Instagram. The 100 per cent cotton wraps are handmade in the NSW Riverina and the business is part of the #buyfromthebush social media movement supporting communities in drought.

Take away cake inside homemade beeswax wraps. Wrapping food in handmade beeswax wrap cloth indoors, alternative for plastic. Using iron machine to melt beeswax into cotton cloth. — The ultimate kitchen essential.

5. Shop local

The lure of big supermarkets for both convenience and low prices can be strong when you’re travelling but, wherever possible, you should also head along to produce markets to stock up on your camping food and beverages.

While it might mean you are paying a bit more, this is offset by the fact you will be reducing your food miles, buying in-season fruit and veg, and supporting local farmers, which in turn boosts the economy of the tourist town you’re enjoying so much. If you’re travelling through Queensland, you’ll likely come across a tonne of roadside stalls selling bananas, passionfruit and other delicious produce for reasonable prices. Make sure you pull over and stock up.

Check out… some of our favourite markets, such as Albany Farmers’ Market and Albany Boat Shed Markets in WA; Rusty’s Markets in Queensland; and Mudgee Farmers’ Markets in NSW.

Fresh tropical fruit stalls at Rusty's Markets in the heart of Cairns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Rusty’s Markets is a must-stop in the heart of Cairns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Wood fires

It may be harder, but relying on old-fashioned newspapers and matches to light a campfire is far gentler on the environment than quick-to-ignite fire starters made from kerosene (paraffin). If you’re determined to stick with fire-starters, look for products that are labelled “no kerosene".

Recycle any newspapers and cardboard by using them in the fire, and follow national park rules about only burning fallen branches. Get the kids to collect any sticks around the campsite for kindling (it’ll keep them busy and they’ll love helping).

Campfire with a vintage kettle next to the beautiful lake. — Steer clear of the kerosene when lighting your campfire.

7. Your location

Camping on the beach can be controversial due to fragile dunes and unruly 4WDers who ignore signs about protecting the vegetation. Then there’s the issue of inexperienced campers incorrectly disposing of human waste (carry a shovel, people).

That’s why it’s important to pick an appropriate campsite for your style of travel. If you’re not willing to obey local council rules about where you can pitch a tent or you couldn’t be bothered to take your rubbish home, it’s best you stick to holiday parks. Also, while rinsing off in a free beach shower is fine, it’s not acceptable to use soap in the ocean or fragile river ecosystems.

Shot of illuminated tent in a romantic glamping site at night with Mount Batur view. — Be mindful of where you choose to set up camp.

8. Take 3 for the Sea

You’d be surprised by how many campers leave their rubbish behind, sometimes unwittingly, after a weekend away with mates. Throwing your beer bottle tops in the campfire doesn’t make them disappear and, if you head to the beach for a morning coffee, carry a reusable mug.

If camping and fishing go hand in hand for you, be sure to bin any cut fishing line and hooks, and avoid casting a line where it’s likely to get snagged on rocks and end up in the ocean.

Check out… Instagram account @take3forthesea for inspiration on doing the right thing.

multiple views of an old worn sign post instructing campers fishermen bush walkers hikers to take responsibility for removing all waste trash rubbish and take it with them. Environmentally responible behaviour. warning sign no littering. Say no to illegal dumping concept story — Pretty self-explanatory…

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

The ultimate guide to becoming an eco-camper