When these five Starward team members aren’t doing their bit to go further for flavour, you’ll find them stocking up their esky, pitching a tent and settling in around a campsite with their nearest and dearest. From Bruny Island in Tassie to the Ottways in Victoria and across the globe in California's Big Sur – these camping spots come highly recommended by people who can’t get enough of getting out there. So grab your gear and your mates – it’s time for an adventure. 

Trident Arm Campground. Source: campedia

FELIX, WAREHOUSE AND DESPATCH OFFICER

Favourite camping spot: Trident Arm Campground, Lake Tyers, Victoria

How did you discover this spot?
“My partner and I love to get out on the open road in our camper van; during a road trip up the east coast, we came across this spot on WikiCamps and thought we’d give it a go. We’ve been there about six times now.” 

Why do you love it?
“It’s off the beaten track, surrounded by lush bush, plus a beach on the lake for swimming and kayaking. It’s also dog-friendly, so our Blue Heeler, Banjo, is also a fan. We like that it’s always pretty quiet with the occasional grey nomad who is always up for a beer or a cuppa around the fire. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, Lake Tyers also contains phosphorescence, so the occasional sneaky night swim can turn into a magical experience!”

Who do you camp here with?
“My partner mostly, but we’ve also had big campouts with 10 or more friends – we’ve even celebrated a joint birthday here. This is a campsite that caters for the best of both worlds: whether you want some peace in the bush, or some laughs with friends around the fire.”

What’s your favourite Starward drink to enjoy when staying here?
“If it’s just me and my partner, a bottle of Starward Negroni complements a sunset perfectly. But if we’ve got a few friends on board, nothing beats a Solera for a nightcap before bed.”

Two things everyone should pack when camping?
“Water and toilet paper: these are our essentials. You don’t want to get stuck between a rock and a hard place!” 

Cloudy Corner Campground, Image source: TripAdvisor 

JANE, PACKAGING MANAGER (AND “LANDCRUISER 79 SERIES OWNER”)

Favourite camping spot: Cloudy Corner Campground, South Bruny, Tasmania

How did you discover this spot?
“I’ve got a pretty nice off-grid 4WD set up and have driven Tassie’s east coast a couple of times, but my all-time favourite is Bruny Island. I’m lucky enough to have a friend with a shack and a huge block on South Bruny but I also love the campsite at Cloudy Bay. We found this campsie via WikiCamps which is a good app if you’re on a mission – easy to use and you can find some really decent free camps.”

Why do you love it?
“Everywhere you look you’re treated to nature’s beauty: from the flora and fauna to Tassie’s pristine waterways, it’s so special. You usually don’t have to share your space with many other people, and the local pub is always a solid 12/10.”

Who do you camp here with?
“Friends!”

What do you like to do in the area?
“Just being by the water is enough; there’s always lots of doing ‘nothing’ – reading, hiking, eating amazing local foods… the list goes on!”

What’s your favourite Starward drink to enjoy when staying here?
“I always take Two-Fold away. It’s great for mixing when the days are hot, and I’m also a big fan of making Whisky Sours to share at night time,”

Two things everyone should pack when camping?
“Finska! I’m pretty competitive. Plus a decent drinks cooler or esky to keep those Starward drinks ice-cold.”

Where’s the next camping adventure?
“I’m hoping to drive up the coast to Adelaide over the Easter break – looking for recommendations if anyone has some please send them through!”

Lake Elisabeth. Image source: visitotways

SAM, PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Favourite camping spot: Lake Elisabeth, Great Otway National Park, Victoria

How did you discover this spot?
“I like browsing the Parks Victoria website to find a place to camp. A good way to stumble across a gem is to drive through Forrest and the Otways – there are plenty of campsites to choose from.” 

Why do you love it?
“This area of Victoria has so much going for it: relaxed campsites and idyllic location on the headwaters of the Barwon River and surrounded by Forrest’s amazing mountain bike trails.”

Who do you camp here with?
“My family – it’s great for kids and big groups.”

What do you like to do in the area?
“Get on the mountain bike and go check out the incredible trails, or wander around Lake Elisabeth. You can also head to the local Forrest Brewery for a cheeky beer if you’re esky is out of ice.”

What’s your favourite Starward drink to enjoy when staying here?
“100 Proof: good for warming up during the chilly months with a delicious toasty oak profile.”

Two things everyone should pack when camping?
“Don’t forget your tent poles!  Also a nice big cast iron pan and pot for cooking on the fire.” 

Warrnambool Sureside Holiday Park. Image source: www.surfsidepark.com.au

PETER, PRODUCTION MANAGER

Favourite camping spot: Warrnambool Surfside Holiday Park, Victoria

How did you discover this spot?
“We were lucky enough to have some friends invite us along and now we can’t get enough!”

Why do you love it?
“It’s like being miles away from anywhere even though it’s only about a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Having direct access to the beach is also incredible.” 

Who do you camp here with?
“Family, close friends and others we’ve met staying here – there’s a great community feel.” 

What do you like to do in the area?
“There is no shortage of things to do here: fishing, cycling and water sports, plus a children’s play area. We love relaxing on the beach and taking it easy.” 

What’s your favourite Starward drink to enjoy when staying here?
“Can’t go past sipping Starward Nova neat while you’re sitting around chatting with your nearest and dearest.” 

Two things everyone should pack when camping?
“The two T’s: toilet paper and a toothbrush!” 

California Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Image source: Earth.com

MAYA, US BRAND GROWTH MANAGER

Favourite camping spot: California Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, CA, USA 

How did you discover this spot?
“A dear friend recommended it to me. She goes camping every single weekend during the summer, and Big Sur is one of her very favourites of all time.”

Why do you love it?
“Big Sur is other-worldly in its beauty. The enormous redwood trees, the roaring waterfalls, and the crisp fresh air from the coast are everything you need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated before heading back to reality.”

Who do you camp here with?
“As many friends as possible! Camping is wonderful to do alone, but all experiences are made better with friends. It’s so nice to have someone to reminisce with, laugh with, and create those core memories together in nature.” 

What do you like to do in the area?
“It's all about being immersed in nature, and enjoying the beauty and the fresh air. I like a great big hike, a leisurely day of exploring, searching for unexpected creatures, and just kicking back and watching the clouds pass.” 

What’s your favourite Starward drink to enjoy when staying here?
The (New) Old Fashioned is my go-to failproof drink. Best of all, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone loves the second they taste it. I always make sure to have at least a couple of bottles on hand for camping trips with friends.” 

Two things everyone should pack when camping?
“Bear spray! Safety first, especially after a few cocktails! It doesn’t pay to mess with these beasts! And, of course, an ice chest for our snacks and our Old Fashioned ice cubes.”