Quick answer: to start hammock camping in Australia, choose a hammock with a built-in mosquito net and a separate rain fly or tarp, hang it between two healthy trees about 4–5 metres apart using wide tree-friendly straps, aim for a hang angle of roughly 30 degrees with the lowest point about chair height off the ground, and lie diagonally for a flatter, more comfortable sleep. Add insulation underneath on cool nights, and always check park rules before attaching anything to trees.
Hammock camping has become increasingly popular in Australia, and it's easy to see why. A hammock is light, quick to set up, keeps you off rocky, sloping or wet ground and gives you a cool breeze on hot, humid nights. Many people who struggle to sleep on the ground find a well-hung hammock the most comfortable bed they've ever camped in. But Australian conditions – mosquitoes, tropical downpours, cold inland nights and fragile trees – bring their own challenges. This guide explains how to choose the right hammock, how to hang it properly, and how to stay dry, warm and bite-free.
1. Why choose a hammock – and when not to
Hammocks are brilliant in many situations:
- Hot, humid nights – air flows all around you, which makes them much cooler than a tent.
- Rough or sloping ground – rocks, roots, slopes and puddles don't matter when you're off the ground.
- Light, fast travel – a hammock, net and tarp often weigh less than a tent and pack smaller.
- Bugs and creepy-crawlies – you're away from ants, spiders and leeches on the ground.
- Comfort – many back and side sleepers find a hammock easier on their joints.
They're not perfect for everything, though. Hammocks need suitable trees (or a stand), so they don't work in open outback plains, beaches without trees or alpine areas above the tree line. They can be cold on chilly nights without extra insulation. Some campgrounds don't permit hammocks or restrict attaching anything to trees. And couples who like to sleep together may prefer a tent – although 2-person hammocks are great for lounging. Many campers use both: a hammock for the bush and a tent for the beach or desert.
Australia's geography gives hammock campers some wonderful options. The rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of the east coast – from Far North Queensland down through northern NSW – have plenty of sturdy trees and warm, humid nights where a hammock really shines. The tall forests of Victoria's Otways and Gippsland, and many of Tasmania's forested campgrounds, also suit hammocks, although nights are colder and good insulation becomes important. Riverside campsites along the Murray, with their big river red gums, look tempting, but these trees are notorious for dropping heavy limbs, so choose your trees with extra care there. In the tropical north during the dry season, hammocks are comfortable and cool, but keep an eye on wildlife rules near water – in crocodile country, always camp well away from the water's edge and follow all warning signs.
2. Choosing the right camping hammock
Not all hammocks are equal. For Australian camping, look for:
- A built-in mosquito net. This is essential in most of Australia. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Ross River virus, and sandflies and midges can make an unprotected night miserable. A parachute hammock with mosquito net is a light, versatile choice.
- A rain fly or tarp. Sudden storms are common. A hammock with net and rain fly gives you a complete shelter in one package.
- Size. A longer, wider hammock (around 2.7 m or more) lets you lie diagonally and flat. A 2-person hammock gives one person lots of room, or two people space to lounge.
- Weight capacity that comfortably exceeds your body weight plus gear.
- Tough, breathable fabric such as parachute nylon, which is light, quick-drying and strong.
- Wide tree straps rather than thin rope (more on this below).
If you camp where there are few trees, a quick-set hammock with support poles doesn't need trees at all – handy for caravan parks and backyards. Browse the full Camping Hammocks collection.
3. How to hang a hammock properly – and protect the trees
The difference between a terrible night and a great one is usually the hang. Follow these steps:
- Choose two healthy, living trees at least about 15 cm thick, roughly 4–5 metres apart. Avoid dead trees and trees with dead branches overhead – eucalypts can drop limbs without warning.
- Use wide tree straps, not thin ropes. Straps of about 2.5 cm or wider spread the load and protect the bark. Thin cord can cut into bark and damage the tree.
- Attach straps at about head height, then adjust.
- Aim for a 30-degree angle between the strap and the horizontal. A hammock pulled drum-tight feels tippy, squeezes your shoulders and puts huge strain on the straps and trees. A relaxed sag is more comfortable and safer.
- Set the height so the lowest point is about the height of a chair seat – easy to get in and out, and a short fall if anything fails.
- Test it by sitting in the middle and bouncing gently before lying down.
Always check the rules first. Some parks and campgrounds don't allow hammocks or limit what you can attach to trees, and others protect particular trees. Never hang from damaged trees, fences, shelters or structures that aren't designed for it, and never hang over cliffs, rocks or water.
