If you’re considering a camping adventure Down Under, you may have questions about how common it is, if there are any restrictions on where you can camp, whether or not it is safe, how much it will cost to stay on a campsite, and most important of all: the wildlife you may encounter while you’re out there!

Want to learn more about the viability of camping in Australia? Read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Pack your mozzie spray and let’s get on with it…

Is Camping Common in Australia?

So, is camping fairly common in Australia? Or do the locals choose to stay indoors, away from all the creepy crawlies?

Believe it or not, but camping is a beloved pastime in Australia, cherished by both locals and tourists alike.

The country’s vast and diverse landscapes offer countless opportunities for memorable camping adventures, ranging from sprawling coastal sites to national parks, and luscious outback regions.

Australians have a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and never shy away from an opportunity to get in touch with nature. It will take much more than some crocs, snakes, and poisonous spiders to keep an Aussie from going walkabout, mate.

Is It Legal to Camp Anywhere in Australia? Is It Safe?

Camping regulations in Australia vary depending on the state or territory. While there are many designated camping areas, it’s important to understand the rules and restrictions that apply (so you don’t get yourself into trouble – or worse – end up somewhere incredibly dangerous by mistake). Here are some key points to consider:

• Designated Camping Areas: many camping areas across Australia require permits or fees. National parks, state forests, and private campgrounds often provide designated sites with facilities such as toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. Everything you need for a quality camping vacation.
• Free Camping: there are also opportunities for free camping in certain areas, commonly referred to as “bush camping” or “wild camping.” However, it’s important to check local regulations, as restrictions and time limits may apply.
• Safety Considerations: when camping in remote areas, it’s essential to be prepared and practice safety measures. Inform others of your plans, carry sufficient supplies, be aware of fire restrictions, and familiarise yourself with local wildlife and potential hazards.

How Much Do Campsites Cost in Australia?

The cost of campsites in Australia can vary depending on location, facilities provided, and whether or not it’s a private or public campground. Here’s an overview:

• Public Campgrounds: prices typically range from $10 to $50 per night for adults, with additional fees for children, vehicles, and powered sites. National parks and state forests often offer affordable camping options as well.
• Private Campgrounds: prices can vary significantly, ranging from around $20 to $200 per night, depending on the amenities and services available, such as hot showers, laundry facilities, and powered sites with static caravans.

Are Critters Common When Camping in Australia?

Australia is known for its unique wildlife (to put it bluntly), and encountering critters while camping is not uncommon. Here are some key points to consider:

• Insects and Spiders: mosquitoes, flies, ants, and spiders are common in outdoor environments. It’s advisable to bring insect repellent, keep food stored securely, and shake out shoes or clothing before use.
• Snakes and Wildlife: while encounters with snakes and wildlife are relatively rare, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Familiarise yourself with local wildlife and follow any safety guidelines or precautions provided.

Is Camping Better with a Vehicle?

Camping with a vehicle offers numerous advantages, providing flexibility, convenience, and the ability to access remote locations with ease. Let’s elaborate:

• Flexibility: with a vehicle, you have the freedom to explore different camping areas and easily move between destinations.
• Storage and Comfort: vehicles allow you to carry camping gear, food, and other essentials more conveniently. You can also have a sheltered space for sleeping and protection from the pests and the elements.
• Accessibility: having a vehicle enables you to reach more remote camping spots that may not be easily accessible by public transportation.

What Is a Rooftop Tent, and Are They Worth It?

While on the subject of camping with a vehicle, what is a rooftop tent?

A rooftop tent is a popular camping accessory for vehicles (namely 4x4s) in Australia, offering a unique camping experience. Here are some key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying one:

• Rooftop tents are installed on top of vehicles, providing a comfortable and elevated sleeping area. Perfect if you are anxious about snakes and insects.
• The benefits include having an easy setup, protection from the elements and ground-dwelling critters, and improved views from an elevated position.
• They are particularly suitable for off-road adventures and camping in remote locations.
• For frequent campers or those seeking a convenient and elevated sleeping arrangement when they’re out on the road, we recommend that you buy a rooftop tent. 

Conclusion

Camping is a widely common and cherished activity in Australia, with a diverse range of camping options available across the country.

• While camping regulations vary, understanding the rules and safety considerations is essential for a positive experience.
• Campsite costs vary depending on location and amenities. Critters, while present, can be managed with proper precautions.
• Camping with a vehicle offers convenience and accessibility, with rooftop tents providing an elevated and unique camping experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or have never been and you’re craving adventure, Australia’s diverse landscapes and boundless camping opportunities are waiting to be explored by you and your family.

So, pack your gear, get planning, and embark on an awesome camping adventure you’ll remember for life.

