The following is the statement issued to the Grey Nomads from the QLD Department of Environment and Science regarding online booking issues:
Camping is a very popular activity in Queensland, with more than 500 camping areas on offer in national parks, recreation areas and State forests across the state. Many of these camping areas are in remote locations where there is limited access to internet or mobile phone services, presenting challenges for travellers to regional and remote areas.
To assist visitors to book campsites, a network of booking agents has also been established with 24 local businesses selling camping and vehicle permits on behalf of the department. More information on the location of these booking agents is available on the Department of Environment and Science website.
The pre-purchase of a camping permit ensures visitors a site will be available on their selected arrival date and can be crucial for visitors travelling long distances to popular camping areas.
This system is also an essential park management tool that assist the department to proactively manage potential safety issues. For example, in the event of extreme weather or natural disaster warnings, the department is able to contact visitors registered to camp either in person, on site, or via email before arrival to advise them of any changes in conditions.
Bookings for more national parks and forests can be made up to six or twelve months in advance or the permit commencement date, with a maximum length of stay up to 29 nights. The department is obliged to accept all bookings and amend these requests when clients’ plans change.
Compared to other states, Queensland’s cancellation policy provides greater flexibility to visitors. Customers can cancel or modify their booking up to two full days prior to the start date of the permit and receive a full refund. The current booking system does not have the functionality to “free up” sites if they are cancelled within this two-day period.
If visitors arrive at their booked camp site to find it is already occupied, we recommend showing the other camper your booking confirmation email. Double booking of sites is not possible and signage around the parks clearly state that online bookings are required.
If the camper refuses to relocate to another site, report the incident to the local ranger’s office or via email at qpws@des.qld.gov.au. This will assist the department in planning patrols of camping areas to reduce these types of incidents from reoccurring.
The department conducts ranger patrols at regular intervals to manage illegal camping activities. These patrols are intended to ensure visitors are complying with regulations, hold valid camping and vehicle access permits where required, and to monitor and encourage environmentally friendly camping practices. Rangers have the power to move people on and can issue penalty infringement notices if camping illegally.
The current online booking system was introduced in 2002. It was upgraded in 2016 and the department is currently considering functional requirements for a future online booking system.
The current system has delivered significant benefits for park management and reduced the risk of rangers being exposed to health and safety risks, including needle stick injuries, broken glass and rotting food, when collecting camping fees from collection points.
When creating an account in the booking system, customers are offered an opportunity to participate in satisfaction surveys and subscribe to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service camping e-newsletter. Customers who participate in the survey are also sent a survey in the month following their camping booking. These surveys seek feedback on the booking system and their experience at the camping area they stayed in. Since 2016-17, at least 85% of users have reported they are satisfied or very satisfied with the online system.
Any additional enquiries or feedback can be sent to parkenquiries@des.qld.gov.au.
