Another action to control the population. For a country this size , it is astounding that we have such restrictions. Why are areas not set aside away from those popular places for travellers to go. To overly benefit the van parks, because councils put such high rates they have to charge high fees.
I don’t agree with the policies, supposed to be a free country.
Yes, free to go somewhere else. Free to go to blazes.
Not the country I grew up in.
I have seen instances of incompetent government officers, national park camping where the gates are supposed to be locked at 6pm then open at 6am, for people to come in late , not pay their fees and leave early to avoid officers but they never came.
Get your house in order first.
No confidence or respect.

If caravan parks continue to boost site costs to ridiculous levels then it is unlikely that people will not continue to seek out the only sites they can afford. $100 per night in some parks is unjustifiable in anyone’s language!

Maybe in the more popular/problematic locations a no unhitching/camp setup rule ?
It still smells of ALL Councils propensity to over legislate/charge. Numerous Council Rangers out there over Easter rubbing their hands together for $100 an hour !

A driver having a 14 hour break from driving in any convenient public place in a 24 period is not camping, they are taking the recommended rest period for safe driving. Fines should only be considered for resting for more than 14 hours, which could then be considered as camping. This needs to be legislated in Federal Parliament.

I think its about time to give exmouth a miss id say just drive thru. Have a look and keep going. Food is so expensive van parks are no better. No free camping sounds like they dont want us there .

Yes these restrictions being enforced by power hungry, greedy, control freak Councils or Shires and in particular their Rangers, are clearly lacking basic practicle common sense!
Any half educated person should have some understanding of the clear difference between camping and just parking!!
For folks who are camping in smaller vehicles or RVs that do not have a built in Fresh Water Tank or facility, don’t have Shower and Toilet facilities, don’t have Waste Water containment Tank facilities therefore them uncaringly relieving themselves behind the nearest bushes leaving disgusting messes behind, should definitely be moved on or fined!
Folks however who are in fully Self-contained or fully Self-sufficient vehicles as in a Registered and recognised RVs or Motorhome Vehicle who therefore don’t leave any mess or waste behind and who do the right thing showing respect and care for the location they’re in, should most certainly be allowed to park up and rest!!
But no, Power crazy Concils and Rangers with little common sense want only to tar all with the same brush, Back Pack Campers, Car Campers, Caravaners and Motorhomers judging all as Camping and therefore doing the wrong thing so therefore all must be Fined!!
I recently experienced this first hand when on a short trip during a non holiday period on the York Peninsula.
I was in a fully Self-contained and Self-sufficient Motorhome, was parked for one night in a quiet, well off the road and out of the way location where there were “no” signs indicating no parking in a small town that did have a sign saying we are RV Friendly, and yet was still fined by a Power hungry Ranger who said they were tired of Campers leaving messes etc behind!
Not even giving the Ranger a complete inspection of my Motorhome both inside and out with all it Self-containment and Self-sufficient facilities, a camping/parking fine was still given!! Yes, utter madness and certainly will be the last time ever visiting the York Peninsula!
The Region is most certainly not RV Friendly or welcoming so travellers be aware and choose another Region to holiday in!
Cheers, Happy Easter and all best.
Kind regards, James.

Make it a point to NOT spend money in the shops in areas so marked. Prepare before visiting and let the local businesses know when appropriate. Don’t be rude about it. Money TALKS. Alternatively, if the “attractions” are somewhat underwhelming, don’t visit at all.

Our Councils could learn a lot from New Zealand. We had several free camps last year right on the beach front in designated areas. They actually encourage tourism there. Not like the money grubbing councils here. Set up designated areas for sure. If you camp outside if those then fine people, but don’t fine those who are safely parked up and resting because they have been driving a long distance. Stop, revive, Survive. Councils must realise they have a duty of care to allow people to rest overnight which is vastly different to camping for several days. There is too much legislation, however it is because of the lowest common denominator of people abusing the situation. Come on people be responsible, clean up up your rubbish, do the right thing and don’t overstay. Education and TV advertising would be a better approach.

Well over the top most of it. To the point now that I won’t visit some of these places. Yes, there are enough idiots who trash the places and spoil it for everyone so, inland during busy periods where it’s not as bad.
Aust, far from what it use to be like. Too many imports, country can’t handle the numbers.

