One of the issue most likely to get pet-owning grey nomads hot under the collar is the fact that they are largely excluded from their taking dogs into national parks.
Obviously, this has a huge impact on the way they are able to travel around Australia, and the beauty spots they are able to access.
The most common reason cited for the dog ban is that the parks provide a refuge for native Australian plants and animals.
While there is no indication that the various parks authorities are about to change their policies, there are perhaps some signs that they are prepared to listen to the concern of dog walkers.
Dogs in Crescent Head are celebrating. PIC: Cizza
On New South Wales Mid North Coast, the small town of Crescent Head has just won a battle to preserve beach access that it risked losing under plans proposed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The ABC reports that residents had campaigned for two years against an NPWS draft plan of management that would have seen access to some areas on local beaches restricted for dog walkers and other users.
The dog ban is strictly enforrced in many NSW national parks. PIC: CIzza
However, the NPWS has just agreed to a two-year transitional arrangement that will allow dogs to continue using existing beach access routes until mid-2025.
“Everybody thought NPWS was too big, too strong,” Crescent Head Dog and Walkers Group (CHDaWG) president and founder Jann Eason told the ABC. “But I think other people needed to see that it can be done.”
The campaigners are happy with the reprieve, but say their experience reflects what they feel is poor community consultation by NPWS, and they are concerned other areas in NSW are facing similar problems.
Ms Eason told the ABC that many of the issues stemmed from NPWS changing the boundaries of Goolawah National Park, which she said most locals were unaware of until her group started its campaign.
She said negotiating with NPWS was difficult, and she felt they were unwilling to consider any flexibility.
“NPWS set up this situation in a way that one side would win and one side would lose.” Ms Eason said. “There was nothing in between.”
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There are plenty of state forests & other types of natural areas where dogs are allowed. Dogs & cats don’t belong in national parks, no exceptions.
I’m happy with the current arrangements but would like to see some stricter policing, especially on the Whitsunday islands.
If dogs are kept on leads and picked up after I see no reason they should be excluded from what is after all a public area of the country which is controlled by news and we’ve all seen in the past how some of their methods have caused catastrophic fires in some areas.
Its because the scent a dog gives off deters local fauna to leave the area as they think(and rightly so) that a predator is in the area.
Does human scent not have the same consequences? Should we all stay home maybe?
Where is the scientific proof.
bull//// ,i own 5 acres with more wildlife than i see in most national parks. If you keep dogs on a lead and pick up after them it should be allowed.
Yep, that’s bull, how much wildlife would be there without the dogs?
…. and therein you have identified at least two of the problems .. off lead .. and not picking up ..
Why is it that you are aloud to have assistance dogs then .it’s not fair you can’t one rule for some and another for everyone else. And just think how much money and passing trade they are missing out on
The scent that people give off has been found to be more of a deterrent to native animals than the scent of dogs.
Humans don’t smell ???????
Unfortunately not all dog owners are responsible. Check all the dog poo on pathways and tracks. Dogs are often off lead. Leave national parks for people.
Spot on , again the few want to rule the roost.
Who is the few? The dog owners or the non-dog owners?
I’ve been in quite a few National Parks where there is human excrement and toilet paper littering close to tracks. Recently I spent 15mins picking up shit that filthy humans had left at a camping area in a National Park. I think humans are worse than dogs.
Overseas in Us canada dogs are allowed in all NP on a lead. But I guess thats to bark at the nearby bears. But seriously, we do understand why dogs shouldnt be in most NP but for those travelling with a dog sometimes it is so over the top. In Tasmania we were severely warned over having our dog in the car while at the NP info centre finding out about the park. He hadnt even touched the bitumen.
There could be some help with provision of dog minding kennel or similar for day visitors.
We have travelled with a dog & without,and will be travelling again with a dog now we are retired, when we where younger we put the dog in kennels for a couple of days to go to national parks . It’s very important to look after our national parks ,if you let dogs in there would be a minority that would not do the right thing & let there dogs off leads.
If you let people in there, a minority will not do the right thing.
Cheers,
Roy.
That is the problem…the minority!!
you talking about the people not doing the right thing
Feral animals I’ve encountered in National Parks include..
Deer, Horses, Buffalo, Pigs, Foxes, Rabbits, Cats, Wild dogs.
Creating far more damage and destruction to the NP environment than a few domestic pets like dogs could ever do…
So if dogs are going to be allowed into N/P’s,are the owners prepared to take the risk of the dog
picking up a bait. Don’t think for one minute your dog is safe from baits because they are on a lead.
