The popular Tasmanian free camping spot of Boat Harbour is a free camping spot no more.
Last month, the Waratah-Wynyard Council voted to make Boat Harbour Beach a day-use only area and ban overnight parking and camping on public reserves.
Now, new signage has been erected at the top of Port Road and Boat Harbour Beach advising visitors of the changes.
While the council and local residents clearly valued the tourist dollars generated by the multitude of vans and tents, it was concluded that it was negatively affecting the local community and day visitors.
The Mercury newspaper reported that there had been incidents of coastal vegetation being raided for fire pits and people using the scrub as a toilet.
It said a survey of residents found 89% wanted more regulation of free camping and some areas to be off limits.
“Boat Harbour is one of the most magnificent, pristine parts of Tasmania,” Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said. “It is an important residential and visitor hub for the North-West Coast but there have been challenges arising from seasonal fluctuations in visitation and the limited land available.”
There is a caravan park at Boat Harbour and talk of more freedom campers being encouraged to head to nearby Sister’s Beach instead of Boat Harbour.
There is no caravan park at Boat Harbour and free camping has been banned for years at Sisters Beach
Their loss. Don’t complain when there are less visitors
The only reason we have had a few problem campers is because no one wanted to control it. At $10 per site and a set of rules it could have been a good source of income for community organizations like the Surf Club .But that appeared to be too hard.
Not surprised. I was there 12 months ago as a freedom camper and was disgusted by the behaviour and expectant attitude of some of the other campers. Unfortunately backpackers are the worst offenders as they disregard any requests to be considerate of others. I’ve seen toilet paper blowing in the breeze and young guys taking a leak in view of others. As much as I’m disappointed I 100% understand the stance taken. We must persevere our beautiful places for all to use. I’m bitterly disappointed that there are always the select few who ruin it for the majority but until the time comes where we can penalise the wrong doers the rot will continue. As I travel our beautiful country I am saddened by the careless disrespect shown by some people and unfortunately it is usually those who have their hand out expecting someone else to carry them or it’s the group of backpackers who couldn’t care less about the local community that are trashing. Some serious thought needs to go into how we manage freedom camping going forward because the decent majority are going to suffer because of the trashy few.
Travel safe. Peta
Just heard on television this morning visitor numbers to convict heritage sites-are dropping in Tasmania. The more free camps they lose the more the visitor numbers will drop. Seems like a fair assumption to me. Suggest they take a look at Kimba SA camping facilities. Best we have come across for a donation. Got everything caravans and motorhomes need for a night or two.
We will not be visiting Boat Harbour now. We will travel on to the other sites further west preferably the Rocky Cape Hotel camp area.
Well we will still be going Rog. We’re self contained but have no issue with paying our way.
It’s convenient to blame backpackers (and sometimes they are at fault) but we’ve been to plenty of remote places that they don’t get to and have seen abhorrent behaviour from Australians young and old.
how long do you need to or suggest for to caravan Tasmania?
I won’t darken your damn doorstep with my shadow.
Every camping ️ ground is being closed off. I would be happy to pay a fee to camp, have everything i need to be self sufficient, including toilet. Not a person to leave my rubbish behind, what i take and use, always take my rubbish.