Sounds like Exmouth is a ‘No Tourists’ town now. I shall take appropriate note and avoid travelling there. Tourism only for the rich or the lucky.
There is almost ZERO environmental impact from people staying on caravans or campers at parking areas if they have their own toilet facilities on-board. Equally for those camping with no toilet at or near a public toilet there is no issue at all.

Hi everyone – suggested solion/action

A better idea would be for every campers on this site to tell each of the businesses you visit or drop a short polite note to let every business in the town to advise them that there’s a reluctance to visit or spend any money as there is no designated free camps,. It won’t take much effort to run out a stack of notes to deliver to businesses as you stop by.

The notes could suggest that the businesses could petition their to council to develop a designated free camping areas with time limits on camping to enable only campers not homeless use the facility/camp area and includ signage to enable campers to support their businesses as they’ve noted campers are not spending money and just driving through or making minimal purchases.

Some national parks ask a small feel to mark to signify start and finish dates which can be fisted to vehicles so the areas can be policed. This is sensible allowing only intended purpose

The results will be evident. A failure to pass on the sentiment ensures diminshing business. Action with the council may see their businesses thrive.

It’s a no brainer for them and benefit to us.

I intend taking this action. Hope you will do so too so we get a better result.
Sandy

The real problem is immigration topped with capital gains tax raising rent and house prices.
At the moment you only have 10 to 20 illegal campers so they are easy to target but as the rent prices rise 10 to 20 will become hundreds what do you do then?

I totally agree with illegal campers being moved on Byron council has been enforcing illegal camping for over 50 years and everyone understands
My council does nothing about illegal camping
I pay over $8000 a year rates and illegal campers camp one block away from me and pay nothing
They get all the same council services I get for nothing
Council even clean toilets for them for free
There is no toilet near me so we have anti social behaviour
I don’t know who these people are
The police got rid of one person re bad behaviour with young girls
Illegal campers leave their rubbish and all want waterfront sites
Some people are in expensive vehicles but want to pay nothing
Country towns welcome free campers
So if you want to have waterfront sites stay and pay in a camping ground or stay home

Auss is now a basket case consumed with the money grab and gouging.
We had a local run site with reasonable fees past it on to a private gang, now apart from long weekend it stands almost empty, we are going further afield to find free camp sites, may cost a bit in fuel but worth the effort. The freedoms are now gone more laws we don’t ask for or need, like China control the masses they are so stupid

All about money

The reaction is totally unwarranted. Simply put, it is another example of council { illegal 3rd tier of govt.} – It is also very easy to get around. They have to actually be able to prove your in your vehicle. If you don’t interact with them you can say you left your vehicle there and went away. They can’t prove otherwise. Know your rights or you wont have any.

The people who are causing the problem are the ones who have no idea of what self contained means and really don’t care as they believe it is their god given right to park up where ever they want including shopping centre car parks and out side of people’s houses.having lived oneters the road for the last seven years and having run RV parks have seen it and been told I will do what I want.the door slammers and roof toppers and Camper trailer folk ( the poo ticketers ) who leave their dunny paper and rubbish behind are killing for every body.great to see the rules being enforced.

Unfortunately, I think most of you have missed the point regarding Exmouth’s crackdown on illegal camping. As the Shire President states, it is a very environmentally sensitive area with World Heritage status & this needs protection. The crackdown is predominantly targeted at the enormous influx of ‘van lifers ‘ who are backpackers travelling in non self sufficient bongo vans & continually move about either in or near the National Park, camping illegally & evading Rangers with their social media ‘heads up’ posts to each other .They are disrespectful to locals, shop owners, Rangers & fill beach car parks all day whilst waiting for darkness when they scuttle off to their next illegal camp spot. Worst of all is the state these places are left in ; they do not have self contained toilets etc so leave their toilet waste & rubbish in these fragile, World Heritage listed environments. If you choose not to visit the Exmouth area, you would actually be assisting the problem greatly so good on you.

Horror of horrors !!!!

The bloody tourism director should be ecstatic. What’s the matter with these anti Aussie
councils? I can tell you right away – vanparks!!! They hate not getting their fee irrespective of the losses of general retailers. A pox on them!!

Wouldn’t be so bad if people protect, clean up their rubbish, leaving only their foot prints.

Yeah, I smell another capitalism group try to make $$$ for their caravan parks and more money from sneaky fines.

