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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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…

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten, the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery, a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho, José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits. At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial, which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections.

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle, ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

The ultimate guide to becoming an eco-camper