Caravanning and camping are meant to be simple, but anyone who’s spent a night on the road knows it’s the little things that make or break a trip. There’s nothing quite like pulling up at a new spot, unhooking the van or pitching the tent, and breathing in that first lungful of fresh air. Whether you’re chasing open beaches, shady bush escapes, or just a break from the daily grind, caravanning and camping are all about slowing down and soaking up the simple things.
From toasty campfire nights to mornings with the birds, it’s the kind of getaway that doesn’t need a big budget or fancy plans. A little know-how, some clever caravan and camping essentials, and a good sense of adventure can turn any trip into a memory-maker. Check out our list below for 12 caravan and camping essentials you didn’t even realise you needed.
Pack Smart: 12 Caravan & Camping Essentials Making Life Easier!
MeanderWild Caravan Sheet Set
RRP: $149.95
WHERE TO BUY: MeanderWild
MeanderWild’s signature Caravan Sheet Set is designed specifically for caravan beds, combining the fitted and flat sheet into one smart design with a zipper at the base. Crafted from soft, durable 500 thread count cotton sateen, these caravan sheets make caravan bedmaking simple and sleep more comfortable — no slipping, bunching, or corner-wrestling required.
Tailored to fit caravan mattresses perfectly, each set includes the zip sheet and two pillowcases. Whether you’re on the road full-time or away for a weekend, this clever bedding setup is all about comfort and ease. It’s no surprise they’ve been called a “game changer” by travellers who value practicality without compromising on style.
Designed specifically for caravan mattress sizes, they eliminate the constant slipping and bunching that comes with regular bedding. Add in the premium 500 thread count cotton sateen, tailored fit and zipper design. You’ve got a solution that’s as practical as it is comfortable — and actually made for caravan life.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: 10% OFF CODE: MUM25 EXPIRY: 7 OCTOBER 2025
Recycled Plastic Caravan Mats
RRP: $299.95
WHERE TO BUY: Recycled Mats
A good mat can make all the difference when you’re setting up camp or a van. The Recycled Plastic Mat in Seedling Design gives you plenty of space to gather, relax, and keep things clean. Comes in sizes 2.4 x 2.4m, 2.4 x 6m and 2.4 x 7m, it’s big enough for the whole family and features a nature-inspired design that looks right at home under your awning or on the grass.
Made from recycled plastic, this camping mat is not only tough but also kind to the planet. It’s UV and mould resistant, reversible, and easy to clean … just hose it off and you’re good to go. The breathable weave protects the ground underneath while giving you a comfy barrier from sticks, stones, and insects. With eyelets included in the 6 & 7m sizes for tie-downs and a carry bag with an insulated side pocket, this caravan outdoor mat is as practical as it is stylish.
Exclusively available from Recycled Mats, the Seedling design brings a touch of elegance to your setup without being over the top. Durable, lightweight, and built to last, it’s a caravan mat that combines comfort, quality, and sustainability in one. If you’re after outdoor mats that look great and keep your campsite clean, this one is a standout.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: 15% OFF ANY PRODUCT CODE: MUMCENTRAL2025 EXPIRY: 23 DECEMBER 2025
SURVIVAL First Aid Kits
RRP: $9.95 – $254.92
WHERE TO BUY: SURVIVAL First Aid Kits
Accidents can happen when you least expect them. SURVIVAL First Aid Kits help you react quickly and stay calm in emergencies. With over 35 years of experience, these kits are trusted by thousands of Australians to make safety simple and reliable. Whether you’re caravanning, camping, or keeping one at home, they give you peace of mind knowing you’re prepared.
Each kit is carefully organised with colour-coded and clearly labelled components, so you can find what you need quickly and restock easily. Their kits also include SMART™ bandages designed specifically for snake and funnel-web spider bites. Compact, durable, and practical, these kits are built to withstand tough conditions and be ready whenever you need them.
SURVIVAL First Aid Kits are designed for all kinds of adventures. They are Molle-compatible, so you can attach them to backpacks or gear, and they cover both minor accidents and more serious emergencies. Being prepared has never been easier or more convenient, and these kits give you the confidence to enjoy the outdoors safely.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: 12% OFF CODE: MUM12 EXPIRY: 1 NOVEMBER 2025
Wanderluxe™️ Caravan Mattress Topper
RRP: From $199.00
WHERE TO BUY: Dreamer RV
If you’ve ever tried sleeping on a standard caravan bed, you’ll know it’s not always the most comfortable experience. The Wanderluxe™️ Caravan Mattress Topper transforms any caravan bed into a luxurious sleep surface, gently contouring to your body with high-quality gel-infused memory foam. It offers pressure relief and support, so you wake up feeling refreshed, whether you’re on a weekend getaway or a long road trip.
The topper features a soft, breathable Tencel sleep surface that helps regulate temperature and keeps you comfortable all night. An anti-slip base and elastic straps ensure it stays securely in place, while the removable, washable cover makes it easy to keep clean. Designed to fit a variety of caravan bed shapes and sizes, it works for single beds, queen-sized beds, and even bunk beds, making it a versatile upgrade for any RV.
