School Holiday Camping Checklist
School holidays are the perfect time to get outdoors with the family, breathe fresh air, and enjoy quality time away from screens. To make the most of your camping trip, a thorough school holidays camping checklist ensures you have everything you need for comfort, safety, and fun. From selecting the best family tent Australia to planning easy family camping meals, preparation is key.
1. Your Perfect Family Tent: Choose wisely!
The foundation of a great camping trip is a reliable family tent. Choosing a tent that accommodates everyone comfortably ensures a good night’s sleep and protection from the elements. This can make or break your whole trip, which is why we designed out Tipi tent! For families, tents like our PAST Outdoors Originals ultralight 6-person tipi tents are ideal.
These tipis are spacious enough for the whole family, featuring a tall central pole that allows you to stand upright, making it easy to move around and store gear inside. They are also well-ventilated, keeping the interior cool in warm weather while offering warmth retention during chilly nights. The tipi design makes setup simple and fast, so you spend less time pitching and more time enjoying the outdoors.
2. Easy Family Camping Meals for the whole family
Meal planning is a critical part of your checklist. Simple, nutritious meals save time, reduce stress, and keep the family energized for outdoor activities. Consider Radix Nutrition main meals for easy-to-prepare options that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. 
If you're looking for a fast option but a non-dehydrated meal check out Offgrid Provisions. Pair these with a compact camping stove, gas, Jetboil, or similar cooking gear to quickly heat and serve meals without hassle. Planning ahead ensures that even busy mornings at the campsite start smoothly with minimal effort.
Having a variety of camping food ideas is important for keeping everyone happy and satisfied. Think beyond basic sandwiches—snacks like trail mix, pre-packed fruit, and instant oatmeal make mornings and hikes easy and enjoyable. Incorporating a mix of fresh ingredients and convenient, ready-made meals ensures the family is fueled for adventure, while also minimising the stress of meal prep.
3. Inflatable Sleeping Mats
A good night’s sleep is essential for enjoying a family camping trip, and inflatable sleeping mats are a game-changer. Lightweight and compact, they provide a comfortable, cushioned surface that insulates you from the cold, uneven ground. Unlike traditional foam mats, inflatable mats can be adjusted for firmness, giving each family member the perfect level of support. They pack down small, making them easy to carry and store inside your tent or tipi, and are ideal for use with ultralight 6-person hot tipi tents, ensuring everyone wakes up refreshed and ready for outdoor adventures.
4. Sleeping Bags for the whole family
Quality sleeping bags are a must for keeping warm and cozy during camping trips, especially in cooler Australian nights. Options like Sea to Summit sleeping bags and quilts are designed to provide excellent insulation while remaining lightweight and easy to pack. They offer comfort across a range of temperatures, and their durable materials ensure they last for many family camping trips to come. Watch our video: What to look for in a sleeping bag.
Combined with your choice of inflatable sleeping mats inside your family tent, these sleeping bags make settling in for the night simple and comfortable, so the whole family can rest well and wake up ready for fun-filled days outdoors.
5. Camping Chairs and Furniture - nothing beats Helinox!
No family camping setup is complete without comfortable, reliable seating and tables, and Helinox camp furniture delivers both. Known for its lightweight yet incredibly strong design, Helinox gear is perfect for family trips where every kilogram matters.
Whether you’re relaxing around the campfire after a day of hiking or enjoying breakfast at your campsite, Helinox chairs and tables provide durable comfort without the bulk of traditional gear. Not sure which is right for you? Check out our article Which Helinox camp chair is right for you? Our complete guide. Easy to set up and pack down, these pieces make downtime more enjoyable and are especially well‑suited to life inside and around your ultralight 6‑person hot tipi tents. With Helinox camp furniture, you get premium comfort on the trail and at the campsite without sacrificing portability.
The Helinox Sunset Chair (below) is a favorite among parents, read our article on The Helinox Sunset camping chair: ultra light, comfy & packable while the Helinox Ground Chair is perfect for kids. Pair these with the Helinox Table One for the perfect camping set up for your next school holiday camping adventure.
A well-prepared school holidays camping checklist helps you enjoy stress-free outdoor adventures with the family. From picking the right family tent and organizing easy family camping meals, to stocking up on practical camping food ideas, thoughtful preparation ensures everyone has a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
Worried about safety? Download our FREE First Aid Checklist for Hikers and Campers!
With the right tent, sleeping gear and meal planning, your next family camping trip will be full of adventure, laughter, and fun. Looking for more info? Check out our article The ultimate guide to Outdoor Adventures in Australia.
Why Shop at PAST Outdoors
Shopping at PAST Outdoors means supporting a family-owned business that genuinely understands the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures. Our CEO, Dave, is passionate about camping with his family and kids, and this hands-on experience shapes every product we select for our store. 
From durable tents and sleeping gear to convenient camping furniture and meal solutions, every item is chosen to make family trips safer, more comfortable, and more memorable. When you shop with PAST Outdoors, you’re not just buying gear—you’re joining a community that values quality, reliability, and the same love for the outdoors that drives us every day.
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