Jack W (inset) is a veteran stealth camper
The summer season is one which invariably sees open warfare break out between local councils and so-called ‘stealth’ campers.
In some popular tourist destinations, residents are constantly up in arms about brazen campervan travellers who set up chairs and tables on suburbans footpaths, hang laundry on the trees, and create noise and mess.
While local authorities may hit back by issuing fines and increasing ranger patrols, sheer economics dictates that the ‘problem’ will probably never disappear. Young budget-minded travellers are generally blamed for the worst of the unsociable camping behaviour, but they are not the only ones who are unwilling or unable to pay the high costs of staying at a caravan park night after night.
Grey nomads like Jack W is happy to call himself a ‘stealth camper’ but he is at pains to point out that those who draw attention to themselves with offensive actions are not worthy of the title.
“The art of stealth camping is firstly be aware of where you are going to stay the night … do not disregard signage and do not park in front of council offices or police stations,” he told the GNT. “You should stay only one night and for chrisssakes do not put the awning down or get out the table and chairs!”
He says that parking in front of someone’s house is a ‘huge no-no’ and an act that would justifiably leave homeowners feeling irate.
Jack, 70, has been living on the road full time for six years with his Husky dog bosu’n and says he is doing his best to grow old disgracefully. While his Mazda 24600 Winnebago motorhome is not as unobtrusive as some smaller campervans, he says it is an excellent vehicle when he spends the night near a park, in a commercial centre or an industrial estate, or near waste land.
He says stealth camping has changed a lot since the days back in the ’60s when he slept in the back of his XY panel van at Wanda beach Cronulla.
“It wasn’t much of an issue back then, just part of the scene, and we thought we had a right to camp in our own country,” he said. “However, population growth brings more strident crowd control, now we share the road with the homeless and overseas vanpackers who don’t always do the right thing.”
Jack admits to having had a couple of run-ins with rangers over the years, but hasn’t as yet copped a fine.
“Most rangers will not make an issue if one is apologetic and panders to their egos,” he said. “But you should always stay sober when stealth camping so that, if you are ordered on, you can make your excuse – such as I wasn’t feeling well, or I was tired, or I was waiting for mechanic – and go.”
He says that diplomacy will get stealth campers off the hook 99.9% of the time, or ‘non spreken Australien’.
While Jack admits to being a ‘stealth camper’ … he says that he shouldn’t have to be.
“If all towns provided the excellent free overnight facilities such as those that can be found at the town common in the South Australian township of Kingston SE, then so-called stealth camping would quite rightly be a non issue,” he said.
• Do you think genuinely stealthy ‘stealth’ camping is okay? Are you a stealth camper? Comment below
Great read JACK W…
With age comes wisdom
Totally disagree this is the behaviour that councils will not tolerate, so Jack W and is ilk are spoiling it for those of us who try to do the right thing.
Can you tell me why it is so wrong. We are all the same here. Let us leave the good and the bad out of it.
The more we antagonize councils the more free camps close and as with free camps some of these people leave there garbage etc behind them. Not everything in this world is free and no-one is entitled to free holidays.
I agree with Jack as we have been doing the same for 3 years. I disagree with one aspect. Its not stealth camping. Its STEALTH PARKING. Yes be respectfull of your surrounds and residents. Learn the Road Traffic Act and Australian Road Rules plus a few council by laws. Most of all learn the meaning of camping. Enjoy and happy STEALTH PARKING
Cooee in Tasmania, has had a waterfront free campsite for years
New Zealand has free camping in most (all?) Towns and cities on the north island. Often in prime locations. You only need to be fully self-contained.
Many who object to this type of camping are those who have $.
They want everything for themselves… do it their way. Whats wrong with free camping.? Providing no mess is left.
This country needs a real good shake up especially councils. Ridiculous rules ruining Grey Nomad tourism in OZ. Do I have to trade in my campervan to a 4wd camper just to get away from them?
What about those on pensions who don’t have much and have no choice to camp like they do and whats wrong with being wise with your money anyway ?
What about GN who have no home to go back to and cant even get Meals on Wheels delivered on the road? Help them… don’t chastise them.
What about those who have to travel around to find seasonal work ? Do you hate them too ?
Anyone who complains is just plain selfish and self centered for their own needs and nobody else. Just don’t spend your money in these towns or have anything to do with these people.
We are all made equal but some want everybody to change to suit themselves.
To all those GN out there, enjoy your last few years and if you have to stretch your dollars by “Stealth Camping” ….just do it ..and and enjoy life while you are here !!
Love you all Colin
Good on you Jack W….bet you would be the first to help someone in need on the road too !
We have been stealth parking for several years now and my only negative point about it is people don’t always do the right thing which reflects on us all. Being noisy, leaving rubbish behind and being offensive to the locals are the main reasons why stealth campers are not welcomed in towns.