Loved by thousands of Australians, the Wanderluxe™️ Mattress Topper is the best caravan mattress topper for those who want a practical yet indulgent upgrade. Perfect for caravanning, it combines comfort, quality, and convenience. Whether you’re investing in a caravan bunk bed kit or looking for a mattress topper for your caravan bed, this is a solution that brings the comfort of home into your travels.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: $20 OFF FIRST ORDER OVER $200 CODE: SLEEP20 EXPIRY: 23 OCTOBER 2025
Off Track Wines
RRP: $98.50
WHERE TO BUY: Off Track Wines
If you love taking your caravan or camping trips up a notch, Off Track Wines makes it easy to enjoy premium Australian wine on the road. Sourced from South Australia’s Fleurieu regions, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, and Currency Creek, these wines deliver exceptional quality wherever your travels take you. The convenient canned packaging is lightweight, easy to pack, and perfectly portioned to reduce waste, making it a smart choice for adventurous travellers.
Unlike traditional bottles, these wines chill quickly and are built to withstand bumpy roads, rocky campsites, and outdoor adventures without compromising quality. The durable aluminium packaging ensures your wine arrives in perfect condition, and you can pour it straight into tumblers or other vessels for a relaxed campfire moment. It’s an easy way to enjoy premium wine without worrying about broken glass or overfilling.
Off Track Wines are crafted specifically to travel well and tested in real outback conditions. You can take them anywhere from remote bush camps to caravan parks. Perfect for sharing around the campfire or on the boat, making every outdoor moment a little more special. These wines bring the pleasure of quality wine to every adventure. Available to adults 18+ only.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: $85 STANDARD 12 PACK OR $105 MIXED 12 PACK (FIRST PURCHASE ONLY) CODE: MUMSROCK EXPIRY: 23 OCTOBER 2025
i-Hook Suction Organisers
RRP: From $11.95
WHERE TO BUY: Howards Storage World
Keeping a caravan organised can be tricky when every centimetre counts. This is easily solved with i-Hook Suction Organisers, making it easy to add storage wherever you need it, without tools, screws, or a sticky mess. They work on non-porous surfaces, like acrylic, tile, and glass, so you can use them throughout your caravan.
Pop a hook by the door for your keys, add a towel rail or shower caddy in the bathroom, or pop a shelf organiser in the kitchen to free up bench space. The nano-suction technology holds up to 8kg, so you can trust it to stay put even when you’re on the move. They’re fully DIY, damage-free, and can be re-positioned whenever you like, making it simple to keep things tidy and accessible while you’re travelling.
Made from quality Stainless Steel, i-Hook Suction Organisers look as good as they work. With a 20-year rust-free warranty, so you can set them up in minutes and enjoy a clutter-free caravan from day one.
ShooAway Bamboo Eco-Friendly Rechargeable Portable Fly Repellent Fan
RRP: $24.95
WHERE TO BUY: ShooAway
Keep pesky flies off your food the Aussie way with ShooAway. The original and best fly fan, ShooAway was designed by founder Andrew Smith specifically for the Australian market. This clever gadget uses soft blades with patented Holographmatic™ repel dots to gently shoo flies away without harming them, making it 100% chemical-free and safe to use around food, kids, and pets.
Use ShooAway indoors or outdoors as your go-to fly repellent in any dining or food prep scenario – just pop it on the table and let it take care of the Shoo-ing Away! It’s portable, rechargeable, and ready to keep your meals bug-free anywhere from backyard barbies to camping trips.
Environmentally friendly and the first of its kind, ShooAway continues to be the only true innovator, improving the technology and releasing new designs.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: 15% OFF FAMILY FOUR PACKS CODE: MUM15 EXPIRY: 26 OCTOBER 2025
Zero Ice Reusable Cubes
RRP: $24.99 – $79.99
WHERE TO BUY: Zero Ice
Say goodbye to soggy eskies and endless ice runs with Zero Ice, the reusable ice solution that keeps your food and drinks cold for days without the mess. Each bag contains hundreds of durable cubes that freeze solid, stay icy in your cooler, and then go straight back into the freezer ready for next time. No water, no waste, no hassle.
Perfect for camping trips, fishing adventures, sports days, or family BBQs, Zero Ice makes life easier, cleaner, and more sustainable. It’s designed for Australian conditions and built tough enough to last for years, helping families save money while reducing single-use plastic.
Chill. Reuse. Repeat. Every bag sold donates $1 to ocean clean-up, so you’re helping the planet while keeping everything icy.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: OFFER: 20% OFF CODE: MUMCENTRAL20 EXPIRY: 31 OCTOBER 2025
RapidPack 4 person Pop Up Tent
RRP: $750
WHERE TO BUY: Lanzerac Outdoors
Set up camp in seconds with the RapidPack, Australia’s easiest instant 4-person pop-up tent. It goes from bag to pitched in just 2 minutes and packs down even faster. Lightweight at 12.5 kg and 170 cm long in its bag (which has an extra 3 cm for easy packing), it’s easy to carry, while 185 cm of internal height lets you stand comfortably. Innovative convex walls make it feel extra spacious, and the free-standing design means pegs and guy ropes are not essential, though they are included for extra stability.