Baits are dropped from the air and can land anywhere. The domestic dog will p/u the baits
exactly the same as a wild dog. If you have ever seen a dog die a slow agonizing death from baits
then you will “not” take your dog into any N/P. I speak from experience , and it was not a park , but
the side of the highway crossing the Nullabor. Muzzle your dogs between Ceduna and Norseman.
Many wild dogs are the result of domestic pets gone feral. Huge numbers of animals are killed every year by these so called “dingos”. People are the biggest danger in a NP. Now they want to bring their pooches into the mix as well. Its not about whats easy for you…its about what is best for the local fauna and flora..
I’d hate to see a feral maltese wreaking havoc in a national park
What about the cats
There is no debate among conservation management professionals that domestic pets should be excluded from national parks. National parks are primarily about biodiversity conservation. I’m starting to think that the Grey Nomads website is all about stirring up controversy and discontent.
which is fine – but more and more areas, especially the nice areas, are being designated NP and with the blanket ruling large swaths of Australia become no-go zones for dog owners…
It doesn’t make sense to exclude dogs on leads from National parks. There are lots of no native animals such as deer, horses,rabbits, foxes, pigs etc. so change the rules.
And havent they created huge amounts of damage!! Last thing we need is more of mans introduced domestic animals. There are enough wild dogs running around killing all sorts in our NP,s.
If native animals see or scent a dog they take off and if it keeps happening they’re not coming back. Go to a caravan park that allows dogs there’s very little to no wildlife, very different to a caravan park that’s dog free.
The only reason dogs shouldn’t be allowed in NP’s is that baiting that is everywhere. Perhaps a permit system with a bond to campgrounds, refundable when permit not renewed or surrendered. Dog owners need to be responsible, keep dogs and leads and pick up after them. Fail – big fine, lose permit, bond and from barred from bringing dogs in future.
How much fauna do you actually see on NP visits? Feral foxes & cats are far bigger concerns than dogs on leads.
But, doubt I’d be taking my dog too far down NP trails.
DOGS should NOT be allowed in parks.
Here we go again THE MINORITY telling the MAGORITY what to DO.
HELL.
So..you know the facts about the numbers for and against allowing dogs on leash in NP’s…??
There have been plenty of surveys done. I read one that was tabled about 18 months ago . Over 70% of the people wanted the family pet not allowed in a NP. cOMMON SENSE REALLY IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT NATIVE ANIMALS AS WELL AS THE DESTRUCTION DONE BY MANS INTRODUCED PETS ONTO ANY LAND IN aUSTRALIA.
So we should exclude man as well, yeh??
Nit all dog owners obey rules. It only takes one bad owner. Leave your dog in the van. I don’t want the rish of being mauled by a dog. Check the stat’s on the number of people mauled by so called responsible owners.
Agree but are you saying yes take your dog but keep it caged and tethered
All of these wild cats and dogs were once domestic animals who escaped or wandered off from their owners and they became feral. Enough reason for me to say no dogs in national parks.
That usually comes from farms properties hunters and graziers. Faring killed off the snakes and brought cats to clean up the vermin problem lol what happened there. Does that mean we should get rid of farming
Keep dogs out of national parks. As a dog owner I know and accept that even to scent of my dog can upset the native animals. Be responsible and stick to state parks and all the other wonderful place that we have in Australia
Humans far more destructive than pets….Ban humans from National Parks…..
Keep dogs out of national parks
Where I live in Eurobodalla we’re surrounded by National Parks. There are many isolated beaches only accessible through a National Park where my 2 dogs would cause no problems whatsoever to local wildlife. I’d love to visit these places but can only do so without my hounds.
I understand that at certain times of the year on the beaches there may be nesting birds and protecting them is important but at other times access should be permitted. So my plea is for National Parks to show flexibility. We would all value those places to an even greater extent if we had more access. NSW forests don’t inflict these restrictions and truly they are no different to a National Park environmentally in terms of wildlife, except they permit logging.
I understand that you are a responsible owner but ….. can you guarantee all the others? I don’t think so. Sad but true.
National Parks should be for native animals only. All non native animals animals should be eradicated…and this includes horses.
And people?
I would be most concerned if dogs are allowed into National Parks. Dog owners have just about everywhere else to take their dogs and N.P. should remain free of dogs. To argue otherwise is to not be in touch with the significance of N.P.’s.and the very small amount of land left in an attempt to protect our flora and fauna.
