01
long-weekend lemon highball
Light, crisp and camp-friendly. Featuring Jim Beam White.
you'll need
- Jim Beam White
- Lemonade
- Fresh lemon slice
- Ice
3 steps
- Add ice to your cup.
- Pour in Jim Beam and top with lemonade.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
camping · outdoors · long weekend
slack
slack
hacks!
the ultimate beginner's guide to long-weekend camping
There's nothing like a long weekend to tempt you into the great outdoors. A couple of days off, a boot full of gear, your best mates, and a campsite away from the noise — now that's living. But if you're new to camping, it can feel a little like building IKEA furniture without the instructions.
The good news? You don't need premium gear or wilderness wizardry to have a cracking time. With a few smart slack hacks, you can set yourself up for a weekend that's calm, comfy and full of good-value moments — the kind that pair nicely with your favourite drinks once the day's adventures are done.
Here are five beginner-friendly camping hacks to make your next long-weekender a breeze.
hack 01
the "ambient lantern" hacksoft campsite lighting
Once the sun dips, campsite lighting can go from "cosy" to "interrogation lamp" real quick.
the hack
Wrap your headlamp around a translucent water jug with the light pointing inward.
why It works
The water diffuses the beam into a warm, 360-degree glow — perfect for kicking back at camp or prepping dinner without blinding everyone.
long-weekend tip
Pack a couple of your favourite easy-drinking options — like Great Northern Super Crisp, XXXX Gold, or a chilled Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc — in the esky for when you're finally done setting up and ready to relax responsibly around camp.
hack 02
the "toasty toes" sleeping bag heater
Nothing kills the mood like waking up at 3am feeling like a human icypole.
the hack
Fill a leak-proof bottle with hot water and slip it into the bottom of your sleeping bag before bed.
why It works
It radiates heat for hours, making cold nights way more manageable — no fancy sleeping bag required.
hack 03
sage & rosemarythe natural mozzie-buster
Mozzies always RSVP "yes" to long weekends.
the hack
Throw a few sprigs of rosemary onto your campfire coals.
why It works
The aromatic smoke helps keep insects away and gives your whole campsite a premium herbal scent. No chemical cloud required.
bushland breeze cocktail
And since you've brought some rosemary… why not whip up a fresh one around the fire?
you'll need
- Smirnoff Vodka
- Apple juice (cloudy)
- Fresh lemons
- A small rosemary or thyme sprig
- Ice
3 easy steps
- Add ice to your cup and pour in Smirnoff Vodka with a squeeze of lemon.
- Top with cloudy apple juice.
- Give it a gentle stir and finish with a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme.
no nonsense, no waste
Use your leftover lemons to add flavour to your campsite dinners, and pour the remaining apple juice over brekky! Easy, refreshing and perfect for long-weekend chilling — camping win.
hack 04
the "kitchen in a bottle" hack
Long-weekend breakfast should be easy — not a juggling act with eggs rolling down a hill.
the hack
Pre-mix your pancake batter into a clean bottle before you leave.
why It works
No mess. No bowls. Just shake, pour, and cook. Too easy.
hack 05
foam floor foundationsthe comfy tent trick
We've all been victims of a terrible night's sleep while camping. A paper-thin tent floor can feel like sleeping on a bag of rocks.
the hack
Cover the tent floor with interlocking foam mats.
why It works
You get better insulation, more cushioning, and a way better night's sleep without spending a fortune. Plus, when it comes time to pack up, the interlocking mats come apart easily — no embarrassing 30-minute ordeal trying to get your portable mattress back into the bag (phew!).
Once your site is set up, the camp chores are done, and your work is done for the day, mix up a quick & easy cocktail.
Unfold your favourite chair, and do what campers do best… have a yarn with your mates around a crackling fire.
campsite cocktails
quick & easy camping-friendly drinks
Top picks for when the day's adventures are done and it's time to kick back around the fire.
02
jack daniel's ginger snap
Smooth, simple and perfect for warm arvos once the camp jobs are done.
you'll need
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
- Ginger ale
- Fresh lime wedge
- Ice
3 steps
- Fill your cup with ice.
- Pour in Jack Daniel's and top with ginger ale.
- Add a squeeze of lime for a fresh little snap.
03
campfire cola mix
Simple, smooth and great after a long day outdoors. Featuring Woodstock & Cola.
you'll need
- Woodstock & Cola
- Ice
- Lime wedge
3 steps
- Fill your cup with ice.
- Pour over Woodstock & Cola.
- Add a squeeze of lime. Adding lime makes it fancy. Everyone knows that.
ready to pack the car?
your next long-weekend adventure starts now
Whether you're setting up by the beach, tucked into a national park, or just trying camping for the first time, these hacks — plus a few of your favourite drinks from The Bottle-O — make long-weekend adventures feel easy, comfy and good value from start to finish.
Now stop reading and start packing.