Easy Aussie Camping and Campervan Cooking – Tasty Treats and Recipes for the Road

You’re all set for your Spaceships campervan road trip around Australia, and as part of your rental, you’ve got all your cutlery, cooking gear, fridge and stove in the back. All you’ve got to do now is rustle up some camp chow. But where to start? If you’re looking for inspiration to cook up some top tucker and nutritious nosh, we’ve got your back – and your belly. You’ve maybe heard the phrase easy-oasy – well this is easy Aussie camping and campervan cooking.

Here are some Spaceships suggestions for cool cuisine to cook up yourself or tasty treats to try on your travels on your Aussie road trip.

Traditional Aussie Tucker: Bush Tucker

The indigenous people and early settlers in Australia mastered the art of foraging and living off what food they could find. This could be fruits like kakudu plums, which have 100 times more vitamin C than an orange, rosellies, riberries or quandong, an Aussie wild desert peach.

Native malga and wattle seeds were also eaten, as were bugs and insects. Insects could be the future of sustainable food: cheap and easy to produce, rich in protein and low in carbs. Wichetty Grubs are still one of the most commonly known examples of bush tucker.

Bush Tucker meat would be kangaroo or crocodile, with Emu and Possum as the game options.

Spaceships tucker tip to level up your grub

You can eat Wichetty Grubs raw, but roast them on the barbie if you prefer a cooked version with a crunchy skin and nutty flavour.

What's cooking? See how easy it is to create a simple yet tasty meal on your Aussie road trip

Damper: ancient bread without yeast

Damper is a traditional bread made by the early bush settlers. It’s easy to make as it doesn’t use yeast.

Mix 4 cups of self-raising flour and a teaspoon of salt in a bowl, then rub in a generous tablespoon of butter. Make a well in the middle, stir in a cup of milk and half a cup of water, and bring together as a rough dough.

Shape around the edge of a stick or skewer and cook over a low fire, turning frequently until cooked through. Pull apart and eat with butter or cheese.

Spaceships tucker tip to tweak your Damper recipe

Add extra ingredients to the dough to pimp up your Damper. Try olives, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary or cheese for extra flavour.

Democracy Sausage

Food has been a fixture at Aussie polling booths since the 1930s as a way of raising money for local causes or the hall in which the election was being held. The Democracy Sausage was first seen in the early 1980s and is simply a sausage wrapped in a piece of bread, often with tomato sauce or mustard.

Spaceships tucker tip to add a snag to your Democracy Sausage

Try your democracy sausage with tomato and mustard for a really tasty “snag”.

Aussie Brekkie: The Big Fry

Brekkie? What's brekkie? It might be an unfamiliar word if you haven't been to Australia. Well, in Australia, it's all about keeping things laid-back, and relaxed, and they love to keep things short and sweet. Aussies have a fun tradition of shortening words and then adding an "ie" or "y" at the end to make them sound more friendly. It's like giving words a casual Aussie makeover! 

As breakfast is quite a mouthful when rushing to catch the sunrise over the ocean or when you're eager to hit the road in your campervan, it gets trimmed down to "brekkie". It's quicker to say, super catchy and embodies that easy-going, cheerful Aussie spirit that you'll love and enjoy.

A hearty fry-up Aussie brekkie is a real feast. For breakfast or brunch, it will keep you going until the end of your road trip for that day. There are no hard and fast rules, but it’s usually fried eggs, smoky bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans. It’s almost a hybrid of the classic “Full English” and an American breakfast, often with hash browns thrown in for good measure.

A classic Aussie breakfast: the BIG fry (a fancy version with poached eggs). Tasty campervan cooking! | photo: Carissa

Spaceships tucker tip to turn the Big Fry into the Big Veggie Fry

For a Big Veggie Fry, replace the bacon with some halloumi cheese to make it vegetarian or switch to full-vegan mode by replacing the meat components with a vegan sausage or vegan bacon.

And if you want to posh up your Veggie Big Fry, add the next item on our Aussie brekkie list: avocado (on toast).

Aussie Brekkie: Smashed Avo on Toast

Another Aussie breakfast classic that is gradually gaining popularity across the rest of the world.

Split your avocado in half, remove the stone, scoop out the flesh and spread on your toast. Add some chopped chilli to spice up your brekkie. Safety tip: you don't want to end up with an "avocado hand" so do not try to remove the avocado stone with the point of your knife. Simply wack the blade of a big knife into the stone and start wiggling. You'll be able to twist it out in seconds without nailing yourself to your camping table.