National Parks should remain sacrosanct and dog and cat free.
I am sick of watching people take their dogs off lead; not pick up their poo when they think nobody is watching; undisciplined barking, allow them to chase birds thinking they are not wildlife and more. Dogs are costing Councils huge amounts in management as some people neglect their responsibilites and allow dogs to behave badly.
N.P’s are a last bastion where we, the wildlife and flora can escape dogs though………. there are wild dogs that came from mismanagement by people in the first place
Not the animals fault.. Humans should be the ones to blame…Man is so destructive…..Control humans and your worries are over
Australia has an abysmal record of animal extinction. We do not need dogs in National Parks. People are a big problem in these parks as it is. Unfortunately the modern way of thinking for many is that their self entitlement comes before anything else. These parks are their to preserve the animals and flors for future generations…not for some self centred city slicker who thinks the world revolves around their wants!!
All caused by human not animals fault humans introduced them. Can’t just blame city slickers farming communities have animals that wander and go feral
National Parks are a protectrd area for native animals. Full Stop.
Animals travel and can’t read signs
The rule to prevent owners taking dogs into NP /s is ridiculous. Controlled dogs on a restraint is far less destructive than children and some adults.
I personally wouldn’t take my pet into NPs, just for her own safety. We have never let her wander without a lead as they are unpredictable and could just take off, never to be found again, or ticks (she is dosed monthly)…However, in saying that I don’t think humans should be allowed to camp in NPs either, some are just not clean and leave more mess than a dog could ever leave. Leave the parks completely alone..NO ENTRY to anyone
Dogs are beautiful but I don’t need to see them everywhere I go. At least National Parks provide a dog free environment for wildlife and us humans.
No need to change
Wildlife has a hard enough time trying to survive in the small pockets of national park left across Australia without introducing more noises and barking and carnivore smells. Keep the dogs out of National Parks!
Including “dingoes”?
Roy, Dingoes have a place in Australia and can be beneficial to the natural environment.
Wild dogs that have become so through neglect from humans is another matter.
Read up on Dingoes as being informed is a good thing.
How many pure dingoes left on mainland Australia. The only place I know of where they are pure is Frazer island
National parks have been preserved for all Australians to visit an enjoy.
In all this with Governments, Councils, National Parks and those who have not thought of a real problem. Wild dogs pigs and other animals which destroy our parks, fauna and invade our camp sites.
The sad part in all this with the domestic pets will be those who allow their animals to allow them to roam unleashed.
No one is stopped from going into National Parks, just their dogs. That the way it should be
Keep all domestic pets well away from national parks. The parks are there to let the natural ecosystems thrive and be enjoyed by those of us that love it for that reason. Domestic pets are NOT a part of that ecosystem and should be kept out.
Allowing dogs in National Parks would be a tragedy. One of the main reasons we go to National Parks is the No Dogs policy.
Responsible dog owners and their dog pose no threat to flora and fauna in national parks. Instead of banning all dog owners why not increase penalties for anyone doing the wrong thing
And the cost of the extra rangers would be passed onto all those entering the park through higher camping fees.
No thanks keep dog’s out of NP
Yes, Dogs on leads controlled by responsible owners or handlers should be allowed in national parks. What harm can they do?
Cheers,
Roy.
Please keep domestic animals out of National Parks. Leave it to the native wildlife
Yes dog owners should be allowed some access to some national parks. My wife and I are responsibly dog owners and would love some access to national parks. For example the Pinnicles national park WA we could drive through with our dog in the car and enjoy the park through the window of our 4wd no harm done.
I’m a dog owner who would like to be able to access National Parks with my dog. I’m disgusted by bags of dog poo dropped in parks and at the beach by “responsible owners who pick up after their dogs”. One possible solution could be buying a license to allow the dog in parks and immediate loss of that and a fine if the owners are caught dropping bags of poo or letting their dogs off the leash.
No dogs in national parks! That was the idea of establishing these areas to give native animals a chance. And while we are at it keep cats out as well.
As a dog owner, I find my dog is a great part of my life and I have him to thank for support through a major illness. We find it frustrating traveling with our dog and the amount of dislike for dogs. W A is the 1080 poison state in Australia how much of this poison effects native birds and animals. I have seen more damage done in national parks by humans than dogs. Rubbish left and plants destroyed.
So we seem to have identified that the dog owners are the problem (letting dogs off leads etc). So perhaps the owners should be banned as well. Definately no dogs in National Parks.