This tent is full of clever family-friendly features. Zip-free child access means no more yelling at kids about fly screens. The fully removable floor can go straight in a cold wash, and a sneaky zip-up sweeping hole lets you get rid of sand or dirt without taking the tent down. Ventilation is designed for Aussie conditions, keeping the tent cool and comfy for everyone.
Lanzerac Outdoors, a small Brisbane family business, designed the RapidPack to solve camping frustrations. As the saying goes, “He who curses every tent, builds the one worth buying.” Backed by a love-it-or-return-it guarantee, this instant pop up tent is ready for any Aussie adventure.
Camec Premium Caravan Cover
RRP: From $329.00
WHERE TO BUY: Caravan RV Camping
Protect your home-on-wheels from the harsh Aussie elements with the Camec Premium Caravan Cover. Purpose-built for Australian conditions, this tough cover shields your van from sun, rain, dirt, and bird droppings. It helps prevent fading, mildew, and weather damage while your caravan is in storage. It’s the easy way to keep your pride and joy looking like new between trips.
Crafted from heavy-duty, UV-stabilised materials, the Camec cover is breathable to reduce condensation and mould build-up, yet strong enough to resist tearing in tough weather. It features reinforced corners to protect against wear, zippered panels for easy access to your van doors while covered, and adjustable straps for a snug, secure fit, even in windy conditions.
Available in a wide range of sizes to suit most caravans, the Camec Premium Caravan Cover takes the hassle out of off-season storage. Slip it on, strap it down and relax knowing your van is clean, dry and ready for your next adventure.
Coleman Eventemp 3‑Burner Stove with Griddle
RRP: $399.99 (Club Price $299)
WHERE TO BUY: Anaconda
Fire up three dishes at once with the Coleman Eventemp 3-Burner Stove with Griddle. Built for big appetites and open-air cooking. It features two high-power 11,500 BTU burners plus a smaller 5,000 BTU burner, giving you up to 28,000 BTUs so you can simmer, fry, boil, or sear like a pro. The push-button InstaStart™ ignition makes lighting up quick and safe, and PerfectFlow™ fuel control keeps performance steady even when temps drop or fuel pressure fluctuates.
Cooking outdoors usually means wind, grease, and cleanup hassles; this stove helps solve them. It has a WindBlock™ system that shields flames and doubles as side shelves for prep or plating. There’s also a heavy-duty easy-clean griddle, a grease cup, and removable grates, so wiping down is fast. Stove comes with a 5-foot LPG hose so you’re ready to hook up without scrambling for extras.
Big enough for families or small groups, the Eventemp 3-Burner Stove delivers camp kitchen power in a reliable package. Whether you’re roasting up breakfast, simmering stew or flipping pancakes, this cooker helps you do more, faster, with less fuss. Perfect for packing into the back of a 4WD or keeping at the caravan. No more jig sawing pans to make everything fit.
VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat
RRP: A$539.00 — On sale for A$299.00
WHERE TO BUY: Outbax
Tired of hunting for power in the bush? The VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat gives you portable, serious solar power without excess weight or bulk. It uses high-grade monocrystalline cells that deliver ~21.9% efficiency, and its PET-coated solar fabric replaces fragile glass, so the blanket is lighter, less brittle, and easier to handle.
When opened it spans 107 × 156 cm, yet folds down to just 54 × 39 × 6.5 cm, tipping the scales at 6.1 kg. It’s weather-ready from -20 °C to 65 °C, with an IP65 rating and tie-down points so you can anchor it safely even in windy conditions. Comes with a 2 m cable, USB solar controller, Anderson plug, and alligator clips to hook into battery setups.
Whether you’re off-grid camping, staying in a remote caravan spot, or simply want reliable power for lights, phones, fridges, or a sound system, this solar mat helps you stay charged for longer with minimal fuss. Chilled evenings, early starts, and no more scrambling for fuel-powered generators. With a one-year warranty, it’s a strong contender for anyone wanting power and portability in the great outdoors.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER OFFER: 20% OFF CODE: SOLAR20 EXPIRY: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The beauty of caravanning and camping is that there’s always another corner of Australia waiting for you. With the right setup, you can make the most of every stop. From quick weekends away to long-haul adventures, having the right gear and a few creature comforts can turn any trip into a memorable escape. Every morning brings fresh air, new sights, and the simple joy of being on the road, ready to explore at your own pace.
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1 Comment
Make sure you take some torches ( preferably that you can hang) and spare batteries. If you are in a caravan put a strong hook/s on your ceiling. If you have to stop where there is no electricity you at least have lighting. Some of the “cheap” shops sell them at reasonable prices. They are fairly sturdy – kids drop things – none broken so far