In a world where it seems restrictions on free and budget camping are constantly getting tighter, it is always nice to hear when things may be going in the other direction.
And that’s what could be happening at the Washpool Camping Reserve at the southern end of the Leslie Dam near Warwick in Queensland.
The Southern Downs Regional Council has just announced it is considering a proposal to increase the maximum short-term camping stay at the reserve from three nights to seven … and it’s inviting community feedback on the issue.
Popular with campers and day visitors, the 24-acre reserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, offering access to a range of recreational activities and breathtaking scenery.
Should grey nomads spend less time on the roads and more time staying longer at scenic camping spots? PIC: Cizza
Councillor Russell Wantling said extending the overnight stay limit would enhance the visitor experience while supporting tourism and the local economy.
“Southern Downs is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, and Washpool Reserve is a standout destination for both locals and tourists, offering fishing, swimming, hiking, and incredible views of Leslie Dam,” he said. “By allowing longer stays, we can encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the region, which has positive flow-on effects for our local businesses.”
Washpool Camping Reserve has 34 powered sites and 46 unpowered sites. There are drive through sites for big and small caravans.
Facilities include two toilet blocks with disabled facilities, a dump point, clean drinking water, Campfires permitted in the drums provided (no bonfires).
Charges are currently $14.70 per person per night for unpowered sites, and powered sites are an extra $7.05 on top of that.
There is also an overflow area for self-contained travellers where the charge is $8 per adult per night.
Community members are invited to share their feedback on the proposal by emailing commdev@sdrc.qld.gov.au by 5pm on December 12, 2024.
WIN A JOOLCA GOTTAGO TOILET
Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win a Joolca GottaGo Toilet, which normally sells for $349. This ingenious loo actually separates solids from liquids so it doesn’t fill up the solids tank with urine, and thus needs emptying less often.
It’s also the only camping toilet for number 1s, 2s … and 3s! Although it’s one toilet, it has three setups … chemical, bag, and composting.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
This is a local authority thinking outside the box! Yay for them! When a family may have travelled a considerable distance to visit and stay at Leslie Dam, they don’t want to do all the setting up only to have to dismantle and relocate within a few days. 7 days will give campers an holistic experience without the rush.
I would but I didn’t think pets were allowed
No pets allowed, so we don’t stay
Would understand if they said pets allowed, BUT must be on a lead at ALL times.
excellent should be more of it
We often stop at camps like that and cannot understand the short time allowed often only overnight or 48hrs and we think that they’re shooting themselves in the foot because if people can stay longer it gives them more time to explore the place & surrounding area and more time there means more money spent b4 we leave,.for example at the end of a 7 day stay many would have to stock up again on food, fuel, gas etc.
At last, an appropriate response by a local authority to an increasing demand which definitely will have advantages for the nearby facilities. Charging regime seems quite reasonable also.
Great news, hope it happens as it will allow visitors more time to check out the surroundings
Longer time for traveller’s to put more money into local economy certainly makes sence to me.
Sense!
As I travel with my best mate, who happens to be a canine, it won’t make any difference for me.
That’s a winner,
This considers travelers well being, especially senior campers. After long days on road a longer rest time will enhance road safety for drivers, especially pulling caravans etc. Certain people may need a longer recovery period,
This will bring more income to business in the region allowing campers to get to tourist places
people will see more on short trips around the region and spend more.
Great concept.
Don’t drive to a point where you’re exhausted and need a week to recover.
It what’s missing in Australia, Incentive.
There isn’t any. Whether it be tourism,
hospitality or business in general.
It’s no wonder people are leaving in droves.
Your retirement money is better spent,
where you get real value for money.
Places where you aren’t getting ripped
off buy the tax,interest rates,and it goes on.
Pensioners or Retirees or small business should not have to pay exoberant fees and taxes just to survive
so they can put food on the table,when 30 percent of big corporations pay no tax.
Now you know why the Aussie working class men and women are paying that short fall, it’s for those mugs.
I still call Australia Home is just a
faded memory
It’s certainly NOT the Australia of old. Law there is…..but pathetically weak deterrents. Bail, give them bail…..can’t inconvenience them by locking them up, regardless of who they have inconvenienced and by how much.
This is a great idea, and as frequent travellers we would appreciate the opportunity to visit this area, and use this site as a base for an extended look around the area.
No dogs – no us!
It constantly amazes me various state & federal govt authorities spend millions on “Don’t drive when drowsy” or “Power nap before it’s too late” type campaigns yet the underlying councils continually put up NO CAMPING, NO OVERNIGHT STAYS signs everywhere. It would be interesting to see the court outcome in a scenario where an RVer was moved on by council officials while attempting an overnight rest only to become a road statistic 5km down the road due to fatigue.
Totally agree! Sleeping overnight in your vehicle or caravan because you are too tired to keep driving, especially at night, is not camping and should be allowed anywhere! As long as you drive on the next morning it is just obeying the “Stop, revive, survive” message! There needs to be more of that and lower charges for people to stay in camping grounds if they prefer.
Excellent to see but would suggest current price structure needs to be looked at. Many parks offer pay 3, stay 4 or similar. Or some system of discounting those that want longer stays as it’s already at the top end of pricing.
Well .
I think a 3 to 4 nighter is plenty.
It gives time for others to experience the same ..
You would have stocked up ok .
So its the next Town to share in your Support .
Spread it around.
Proppers are for a select few who who don’t want to see only prop , I’ve seen it,
TO BIG A COUNTRY TO SIT AND PROP,
I Love the Place.
Safe traveling To ALL.
Brian .
Not the other Half.
I wouldn’t unpack my setup for 3 nights
Great idea you spend more money in the town