They should really stop saying that it is because they want to preserve the precious natural landscapes. There has been too much land clearing for over development in this country and deliberate destruction of natural habitats for many species, all for $$$. Now they turn around and pretend they care about nature. They don’t give a f about preserving nature. All they care about is $$$.

just more control, more revenue, nothing to do with environment

to book any np camp in whole ningaloo Coast i got up at 3am (midnight wa time) for q5 days straight to book a spot 180 days in advance. thanks to our traitorous govt

It won’t be long and caravanners will have very few places to camp.
With over the top councils, aboriginal access restrictions and over zealous, green driven environmental departments and groups, it will only get more difficult. They clearly want to throw a cordon around everything.
Their banning of everyone is a combination of lazinessis and a desire to lock it up.
We don’t disqualify everyone from driving because a few choose to break the law on the road. The same should apply for camping.

Greedy business centric zones need boycotting. Sure environment needs protection, but huge Australia should always be free to camp in to celebrate being “young and free ” The Tourist rip-offs are escalating along with local government protection thinking we want your money and confine yourselves and pay. No jolly swagmen and women in our area. Let’s make a list and boycott the the unfriendly zones. More places like Kimba S.A. beautiful and free facilities that encourage being and spending in their town

Exmouth township is way over priced. If im tired im not driving if they want to fine me for being safe I will see them in court because I ain’t paying no fine without a fight. Next they will be telling truck drivers they can’t stop and sleep. A family of 4 spent $900 + the other week in the iga Exmouth what a rip off.

So bloody unAustralian

I agree with the main boby of comments ,over reach of power by council …people are doing it tough anthe comment abt rest periods is pertinate … but o/s trash backers who turn up late an leave early an are not fully self contained rile me

As an older camper, I do not like parks. They are very noisy and not at all restful. When I go camping, I want to hear the birds singing, not children screaming, slamming doors, or playing their horrible music. (Gosh, I sound like a grump.haha.) I like peace and quiet, which you do not get in van parks. so I have to go camping when kids are back at school. Even if it is inconvenient so having free camps with no conveniences is ok by me.

There is nothing illegal about pulling up for a sleep when you are driving long distances. It is against the Law to force a person to drive if they are tired. Council should know better. Also , Australia belongs to us all so how dare Councils try to enforce where we must stay . Stand Up for our Rights.

Of course everyone wants to camp for free wherever they want. Unfortunately your actions affect residents and other public reserve users. Rangers are simply responding to complaints from fed up locals and other park users, and acting to protect the natural values of reserves. I can tell you from experience they are not power hungry and compliance work is the vert last thing they want to be doing. Few visitors who are passing through have an appreciation of the long term cumulative impact of their actions on sites and local people. Many of these posts come across as self entitled, belligerent and selfish. Locals and day users want to enjoy these sites too.

It amazes me how caravan parks consistently complain that free/low cost camping affects their businesses. They then replace caravan sites with more profitable cabins yet strangely & hypocritically remain silent when questioned as to the affect it has on the motel industry.
Yes, there are rogue campers but in my experience it is the vast majority who do the right thing. WA want to be very careful they don’t fall into the same declining tourist visiting hole the NT has in recent times with their perceived Territory Tax on so many popular tourist sites.

Australia has become a cesspool for greed and corruption.
They have closed down our free camping area and our bushland.
This is ours our ancestors fought for our freedoms, it’s not theirs to further tax us or remove our freedoms!
Caravan parks are full off homeless people, and are charging in excess of $800per week for a tiny site of dirt where we are packed in like sardines.
This monopoly has to surly be illegal behaviour from government and private businesses?

Free camping is never free, I personally have spent over $500,000 in my lifetime to go camping in secluded locations, to get away from the constant thing they call society.

If this crap continues I will travel overseas and spend nothing here.

I’m currently a full time traveler, and am disgusted by how bad our country has become.

Soon I will start making YouTube videos telling people exactly what it’s like to travel Australia.

And I will assure you this will not be a favourable view of Australia.

The cost is enormous and you get nothing but constant signs threatening you with fines.

These useless politicians need to understand that us travellers contribute billions to our economy, yet are constantly attacking us and constantly threatening us.

It’s a human right to sleep without persecution, we are told if we are tired to pull over and rest, now they are threatening us with $8006 fine for resting?

Most of these travellers are stopping overnight because they have nowhere else to go!

People start standing up and let’s get our country back from these evil politicians.

I was in in Exmouth 3 weeks ago the car park at town beach in the evening was near full with back packers in bongo vans all setup to camp there for the night. Ridiculous !!!