The post Is camping common in Australia? Is it legal to camp anywhere? How much do campsites cost in Australia? appeared first on hub cloud - All News updates .

One of the most defining of these plants is the gum tree, but what actually are these trees and do they bear any relation to the Eucalyptus and gum trees around the world? Read on to discover all about this majestic tree with a few fun facts to finish off.

What is a Gum tree in Australia? Is a Gum tree the same as Eucalyptus?

Many people use the names gum tree and Eucalyptus synonymously, but are they actually the same? In Australia, gum trees are almost always Eucalyptus trees, but they don’t have to be. To put it another way, all Eucalyptus trees are gum trees, but not all gum trees are Eucalyptus.

Australia has a huge amount of gum trees, indeed they are one of the most populous trees with a huge number of species with both similar and different qualities. You can find these trees pretty much everywhere in Australia apart from the very driest deserts in various forms and types.

In Australia, many use the words Eucalyptus and gum tree interchangeably, understandable as the most common species of gum tree are Eucalypts in this country. However, there are actually 3 different types that make up gum trees: Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia.

While the latter were often grouped in with Eucalyptus trees as late as the 1900s and onwards, such trees as the Lemon-scented Gum and the Spotted Gum are given the designation of Corymbia over Eucalyptus.

Sydney Red Gum, on the other hand, bears the name Angophora Costata rather than being designated a Eucalyptus. You can see once again that while most gum trees in Australia are Eucalyptus trees, this is not the case for every one of them. Therefore, it is better to stick to the general term of gum tree and then look at them species by species taking into account their differences in both look and maintenance needs.

If you are unsure of the tree that you have in your garden, which tree you would most like, or how to care for it, you should consult a tree service professional. They can give you advice and information on these wonderful plants and address any concerns that you might have quickly and efficiently.

Why do they call it a Gum tree?

Gum trees do have one thing in common – their name. They get their name from a gum-like sap called kino. Any time their trunks are damaged they ooze a thick substance that resembles gum, though it is not edible and can indeed be toxic in some forms of gum tree.

This sticky substance is what unites gum trees all over the world under the same general name. Though most are found in Australia with the most common being the Eucalyptus, you can find gum trees in other parts of the world that exude this gummy sap. As far away as North America you can find trees with this distinctive trait. They, therefore, share the name of a gum tree.

10 Fun Gum tree facts:

If you are interested in Australian plants or those anywhere in the world around you, gum trees stick out as being of particular interest to many. Here are a few top facts about gum trees that any tree-lover would find fun, or at least fascinating to a degree.

1. Many species of gum tree can grow upwards of 12 feet per year – this makes them a tree of choice for furniture makers and builders alike, who can quickly produce the wood they need and get fantastic quality results fast.
2. Gum trees are the preferred food of Koala Bears – Koalas commonly eat between 400-500g of gum tree leaves each day as they nap their time away in these impressive trees. While they do not only eat from gum trees, they certainly rely on them for food the majority of the time.
3. The Silver Dollar Tree is used in art – this distinctive and beautiful species of gum tree is beloved by floral artists and photographers alike.
4. You can use these trees to drain swamps – certain gum trees suck up huge amounts of water through their large root mass. This has been used to impressive effect, draining swamps to reduce mosquitos and therefore the risk of Malaria. Very cool.
5. They act as natural insecticides – beyond the above impact they can have, certain gum trees actually repel insects due to their unique scent. Far preferable than spending huge amounts on synthetic repellents, you can plant a few of these trees and enjoy the smell and the view outside. All without risking as many annoying or harmful insects.
6. Eucalyptus oil can be used to treat colds – around two thirds of the Eucalyptus trees in the world produce the right kind of oil which can be used to relieve congestion. Remember that you should not ingest this oil, but rather inhale water vapour with a few drops to see the effects.
7. Eucalyptus oil can be good for your teeth – no, we don’t mean you should directly apply this to your teeth as it is toxic in the wrong form. It does however contain Cineole, which is used by dental specialists to create remedies and toothpaste.
8. You can create wonderful perfumes from gum trees – many gum trees can have delicious-smelling aromas that make their oils a popular ingredient in perfumes and air fresheners.
9. Gum trees can grow to impressive heights – while there are a variety of sizes of gum trees among its many species, certain types can grow upwards of 160 metres making them impressively huge indeed.
10. Gum trees have a consistent grain – another reason these trees are so popular with furniture makers is their consistent grain. They make for very aesthetically pleasing furniture.

Final thoughts

Now that you know a little more about gum trees and their most common branch in Australia, Eucalyptus trees, you can see why they are so interesting and popular. Whether you are looking for a tree merely for its beauty, to deter insects, enjoy the shade or entice a Koala into your garden, there is a type of gum tree for you.

