Before I set off on my first solo car camping trip from Darwin to Melbourne, I didn't have a rooftop tent, a fancy drawer system, or any kind of power setup. What I did have was a Honda HR-V, a bit of stubborn optimism, and a rough plan. The rest, I figured out on the road.
Here's how I made it work with what I had, and what actually mattered along the way.
Sleeping in the Back of a Honda HR-V
I measured the back of the car with the rear seats folded down and realised I would fit, though not by much.
At the time, I thought this would be my one and only car camping trip, since I was on my way to collect my pop-up camper trailer. I figured there was no need to invest in a mattress, so I layered a stack of blankets and single bed doonas to create a makeshift bed. It worked better than I expected, though I woke up with a few sore spots.
Later, I realised that I would still be car camping for overnight stops, since the camper is too much hassle to set up and pack down for just one night. A proper foam mattress from Clarke Rubber has now been added to the kit, and it's made a noticeable difference in comfort and sleep quality. Experience teaches you these things quickly.
DIY Blackout Blinds for Heat & Privacy
One of the simplest things I did, and one of the most effective, was make my own blackout blinds for the car. I used foil insulation (Amelitin from Bunnings) and cardboard cut to fit each window. It gave me privacy, blocked out the early morning light, and helped reflect some of that brutal NT heat when I pulled in for the day.
I was on a budget that didn't stretch much further, so spending hundreds on custom shades wasn't an option. I spent the money where it mattered most: my gazebo, a decent fridge, and staying on powered sites overnight. This DIY solution did the rest.
Staying Cool
For airflow, I used two $19 rechargeable Kmart fans which worked better than I expected for the price. I used these inside the car, and I used a Ryobi battery powered fan when sitting under the gazebo. I booked powered sites so I could recharge everything overnight, which meant I didn't have to worry about battery life during the day.
Meals That Weren’t a Mission
I kept things simple, though not always exciting. Breakfast was often instant coffee made with my little milk frother (because decent coffee is non-negotiable) plus something easy like fruit or cereal. For dinner, I either used a portable gas burner or went cold with potato salad, canned peas, corn, and beetroot. Lunch was usually ham sandwiches. Nothing glamorous, though it worked and kept me fed.
To satisfy my sweet tooth, I packed little tubs of fruit in juice. Snacks lived up front within reach - cashews, almonds, Pringles - all easy to eat while driving or at rest stops.
Shade, Comfort, and Camp Setup
The gazebo was worth its weight in gold. I set it up each afternoon with two OzTrail sides that I could move to block the sun depending on the time of day. Underneath, I had my foldable table and chairs, so there was always somewhere shady to sit, cook, eat, or just sit quietly.
After dark, I used a small string of battery powered lights inside the car. It gave me enough light to see without attracting every bug in the campground. My tablet was loaded with downloaded shows and books, which kept me company until I nodded off. Most campgrounds went quiet early, so I naturally slipped into the early nights, early mornings rhythm.
The Learning Curve
By day three, I was repacking the car like a woman on a mission. I realised quickly what needed to be accessible, like the pegs, mallet, and tools, and what could get buried. "First out, last in" became the rule. I also grouped things logically, which made a huge difference when I was tired or trying to pack up quickly in the morning.
You work out what you actually need through using it, not by reading reviews or watching YouTube videos.
Final Thoughts
Was it the most luxurious trip? Not at all. Though it was doable, comfortable enough, and surprisingly satisfying. You don't need a rooftop tent or a van full of built-in storage to explore solo. You just need a bit of planning, some resourcefulness, and a willingness to figure things out as you go.
This was the beginning of something real for me. Not just a road trip, though a way of travelling that fits my life and health challenges.
If you're staring at your hatchback wondering if this is possible, the answer is yes. You'll get dusty. You'll get smarter, and you'll probably sleep better than you expect.
