We have been caught out twice where we didn’t have the correct type or amount of clothes for the kids when camping. Who would expect to wake up Christmas Day at Wilson’s Promontory with a centimetre of hail on the ground? A white Christmas was pretty exciting for the kids but we hadn’t packed for winter!
Coober Pedy, Central Australia
The second time was when it rained for 5 days near Walhalla, Victorian High Country and we were camping in tents. It’s very difficult to wash and dry the kids clothes when they change 2 or 3 times a day and you can’t dry anything. We got through that week but it wasn’t much fun for anyone. There were clothes hanging up everywhere, especially on the back of chairs near the campfire.
Lesson learnt, when we travelled to Tasmania in the Summer of 2010/2011, we packed enough kids clothes for all weather conditions. We even packed their thermals and just as well because it snowed the day after Boxing Day.
Warm clothing required when travelling in Tasmania
Even when we are travelling around Australia, we ensure there is enough warm clothing for evenings, mornings or when travelling in areas that can suddenly get cold or wet.
Lachy prepared for a day in the snow
Our best tip, light weight waterproof jackets and thermals. Both items pack up really small and can be tucked out of the way.
A few kids clothing tips:
Keep polyester clothing away from fire as it can melt
Layers – a warm jumper under a lightweight jacket will keep them warm and dry
Keep a beany and sunhat in their clothes bag or cupboard
Dont pack the kids best clothes as they will soon be their oldest!
Buy quality from stores like Target and dont worry about the odd peice of clothing from the local op shop. We have met people travelling around Australia that buy most of the kids clothing from op shops.