Why would you assume the human beans will pick up the dog poop when here in Yamba I can show examples where they walk along Breakwall and there is completely no attempt to pick up their own dogshit and in national parks there is no monitoring at all
I’m a grey nomad and travel permanently with my caravan all over this country.
I’m totally against dogs in National Parks.
Whilst dog owners will tell us that they are responsible a large percentage aren’t.
Some pick up their dog’s dropping they never clean up fully.
I’ve had dogs, on leads, with their owners talking to me at my caravan and the dog has peed around my campsite. When questioned they say “it’s only a wee wee”.
Sorry not acceptable.
Keep dogs out of National Parks for ever and maybe even look at limiting them further in other areas.
No dogs in national parks, as soon as a dog gets near a kangaroo or other native animals it wants to chase it or the dog would bark excessive throughout the night if it hears a animal outside.
Not to mention the lazy dog owners who will not pick up after their dogs.
We have more flora/fauna in our back yard with a dog roaming.We avoid national parks at all costs.We used to be members of NP but like all our friends not any more
Yes, but dog owners have to do the right thing,too many owners let their animals do whatever they want
Dogs aren’t the problem, irresponsible owners and irresponsible people are the problem.
As for NPWS preserving nature and sacred and historical sights, NPWS has let a lot of rock carvings and cave paintings in national parks deteriorate, get overgrown, banned our people from doing any form of upkeep to our carvings and paintings. The carvings that are visible at Jibbon in the Royal National Park Sydney is only a small percentage of the carvings that are in that section of the park, the rest have been overgrown.
The reason bush fires are so intense is because NPWS doesn’t allow and do enough regular fire management through cold slow burning (back burning).
NPWS is just another government department used for controlling people cause to many people have been indoctrinated into the system that has taken away societies connection to the Land. We don’t own the Land, we are just visitors here and while we are here we are the Custodians of the Land.
I come from the UK and dog walkers have much more freedom than here. It is far too restrictive , we do not have summer. Restrictions on beaches and National Parks are accessible for dog walkers. Not sure why there is such a difference here?
Dog owners know the rules but wilfully contravene them. Comments to them are mainly brushed off. If they were allowed access then the floodgate of invasion of National Parks would be open with dog faeces and in your face altercations. Far better to stick with no dog rule.
Not all dog owners care enough about fauna. For example, it is disturbing to see dogs running though nesting bird sites on remote beaches. Too many owners don’t get the need to give the native animals space and protection.
Most National Park enthusiasts clearly understand the need to “tread lightly “.
Dog owners have enough privileges…see the urban parks, beaches, cafes and shopping precincts. They shouldn’t buy/adopt dogs then advocate changes to the rules .
Just spent a month in a caravan park and we had dogs urinating on our annexe ropes repeatedly so I started spraying them with vinegar
Then we had a dog poop in the doorway while the owner waited whilst he did pick up he left poop residue waiting to be stepped in these people with dogs amaze me how they are camped at the north end of the park but they come to the south end of the park for thier dogs to poop and pee
Some dog owner cannot read because they take the dogs into the camp kitchens
If the dog owners are like this in a controlled environment what are they going to like in national parks – some of the dog owners are travelling with 2 and 3 dogs and don’t forget the cats that people are now bringing as well
No keep them out of national parks
Dogs on a lead are harmless… I don’t trust people who don’t like dog’s…
What a lot of hysteria about a small number of irresponsible dog owners and the nonsense that the mere smell of a dog frightens wildlife away. Firstly , prosecute the irresponsible owners , not everyone else just because they’re an easy target & it’s cheaper and simpler for an understaffed cash strapped dept to do. Secondly , educate the community about what actually does affect the native wildlife. The smell of my pampered pet is nothing compared to sweaty deordorant & chanel no 5 soaked humans talking loudly & stomping down trails & peeing & pooping…no dog poo bags being used there !!. Give us a break from the bs. The biggest threat to our fauna , wildlife and natural envioronment are feral animals and ourselves. We are already the most dog unfriendly nation in the developed world & dogs are important family members to over 50% of the population. No one I know is an irresponsible dog owner so just cage the ones that are. I’m also a rabid conservationist who volunteers a lot of time to defending my local wildlife. If you live in a sterile urban environment , don’t like dogs and want a squeeky clean bush experience go walk around your city botanical gardens.
Just one question national means everyone so why should dog owners not go to these beautiful spots humans do as much or more damage