Question 1

What's the coldest AU temperature you can camp in safely with normal gear?

Accepted Answer

Down to about –5°C with a properly assembled sleep system (–5°C comfort bag, R 4 mat, liner, dry sleep clothes, 3-season tent). Below that you need genuine winter mountaineering gear and skills, or you should use a hut.

Question 2

Down or synthetic sleeping bag for Australian winter?

Accepted Answer

Down for dry alpine cold (Snowys, Vic Alps in clear weather). Synthetic for everywhere else, especially coastal sites and Tasmania where damp is the bigger issue. Damp down is a useless sleeping bag.

Question 3

Can I use my regular tent in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes for most of AU. A 3-season family tent like the OZtrail Fast Frame or Coleman Instant Up Gold handles AU lowland winter fine. You only need a 4-season tent above the snowline (Snowys, Vic Alps high country, Tasmania high country).

Question 4

How do I keep my water from freezing overnight?

Accepted Answer

Sleep with the water bottle inside your sleeping bag, or wrap it in a wool sock and place it under your sleeping mat. A small thermos with hot water at bedtime gives you warm water in the morning regardless.

Question 5

Do I need to worry about hypothermia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's preventable. Hypothermia happens when wet, exposed, exhausted, or hungry. Stay dry, stay layered, stay fed. Watch for "the umbles", stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, grumbling, as early signs in yourself or others. If someone's shivering uncontrollably and getting confused, get them dry, into a sleeping bag, and feed them hot sugary drinks. Don't rely on coffee or alcohol.

Question 6

Is winter camping safe with kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the right gear and the right destination. Kids feel cold faster than adults and can't always articulate it, check on them frequently. Choose a sheltered, accessible site for the first few trips. Wilpena Pound, lowland Tasmania, and the NSW Mid-North Coast are good "easy winter" introductions. Avoid alpine until kids are 10+ and properly geared.

Question 7

What about camping in snow?

Accepted Answer

Different sport. Snow camping requires: a real 4-season tent, a –10°C or warmer bag, an R 6+ mat, snow stakes/deadmen, knowledge of avalanche risk in alpine terrain, and ideally a guide for your first attempt. Don't wing it. Take a course or go with experienced friends.

sleep system camping

Winter Camping Australia 2026: The Sleep System & Layering Guide