Enjoying a campfire entirely depends upon your whereabouts in Australia. In some areas, there’s not so much concern over a having campfire, but more the need to obtain a permit before you do. Daily conditions and the summer weather prior greatly influence restrictions, especially in the drier parts of the country.
The dates for Fire Danger Season change year to year depending on fuel loads, short-term weather conditions, and the long-term climate in each area. This blog will guide you through the Campfire Season – plus, with the help of a few of our most popular blogs, you can safely enjoy all the cosy-comforts of camping in the cooler months.
Always clear the area around your campfire.
Fire Danger Season Dates
Fire restrictions during the warmer months are in place mostly around the drier states of Australia like SA, VIC, and WA. As a general rule, the dates span from November through to April, give or take a few months.
Other states don’t necessarily adopt a blanket rule around restrictions, but require permits instead. A permit ensures the relevant Emergency Services have a heads-up on why, when, where, and how the burn will take place, and imposes conditions around how it is both lit and maintained.
Follow the links most appropriate to you and your location for more details on current dates and restrictions. This information has been researched in reference to camping and campfires – backyard fires, bonfires, burn-offs, etc. carry their own restrictions. Please seek advice from your local council or authorities before you burn.
QLD
State of Queensland (Queensland Fire & Emergency Services)
- Fire season extends from July through to October, but can extend to February.
- Despite this predominant time period, bushfires can occur at any time.
- These times can vary depending on conditions of bushland, long-term climate, and short-term weather.
- The information found here from the QPWS is a great resource.
ACT
- Fire season extends from October through to the end of March.
- Recreational fires are allowed with a permit during bushfire season, however not permitted at all during a Total Fire Ban.
NSW
- Fire season extends from October through to the end of March.
- Open fires are only allowed with a permit.
VIC
- Fire season can extend from October through to the end of April or early May.
- Timeframes differ depending on the municipality.
- Permits may be required.
TAS
Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service
- Generally restrictions are placed depending on forecasted weather conditions and outlooks by the BOM.
- Campers need to check to current ‘alerts’ information on relevant areas to know if campfires are permitted.
SA
South Australian Country Fire Service
- Fire season extends from November through to the end of April.
- Fire season in the North East and North West Pastoral start in October and run through March.
- Specific timeframes differ depending on the district.
WA
Department of Fire & Emergency Services
- Northern WA – fire season extends from June through to October
- Southern WA – fire season extends from October through to April
NT
NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services
- Permits are required year-round in Emergency Response Areas.
- Policy in other fire districts is governed by local and seasonal conditions.
- Burning is not allowed in municipal areas (e.g. Darwin and Palmerston).
Fire Safety and Preparation for Camping
Fires can spark at a moment’s notice regardless of the season – so no matter where you are or what you’re doing, be fire-ready and fire-safe. Following some basic guidelines with common sense is both vital and potentially life-saving.
This article focuses on how we as campers can be responsible with our campfires, and how we can stay safe heading into the bush.
Camp Oven Cooking Temperature Guide & Techniques
The beautiful flavours and textures you get from cooking over a campfire are like no other, and even the simplest meals come alive when infused with that special camp oven flair.
In this guide, we talk you through the whole camp oven cooking process – from preparing your oven, to heating it to the best temperature. We then discuss the different cooking techniques, how to care for your oven, and a whole lot more.
Guide to Seasoning Your Camp Oven
Seasoning your camp oven gets it ready for non-stick cooking so that your food doesn’t taste like metal, or whatever the oven has come packed in. Seasoning also prevents rusting, so that you can use your camp oven for years, decades, or even a lifetime!
Whether your camp oven is new or needs a little TLC, this article offers a step-by-step technique that can be used on any cast iron or steel cookware – camp oven, frypan, jaffle iron, or skillet.
Image: David Laslett
How to Make Damper in a Camp Oven
There are loads of damper recipes online. Most of them require you to use lots of ingredients and work the dough for a few minutes.
When you work damper too much it pushes all of the air out and makes the dough dense. We have lost count of how many times we have prepared this version of damper and no matter how many times we cook this recipe it always turns out perfect – crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
Image: Mick Viller
Tips for Campfire Cooking at Home
That autumn chill is starting to kick in and it’s time to retire your thongs and shorts in favour of the ugg boots and trackies. Depending on where you live, you don’t have to save campfire cooking only for when you’re sleeping in a tent. Why not bring those tastes, smells and sounds into your backyard and stay cosy while making the most of being at home.
This article talks you through some campfire options from portable pits to specialised cookers. There are also details on cookware and charcoal vs wood, plus a couple of meal ideas just to whet your appetite.
Cook Up a Feast this Campfire Season
Whether is a new camp oven you’re after or a jaffle iron, skillet, bedourie, or grill, this page has them all plus loads more!
We’ve got cast iron and spun steel, plus collapsible firepits and Ozpig cooker/heaters with accessories galore. We live and breathe outdoor adventures – hiking, camping, 4WDing and love sharing our campfire cooking tips. Join in on the conversation with our Snowys Camping Show podcast Facebook group for all the chitchat on Comparing Cast Iron & Spun Steel Camp Ovens. Or, if you need any help to decide what gear suits you and your campfire setup best, give us a call on 1300 914 007 or shoot us a message, service@snowys.com.au
Stay warm, keep safe and eat well, folks!
What adventures are you planning for this campfire season?