There's nothing quite like cooking up a feed in the bush, with fresh air, a crackling fire (where permitted), and the smell of bacon drifting through camp. But let's be honest, if you try heading out with the wrong gear, it wouldn't take much for your campsite cook-up to go from sunny side up to a scrambled mess.
Whether you're heading out for a cheeky overnighter or a full-blown fishing mission, having the right kit makes all the difference. Luckily, our BCFing Experts have put together a list of the top 5 must have bush cooking essentials, so you can whip up easy, stress-free and delicious cooked meals every time.
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1. Portable Gas Stove
Your bush kitchen MVP
A solid portable camping stove is the backbone of any bush setup. Whether you're frying snags or boiling the billy, it'll save you relying on firewood (or the weather playing nice). Portable stoves are perfect for quick setups, hassle-free cooking and easy storage.
A compact design makes your cooker easier to pack and store, which is a big win when space is tight in the ute, boat or camper. Adjustable flame control gives you the flexibility to crank up the heat for a quick cuppa or turn it down for a proper camp cook-up, while LPG compatibility can make it easier to keep cooking when you're off the beaten track.
2. Cast Iron Cookware
Built tough for proper bush feeds
If you want that authentic bush cooking vibe, then high quality seasoned cast iron is your best mate. Think camp ovens simmering over the coals, sizzling skillets for a brekky fry-up, and trusty jaffle irons pumping out golden cheese toasties by the fire. This gear's built tough to handle open flames or gas setups, and it only gets better with every trip.
What to look for? Choose durable, heavy-duty cookware that can handle an open fire and campfire cooking without missing a beat. Cast iron and thick-gauge steel are great options, as they're built to resist warping, cracking and letting you down halfway through dinner.
Pre-seasoned surfaces help reduce sticking and make clean-up easier, while versatile pieces that can handle multiple meals are always a winner when packing space is tight.
Cast iron vs stainless steel? Both have their place. Cast iron is hard to beat for high heat retention and that classic campfire flavour, making it the top pick for slow, hearty cook-ups. Stainless steel on the other hand is a great lightweight option for easy cleaning and quick, no-fuss meals.
3. Cooler or Portable Fridge
Keep your food fresh (and the drinks icy cold)
A quality cooler or fridge freezer is essential for keeping everything fresh.
Coolers or iceboxes are the go-to for short trips or casual overnighters. Load it up right with a good mix of ice or ice bricks, keep it out of direct sun, and you'll stretch that chill time way longer than you'd think. The key? Limit how often you crack it open.
If you're heading off-grid for a bit longer or just want set-and-forget convenience, a 12V fridge freezer is a game changer. Plug it into your vehicle or a portable power setup, dial in your temp, and you've got consistent cooling the whole trip. You can even freeze gear ahead of time and use it as extra cooling for the rest of your food.
4. Camp Kitchen Kit (Utensils & Prep Gear)
Because cooking with a stick only gets you so far
It's easy to forget the little things until you really need them. A compact camp kitchen kit keeps all your utensils sorted.
Must-haves:
Tongs and spatula – Essential for flipping, turning, and serving without the hassle.
Sharp knife – Makes prep quick and easy.
Cutting board – Lightweight or flexible boards are perfect for camping because they're easy to pack down and clean up.
Plates, bowls, and mugs (collapsible if you can) – Save space and keep mealtime simple.
5. Collapsible Water Container
Stay hydrated and keep things clean
Water's not just for drinking, it's crucial for cooking and cleaning up after a big feed. And when space is at a premium, a collapsible water container is one bit of gear you'll be glad you packed. Unlike bulky jerry cans, these clever units fold down flat when empty, saving valuable room in the car or camp setup.
Ready to Cook Up a Storm?
With your essential camp cooking gear sorted, you'll be dishing up top-notch camp feeds without the fuss. Whether you're casting a line, hitting the tracks, or just unwinding at camp, a solid feed makes every adventure that much better.
Keen to upgrade your setup? Swing by your local BCF store or check out the huge range of camping gear online to get kitted out for your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook on a campfire during a total fire ban?
No. Total fire bans generally prohibit open-flame cooking, including campfires, solid-fuel stoves and charcoal barbecues. Rules for gas or electric cookers can vary, so always check the current restrictions for your location before firing up.
How should you prepare food before a bush camping trip?
Pre-chop vegetables, portion meat, prepare marinades and pack ingredients by meal before leaving home. This reduces meal prep time, limits food waste and means fewer containers and utensils need to be cleaned at camp.
What are the easiest meals to cook while bush camping?
One-pan meals, pasta, curries, burgers, wraps and pre-prepared stews are simple options that require minimal equipment. Choose meals with shared ingredients to save packing space and make your camp menu easier to manage.
How do you keep raw meat safe while camping?
Store raw meat in sealed, leak-proof containers at the bottom of your cooler or fridge, away from cooked food and fresh produce. Keep it properly chilled and use separate utensils and cutting boards wherever possible to avoid cross-contamination.
How do you dispose of cooking waste when camping in the bush?
Follow the leave-no-trace approach and take all food scraps, packaging and rubbish home with you. Never leave scraps around camp or throw them into the fire, as they can attract wildlife and create problems for the next campers.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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