Noosa Council on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is continuing to ramp up its blitz on illegal camping … with new night-time parking restrictions introduced at two beach car parks.
From today, car parks at Beach Access 50 (Peregian Esplanade) and Victory Park (Lorikeet Drive) at Peregian Beach will become no-parking zones between 10pm and 4am.
The Council says the initiative is designed to deter campers who leave food waste and other mess behind.
The move expands the trial already underway at Noosa Woods, where the council says the restrictions have been well received following positive community feedback.
Backpackers in coastal areas all over the country often use car parks to sort out their belongings. PIC: Cizza
The council’s Acting Local Laws Manager, Clint Irwin, said complaints from Peregian Beach locals have surged, arriving almost daily over the past month..
“We’ve received a significant number of reports about overnight camping, cooking, loss of amenity and mess left behind – the issues are occurring daily,” he said. “These new trial restrictions help address the issue and strengthen our enforcement powers.”
Recent patrols have issued more than 50 fines of $333 for illegal camping.
“The community have been clear that they have had enough of public carparks being used as campgrounds,” said Mr Irwin. “These public car parks are designed for day use and for the community to enjoy the beach and the natural environment – not for overnight camping which requires proper amenities and services.”
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the Council is working closely with the Queensland Police Service on targeted patrols to protect the amenity of key public areas.
“We’re doubling down with joint enforcement blitzes and regular patrols to keep places like Peregian Beach and Noosa Heads clean, safe and enjoyable for all,” he said.
The signage also gives Council added enforcement powers.
Council will also install no-camping signage in the carpark at Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction.
“There are no new parking restrictions as this carpark is busy with people working and dining in the area at night,” said Mr Irwin. “But the no-camping signage will help dispel any doubt among campervan travellers that setting up camp there will result in a fine.”
The council stressed that the rules were about stopping illegal campers, not targetting people experiencing homelessness.
WIN ONE OF THREE SKID ROW TRAILER SKIDS
Grey Nomad members are being given the opportunity to win one of three Skid Row Trailer Skids (each valued at $199). The ingenious Australian-designed device could come to the rescue of nomads who find their trailer or van stuck on sand, mud, or worse.
Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene, the ‘skid’ has been designed for use with or without the jockey wheel to accommodate different conditions in the retrieval process. The device is very compact (77cm x 39cm x 21cm), making it easy for grey nomads to store, and it weighs just 3.8 kilograms.
Click here to find out more.
As an annual grey nomad myself I wouldn’t mind if they would only leave their footprints and not a mess. I get disgusted looking at all the paper blowing in the breeze at stopovers.
Spot on Carole
$60 a night is a bit expensive for 1 person in a campervan at many caravan parks. So maybe some towns need a better value campervan place.
I’m using a very small site compared to the old couple in a 22ft van with an awning and big Landcruiser….
Some people, especially the young, find the cost of caravan parks too expensive for long term travelling and the community as a whole has to accept this fact. The question is what to do about it. Basic camping facilities that provided just showers toilets and rubbish disposal for $10 pppn in major tourist areas might be an answer. These people are going to stop somewhere so it might as well be somewhere that is contained and controlled.
I think this is a good common sense approach. Jackboot bans just create stealth camping in other areas and promote even more “Us and Them division. It is not a war. Everyone just want to enjoy life.
We’re creating gypsies if they park anywhere for free with no control. There’s two types of camper… genuine holidayers and others that live in their vans. The way house prices and cost of living is going more and more will take the option and things will get messy!
Good suggestion.
I do agree it has got very expensive to stay in caravan parks now but you have to remember they have large overhead costs and the cost of power these days is over the top it doesn’t matter how large a van is it’s not using anymore power than a small one most of it is 12v we don’t use their facilities we use 1 site just like everyone else there’s only 2 of us on a pension
Agree. Those with a one or two man tent should be half price .
15 years ago I could go to a caravan park with my camper and ask for a discount for one person and get it. I resent paying $60 + to be next to a 20ft van with two people who have tv, washing machines etc in their van, while I am single with a 10ft van
Totally agree and I leave no footprint where ever I am staying.
Why dont you look back in time and the size of vans. The parks were used to smaller ones and families would also bring a tent. They could fit more people in the area, Now the vans are that big and the park sizes are the same. If you want to have these bigger vans then pay the cost for the area you take up. AND STOP YOU COMPLAINING.
