Sustainability

Australia has some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes on earth. Keeping them that way is up to all of us. This guide covers practical, achievable ways to make your camping trips more sustainable — from gear choices to campsite habits.

Leave No Trace — the foundation of sustainable camping

Leave No Trace is the globally recognised framework for minimising your impact in the outdoors. In Australia it’s not just good practice — in many national parks it’s enforced. The seven principles are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare — Research regulations, weather, and terrain before you go. Good planning prevents most environmental damage.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces — Stick to existing tracks and established campsites. Avoid walking on fragile vegetation.

3. Dispose of waste properly — Pack out everything you pack in. Bury human waste 60 metres from water sources in a hole 15cm deep.

4. Leave what you find — Don’t pick plants, disturb rocks, or take natural souvenirs. Leave the site exactly as you found it.

5. Minimise campfire impact — Use existing fire rings, keep fires small, and ensure they are completely extinguished. Check local fire restrictions before every trip.

6. Respect wildlife — Observe animals from a distance. Never feed wildlife — it disrupts their natural behaviour and can be dangerous.

7. Be considerate of other visitors — Keep noise down, yield to other trail users, and camp away from others where possible.

Choosing sustainable camping gear

The gear you buy has an environmental impact before it ever reaches a campsite. Here’s what to look for:

Buy durable, not disposable

Quality gear that lasts 10 years has a far smaller environmental footprint than cheap gear replaced every season. Invest in well-made tents, sleeping bags and cookware from brands that stand behind their products.

Look for responsible materials

• Recycled fabrics — many brands now use recycled polyester and nylon
• Organic or natural fibres — for clothing and liners
• Sustainably harvested materials — look for FSC certification on wooden products
• Avoid single-use plastics — bring reusable containers, bags and bottles

Check certifications

• Bluesign® — ensures responsible manufacturing with reduced environmental impact
• FSC — sustainable forestry for wooden products
• Fair Trade — ethical production standards

Choose repairable and multi-use gear

Gear that can be repaired extends its life significantly. Many quality brands offer repair services or sell spare parts. Multi-use items — a pot that works as a bowl, a jacket that packs into its own pocket — mean less gear overall.

Trusted sustainable brands

Patagonia, MSR, Sea to Summit and Kathmandu all have strong environmental commitments and transparent supply chains.

Sustainable habits at the campsite

Water protection

Keep all soap, food scraps, and chemicals well away from waterways. Even biodegradable soap should be used 60 metres from any water source. Carry a small trowel and use it.

Waste management

• Bring reusable containers for food — avoid single-use packaging
• Pack a small rubbish bag and take everything out with you
• Compostable bags for food scraps where appropriate
• Never burn rubbish — plastics and coated packaging release toxic fumes

Campfire responsibility

Campfires have a significant impact on the environment. Where possible use a camp stove instead — it’s cleaner, more efficient, and not subject to fire bans. When fires are permitted:

• Use existing fire rings only
• Collect only dead, fallen wood — never cut live branches
• Keep fires small
• Douse completely with water, stir the ash, douse again

Wildlife interactions

Australian wildlife is unique and often endangered. Keep your distance, never feed animals, and store food securely. In dingo-prone areas like Fraser Island this is critical for both your safety and theirs.

Reducing your carbon footprint

• Carpool to the campsite where possible
• Use solar chargers instead of generator power
• Choose rechargeable over disposable batteries
• Offset your trip through a reputable Australian carbon offset program if driving long distances

Download our free sustainable camping guide

Practical tips you can print and bring on your next trip.

Download Responsible Waste Guide →

Why it matters

Australia’s natural landscapes — from the Kimberley to the Victorian Alps, the Great Barrier Reef to Tasmania’s wilderness — are extraordinary and irreplaceable. Every camper who treads lightly makes a difference. Small habits, consistently practised, add up to something significant.

Camp with nature, not against it.

Also see our guides to camping tips for Australians and camp cooking essentials.