Australia’s reputation as being a safe place for grey nomads and others to travel has been tarnished by a terrifying incident in the Queensland city of Rockhampton.
A couple from New Zealand have told police they had to dive for cover when shots were fired at their campervan. The man aged 65 and the woman aged 56 said they saw a vehicle come over a crest above their campsite and shine its headlights at them before a blast rang out about 5am today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachey said the tourists described a round ‘thundering’ into the side of the campervan at the Rockhampton Music Bowl where they were camped.
“They’ve then hit the deck and a second round has rung out which has crashed into the windscreen,” he told reporters. “It’s obviously very, very concerning – the fact that two people were sleeping in this when a firearm was discharged … we’ve very lucky it’s not more serious.”
It’s believed the shots were fired some distance away from where the couple were camping in an area not easily visible from a nearby road.
“There’s a little bit of distance, which indicates it could possibly be a rifle,” said Det Snr Sgt Peachey. “We do believe we’ll be able to recover at least one of the rounds.”
A 20-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident and charged with a string of offences, including possession of a registered firearm and drug utensils.
*Do you feel safe when camping in the Australian bush? Comment below.
We have never felt unsafe but that is pretty scary.
Never had a problem in the past
Your fortunate we gave up free camping when terrorized by dozen hoons on quad and motor bikes 3am in morning popular spot on Murray river.. threatened us threw bottles at us.Caravan parks only now.
Shivers hi,
I freecamp quite a lot on the Murray .
Would you give “an Idea” what area this happened in?
Not going to qld then full of rednecks
We would love you to stay away.
What a silly thing to say
Have always felt very safe..but ?
The perils of free camping. I’ve often imagined such a scenario but never thought it likely. A timely warning and another good reason to avoid the wastelands of Queensland.
What a stupid comment
Do people stay away from NSW because Ivan Malay murdered so many people
Wastelands of anywhere not just Qld.
I travel solo & never free camp unless others are nearby. My main worry was perhaps a few louts getting drunk & running amok but being shot at is something I never would’ve considered in Australia.
We had one incident of a young man walking up to our van out of nowhere just after we had got into bed, we were about 30klm from Charters Towers. He said he had broken down and needed water for his car, we gave him some water. After he left we moved on to Charters Towers rest area in town. This is the only time I felt unsafe free camping.
Was it a roadway or private property or designated rest area? Someone did not like them being there. Would b interested to know if it was a popular place to parkup.
It is a no camping area but shooting at people is beyond the pale. The sun does have consequences as shown by bizarre Queenslanders behaviour. There is a free camp in town for self contained.vehicles. lift
The only public dump point in Rocky is there but it isn’t a designated rest/camping area even though I’ve seen people camping there.
There’s a free camp off High Street a couple kays away.
I had an incident at the Maddinson free camp 100 km west of Katherine N.T. There were about eight of us camping overnite and had settled in for the night. Then at about 1:00am a utility crept in with only its parking lights on. Thinking it was a considerate overnighter looking for somewhere to pull up, I took little notice. However instead of settling in the vehicle kept slowly driving around flicking a torch on and off as it went.
Suddenly my suspicious nature jumped into high gear. So thought I’d give the snooper a helping hand with more light to see what he was looking more clearly.
I turned on all my outside camper lights, plus the motorhome vehicle lights and my spotties on high beam. Suddenly the whole camp was on alert and the offending ute was last seen high tailing it out of the camp at a rate of knots. Although we had a disrupted sleep, no one lost any gear that night to this would-be pilfer. Gwynnie
The old story don’t stop for the night unless there are a couple of vans
That incident would put the wind up you a bit..
I have always free camped on my own and always will.
My grandfather fought for me to have that right to roam free and safe.
My military training and experiences taught me how to adapt and react to situations that can unexpectedly occur.
There are a few dick heads out there on ‘ice’ and whatever that seems to make them brave and superhuman..so be careful and do not approach or let them into your space..they can be dangerous.
For night time set up your sensor lights and other things deemed necessary. Have a VERY strong torch with a long direct beam. Shine that directly into the intruders eyes with a loud and clear instruction to stay out of your range.
You should not worry as the incident described above is a one off. There are many hundreds of free campers around this big country.
If you are really concerned and dont feel safe camp with friends or other campers…but not too close.
I agree having a good Blue dog helps. Cheers.
If you free camp and thousands do it can happen and if you have never had any trouble as yet then count your lucky stars as it does happen and there are some strange people that love to have fun
We need to be vigilant at all times but do not allow it to stop you from Free Camping. This sort of stuff happens to people living in houses as well. Take all prcautions but do not allow it to spoil your life style. Enjoy your camping and keep safe.
There is no need to get around the country living in fear. The same as when you fly in an areoplane…you cant step onto the plane inhibited by fear.
This is still the safest country in the world. Things are changing a bit for the worse in some cases in some areas. There is always an element of danger in every gacet of life…
But just get out there as far away as you can and ENJOY the serenity peace aura and wonder of this great land. Cheers
Not sure where you get “Safest” from…Aust doesn’t appear in the top 12…..Even NZ was down at numer 4
It is ggod to think that we are the safest country in the world. DefeniteNO. But yes, much better than GB, CANADA, USA. but what id this telling you….all COLONIALIST countries . All other Western countries have much better behaviours than does and Australia
Area in Rockhampton opposite the university, road going up to the sound shell and dump point, they caught the guy using the cctv on the traffic light intersections
Their are some verry bord and disturbed country people out their
Well Rosco..you can always go to Iceland, Finland or Greenland and do your caravanning….!
Hi, Assess the location, weather, day of the week and adopt a defendable position.
Location: How far from town, is it within hoon range? Can you drive straight out? Can you be boxed in? Any bottles, cans, syringes, condoms, tissues lying around?
Weather: Cold, wet and raining is less potential for trouble. Warm weather and a full moon has a higher potential for trouble.
Day of the week: Weekends have a higher potential for trouble.
So a warm Saturday night on a full moon means camp well away from towns and popular local spots.
Travelling in Australia is not a safe place at all. You are constantly harassed and looked at as if you have tobed s bank.
i’ve travelled around this great country all my life, the past ten years full time free camping never had any trouble, but then you have to be alert, best to have a dog with you
My wife travels with Mr Smith and Wesson and I travel with the law firm of Mr Ruger, one hopes they never have to come out of the safe, but their there. (legally)
You’ve got three levels of government with their hands in you’re pockets even taking you’re retirement franking credits and you’re worried someone will knock off a chair.