Illegal camping act at tourist hotspots highlights 'widespread issue' across Australia

Illegal camping is only getting worse as tourists hit Aussie roads in search of adventure.

Illegal campers (left) and Torquay Beach (right)
Alleged illegal van campers spotted at Torquay back beach. Source: BeyondWildPlaces/Geelong Advertiser

Exploring Australia's endless idyllic coastlines and wide open roads is something most Australians — and overseas tourists — aspire to do at least once in their lives. But as many attempt to do it on the cheap, occasionally breaking the rules to camp where they shouldn't, councils across the country are left grappling with how to deal with a strain on resources.

But curbing illegal camping, maintaining resources and keeping local residents happy is a tricky ask. The Town of Cambridge council in Perth learned just that earlier this week when they attempted to deter the act at one of the most popular beaches in WA by turning off hot water in their public showers.

Recent figures released to Yahoo by the nationwide council reporting app Snap Send Solve revealed thousands of reports of illegally parked RVs and caravans across Australia. "These figures underscore a widespread issue across the country, particularly in urban areas where space is limited and pedestrian and road safety are critical," Danny Gorog, CEO of Snap Send Solve told Yahoo.

Victoria leads the count with 2,936 reports of illegally parked RVs and caravans, closely followed by NSW and Queensland.

Police looking over a van during an illegal camping crackdown (left) and a 4WD on the side of the road with a tent erected above (right).
Illegal camping at popular tourist hotspots has become a growing problem. Source: Noosa Council/Sunshine Coast News

"Our users tell us illegally parked RVs and caravans are causing several safety issues and obstruct visibility for drivers and make intersections and pedestrian crossings more dangerous," Gorog said, adding that these vehicles take up more than their "fair share" of parking spaces and "block access to essential services like fire hydrants.

"By parking in non-designated areas, RVs also strain local councils, which need to enforce parking laws and address complaints," he said. "Ensuring proper regulations and designated parking is essential to maintain road safety and community order."

How does this issue get addressed? Gorog says we need "everyone's help" "Residents can report illegally parked RVs in under one minute using the free and easy to use Snap Send Solve app," he said.

  • Victoria: 2,936 reports

  • New South Wales 2,048 reports

  • Queensland with 1,610 reports

  • Western Australia 636 reports

  • South Australia 136 reports

  • Tasmania 34 reports

Councils across the country are taking different approaches to deal with the problem. In Victoria, Premier Jacinta Allan recently flagged she is hoping to introduce free camping this summer in a $7 million cost-of-living boost.

In Western Australia, a bold $200,000 plan to prevent illegal camping which was affecting the area's delicate natural environment by building a new campground.

In Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Noosa Council has taken a more hardline approach with a major crackdown on the illegal activity.

The Noosa Spit car park — which is located just moments from the Sunshine Coast's Noosa Heads main beach — has been trialling strict rules against parking there between the hours of 10pm and 4am since August last year.

Fines for doing so vary from $77 to $116, and $309 for illegal camping. It comes as council considers increasing the penalties in a crackdown against for breaking the rules.

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