Personal Essentials for a camping Weekend at Dallas Brooks Park

For weekend camping at Dallas Brooks Scout Camp (DBSC), you probably won’t need a full, expedition-level investment in equipment, but there are a few essentials to ensure you get the most enjoyment from your visit.

The decision and the destination

DBSC is close to the city, yet a world away, on 60 hectares of bush. There’s no electricity, no lights, no shop and no office. Camp facilities are basic, with two blocks in the park providing water for drinking and dishwashing and showers/toilets. Basic wooden tables and benches can be found at the ‘picnic ground’. You can camp near any of these or go further into the bush to be more independent.

The set up of weekend camping

Setting up a tent in the dark is for mugs. Arrive early to find and prepare your site. Even or gently sloping ground is best, with no rocks or roots and cleared of branches. Face your tent away from prevailing wind and weather.

A tarpaulin under the tent provides extra insulation. You might need a mallet to help get the pegs in (and spare pegs?). If there’s a threat of rain, put the fly up and dig a trench – know where to put it and have something to dig it with.

The settling in

For a good night’s sleep, not having a rock under your back is just the start and staying warm is the main game. Any sort of cushioning will help, from a self-inflating mat to an off-the-ground stretcher. Sleeping bags are rated for temperature, but sheets and blankets or a doona might get you through a weekend. Bring your favourite pillow. Now, set up some chairs outside and marvel at your handiwork. At a pinch, a crate or esky can be your table.

There’s no electricity. Food will need to be on ice. There is water, but bringing storage and bottles is smart. Bring phones and devices fully charged and booster backup. No electricity means no lights. Gas bottle lighting? Torches? A head lamp that will get you to the toilet? There are fireplaces at the facilities blocks and ‘picnic ground’ but if you want hot food or hot water (a coffee!), you’re going to need a fire or a gas bottle/bbq as well as pots, pans or bbq gear. Crockery, cutlery, mugs and don’t forget the Swiss Army Knife or the tools/gadgets it approximates … and matches.

The personal essentials for weekend camping

It’s camping in the bush. Be prepared. Insect repellent, sun protection and a basic first aid kit are essentials. Facilities are shared, so pack a toiletries bag and medicines, bring a towel and that head lamp. A length of rope or a travel clothes line will get used. Bringing wet wipes and hand sanitiser will reduce your water dependence.

Bring some treats. Relax, explore, enjoy.

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