Craving a family getaway but dreading the endless packing, the chorus of “are we there yet?”, and the long drive? The perfect escape might be waiting just on the other side of your back door. A backyard staycation offers all the magic of a traditional camping trip: stargazing, campfire cooking, and outdoor games with the unbeatable perk of a clean, indoor bathroom just steps away. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a total beginner, here are 7 easy steps to pull off the ultimate backyard campout your kids will remember for years.
1. Pitch the Ultimate Basecamp
Round up your mini mountaineers and teach the kids how to pitch a tent together. Constructing the basecamp as a team is a must-do for an authentic experience and provides the perfect hub for days of fun. Kit the tent out with cozy sleeping bags, fluffy pillows, and hang a torch from the roof to act as a makeshift nightlight. Don’t forget to stash some Anzac biscuits under the pillows for a midnight snack! For a seriously cool glamping upgrade, try pitching a teepee-style tent and laying down rubber faux-timber flooring.
2. Gather ‘Round the Campfire
There’s nothing quite like huddling around a crackling campfire to get everyone into the “great outdoors” spirit. If you aren’t keen on scorching your lawn, don’t panic—an above-ground outdoor fire pit or a simple terracotta pot works wonders. Send the kids on a garden scavenger hunt for twigs and kindling, then light up the night with spooky camping stories, singalongs, and freshly toasted marshmallows.
3. Tuck Into the Bush Tucker
Whether it’s Billy tea, a classic damper, or a good old Aussie BBQ, nothing beats outdoor grub. Make it a culinary expedition by picking fresh tomatoes, herbs, and veggies straight from your garden. Teach the kids how to mix up a damper dough, sizzle sausages on the grill, and twirl melting marshmallows on a stick. Best of all? You don’t have to worry about the kids traipsing mud through the house!
4. Power Your Off-Grid Oasis
Let’s face it, one of the biggest upgrades to modern backyard camping is reliable portable power. The new EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus is ideal for family stays. Offering a class-leading 2kWh capacity and 3000W output (with up to 6000W surge), it comfortably runs everything from the kettle and festoon lights to laptops and cooking gear without breaking a sweat.
Designed for Australian conditions, it’s just as useful for backyard setups as it is for remote 4WD adventures. It charges fast (0–80% in under an hour) and operates at a whisper-quiet volume. With a smart app that lets you prioritise essentials like the outdoor fridge or Wi-Fi, it feels less like a clunky generator and more like a silent energy hub sitting right beside your tent. The DELTA 3 Max Plus is available via EcoFlow’s official website, Amazon and eBay.
5. Keep the Bugs at Bay
Nothing ruins a staycation faster than creepy crawlies and mosquito bites. Keep the kids’ arms and legs protected with long-sleeve tops and pants, particularly at dusk when the mozzies are out in full force. Be sure to keep a high-quality fly and bug spray made with natural ingredients on hand so the whole family stays comfortable.
6. Let the Games Begin!
You might not have a lake to go fishing in, but that doesn’t mean daytime activities have to suffer. Engage their imaginations and keep them active with classic camp games. Organize a backyard hide-and-seek tournament, set up a nature scavenger hunt, or go “wildlife spotting” for local birds and bugs. If the weather is warm, break out the slip ‘n slide, have an epic water gun fight, or set up a paddling pool for some catch-and-release pretend fishing.
7. Always Have a Plan B
We all know that sometimes things don’t go according to plan. If the kids get a little spooked in the dark, or if thunder and rain strike suddenly, make sure you have a Plan B ready: indoor action! Bring the sleeping bags inside, turn off all the lights, and tell ghost stories with torches lighting up your faces. Play camp-themed games like “Celebrity Head” with an animal twist. If it’s just a light rain, leave the back door open to maintain the camping feel with nature’s storm as a backdrop minus the pelting water!