The post Gum tree facts: What is a Gum tree in Australia? Is it the same as Eucalyptus? Why do they call it a Gum tree? appeared first on hub cloud - All News updates .

Buying an electric composter can seem like the perfect solution, but does it come with its own downsides like high electricity consumption and energy bills? Here we will take a look at electric composters to see if they really are the answer to your composting needs.

Is an electric composter sustainable?

While it is easy to jump on the bandwagon with any new product that promises to be green, it is essential that you know that your new product is actually as sustainable and environmentally positive as it claims to be.

Electric composters work to reduce pollution and waste by composting your leftovers, garden waste, and so much more. Different brands and types will use varied approaches and can end up with different results. Some use a great deal of heat to break down your waste and then produce a substance that looks a little like coffee grounds (which CAN be composted), which you then add to your plants.

Others use alternate methods. Microorganisms are added the first time you use your Hass Electric Food Composter, and after that, they will continually replicate and replace themselves so that you don’t have to worry about them ever again. These then break down the waste until it becomes a rich fertiliser.

This self-sustainability is one of the aspects of this electric composter that makes it so very appealing as a composting option. As long as you don’t overfill it, or add in any of the products that can mess with the process, your composter will work away and recycle around 1-2kg of organic waste each day.

If you opted to throw out your compostable materials instead, they would be collected up with all the other rubbish and chucked in a landfill somewhere to potentially leak into water supplies and generally add to the terrible pollution already rife in the world.

By contrast, choosing to use an electric composter that swiftly and cleanly turns your rubbish into 100% organic fertiliser that can then be used to grow new fruits and vegetables is by far the better option. By eating, composting, growing and eating new food, you are encouraging a beautiful and sustainable cycle to continue. 

One of the best qualities of electric composters is how they work to reduce the amount of methane given off by organic matter in landfills. In the US alone, foods and other waste that could be composted give off the third highest amount of methane in the whole country. By contrast, electric composters don’t give off any methane while they work.

It is true that the materials used to manufacture these composters can be less sustainable, but the benefits that they create outweigh the initial cost in plastic. You can also choose to go with a brand that is more eco-friendly, that allows you to wash and reuse the filters rather than one where you have to replace them.

How much electricity do electric composters use?

Some people shy away from getting an electric composter as they fear that it will cost an arm and a leg, and negate some of the positives with a pricey energy bill. In fact, on average, an electric composter will only use around 150-200kWh per year, or around about the same as your coffee machine would use. 

So many appliances in your home will use so much more electricity than that, and many of them you may not even want or need anymore. If you buy an electric composter, plug it in and have it running but don’t actually use it, then of course it is a terrible waste of money and electricity. 

If, on the other hand, you are planning to fill it up regularly and reduce your carbon footprint by processing up to 2kg of waste a day into the best compost you can create, then spending roughly as much as any other small appliance on electric doesn’t seem a big price to pay.

While it does indeed use electricity, your composter will allow you to save money by growing your own fruit and vegetables in your fantastic rich fertiliser, will help to reduce methane and pollution, and is a step towards helping save the planet that you can get started on today.

Is an electric composter worth it?

All in all, an electric composter is one of the best appliances you can buy today to improve both your life and the planet, while also creating a sustainable way to reduce and recycle your organic waste. If you aren’t going to use it then it is a waste of money and plastic, but if you have got to this point then that doesn’t seem likely to apply to you.

An electric composter is so convenient, it fits right in your kitchen and goes through an impressive amount of matter a day without any bad odours or other issues that come with traditional composting. You don’t have to worry about attracting pests, and you can create rich and wonderful fertiliser at the push of a button.

There are downsides to everything, and your composter will cost you in electricity and time if you are to keep it going, but these pale in comparison to all of the benefits there are to composting your own waste easily at home.

Conclusion 

Doing your part for the environment is so important today, and so is finding the best ways to process and recycle whatever rubbish you can to prevent it from ending up in a landfill and contributing to the greater problems of pollution and waste.

An electric composter does indeed use a small amount of electricity to work, but the impact it can have on the amount you chuck away will astound you, and you will be left with lovely organic fertiliser to grow new food and plants all over again.

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This tree is characterised by its gorgeous thick foliage and glossy sheen making the species perfect for hedges, screening against wind and adding additional privacy for your home. Not only that, but they’re perfect for attracting birds and adding more life to your garden. 

In their native rainforest setting, the Lilly Pilly tree will grow especially large, however, they can easily be adapted to a regular garden-friendly size through regular pruning. That, and there are miniature varieties available. 

In this article, we’re going to tackle some of the most commonly asked questions about Lilly Pilly trees in Australia, specifically: 

• Are Lilly Pilly trees fast growing?
• How big do Lilly Pilly trees grow?
• Are Lilly Pilly berries toxic?
• And how long does a Lilly Pilly tree live for? 