Spot on Richard.
The size of the van is not the Issue….although what caravan Parks are charging for self contained vans us criminal…a lot of travellers are in their golden years and on A pension…some homeless…and cannot afford the prices charged every night .yes…there has been sites where there has been a build up of rubbish….because the bins are full….Noosa council …get your act together and stop punishing the travellers..empty the bins more frequently before they are an eyesight causing some of the public to complain…is it snobbery…put yourself in the position of some if the shoe was on the other foot….
great reply,dead right Some of these vans like whole house on wheels
Different world now in many ways
As travellers, my wife and I try to be responsible. (It was a learning curve for a little while.)
An education program may increase “responsibility awareness” and help stamp out “bad behavior”.
Then maybe the “free camping” community might be more welcome.
Most of us “Grey Nomad’s know what’s right and wrong about camping. We live at Kinka Beach near Yeppoon, Qld. We have a carpark at a beach access point if I see a mobile home there I’m not that concerned if they stay overnight as they are probably totally self contained. However, if I see a “Wizbanger” there I get concerned as there are no facilities. It does not happen often but then if you call the Ranger the Council budget for him is not there, so a waste of time.
I have a fully contained wizzbanger, so are you saying you wouldn’t dob on a expensive motorhome but you would me.
Sorry, I was generalising.
Spot on Clarke Sadly most people’s views about wiz bangers
Wizzbangers as you call them….travel far and wide…tour your community buy food,fuel ect…. Most use the surf or walk early then leave at the days end…Don’t judge all by the actions of some…if there is someone leaving a mess…take his rego and then inform the authorites…. Remember…those who have never sinned….has never traveled or sept in a car…..Stop Revive Survive
Well said John and so true
My thoughts are that the CARAVAN Parks should have 2 Rates.
1 Gray Nomads,
I have noticed arrive mid afternoon and depart early next morning.
That is the ones on the move.
They don’t usually use the B.B.Q. they usually have one attached to the Van.
They don’t use the shower., most vans have their own.
2 Families with 2 or 3 kids
They use all the Park’s facilities.
B.B.Q. play equipment shower blocks.
But the Park’s charge everyone the same rate.
UNFAIR!!!
That is why we and other Gray Nomads use Showgrounds (heaps cheaper)
Or just FreeCamp
Brenton McLellan
hear, hear
Easy do not stay in destinations that are not Rv friendly. Support the country towns who really need to have tourist trade.
Campers who desecrate camp areas need to be penalised. Enjoy our country look after it for the next traveller.
Perhaps then there will be less issues for those that follow.
No Camping Signs mean no camping NOT no staying. In NSW No Camping in rest areas, means no setting up outside furniture no awnings, no BBQ’s etc. But you can stay overnight to rest in your van especially if self-contained. There is usually a 20-hour limit
This highlights the grubs that leave their rubbish behind. It beggers belief that these people got to these beautiful areas only to leave their crap behind. Then wonder why these areas are now becoming off limits. Take with you whatever you bring. Leave no trace you where ever there. It’s not hard.
Agree. The issue isn’t those staying overnight, the issue is the mess, and littering laws already exist, so law enforcement need to use those already existing powers. Many small vehicle campers have toilet facilities (porta potties etc.)
Camping to me is setting up outdoor furniture, tents, cooking facilities etc.
Easy dont stop at Noosa
Good advice, don’t buy fuel, don’t buy groceries, don’t get a haircut, don’t take your dog to the vet, don’t have dinner at the club. See how much they are missing out on already?
I said don’t stop also don’t shop as a tourist travelling I will spend where I am not rejected
Agree. Locals in Noosa are pretty rude anyway. I’ve lived in Brisb 25 years. Went to Noosa when I first arrived. Never again.
Don’t have a holiday if you can’t afford to pay for camping.
Residents shouldn’t lose access to their neighbourhoods because of messy tightarse campers.
A component included in everything you buy is council rates issued to the retailer who then passes that onto the consumer. Don’t ever say we don’t pay rates. We are entitled to whatever the rates are used for.
What is a Wizbanger?
Sliding door camper van..pizza, bang as she closes.
Mitsu van and the like with a mattress and self made interior, no toilet or shower, maybe a potty and wash in the surf. Usually driven by backpackers and the feral “smelly and unwashed” to coin an old coach drivers description.
