Camping Through the Heat

Australia’s natural beauty is hard to resist, especially in summer. The idea of sleeping under the stars, waking up to birdsong, and exploring lush bushland has always been the perfect escape for my family. But as every Aussie knows, summer camper trailer also brings with it something a lot less idyllic: bushfire season.

Still, we weren’t ready to give Caravans up on our holiday plans just yet. With a bit of careful planning and the right gear, we discovered that camping during bushfire season is not hybrid campers only possible but incredibly rewarding. Our journey was made all the better thanks to our decision to travel with a hybrid camper from Star Vision Campers & Caravans.

Let me share how we did it — safely, Pop Up Camper comfortably, and without giving up on the experience we love.

Why We Chose a Pop Top Camper Trailer Hybrid Camper

We’ve owned tents, we’ve borrowed pop up campers, and we’ve even rented full-sized caravans in the past. But this year, with fire safety in mind, we wanted something more rugged, reliable, and ready for anything. That’s where the hybrid camper came in.

Hybrid campers combine the best of both worlds — the compact convenience of a camper trailer, and the sturdy, secure construction of a caravan. Ours came equipped with hard walls, a pop-top roof for ventilation, solar power, a water tank, and off-road capabilities. Perfect for remote areas while still being quick to evacuate if needed.

The compact design also made towing a breeze. We knew we might have to make a fast exit if conditions worsened, and being able to hook up and go in minutes gave us peace of mind.

Planning Around Fire Risk

Bushfire awareness was at the heart of every decision we made. Before we left, we checked the NSW RFS and VIC Emergency apps daily to stay on top of fire danger ratings. We avoided high-risk areas, selected regulated campsites with multiple access points, and let a friend know our full itinerary, just in case.

We also packed an Emergency Survival Kit. This included:

10L of bottled water

Woollen blankets for each of us

A portable, battery-operated radio

Spare batteries

A waterproof torch

First-aid kit with manual

Waterproof bag for documents and valuables

Protective clothing

Phone chargers and a solar-powered bank

Some emergency cash

Maps (with exit routes highlighted)

These all lived in a sealed container stored just inside the camper door, where everyone knew how to grab it quickly.

The Joy of Travelling with a Camper Trailer

Before buying the hybrid camper, we seriously considered getting a camper trailer instead. We’d used one in the past and loved the open-air feeling it offered. But with bushfire safety in mind, we ultimately chose the hard-walled hybrid. That said, for many families, a camper trailer is a fantastic option — lightweight, easy to tow, and perfect for short getaways if you stay in low-risk areas and remain vigilant.

We met a couple at the campsite using a Star Vision pop up camper, and they couldn’t stop raving about how easily it set up. It was their first family trip with their new rig, and they’d chosen it specifically for its small footprint and great airflow. The bonus? It was simple to pack down if conditions changed.

That’s something we all appreciated: when you're camping during bushfire season, your setup needs to be nimble.

Life on the Road with a Caravan Crew

Along the way, we met several other travellers — including a grey nomad couple with a full-size caravan that looked like a rolling luxury suite. They shared stories of fire evacuations in past years and the importance of checking updates daily, especially if you’re not staying put. The built-in fire extinguisher in their caravan and the metal exterior gave them peace of mind.

But, as they noted, larger caravans can be more difficult to move quickly, especially on narrow bush tracks. It’s a trade-off between comfort and maneuverability. It reminded me why we’d chosen a hybrid — spacious enough for our family, but still compact and quick to relocate if needed.

What to Do If You Get Caught

On one leg of our trip, we hit a Code Red day. Thankfully, we were in a designated camping area with multiple access roads, and we’d already scoped them out. That morning, we packed everything down and moved to a safer location near a river and cleared land, following the local ranger’s advice.

We had rehearsed what to do if we encountered a fire on the road: park off to the side, away from trees or grass, stay inside the car or camper, cover ourselves with blankets, drink water, and keep low. Fortunately, we never had to test this out, but knowing what to do helped ease our anxiety.

The biggest lesson? Bushfire safety is all about preparation.

Star Vision Made the Difference

Looking back, I truly believe our decision to travel with a hybrid camper from Star Vision Campers & Caravans made our holiday not just safer, but better overall. Their range — from camper trailers to pop up campers and full-sized caravans — really caters to every kind of adventurer.

Our hybrid handled rough roads, kept us cool on hot nights, and gave us that sweet spot between security and mobility. Best of all, it didn’t feel like a compromise. It felt like an upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Camping during bushfire season isn’t something to take lightly. But it doesn’t mean you need to give up on the outdoors altogether. With the right planning, equipment, and awareness, you can still enjoy Australia’s wild beauty — responsibly.

So if you’re planning your next summer getaway, take a long look at your gear. A well-prepared camper trailer, a sturdy caravan, or a quick-set pop up camper can be the difference between worry and wonder.

For us, our hybrid camper gave us freedom — and in bushfire season, that’s the most important thing of all.