Spaceships tucker tip to level up your Avo on Toast

Add a poached egg if you fancy a more elaborate version of avo on toast. Or sprinkle some native herbs over your smashed avo on toast.

Aussie Brekkie: Vegemite on Toast

A cult classic in the Land Down Under, even featured in the classic 80s song "Down Under" by Men at Work: Vegemite sandwich! it’s an Aussie icon, originally introduced because of a wartime shortage of Marmite, a "similar" product from the UK. Feel free to explain the difference between Marmite and Vegemite in the comment section and which is better/tastier.

It’s a thick, dark, yeast spread with an umami, salty, tangy flavour. It’s a lot better than it sounds, but it may split the crowd – you’ll either love it - or hate it.

Toast a slice of bread of your choice, coat it with a generous dollop of butter, and then thinly spread the vegemite on the top. As a beginner, go easy on the vegemite – a little goes a long way, and packs a punch!

Spaceships tucker tip for a posh version of Vegemite on Toast

For posh vegemite toast, add melted cheese or a poached egg. You must also try the naked classic on your campervan rental in Australia though.

Takeaway Treats: the Best Road Trip Snacks

Whether you're planning to navigate the dusty backroads or cruise along the breathtaking coastline, there's one thing you shouldn't forget – your road trip snacks, or as we like to call them, your "takeaway treats"!

Now, we're not just talking about any snacks. Oh no, we're diving into the ultimate Aussie snack pack – treats that'll not only satisfy those hunger pangs but also add an extra layer of fun and flavour to your journey. Imagine unwrapping a bite of deliciousness as you gaze at a horizon of endless stars or share a laugh with friends under the eucalyptus trees.

Meat Pies

Nearly as Aussie as vegemite, a meat pie or “Dog’s eye” as it is sometimes known is a take-away must-have on your Aussie road trip. You’ll see them at filling stations on the road as well as shops on your travels.

No real surprises here. Typically it is a meat and gravy gooey filling in a pastry case.

Spaceships tucker tip to taste pies like a pro

Eat like a pro. Eat your meat pie with your hands – no fork required. And try a veggie or vegan pie for a tasty alternative.

A classic road trip snack in Australia: pie - Choose from various fillings. Always tasty

Lamingtons

This is Australia’s favourite cake. Legend has it that in the 19th century, Lord Lamington was about to host a social event. His cook accidentally dropped the Governor’s sponge cake into some melted chocolate. To cover the sticky chocolate, Lord Lamington suggested dipping the sponge cake in desiccated coconut. The guests loved it so much, they asked for the recipe – and a legend was born.

Spaceships tucker tip to take your coffee break to the next level

This is the perfect sweet sugar hit with a cup of coffee. Buy Lamingtons on the road rather than making your own.

Chikko Rolls

This is a takeaway Aussie take on a Chinese Spring Roll. It’s a deep-fried spring roll filled with beef (or sometimes mutton), rice, celery & carrots. You can pick them up in Fish & Chip shops along the east coast of Australia, and they are perfect after an afternoon’s surfing.

Spaceships tucker tip to spice up your Chikko Rolls

Try your Chikko Roll with a sweet chilli dip for a spicy kick.

International Camp Cuisine

Who says you can't enjoy the flavours of the world while nestled in nature's embrace? It's time to transform your campsite into an international kitchen, where spices meet stars and every meal is a journey.

Spicy Mexican Tacos with a Twist

Fancy some sizzling soft tacos after an intensive day of hiking and exploring? Start with a mix of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, lime, and a splash of hot sauce, for example, one from the Byron Bay Chilli Co range available at major supermarkets, for a fiery marinade. Throw in your choice of sliced chicken, beef, or tofu along with sliced onion, red capsicum and mushrooms. Let it sit while you soak up the scenery.

Heat everything in a pan until it's charred and yummy. Warm some tortillas on the side, then stuff them with your spicy mix. Top with whatever fresh goodies you have - think avocado, lettuce, or a dab of sour cream.

Spaceships tucker tip to create out-of-this-world Tacos

If you would like to balance out the spiciness of these road trip tacos, add some grilled pineapple or mango slices for a sweet, tangy contrast. Or create a fresh salsa with diced beetroot, coriander, lime juice, and a dash of olive oil. This adds a sweet, earthy component and a vibrant pop of colour.

To make these tacos more Aussie, add native Australian herbs and spices, for example, some lemon myrtle or mountain pepper (Tasmanian pepperberry). Sprinkle it over your tacos for a distinct, aromatic flavour and a true Aussie twist.

