Camping grounds - what are the rules

Liz & Paul,
No tarp requiured under tent.
Yes you can cook at your camp spot if you have the equipment e.g. gas/electric stove. You can't build a fire.
Kitchens vary greatly. Usually have a fridge but maybe not a freezer (label all items), electric jug, maybe gas ring, maybe electric frypan, toaster etc. May have an oven probably not.
Campsites in Broome do get booked out but go the information centre and they may direct you to the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) which we found quite good.
You cannot camp in towns anywhere that I know of -- must go to caravan park or other designated place for overflow e.g. PCYC or racecourse.
Have fun,

Hi Liz and Paul:

You might find this link useful if you have your camping stops planned, as it reviews Caravan Parks from those that have been there. Always check the date of the reports, as some of them are dated, and (in our case) we found some parks had been upgraded, to the better.

You should also have no problems with using a Cobb. Enjoy your trip.

Jack

Regardless whether the camp ground requires something under the tent or not, you will keep yours in better condition if you use a groundsheet.

This does not have to be a tarp. In fact the best thing to use is a piece of shade cloth material available from any hareware shop. Cheap to buy and easy to replace. This allows air circulation, limits the build up of moisture under the tent floor (as it can run out) and gives some protection to the grass underneath.
A small piece in front of the doorway will also limit sand, dirt, etc. being tracked into the tent.

I have never been to a campground where you have to use a "common" camp kitchen. These are located at many grounds but are more for the convenience of campers and backpackers who travel "lite" and don't have a lot of cooking equipment they wish to cart around.

Enjoy your experiences. The more you "do it" the more knowledge you will obtain on what to take and what to leave behind.
Start with what you believe are the basic requirements to get you by and add additional things as you find you need them. (or are more comfortable taking them along)

Have a look at the various topics on this site and you will gain a lot of good information to help you choose your camping equipment. There are various "check lists" around that you can use, or modify, to suit your own requirements.

Good Luck!

i have always put a tarp under the tent, keeps it cleaner and dryer.
a tarp just smaller than the base of the tent to prevent water pooling underneath should it rain.
never been stopped using own cooking gear at any campsite.
most camp kitchens have a BBQ and fridge, some have more facilities.
some kitchens have been clean and some i wouldn't use.
broome is usually packed out in winter for tents as well.

I usually use a tarp under the tent/CT.

Find kitchens a change to the usual place back at camp.
Often take my own gear across to use. More room to spread out.
Real advantage is hot water at some elses expense.
There are good ones and real grotty ones.

Kitchen is usually a good place to meet others and suss out the next part of the trip.
Have a few yarns over a meal and the usual beer oclock/after dinner drinks.