7 Mile Beach Camping: A Beginners Guide to Survival Skills
7 Mile Beach Camping: A Beginners Guide to Survival Skills
Beach camping can be a truly rejuvenating experience, with the therapeutic sea wind, continuous crashing of waves, and the warm sand beneath your feet providing a soothing backdrop. Among the many fantastic beaches for camping lovers, 7 Mile Beach tops the list with its stunning beauty and expansive sandy coastline that stretches for seven miles (hence the name!). Tagged as one of the most idyllic camping spots, it offers a great opportunity to delve deeper into survival skills, especially for beginners.
Why 7 Mile Beach?
7 Mile Beach, located in Tasmania, is known for its sheer magnificence and tranquil ambiance, offering campers a perfect opportunity to connect with nature. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its turquoise water, white sandy beach, and the occasional sighting of dolphins and seals. The beach is also adjacent to a national park filled with wildlife, giving you the best of both the beach and the wild.
Survival Skills for Beginners
When it comes to beach camping, especially at a remote location like the 7 Mile Beach, having a basic understanding of survival skills can be invaluable. Here’s a beginners guide to survival skills you’ll need to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time camping.
Finding and Purifying Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for survival, especially in the heat of the beach sun. Apart from carrying enough potable water, you should also know how to find and purify water in an emergency. Rainwater can be collected in containers, and morning dew can be soaked up in a cloth and squeezed out. To purify water, build a fire and boil the water for at least five minutes. If you have chlorine tablets, those can be used as well.
Building a Shelter
A tent is the most common choice for a beach camping shelter. However, it can be beneficial to know how to make a makeshift shelter using natural materials. Fallen branches can be fashioned into a framework and then covered with a large cloth or tarp. Remember to build your shelter before dark and select a spot which will offer some protection from the elements. Try to find an area with some natural shade, like under a tree to protect you from the harsh sun.
Starting a Fire
Fires are essential for warmth, cooking food, and water sterilization. Always have lighters or matches as part of your camping gear. However, knowing how to start a fire without these tools is a valuable survival skill. Surprisingly, you can use a battery and steel wool or even a hand drill method to start a fire. Just remember, starting fires on the beach can have environmental impacts- follow all local regulations and guidelines.
Finding Food
While you’d surely pack enough food, it’s still good to know how to source food in case of an emergency. Learn about local plants and fruits – which ones are edible and which ones to avoid. Beach camping also provides an opportunity for fishing. Just remember to either bring fishing gear or learn some basic techniques for hand fishing.
Survival Kit for Beach Camping at 7 Mile Beach
While knowing survival skills is essential, having a well-packed survival kit can be a lifesaver. Here are some essentials you should consider packing:
Navigational Tools
You never know when you might need to find your way. A compass and a detailed map of the area can come in handy. Also, a GPS device can be useful but remember it will require charging.
Fire Starters
Packing matches, lighters, and fire starters are essential. Consider packing fire starter sticks or universally useful magnesium fire starters.
First Aid Kit
A well-equipped first aid kit can be a lifesaver in case of small injuries or infections. Essential items should include bandages, tweezers, disinfectants, antihistamines, painkillers, and any personal medication.
Multi-tool
A high-quality multi-tool can provide you with a knife, scissors, a can opener, screwdrivers, and more. It will be invaluable when you need to cut, open, repair, or construct something.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A solar-powered or battery-operated camping lantern can be useful during nighttime. Always pack some extra batteries as well.
Wrap Up
No doubt, camping at 7 Mile Beach is an adventure you wouldn’t want to miss. With stunning nature’s beauty surrounding you, it becomes necessary that you respect it by adhering to ‘Leave No Trace principles’ – leave what you find, respect wildlife, dispose of waste properly and minimize campfire impacts. While your safety is paramount, so is the conservation of these beautiful landscapes for future generations to enjoy. So while you soak in the beauty offered by the majestic 7 Mile Beach, also equip yourself with these handy survival skills to have a safe and memorable beach camping experience!
