Beginner's Guide to Hammock Camping in Australia

Introduction to Hammock Camping

Hammock camping has revolutionised the way outdoor enthusiasts experience the Australian wilderness. Unlike traditional tent camping, sleeping suspended between two trees offers a unique connection with nature while keeping you off the cold, hard, or uneven ground. Whether you are planning a weekend trip to the Blue Mountains or a multi-day trek through Tasmania's wilderness, understanding the fundamentals of hammock camping will transform your outdoor adventures.

The concept is simple: instead of pitching a tent on the ground, you suspend a fabric bed between two sturdy anchor points, typically trees. However, mastering the art of hammock camping requires knowledge about equipment selection, proper hanging techniques, and site selection. This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know.

Choosing Your First Hammock Setup

When starting out, the sheer variety of hammock options can feel overwhelming. For camping purposes, you will want a hammock specifically designed for overnight use, not the decorative backyard variety. Camping hammocks are typically made from parachute nylon or ripstop nylon, materials chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio and quick-drying properties.

Key considerations when selecting your hammock:

• Length and Width: Look for hammocks at least 270cm long and 140cm wide. Longer hammocks allow you to lie diagonally, which creates a flatter sleeping position
• Weight Capacity: Ensure the hammock supports at least 50kg more than your body weight to account for movement during sleep
• Packed Size: For backpacking, aim for hammocks that compress to roughly the size of a grapefruit
• Suspension System: Many beginner-friendly hammocks come with tree straps included, simplifying your first setup

Essential Accessories for Overnight Comfort

A hammock alone will not provide a comfortable night's sleep in the Australian bush. You need a system of accessories working together.

The Tarp: Your overhead protection from rain, wind, and morning dew. A properly pitched tarp creates a dry zone around your hammock. For Australian conditions, a tarp measuring at least 3 metres by 3 metres provides adequate coverage. Learn to pitch it in both diamond and rectangular configurations to adapt to different weather conditions.

Insulation: This is where many beginners make mistakes. The compressed insulation beneath you in a sleeping bag provides almost no warmth when you are in a hammock because your body weight compresses it. You need either an underquilt (insulation that hangs beneath the hammock) or a sleeping pad inside the hammock. Underquilts are more comfortable but pricier; sleeping pads are budget-friendly but can shift during sleep.

Bug Protection: Australian mosquitoes and other insects can ruin a camping trip. An integrated bug net or a separate net that drapes over your hammock keeps the mozzies at bay while maintaining ventilation.

Finding the Perfect Hang

The angle and height of your hammock dramatically affect comfort. The ideal hang follows the 30-degree rule: the suspension lines should form roughly a 30-degree angle from horizontal where they connect to the trees. This creates the optimal combination of comfort and structural integrity.

Step-by-step hanging process:

• Locate two healthy, living trees approximately 4 to 5 metres apart
• Wrap your tree straps around each trunk at roughly chest height
• Attach your hammock to the straps using carabiners
• Sit in the hammock to test the height—your bottom should be about 45cm off the ground when seated
• Adjust strap positions up or down until you achieve that 30-degree angle
• Lie diagonally in the hammock to create a flatter sleeping surface

Selecting a Campsite

Site selection matters more for hammock camping than tent camping in some ways, less in others. You need suitable anchor points, but you are freed from concerns about ground conditions.

What to look for:

• Two healthy trees of at least 15cm diameter, spaced 4 to 5 metres apart
• Avoid dead trees, trees with visible damage, or branches overhead that could fall
• Consider sun exposure—morning sun can warm you nicely but midday sun through a thin tarp gets uncomfortable
• Check for ant trails, beehives, or other wildlife activity around your chosen trees
• Ensure the ground beneath you is clear of sharp objects, even though you will not be sleeping on it

In Australian national parks, always check regulations regarding hammock use. Some parks restrict tree attachment to protect sensitive species, while others welcome low-impact hammock camping.

Weather Considerations for Australian Conditions

Australia's diverse climate means hammock campers must prepare for varied conditions. In tropical Queensland, humidity and rain dominate concerns. In the Victorian high country, cold nights require serious insulation planning.

Hot weather tips:

• Choose a hammock with breathable fabric
• Position your tarp high for maximum airflow
• A simple mesh bug net provides protection without trapping heat

Cold weather tips:

• An underquilt rated 5 to 10 degrees below expected temperatures provides a safety margin
• Close your tarp lower to the ground to block wind
• A sleeping bag rated for ground camping typically needs to be 5 degrees warmer-rated for hammock use due to convective heat loss

Wet weather tips:

• Pitch your tarp with adequate tension to prevent pooling
• Use drip lines on your suspension to direct water away from the hammock
• Keep all gear under the tarp, not on the exposed ground

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' errors saves you uncomfortable nights in the bush.

Hanging too tight: A hammock strung like a bowstring creates an uncomfortable sleeping surface and stresses the fabric. Allow adequate sag for the optimal 30-degree angle.

Ignoring insulation needs: Even in summer, Australian nights can drop significantly in temperature. That cool breeze flowing beneath your hammock will steal body heat rapidly without proper insulation.

Poor tree selection: A dead branch falling at night is dangerous. Always look up and assess not just the trunk but the canopy above your sleeping position.

Skipping the tarp: Australian weather changes quickly. Even on clear nights, morning dew can soak your gear and sleeping bag.

Conclusion

Hammock camping opens up new possibilities for experiencing Australia's beautiful wilderness. The learning curve is gentle, and the rewards—sleeping suspended in the forest, swaying gently with the breeze, waking to bird calls without the cramped confines of a tent—make the initial investment of time and money worthwhile. Start with quality gear, practice your setup in the backyard before heading into the bush, and embrace the slight adjustments needed for a perfect night's sleep among the gum trees.