Aussies may have to pay $322 fine after surge in this ‘annoying’ camping trend
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As the great Australian outdoors beckons, many of us are heeding the call of the wild and setting out on camping adventures to enjoy the natural beauty our country has to offer.
Camping is a cherished pastime for Australians of all ages, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to reconnect with nature.
However, a concerning trend has emerged that not only disrupts the camping experience for genuine outdoor enthusiasts but also carries a hefty penalty for those involved.
The trend in question is 'ghost camping', a practice in which individuals book a campsite and either fail to show up or set up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without a valid reason.
This behaviour has become increasingly problematic, leading to frustration among campers who cannot secure a spot at popular campsites.
In response to this issue, Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has taken a firm stance.
‘It is now an offence to not attend a booked campsite or to put up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without a reasonable excuse, such as in an emergency,’ a DESI spokesperson said.
The new regulations are part of a broader effort to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to enjoy Queensland's national parks, which are home to some of the most iconic and unique campsites in the world.
‘Queensland's national parks are home to some of the most iconic and unique campsites in the world, which all campers should be able to enjoy,’ the spokesperson said.
Rangers have been tasked with monitoring campsites to ensure compliance with the new rules.
The penalties for those caught ghost camping are significant. Campers in Queensland who engage in this behaviour can expect an on-the-spot fine of $322.60.
For more severe cases, the maximum fine can reach up to $3,226, and offenders may even face court proceedings.
Additionally, their camping permits can be cancelled, further deterring would-be ghost campers from engaging in this act.
The practice of ghost camping often arises from a desire to deter tourists from overcrowding certain areas or to selfishly reserve space without any intention of using it.
This has had real impacts on people's travel plans, with some families reporting that ghost camping is ‘annoying’ and has 'impacted our whole trip', forcing them to book campsites months in advance.
‘This regulation means people booking campsites and setting up equipment to exclude other campers will now run the risk of being fined and having their camping permits cancelled,’ the DESI spokesperson said.
In a previous story, one state considered offering free camping at 131 campsites to boost holiday spending.
The initiative could save residents an estimated $7 million in fees and relieve holiday cost-of-living pressures. You can read more about the story here.
Have you encountered ghost camping on your travels, or have you been affected by this trend? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.
Camping is a cherished pastime for Australians of all ages, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to reconnect with nature.
However, a concerning trend has emerged that not only disrupts the camping experience for genuine outdoor enthusiasts but also carries a hefty penalty for those involved.
The trend in question is 'ghost camping', a practice in which individuals book a campsite and either fail to show up or set up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without a valid reason.
This behaviour has become increasingly problematic, leading to frustration among campers who cannot secure a spot at popular campsites.
Aussies may have to pay $322 fine for doing this ‘annoying’ camping trend. Credit: Shutterstock
In response to this issue, Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has taken a firm stance.
‘It is now an offence to not attend a booked campsite or to put up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without a reasonable excuse, such as in an emergency,’ a DESI spokesperson said.
The new regulations are part of a broader effort to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to enjoy Queensland's national parks, which are home to some of the most iconic and unique campsites in the world.
‘Queensland's national parks are home to some of the most iconic and unique campsites in the world, which all campers should be able to enjoy,’ the spokesperson said.
Rangers have been tasked with monitoring campsites to ensure compliance with the new rules.
The penalties for those caught ghost camping are significant. Campers in Queensland who engage in this behaviour can expect an on-the-spot fine of $322.60.
For more severe cases, the maximum fine can reach up to $3,226, and offenders may even face court proceedings.
Additionally, their camping permits can be cancelled, further deterring would-be ghost campers from engaging in this act.
The practice of ghost camping often arises from a desire to deter tourists from overcrowding certain areas or to selfishly reserve space without any intention of using it.
This has had real impacts on people's travel plans, with some families reporting that ghost camping is ‘annoying’ and has 'impacted our whole trip', forcing them to book campsites months in advance.
‘This regulation means people booking campsites and setting up equipment to exclude other campers will now run the risk of being fined and having their camping permits cancelled,’ the DESI spokesperson said.
In a previous story, one state considered offering free camping at 131 campsites to boost holiday spending.
The initiative could save residents an estimated $7 million in fees and relieve holiday cost-of-living pressures. You can read more about the story here.
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