Any tips for a new camper

Not really a tip, just something that's great to do.
When camping during the summer (you Ozzies are about to start your summer right? By the way it's dull and cold in Birmingham UK at the moment!), sit outside the tent in the evening and drink red wine as the sun goes down. There is absolutely nothing in the world to beat it, especially if you've had a great day hiking and have just finished a good campsite meal!

Have fun!

There are hundreds, I still learn new things every trip. But to get you started...

If it's cold, but your next days underware/socks at the bottom of your sleeping bag. They will be warmer in the morning.
Also, try to avoid putting wet gear in your tent (such as boots, jackets, etc). They are better left in the porch area to avoid damp inside the tent.

I agree with #1. Also, I like to pitch my tent so that I have a good view in the morning, preferably of the sunrise. This isn't always possible because of the weather, but nice when you can.

Just think about everything as you do it, try to get some sort of order (ie - don't pack your tent at the bottom of the pack where you need to empty everything to get to it. You can guarantee it will be raining when you do!). And constantly think, how can I make things easier/cleaner/more efficient.

I'm still learning. On my last trip I hung my washing out to dry and then went for a walk. By the time I came back the sun had set and everything was soaked. I was camping by a reservoir on a hot, windless day and forgot that all of the evaporated water from the day would end up coming back down in the evening, over my almost dry washing!

one thing I have learned is to get the best boots you can afford and break them in before doing anything outdoors. Get also good socks-you need 2 pair....Another tip is to read Backpacker magazine and others and grab useful tips from the Internet. Also cheap, cheap gear will always fail when you need it the most.

My best advise is, Be prepared to Spend money.

1. Buy good hiking boots. Believe me, You'll thank your-self after a 14 hour hike into the woods.
2. Get a hydration system. I always carry at least 2L of water.
3. Buy 2 Packs, A weekend pack, and a day pack. Make sure they have dependable chest/waist straps.
these are priorty, as far as I'm concerened

4. Tents. Lighter and smaller is better. But I use a a cheap $50 tent and a big blue tarp.
5. find multi purpose items such as a swiss army knife. and rope. and definitlly a tarp There a bit bulky but totally usful.

I got plenty of tips for you I'll post more as remember them.
cheers LPJamers

If it might come in handy, it probably won't. Unless its string, thats the exception. Travel as light as possible. And practice everything before-hand, theres nothing worse than finding out that its not as easy as it looks. (Lighting fires etc.)

Pitch your tent so that when you sleep downhill is towards your feet.