Mouthwatering Road Trip Tacos, probably the most tasty and easiest recipe for campsite cooking

Easy Peasy Paella

Throw some onions into oil in a frying pan to soften for 5 minutes. Add some smoked paprika, a couple of cups of rice and a good glass of white wine. A slug of beer would be OK if you don’t have wine. Once the booze has evaporated a bit, add a tin of chopped tomatoes and maybe some sliced red pepper if you have. Simmer for 15 minutes.

With 5 minutes to go, throw in some prawns, cover and leave to simmer. Eat with some crunchy bread.

Spaceships tucker tip to spice up your Paella

If you have any spicy sausage or chorizo, add it with the onions for a surf & turf supper.

Veggie Stir Fry

Really any veg will work with this. Heat some oil in your frying pan and add finely chopped garlic, ginger and chillies. Add some veg, all cut up to a similar size. We like onions, carrots, green beans and red capsicum. Add some Bok Choi, spinach or other greens after 3 or 4 minutes of stir-frying. Serve with boiled or fried rice.

Spaceships tucker tip to stir more into your fry

Make a sauce with a tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet chilli and a glass of white or red wine. Throw in at the end of cooking and stir around until you have a sticky sauce.

So tasty and so easy: veggie stir fry. This is campsite cooking at its best!

Lovely Leftovers & Useful Use-Ups

Ready to turn yesterday's meals into today's gourmet delights? This is the part where eco-friendly meets tasty. Wave goodbye to food waste and hello to culinary creativity under the open sky. Leftovers are not just leftovers; they're the ingredients of new adventures. Imagine turning last night's veggies into a vibrant breakfast omelette, or transforming uneaten pasta into a delightful campsite pasta salad or frittata. The possibilities are as limitless as the stars above!

Pasta Salad

Everybody loves a bowl of pasta, right? If you’ve got any pasta left over, keep it chilled then make a salad by adding some sliced tomato, sliced mozzarella and some basil leaves. Pour over a good glug of olive oil then toss it all up for a simple healthy salad. Enjoy with a ciabatta roll, or any bread you have in your campervan.

Spaceships tucker tip to lift your pasta salad to the next level

To make your pasta salad even more Italian, drizzle over half a jar of pesto over the top.

Bubble & Squeak: Aussie version of a Frittata

This is basically a leftover one-pot hash. Take any leftover veg – potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots – root veg works best with this. Roughly chop, then throw into your frying pan with a glug of oil and a knob of butter. Stir everything around and bash it up with a fork or masher. You want to make one big mixed-up layer in the pan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until it’s golden and a bit crispy on the bottom. It will, well, bubble and squeak while it’s cooking.

Enjoy your Aussie frittata with some tomato sauce - ketchup for overseas travellers - or a dash of hot sauce made from locally grown chillies. Get a big spoonful each and share.

Spaceships tucker tip to level up your bubbly & squeaky frittata

You can add other leftovers you may have. Chopped bacon or sausage are good, and a fried egg or two on the top is always great too.

Sort of Spanish Omelette

Don't let the Spanish hear it but this is how we make a Spanish-ish omelette roadtrip-style. Oil and butter into your frying pan again. This uses more leftovers – slice some cooked potato, and add to the pan, with red pepper, any leftover meat if you want, bacon or ham are good and let the whole lot fry for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, break 4 eggs into a bowl and beat them. Add salt & pepper, and a bit of chopped parsley or chives if you have them. Pour the eggy mixture over the potatoes and other stuff in the pan, and gently swirl the pan so the eggs fill in the gaps.

Turn the heat down and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Grate some cheese on the top, and if you have a grill, stick it under for 5 minutes. If not, just cook a minute or two longer.

Spaceships tucker tip to make your omelette even more Spanish

Add some chopped chorizo and chillies to up the spice level of your Spanish omelette. And if you don’t finish it all, no worries. This hearty omelette can be kept in the fridge and is great to eat cold too. That’s using up leftover leftovers!

Whether creating an omelette or a toasty, do it with style. Show off your campervan cooking skills

Take off and tuck in in your Spaceship!

These are not meant to be “recipes" as in MasterChef-style recipes. It's all about simplicity and finding easy ways to whip up a tasty meal.  These are just some ideas and hopefully inspiration for your campervan road trip in Australia. Keep it simple and you can cook up some cracking camp chow in your Spaceship. You do know that cooking gear is included with all Spaceships campervans in Australia, aye?

We’d love to hear about your favourite camping food too, and please share any great recipes or ideas for camping food in the comments below. We look forward to including them in this blog post.

We hope we’ve given you an appetite to explore Australia with a Spaceships campervan rental and live your best life on the road.

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