If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful plant, read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know…

Are Lilly Pilly Trees Fast Growing?

So, are Lilly Pilly trees fast growing? The Lilly Pilly tree is an especially fast-growing hedge, making them perfect for privacy screens and windbreakers. 

The fact that they grow some quickly make them suitable for new homes that wish to establish a natural barrier as quickly as possible. Rather than waiting years for a sizable hedge to grow, Lilly Pillies can grow up to 2-metres in size every year (in the right conditions). 

How Big Does a Lilly Pilly Grow?

Of course, if a Lilly Pilly tree can grow 2-metres a year, the next important question is: how big do they grow?!

An Australian native Lilly Pilly tree can grow as tall as 30-metres in its natural rainforest setting. Again, this can easily be managed through regular pruning. 

Many of the Lilly Pilly gardening cultivars have been designed especially with home garden use in mind and typically reach around the 5 to 8 metre mark. 

Are Lilly Pilly Berries Toxic?

Another very important question that people ask is whether or not Lilly Pilly berries are toxic. The last thing you want is to plant a fast-growing hedge, only for your children or pets to end up getting sick by eating the delicious-looking berries. 

You’ll be pleased to learn that all varieties of Lilly Pilly berries are indeed edible. That said, not all of them are especially tasty. 

Most Lilly Pilly berries are made into jams and chutneys. There are over 60 different species of Lilly Pilly however, so make sure you do your research if you want a fruiting hedge that will produce a berry that you will actually enjoy. 

• One particular variety of Lilly Pilly: Syzygium Australe (or Creek Lilly Pilly), is renowned for having especially delicious fruits that can easily be eaten straight from the tree.
• Then there is the Syzygium Luehmannii (or Riberry Lilly Pilly), which is rather tasty, though a little tart (sour to the taste). 

In addition to jams and jellies, Lilly Pilly berries can also be made into syrups for ice cream. In fact, you’ll find that many restaurants throughout Australia offer Lilly Pilly berries as part of their cuisine. 

Some Lilly Pilly berries can be used to make sour and tangy sauces to be served over meats or as a salad dressing for a fuly authentic Australian flavour. 

Other interesting ways to use your Lilly Pilly berries include: 

• Making wines and liqueurs (Lilly Pilly gin is particularly popular). 
• Making deserts such as Riberry caramel sauce, Lilly Pilly apple crumble, and candies. 

When you harvest your Lilly Pilly berries, rest assured that they can easily be frozen for around 2-years. Simply slice them in half and remove the seeds (if applicable), and then keep them in the freezer until you are ready for use. Then again, when you have them growing in your garden in abundance, there really is no need.

What Is the Lifespan of a Lilly Pilly Tree?

More importantly, how long is a Lilly Pilly Tree likely to live? The lifespan of a Lilly Pilly tree is 20-years. This is an average lifespan for Lilly Pillies and it really depends on the conditions. 

If you regularly prune and maintain your Lilly Pillies with great care and consideration, you’ll be able to get a lot of years out of them. The same applies with feeding them. 

To get the most out of the growth of your young Lilly Pilly plants, apply either manure to your soil, or compost / certified organic fertiliser. Do this during the Spring, the Summer, and the Autumn months. 

You can also enhance their growth rate (and stability) by adding small doses of OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro every two to four weeks during the same seasons. 

When should you prune your Lilly Pilly?  

In order to achieve a nice, bushy appearance for your Lilly Pilly, you need to prune its tips when it’s young. Essentially, you must consistently prune every new growth. In doing so, two new stems will be produced from where the cut was made, thickening your Lilly Pilly and giving it an excellent hedge feel to it. 

This can be done at any time of the year, however, it is very important that you start while the Lilly Pilly is young. 

If you want the very best results, we recommend that you hire the professionals to prune and care for your Lilly Pilly, like A B Trees. 

Conclusion

To recap:

• Lilly Pillies are fast-growing (up to 2m per year). 
• Lilly Pillies grow to 30m in the wild, but can easily be kept to 6-8m in height with regular pruning. 
• Lilly Pilly berries are non-toxic and perfectly edible (though not all are delicious). 
• A Lilly Pilly tree can live up to 20-years under the right conditions. 
• Lilly Pilly trees must be pruned while they are young to create a denser bush-like hedge – and regularly throughout their life to maintain the appropriate height/shape.

The post Are Lilly Pilly Trees Fast Growing? How Big Does a Lilly Pilly Grow? Are Lilly Pilly Berries Toxic? What Is the Lifespan of a Lilly Pilly Tree? appeared first on hub cloud - All News updates .