If caravan fees were reasonable especially for unpowered sites that would help. The fine could be for littering which is really the problem
Great idea Ian
To all the travelers out there, avoid these areas and don’t spend you hard earned money in these areas.
There a way better alternatives.
Travelling Australia is becoming harder and very expensive, you are better off travelling overseas where they respect you and need your money.
Australia camping has been destroyed.
Australia is cooked as a country.
Only travel Australia if you have loads of money, are happy to have your expectations shattered, when travelling Australia, lower your expectations and then lower them again a few more times.
Countless day of driving, fuel $2.30-$3 per litre, all to be met by old run down caravan parks charging $80-$120/night, with no real other choice because all our free camping areas are all gated off, unless you want to sleep in truck stops along the main highway.
Our bushland is all being locked up, and you have minimal access.
There a a few jems but it will cost you thousands in fuel to get there and tens of thousands in caravan park fees along the way.
The YouTube video channels are lying about the cost, what they say triple it and some.
Been on the road for 14 months now, a trip I have always wanted to do, did it meet my expectations, hell no.
Our freedom doesn’t exist anymore.
Rules and regulations have destroyed Australia.
Same 16months full filing my dream as a grey drifter .love it .met so many good people . It has made me appreciate being an aussie again . Down side gold coast city council. 800 dollar fine for being in my van. Not sleeping but occupieng my van at 1130 pm on a public Rd with no signage to tell me not to occupy my van . Do you understand me either. In the name of my great grandfather my grandfather and myself l will go to jail before l pay them one cent .
Rules and Regulations are in place because of people who without them have destroyed free camping areas and National Parks with their selfish inconsiderate and often entitled habits. Driving through protected wildlife habitats in beaches, driving around gates to get to protected areas, camping in sand dunes, leaving rubbish and draining waste tanks and using the bush as an open toilet and rubbish dump. Cutting down trees and bushes to burn instead of bringing your own. People need to be held accountable for their shitty behaviour and if that means locking popular destinations up to save the often fragile flora and fauna,so be it. Without Rules and Regulations these morons will continue to act the same way and not give one flying f@#$k about any one else or the environment they have ruined.
Excellent response Gary
I don’t understand why people leave anything behind at their stop off points to rest or sleep
While travelling or on holiday . Nomads and CMCA members are or should be fully self contained so there is no excuse …and they should be given a permit to stay over night in beach areas without being fined or thought of as rubbish dumpers a small fee should be charged if that would help. That way the Shores have details of those using the areas . Those who do break the rules and don’t meet the self contained rules should be fined and moved on for sure. The communities we visit gain money spent in their towns for fuel , food and tourist services so there is a 2 way street for all when camping for 1 night is done correctly . Sometimes we need to pull up for rests as well and this might be during the night . No one should stop a tired traveller from resting where there is a danger of an accident on the road if they keep travelling . I’m sure the police would agree with that thinking and so would a judge if it was taken to court as well. Part of the road rules say pull over for a rest if you are tired . Care needs to be taken with these decisions I think . There is more to it than black and white decisions.
You all need to understand how international travellers in particular think. We are only here at this place once , so who cares..
We have travelled extensively around Australia and have seen the mess first hand, pretty disappointed to think the Noosa council is the only region to be concerned enough to do something about it.
Question? Do the fines ever get paid?
It’s actually an infringement on your right as a driver to STOP REVIVE SURVIVE in a safe place….and that excuse by council is bull…s…t…they probably don’t leave any bins out so people are forced to leave food scraps around….they want to funnel people into expensive caravan park’s they have a vested interest in….why not just charge a nominal fee to use the council carpark overnight…like $10 that cover’s your clean up.
Its just nasty this country you can’t park as a driver when tired in a safe place wilthout some private property type ruling on the whole bloody country and PUBLIC council parking place’s.
Its only locals who would support this cause they want the waves to themselves.
Agreed.
Well said
Should be able to stop somewhere for free, what happened to free country. Explore it as long as you are willing to pay. Already do that with taxes and rego.
