Best Portable BBQ for Camping Australia
A portable BBQ is essential kit for Australian camping, whether you're at a national park with no facilities or a beach spot where the public plates are dodgy. The best camping BBQs pack down small enough for the boot, light fast without firelighters, and handle everything from snags to a full breakfast spread. Weight, fuel type, and wind resistance matter more than features when you're cooking outdoors.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Weight matters most if you're hiking in — under 5 kg for backpack carry, under 15 kg for car camping where you walk to the site.
- 2Gas BBQs with disposable butane canisters are the most convenient; refillable LPG bottles give longer cook times but add weight and bulk.
- 3Check if the BBQ has windshields or recessed burners — exposed flames are nearly useless on windy coastal or alpine campsites across Australia.
- 4Avoid BBQs with thin chrome wire grates — cast iron or porcelain-coated steel holds heat better and cleans easier at camp.
- 5Total fire ban days are common in Australian summers — gas BBQs are often still permitted when solid-fuel fires and charcoal are banned.
Top 5 BBQ & Outdoor Picks for Australia
Weber
Weber Baby Q (Q1000) Gas BBQ
| burners | 1 stainless steel |
| btu | 8,500 BTU |
| cookingArea | 1,806 cm² |
| fuelType | LPG gas |
| weight | 9.6 kg |
Pros
- Porcelain-enamelled lid and body resist rust and scratches
- Push-button ignition works in cold and windy conditions
- Fits a standard disposable LPG canister or adapts to full bottle
- Wide aftermarket accessory ecosystem (stands, covers, racks)
Cons
- Cooking area is tight for groups of more than 3-4
- No built-in stand — needs a table or separate Weber stand
Verdict
The gold standard for portable BBQ in Australia — compact, reliable ignition, and built to last years of camping trips.
Coleman
Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Grill
| burners | 3 adjustable |
| btu | 20,000 BTU total |
| cookingArea | 2,850 cm² |
| fuelType | Propane |
| weight | 22 kg |
Pros
- Three independent burners with 20,000 BTU total
- Folds flat with integrated wheels for easy transport
- Swappable grill grates, griddle, and stove grate options
- Built-in thermometer in the lid
Cons
- At 22 kg, it's heavy for walk-in campsites
- Uses 1 lb propane canisters — not standard Australian swap-and-go
Verdict
Best large-format portable BBQ — three burners fold flat for transport and set up in under two minutes.
Gasmate
Gasmate Voyager Portable BBQ
| burners | 2 main burners |
| btu | 16,000 BTU total |
| cookingArea | 2,200 cm² |
| fuelType | LPG gas |
| weight | 11 kg |
Pros
- Two burners with independent controls for zone cooking
- Integrated carry handle makes one-hand transport easy
- Non-stick coated cooking plate cleans quickly at camp
- Uses standard Australian LPG fittings
Cons
- Lid seal isn't as tight as Weber — loses heat in wind
- Legs feel slightly flimsy on uneven ground
Verdict
An affordable Australian-brand option with a solid twin-burner setup and carry handle built into the lid.
Weber
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
| burners | 1 stainless steel |
| btu | 6,500 BTU |
| cookingArea | 1,520 cm² |
| fuelType | LPG gas |
| weight | 6.2 kg |
Pros
- Rectangular shape packs more efficiently than round grills
- Lid locks down for transport — no clips or straps needed
- Porcelain-enamelled steel body for durability
- Legs fold flat and double as a lid lock
Cons
- Single burner limits heat control
- Smaller cooking area only suits 2-3 people
Verdict
Ultra-compact rectangular design that fits in a backpack or cooler — ideal for beach BBQs and day trips.
Campingaz
Campingaz Party Grill 400
| burners | 1 ring burner |
| btu | 7,100 BTU |
| cookingArea | 1,520 cm² |
| fuelType | Campingaz CV470 |
| weight | 5.6 kg |
Pros
- Converts between grill, griddle, stove, and wok configurations
- Removable legs let it sit on a table or the ground
- Windshield built into the base design
- Easy-click gas connection system
Cons
- Campingaz canisters less common than standard LPG in rural Australia
- Round shape is less space-efficient for packing
Verdict
A versatile 4-in-1 design that works as a grill, stove, griddle, or wok stand — great for varied camp cooking.
Editor's Note
For car camping in Australia, the Weber Baby Q (Q1000) remains the benchmark for portable gas cooking — it's compact, wind-resistant, and the porcelain lid holds heat well even in cold conditions. If you need something lighter for walk-in sites, Coleman's tabletop range offers the best weight-to-cooking-area ratio. Always check your state's fire regulations before packing charcoal — gas is the safer bet during fire season (October to April).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable BBQ for camping in Australia?
The Weber Baby Q (Q1000) is the most popular portable camping BBQ in Australia due to its compact size, reliable ignition, and wind-resistant design. For ultralight needs, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 offers a larger cooking surface that still packs flat.
Can you use a portable BBQ during a total fire ban in Australia?
Gas BBQs are generally permitted during total fire bans in most Australian states, provided they have a shut-off valve and are used on cleared ground. Charcoal and wood-fire BBQs are banned. Always check your specific state's CFA or RFS rules before cooking.
What size portable BBQ do I need for camping?
For solo or couples camping, a single-burner with 1,500-2,000 cm² cooking area is enough. Groups of 4-6 should look at two-burner portables with at least 2,500 cm² to cook multiple items at once without waiting.
Is butane or LPG better for a camping BBQ?
Butane canisters are lighter and easier to pack but expensive per hour of cooking. LPG bottles (swap-and-go style) cost less per cook and last much longer, making them better for multi-day trips where you're cooking every meal.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.