Grey nomads planning a trip to South Australia or the beautiful Riverland region are being urged to think twice about packing restricted fruit and fruiting vegetables.
There are restricted items that can’t be brought into SA, including the Riverland, and it’s crucial to be aware of these restrictions.
These are permanent rules that are also increasingly important due to Queensland fruit fly outbreaks in the area. Travellers are urged not to bring restricted fruit and vegetables with them when entering the state, or the Riverland.
They must dispose of these restricted items in quarantine bins located across the state. If they’re caught with restricted fruit and vegetables at the Yamba quarantine station or at random roadblocks, this can result in hefty fines of $417 (as at March, 2025).
The measures are in place to protect against fruit flies. PIC: Dept of Primary Industries and Regions, SA
Quarantine bins can be used to dispose of fruit. PIC: Dept of Primary Industries and Regions, SA
Taking these steps can help nomads avoid unnecessary fines:
Jason Size, Incident Controller of the Fruit Fly Emergency Response, emphasised the importance of these steps for travelling into, or within, South Australia.
“The best thing to do is just leave fresh produce at home, and shop local when you are in the Riverland,” Mr Size said. “We don’t want to fine you, just as much as you don’t want to be fined.”
South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions says the state’s thriving horticulture industry contributes $1.3 billion to the state’s economy and supports over 37,000 jobs.
It says this is why it is essential for travellers to dispose of any restricted items if they are entering SA or the Riverland, using disposal bins located throughout the state.
“To all the travellers doing the right thing and keeping South Australia’s horticulture industry safe, your efforts make a huge difference,” Mr Size said. “We thank you and we couldn’t do this without you.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions says, when you are travelling, it is best to buy local.
However, it says if you don’t want to throw away any restricted items that weren’t purchased locally, it is possible to transport it – only if you process it safely. This includes canning, cooking, drying, freezing, grating, or pureeing before you travel.
Grey nomads looking for the latest updates on Queensland fruit fly outbreaks, are asked to visit the Fruit Fly website here.
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