4. Staying dry, bite-free and warm
Rain: hang your tarp or rain fly first, centred over the hammock ridgeline. Pitch it low and tight in bad weather, and higher for views and airflow in good weather. Add "drip lines" – short pieces of cord tied to your hammock straps just outside the tarp – so rain running down the straps drips off instead of soaking your hammock. A large 3 × 2 m waterproof tarp gives generous coverage and a dry space to sit and cook underneath.
Mosquitoes and sandflies: keep the net zipped from late afternoon, get in quickly, and shake out the net before zipping up. Use repellent on exposed skin, and cover up at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. If your hammock doesn't have a built-in net, a separate mosquito net that covers it completely does the same job.
Warmth: the air flowing under a hammock is wonderful in summer, but on cooler nights it steals heat fast – your weight compresses the sleeping bag underneath you, just like on the ground. To stay warm:
- Lay a sleeping mat inside the hammock. A self-inflating or foam mat adds insulation underneath.
- Or use an underquilt that hangs beneath the hammock – the warmest option.
- Use a sleeping bag suited to the overnight low, and wear a beanie.
- Pitch the tarp low on the windward side to block the breeze.
5. Comfort tips and hammock camp setup
A few tricks transform hammock sleeping from "okay" to "best sleep ever":
- Lie diagonally. Angle your body across the hammock, head to one side of the centre and feet to the other. You'll lie much flatter, with less pressure on your shoulders and knees.
- Raise the foot end slightly – hang the foot end a little higher than the head end so you don't slide to the middle overnight.
- Use a small pillow or a rolled-up jacket under your knees for support.
- Keep gear organised – hang a gear organiser or small bag from the ridgeline for your phone, headlamp and water.
- Keep shoes off the ground – store them upside down or in a bag so spiders and insects don't move in overnight.
- Bring a camp chair and table. An ultralight backpacking chair and mini folding table make the area under your tarp a comfortable living space.
- Light it up – hang a small lantern from the tarp ridgeline, and keep a headlamp within reach for night-time trips.
Practise in the backyard or a local park first. Getting your hang, tarp and net right takes a few attempts, and it's much easier to learn in daylight than at a campsite at dusk.
Finally, look after your gear and it will last for years. Dry the hammock, net and tarp completely before storing them – parachute nylon dries quickly, but mould can still form in a damp stuff sack. Brush off sand and leaf litter, inspect straps and carabiners for wear before each trip, and replace anything frayed. UV light slowly weakens nylon, so avoid leaving your hammock hanging in full sun for days on end when you're not using it. Wash it occasionally by hand in cool water with a mild soap, and keep your tree straps clean so they don't grind grit into bark. Simple care like this keeps your setup safe, comfortable and ready for the next trip.
Conclusion
Hammock camping is a fantastic way to experience the Australian bush: cool on hot nights, comfortable on rough ground and light enough to carry anywhere there are trees. Choose a hammock with a built-in mosquito net and a good rain fly, hang it between healthy trees with wide straps and a relaxed 30-degree sag, lie diagonally, and add insulation underneath on cool nights. Respect park rules and the trees themselves, and you'll be sleeping like a koala in no time. Explore our hammock range and tarps to build your setup.
Hammock camping FAQ
Is hammock camping comfortable?
Yes, for most people – especially when the hammock is hung with a relaxed sag and you lie diagonally, which makes you lie much flatter.
Do I need a mosquito net on my hammock in Australia?
In most parts of Australia, yes. Mosquitoes, sandflies and midges are common, and mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Ross River virus.
How far apart should trees be for a hammock?
Around 4–5 metres apart is ideal for most camping hammocks, though adjustable straps let you work with a range of distances.
Are hammocks allowed in national parks?
Rules vary. Some parks allow hammocks with tree-friendly straps, while others restrict attaching anything to trees. Check the park's rules before you go.
How do I stay warm in a hammock?
Add insulation underneath with a sleeping mat inside the hammock or an underquilt, use a suitable sleeping bag and block the wind with a low tarp.
What is the best hang angle for a hammock?
About 30 degrees between the straps and the horizontal. A tight hammock is less comfortable and puts much more strain on the straps and trees.
Can two people sleep in one hammock?
Two people can lounge in a 2-person hammock, but for a full night's sleep most people are more comfortable in separate hammocks.
How do I keep my hammock dry in the rain?
Hang a tarp or rain fly over it, pitch it low in bad weather and add drip lines to the straps so water doesn't run into the hammock.
Can I hammock camp without trees?
Yes, with a self-supporting hammock or a hammock with support poles, which is useful for caravan parks and open areas.
Is a hammock lighter than a tent?
Often, yes. A lightweight hammock, mosquito net and tarp together can weigh less and pack smaller than many tents, which makes them popular with hikers.