Aussie camper warns visitors about potentially fatal mistakes in the outback!

The great Australian outback offers a unique and exhilarating camping experience.

It showcases the country's vast landscapes and rugged beauty, which could draw adventurers.

However, the wilderness is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, and a recent tragedy highlighted the importance of being well-prepared for nature's sudden dangers.


A 27-year-old camper recently lost his life at the Kevington campground, located about northeast of Melbourne.

A termite-infested tree collapsed onto his tent while he was inside.

This heartbreaking event sparked a conversation about camping safety and the risks associated with the Australian bush.


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Campers should be able to enjoy the outdoors safely. Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio


Marcus Sutherland, a seasoned camper from Victoria, stepped forward to offer his insights and advice in the wake of this tragedy.

Sutherland emphasised the need for campers to be proactive about their safety while enjoying the great outdoors.

'If you're going to be camping in a very wooded area, you can actually check the trees around you, because the issue is, what happened with this camper was that the tree was infested with termites,' Sutherland said.

A knock on the trunk could reveal if termites have hollowed out a tree.


When setting up camp, Sutherland advised against pitching tents under trees with small, weak branches.

These precautions could help campers avoid potential hazards.

Respecting the environment is another important aspect of camping.

He shared the two-in, two-out method for campers.

This involves two garbage bags—one for personal rubbish and another for cleaning up after less considerate campers.

He also advised campers to avoid washing dishes in natural water sources, as chemicals could harm ecosystems.


For those new to camping, Sutherland suggested starting with a few practice trips on paid or public campgrounds close to town.

'This way, you have an opportunity to learn how your equipment works, items you forgot to pack and items you packed that you don't use. Storage space is essential to planning a fun, safe trip,' he added.

He also reminded campers to pack the right gear, which includes comprehensive first-aid and snake bite kits.

It would also help if campers are well-versed in emergency procedures.

Watch Marcus Sutherland's camping advice here:

Source: @ozcamper/TikTok

These camping tips came to light after Premier Jacinta Allan announced that camping would be free at all 131 of Parks Victoria's paid campgrounds.

The free camping initiative will start on 1 December and run until 30 June of next year.

Aimed at making domestic travel more affordable, this could save families an estimated $7.3 million in booking fees.

As we welcome the opportunity to connect with nature, let us also remind ourselves of the responsibilities that come with camping.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or planning your first foray into the wilderness, remember that safety should always be the top priority.
Key Takeaways

  • A young man died after a tree fell on his tent at Kevington campground, which prompted warnings about camping safety.
  • Experienced camper Marcus Sutherland advised campers to check trees for hollowness and signs of termite infestation before setting up camp.
  • Sutherland also reiterated respect for the environment by using the two-in, two-out method for rubbish and not washing dishes in natural water sources.
  • Camping will be free at all Victoria campgrounds from 1 December to 30 June next year to encourage domestic travel for families.
Do you have any camping experiences to share with us? Perhaps you have a couple of camping tips and tricks to help first-timers. Let us know in the comments section below!
 
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