Who says a girls' weekend has to involve fancy hotels, expensive cocktails and spa treatments? Sometimes, all you need is a few good friends, a beautiful campsite and a couple of days away from the usual routine.
Whether you're seasoned campers or a group of first-timers keen to try something different, an off-grid girls' getaway is a brilliant way to reconnect, unwind and have a laugh. Think lazy mornings with coffee, afternoons spent exploring, delicious meals under the stars and evenings around the campfire.
With a little planning and the right gear, you can enjoy all the best parts of camping without sacrificing the creature comforts. Here's how to plan a girls' camping weekend that's one for the books.
Pick the Perfect Spot
First things first: where are you going? The beauty of a camping getaway is that you can make it as adventurous or as relaxing as you like. Keen for a weekend of hiking, swimming and exploring? Find a national park or bush campsite with plenty of activities nearby. Prefer to spend your days reading, chatting and soaking up the scenery? A peaceful lakeside or beachfront campsite might be just the ticket.
If you've got a few camping newbies in the group, consider somewhere relatively close to home for your first trip. You don't need to drive six hours into the wilderness to have a proper adventure! Before booking, check what facilities are available. Some campsites offer toilets, showers and drinking water, while others are completely off-grid. Knowing what to expect will help you work out what to bring.
Divide and Conquer: Share the Packing List
Nobody wants to arrive at camp with four frying pans and no matches. A shared packing list is essential when organising a group getaway. Work out who's bringing what ahead of time, particularly when it comes to larger items like cooking equipment, tables, chairs and lighting.
Of course, everyone should pack their own personal essentials, including comfortable clothing, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent and a few extra layers for chilly evenings. And don't forget to leave a little room in the car for those extras that make a girls' weekend special. A cosy blanket, your favourite book or a bottle of bubbly can make all the difference!
Set Up a Campsite You'll Actually Want to Spend Time In
There's no reason your campsite can't be every bit as inviting as your living room. Make sure you bring along some lighting to help create a welcoming atmosphere while also making it easier to navigate your campsite after dark.
Comfortable seating is another worthwhile investment, particularly if you're planning on spending plenty of time relaxing at camp. And if the weather's looking warm, a camping fan can make all the difference to keep you comfortable during the heat of the day while you're lounging around.
A little extra effort during setup means you'll have a comfortable base to return to after a day of adventures.
Eat Well, Without Spending the Whole Weekend Cooking
Forget surviving on instant noodles and muesli bars. One of the best parts of a camping getaway is enjoying great food with great company. The trick is to plan meals that are delicious but don't require hours of preparation or a mountain of washing up.
Think fresh wraps and salads for lunch, a big shared pasta dish for dinner, or a leisurely breakfast of eggs, bacon and coffee. You could even assign each person a meal to organise, so everyone gets a turn playing camp chef.
If cooking over a campfire doesn’t appeal, consider taking along a portable induction cooktop or even an electric BBQ, so you can prepare proper meals without relying on an open fire, provided you've got a suitable power setup. And don't underestimate the value of a good camping fridge to keep your ingredients, snacks and drinks chilled throughout the weekend, so you won't have to worry about melting ice or soggy food.
For extra convenience, prepare ingredients at home before you leave. Chop your veggies, marinate your meat and portion out ingredients so there's less work to do once you arrive. After all, you're there to enjoy yourselves!
Don't Forget the Creature Comforts
Camping doesn't have to mean going without a few luxuries. In fact, having the right gear can make a huge difference to how much everyone enjoys the experience, especially if some of your friends aren't regular campers.
A warm shower at the end of a long day is a perfect example. With a KickAss camping shower setup, you can rinse off the day's dust, sweat and sunscreen without needing to head for the nearest amenities block. Pair it with a shower awning for privacy, and you've got your own little outdoor bathroom.
It's also worth thinking about access to running water for washing hands, cleaning dishes and general campsite use. A portable water tank or jerry can with a 12V pump can make everyday tasks much easier – check out the KickAss AquaBoss range.
And while you're packing, don't forget the little things: a decent mirror, a towel, some comfortable clothes for the evening and whatever else helps you feel refreshed after a big day outdoors.
Keep the Power Running
Just because you're heading off-grid doesn't mean your phones, cameras and other essentials need to run out of battery. A reliable portable power station can be a fantastic addition to a girls' camping trip, especially if nobody in the group has a permanent 12V setup in their vehicle.
Depending on the size and capacity, a portable power station can keep phones charged, run camping lights and power compatible appliances throughout your getaway. Add a portable solar panel, and you can top up your power supply during the day while you're out enjoying yourselves.
Before leaving, work out what appliances you'll be using and how much power they'll need. That way, you can choose a setup that's suited to your weekend rather than discovering halfway through that you've run out of juice.
Make Safety Part of the Plan
A little preparation goes a long way, particularly if you're heading somewhere remote. Before setting off, make sure everyone knows where you're going and has access to the campsite details. Check the weather forecast, road conditions and any local warnings, and let someone back home know your plans.
Pack a well-stocked first aid kit, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and carry enough drinking water for everyone. If you're travelling somewhere without reliable mobile reception, consider bringing a satellite communication device or personal locator beacon.
It's also worth having a basic understanding of your camping equipment before you leave. Knowing how to operate your power setup, check your tyre pressures or use a jump starter can make a huge difference if something doesn't go according to plan. The goal isn't to worry about everything that could go wrong. It's to be prepared so you can relax and enjoy the weekend.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
The best girls' weekends aren't necessarily the ones with the fanciest accommodation or the most elaborate itinerary. They're the ones where you laugh until your stomach hurts, and you come home with a camera full of memories.
An off-grid camping getaway gives you the chance to escape the usual distractions, spend quality time together and enjoy some of Australia's incredible outdoor destinations. And with the right camping gear, you can have all the freedom of the great outdoors without leaving every comfort behind.
So round up your friends, pick a destination and start planning. Your next girls' weekend might just be your best one yet.
