I’m currently writing to you from Winderabandi on the stunning Ningaloo Coast, arguably my favourite campsite in all of Australia (I know, big call) and it got me thinking, what is it that makes an off-grid camp so special? And if there is a specific formula, how can we continue to find camps like these that fill our soul and leave us consistently running back for more?
Well, if I had to write a recipe of all the ingredients I think go into a great off-grid camp, this is what I’d include. Make sure you get your checklist ready, so you can continue to find epic off-the-beaten-track camps that suit your style of adventuring and travel.
Solitude
Admittedly, it feels a little rude to say out loud, but Josh and I agree that our favourite campsites are the ones where we are one of few humans (even better if it’s just us!). As much as we love making friends, there’s just something about being alone in nature that makes you feel grounded and melts the stress right off your bones. In a world where we are constantly connected, by social media, by proximity and by ease-of-contact, it can feel rare to have a moment where you can step away from all of that and just be. It’s a once-in-a-blue-moon moment to achieve solitude in modern society, in my experience anyway.
For us, the ideal off-grid camp is far enough off the beaten track where you realise you can finally hear the sounds of the wind whistling through the trees, you’re close enough to hear the waves crashing and you’re far away enough that the glow of the city is no longer hovering above the horizon.
Right now I’m seated in my caravan with the door wide open, watching turtles float by and listening to the mesmerising sound of the waves. That’s not something you’ll get at a caravan park!
4x4 and caravan pictured in the outback with red dust
It’s an Adventurous Road in
The journey is sometimes the most exciting part of the adventure and off-grid camps typically do not come without a challenging track in. Whether you had to conquer the soft sand at Yardie Creek, notorious for bogging even the most experienced travellers, to head to a Ningaloo Coast campsite or you were forced to roll along at 15 kilometres p/h on a corrugated road through the desert, you’ll quickly learn nothing worth reaching comes easy.
One thing all of our beloved off-grid camps have in common is that they were not easy to reach, which made getting there both a fun adventure and an achievement to celebrate on arrival. There might be a few iffy moments along the way, so always come prepared with a UHF for communication, recovery gear and a means of contact like a satellite phone or satellite internet.
The adventurous track into camp is another reason you achieve point one (solitude) because not everyone has the skill required or the necessary vehicle/caravan capability to get to these spots. Think about it, no truly extraordinary campsites have ever been an easy access off the bitumen.
Self-Sufficiency is a Must
Off-grid camps come with no power, no water fill-ups and usually no dump points or bins. There are rarely grocery shops nearby and many times you’re extremely exposed to the elements. Personally, Josh and I thrive off being self-sufficient; likely a mix between getting back to our roots of what it used to take to survive (before Uber Eats was a thing) and how rewarding it feels to fend for yourself. Preparedness is key: make sure before you leave town you fill your water tanks, stock up on food supplies, and plan ahead. Staying mindful throughout the stay is just as important, if you deplete your supplies too quickly your adventure ends early and you’ll be headed straight home.
The self-sufficiency aspect of an off-grid campsite is yet another exciting challenge that you can put yourself to the test to. It feels all the more rewarding when you realise how well you’ve done and how much you were able to rely on yourself and/or your camping buddy to survive.
aerial shot of a beach with campers dotting the coast
Access to Activities
Whether it’s stand up paddle boarding, a challenging hike to a waterhole, snorkelling, a simple stroll on the beach or an outback bush walk, off-grid camps usually come with some epic, natural activities surrounding them. Sure, the tours you find in towns can be unique and an enjoyable time (I’m yet to swim with whale sharks but it is on the bucket list!), but there’s just something epic about creating your own adventure in the Outback or whilst you’re enjoying the coast.
With so much wide open space surrounding you, the choice is in your hands of how you’ll seize the day. Every day is a new adventure waiting to be discovered, when you allow it to be.
person stand up paddle boarding at beach
Being Around Wildlife
Off-grid camps are far enough off the beaten track that you’ll find many species of wildlife thriving amongst the environment. Whether it’s emus, dingoes or kangaroos, it feels so incredibly special to be up close and personal with Australian animals. Many people in the cities go their entire lives only witnessing animals from behind a thick glass wall at zoos, and seeing Australian animals in the wild is a rare privilege. Experiencing them up close, in their natural habitat, is one of the most magical parts of off-grid camping.
As cute and fluffy as they can be, keep in mind that the animals you encounter are wild animals, not domestic pets looking for a cuddle. Ensure you keep a safe distance from them, don’t attempt to feed them and always respect their space. What looks cute or curious can still be unpredictable and there are many examples of when a human approaching a wild animal turned dangerous. For example, Parks QLD recommends keeping at least 20 metres away from the dingoes on K’gari - they’re protected as a native species by law and their behaviour fluctuates throughout the year. The distance is for both your own good and theirs.
The Final Ingredient
The perfect off-grid camp goes beyond its location, it’s an experience. It’s solitude, adventure, self-sufficiency, access to nature and a touch of wildlife encounter magic. Winderabandi Point on the Ningaloo reef is one of those places for us, and past the black stump, countless others are waiting for you to discover them. So grab your gear, jump in your rig, hit the tracks and follow this recipe to find your own slice of off-grid adventure.
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