I have been travelling around Australia for the past 20 years and have seen a big increase in the amount of people now travelling. The biggest problem i see is that no money that the travelling public pay has been spent on increasing the infrastructure so we don’t end up where we are now. So now we are in a place where people can charge overpriced amounts for camping in caravan parks. The best solution i can see is for local councils who’s wages are payed by tax payers is to invest in more affordable camping areas, employ the rangers to run the new camping areas, both the residents and campers would end up with a great asset bringing in much needed income to the area and the campers recommending the area to others. The other problem i see is with this ridiculous booking system that some national parks have implemented where you have to try to book your site after 12 am to secure a site months in advance. What i have found is that when you go to camp in these national parks most sites which have been booked are vacant. When talking to the ranger they are not allowed to let anyone camp on these sites only the people who have booked so they sit vacant for that booking period. The best system is where you can pay your fees at the camp area place your receipt on your vehicle and the ranger can check.

Absolutely ridiculous, it’s a free world, as long as we’re not hurting someone why do we have to stay at paid accommodations, it’s just another rip off Councils make on of every day people! We own those freakin’ Councils, they don’t own us, it’s expensive enough to live in this world already!

If that’s the case, councils should provide places for RV’s to park with toilets and showers(coin operated or donation, Kimba in SA for example) as not all campers be it small vans to huge 5th wheel rigs like to stay in caravan parks, and some of us who are full time on the road, these ridiculous and outrageous charges to stay in a caravan park is not financially viable. So if you don’t want people to ruin your beautiful beaches and parks, provide us with appropriate facilities, and you will find, like some towns in rural and remote states, will spend money in that town, it’s a win win for all.

You can thank all these idiotic YTUBERS for this, have to tell the world how wonderful they and what they ” found “

My wife and I are in our 70s,we have a mobile home with all amenities,and every year travel to Exmouth staying up to 6 weeks.
Every effort is made to book sites through the various web sites.These however are difficult and user unfriendly, especially in the National park.
Combined with a shortage of reasonable priced sites in town caravan parks.
We understand the need to protect our environment ,and make it our number one priority at all times.
We love our country and want to enjoy travelling as long as we can.Whilst there are individuals who do not have the same respect, please do not penalise those doing the right thing.
Whenever we can we book camp sites, but sometimes find we are unable to ,despite our best efforts.
I guess what I’m saying is show some compassion to people in these situations.
Yours Sincerely
Paul Lewis.

It’s amazing the different attitude some councils have to travellers to their region. I recently travelled through western NSW and in a number of towns ( including those that had not much more than an old pub) not only was there a free camping area but a well maintained free hot shower block. All that some asked was a donation to the RFDS at the pub. You may have only had a drink and perhaps a meal at the pub but you did travel throughout the region and spent money there.

Lol preserve Exmouth for future generations Exmouth hasn’t been the same since the late 80’s. It was an amazing place but the poorly laid out caravan parks have now made it look like Barter town from Mad max.
You had one chance to yet it right and you blew it.

These restrictions are cause and effect, because people leave such a mess for others to clean up and cause damage to facilities, no wonder the shires are sick of wasting ratepayers money on keeping free or cheap places open, speaking to my local shire president recently he said that they are looking at shutting down the free camp in our town, so everybody looses. I spend a lot of my travels at free camps and am disgusted at the mess left behind by fellow travellers

I was recently fined for stopping 1 night at a roadside rest area near Denmark. Rest Bay Rd. I stopped to repair my caravan door which was blowing open whilst driving. Got the part in Albany.
Hot day, exertion etc, blood sugar crashed. Was taking care of that when the ranger knocked, told me it was a truck layover and I couldnt stop there. That made it a $200 fine.
Yes there was a sign at 1 end but not the end I entered by and no mention of a truck only bay nor the penalty for stopping.
I appealed hoping it would be dropped to the $100 posted on every other rest bay, but no.
It’s outrageous that this flys in the face of everything we know about driving with a bs bouncing on 2.0 and towing a van with a fault.
I love Denmark but needless to say I only stopped for fuel refusing to spend even a cent more than I had to and I don’t believe I’ll be heading there again.
I’m concerned about my next movements I live in my van bc I can’t afford rent there’s no chance I can afford caravan parks every night and the offered up free parking in towns is always crowded.
Sorry , sux, had to have a gripe.
Cheers

We travel with a little dog. This means we are banned from almost all national parks and conservation parks. In many places, there is no other ‘organized’ option. We are very careful to leave no trace – no excuse for rubbish.