Western Australia has some of the best camping in the country, from the turquoise waters of Coral Bay to the towering karri forests of the south-west and the red dirt of the Pilbara. But WA’s conditions are also unique. Extreme heat, minimal shade in many areas, strong coastal winds, and serious distances between towns mean your gear choices matter more here than in many other parts of Australia.

I’ve been camping across WA for over a decade, and I’ve learned plenty of expensive lessons about what works and what doesn’t. Here’s my guide to the gear that actually matters.

Tents: Go Freestanding and Well-Ventilated

In WA, ventilation is critical. Many campsites have hard or sandy ground that makes staking difficult, so a freestanding tent that doesn’t rely entirely on pegs is ideal. Look for tents with large mesh panels and multiple entry points for cross-ventilation.

The OZtrail Tasman 4V Plus (around $299 from BCF) is an excellent all-rounder for car camping. It’s freestanding, well-ventilated, and handles WA wind surprisingly well. For something more compact, the Coleman Instant Up Gold series (from about $349) sets up in under two minutes and has good airflow, which is perfect when you arrive at camp after a long drive and just want to get set up.

For hot conditions in the north, a swag can be a better option than a tent. The Darche Dusk to Dawn (around $449) is a well-built swag with excellent ventilation and a decent mattress built in.

Sleeping Gear: Don’t Overbuy for Summer

A common mistake is buying an expensive cold-weather sleeping bag for WA camping. If you’re mostly camping between September and April, you need something lightweight with good ventilation. The Sea to Summit Spark SP1 (around $199) is perfect for summer camping, packing down tiny and keeping you comfortable in temperatures above 15 degrees.

For winter camping in the south-west, where temperatures can drop to near freezing, you’ll want something warmer. The Oztrail Kingsford -5 (around $89) is good value for car camping, though it’s bulky. Invest in a decent sleeping mat regardless of season. A cold or uneven ground surface will ruin your sleep more than the wrong sleeping bag.

Cooking: Keep It Simple

For car camping, a dual-burner gas stove is the standard, and the Gasmate Travelmate II (around $89) is reliable and widely available. Pair it with a basic camp cookware set from BCF or Anaconda.

The real upgrade worth making is a quality camp chair. You’ll spend more time sitting around camp than doing anything else, and a comfortable chair makes a huge difference. The Darche KOZI series (from $79) are sturdy and comfortable without being excessively heavy.

Lighting

A good headlamp is the single most useful piece of camping gear you can own. The Ledlenser MH5 (around $69) is bright, rechargeable, and comfortable to wear. For camp lighting, LED lanterns from brands like BioLite and Black Diamond work well, but honestly, a cheap rechargeable LED lantern from Bunnings does the job for most people.

Water and Cooling

Carrying enough water is non-negotiable in WA, especially if you’re heading north or to remote areas. A quality water jerry can and a decent esky are essential. The Dometic Cool-Ice CI 55 (around $199) holds ice for days in WA heat if you pre-chill it and minimise openings.

Where to Buy Camping Gear in Australia

BCF (Boating Camping Fishing) is the go-to for most camping gear in WA, with stores in most major centres. Anaconda is another option, often running aggressive sales. For online purchasing, Snowys Outdoors has excellent range and service. Wild Earth is worth checking for discounted premium brands.

Don’t overlook Bunnings for basics. They stock surprisingly decent camping gear at lower prices than specialist retailers, and with stores everywhere, it’s convenient for last-minute purchases.

The Bottom Line

Good camping gear doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does need to suit your conditions. For WA, prioritise ventilation in your shelter, don’t overbuy on sleeping bags for summer, and invest in comfort items like a good chair and headlamp. The best gear is the stuff that works reliably trip after trip, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get there.