There are a number spots council could open up immediately to night time campervans .One is John’s landing
Another is the old tafe building, and carpark I think it is in Tewantin plus there’s another council facility going to waste near the dump. All have toilet blocks and showers. There’s no excuse ,fine the council not the people
I think it’s terrible there are ppl who are homeless and it’s a sad state off affairs I was recently told to move on from a beach in Caloundra I’m a Caloundra resident I go fishing at night and go for a walk so I don’t get skin cancer as I have suffered from melanomas .this 10 pm to 4am law is here in Caloundra as well I’ve complained about it as a resident of Caloundra I should be able to enjoy the beach or go fishing or go for a walk any time I like .I will continue to park at the beach if I’m fishing and walking as I’m a resident not a camper.how stupid is this the council are giving fines to people who cannot even afford to rent a place to live discraceful you ppl who are in council need to be helping these unfortunate ones.maybe if our federal govt or pm spent more time in Australia instead of overseas and bringing in migrants there would be sufficient housing for everyone how about ppl start writing or ringing Anthony Albanese and the federal govt and telling him because he’s not doing much about this issue.now I’m going to get back to this issue as a resident I will continue to park after 10 pm where I fish and walk and I will not be given any fines as I’m a resident I have an address and every person who lives here in the coast should be telling the council the same thing which is what I have done.and to the ppl that own the mantions on the hills and hob knobs how about you get of you high horses and start being compassionate about some ppls situation.this law only applies to campers
Councils respond to complaints. It’s the grumpy self entitled residents that are the problem.
Sad that a once free-spirited country like Australia now actively deters young people, most of whom have very little money, from enjoying naturally beautiful spots by staying in their campers overnight. It’s easier to “blanket ban” everyone rather than going after the minority who do the wrong thing regarding rubbish etc. Young tourists (and Australians) should be able to stop temporarily in their vans in public car parks to get some sleep.
Travelled Australia free camping many many years ago we have now been free camping through Europe and Türkiye for 6 years. Prices are ridiculous for a piece of land to park with no amenities. Some have been smart enough to make camper stops (Australia has some of these as well). Sostas in Italy, Aires in France etc. Now a lot are banning us parking for the night in parking bays even though we at just under 6m fit in a car space, ( these are usually €20 to €30 no amenities but then we have our own), BUT THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT FROM US is the rubbish is not from campers it’s from people at the beaches going to the toilets and dumping nappy wipes , disposable nappies, people having drinking sessions and leaving all their bottles etc ( usually 2ft from the bins). Majority of free campers want to still be able to free camp so take rubbish with them or put it in the bins. Some even pick rubbish up so as not to get blamed. We did this until we decided it was just enabling. Lots of campers worldwide we shop local, use laundromat, buy fuel, groceries etc etc. A lot of campers cost lots of money we are NOT scum. As for the homeless the councils & governments need to get off their arses and and find a solution. Moving them on fining them helps no one. War and peace sorry just a pet hate we both have.
Live and let live. Councils already have too much power and Noosa is generally filled with quite selfish locals from a selfish ‘boomer’ generation. I’m Gen X and refuse to visit Noosa because is full of grumpy old people who think they own the world. I would say to those ‘complainers’ to mind your own business and learn to play nicely with others.
There should be a over flow area out of town with toilets set up.
Here in Western Australia there is 3 things happening currently with the Shires.
Closing down of free camping sites or totally blocking off access.
Hiking caravan park fees and the employment of more shire rangers to police illegal camping.
One local site was opened up here to bring people into the town but quickly turned into a rubbish dumping ground and homeless site that got out of hand very quickly,now closed.This is forcing the homeless and nomads to beachfront parks as to reasoning behind the increase in Rangers.
The problem is with backpackers who do not respect our rules. As an RV owner who lived in my van and travelled for 10 years I encountered many backpackers who abused the rules on many occasion leaving behind an almighty mess when they packed up and left after camping overnight. They spoilt it for those of us who are self sufficient living in our vans, motorhomes etc. Quite often an area would be closed down because of their behaviour making it extremely difficult for those of us seeking to simply park up for the night who have no need to book into a caravan park as we already had our own amenities, our own power and were able to conserve our waste until we found a dump point. Backpackers need to be educated on what is expected of them before getting on our roads. They know if they get a fine, they won’t be paying it as they just go back to their country and leave their rubbish and sometimes their vans for others to dispose of them. Where is the deterrent? Fully self contained rv’s should not be penalised because of these grubs.
Powers that be should cancel the backpackers hire vans that have no correct amenities for self-sufficiencies this should end the t0ilet problem i dont mind picking up rubbish but not poo