'Disgusting': The growing problem at Aussie campgrounds that’s hard to ignore
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The growing trend of river camping during the summer holidays has raised serious concerns about the future of Australia’s most beloved outdoor spots.
What started as a popular pastime has now led to unexpected consequences, with some locations facing a mounting issue that could change the camping experience for good.
As these areas struggle to cope, it’s clear that the impact of overcrowding is more significant than many realized.
The environmental damage caused by summer tourists has already started to make its presence known, with reports of rubbish scattered across some of Australia's favourite camping spots.
A local woman from Coopers Creek, Victoria, posted on social media, expressing her frustration with the state of the area and warning future visitors to avoid making the same mistake.
The volunteer, also a tour operator for the Thomson River, described her efforts to clean up the site over the weekend, along with other locals, packrafters, and kayakers.
'Today saw a great turnout at Coopers Creek of pack rafters, kayakers and locals to help clean up the onslaught of rubbish from the overcrowded campgrounds where many people were doing the wrong thing over the holidays,' she wrote in her post.
The rubbish was found in various places, not just within the campground but also in the river, in trees, and on the banks. Some of the items found were particularly disturbing.
'We found bags of rubbish also left by the side of the river and even a school chair. Lots of shoes, socks, people’s underwear and plenty of food packets including some larger items and some pool toys and boogie boards,' she said.
'There was the normal measure of toilet paper and sanitary pads as well as a dead rabbit wrapped in a plastic bag which was particularly disgusting,' she continued.
The volunteer stressed the importance of preserving the area and its unique ecosystem, which is home to endangered species like the Grayling and platypus.
'The Thomson River is a unique and beautiful habitat that is home to many species of flora and fauna including platypus, endangered Grayling and other species on the endangered or critically endangered list,' she wrote.
'What we did today was temporary.'
In response, social media users urged people to take responsibility for their actions and clean up after themselves.
One commenter wrote, 'If you bring it with you, take it home simple really.'
Others suggested that a campaign similar to the 'Don't Rubbish Australia' movement from the 70s was needed.
One person added: 'Need a billboard saying “Don't Rubbish Australia” like in the 70’s.'
'If you take it with you then you should take it home but unfortunately not everyone thinks that way!' said another user.
One more commenter called for stricter consequences, stating: 'Is this supposed to happen after every break/holiday/long weekend? The people that create this mess need to be held accountable. And fined through the nose.'
This issue is not isolated, as campers on K'gari also came under fire late last year for leaving behind cheap camping gear, including blow-up mattresses, tarps, and rubbish bags.
The practice of dumping rubbish on K'gari is punishable by an on-the-spot fine of $322.60, with penalties increasing to nearly $500 if food and rubbish are not secured from dingoes.
This troubling trend has raised concerns about the ongoing impact of tourism on Australia's natural spaces and the urgent need for change.
How can we balance the love for outdoor adventures with the responsibility of preserving these stunning environments for future generations?
We’d love to hear your thoughts – share your ideas in the comments below!
What started as a popular pastime has now led to unexpected consequences, with some locations facing a mounting issue that could change the camping experience for good.
As these areas struggle to cope, it’s clear that the impact of overcrowding is more significant than many realized.
The environmental damage caused by summer tourists has already started to make its presence known, with reports of rubbish scattered across some of Australia's favourite camping spots.
A local woman from Coopers Creek, Victoria, posted on social media, expressing her frustration with the state of the area and warning future visitors to avoid making the same mistake.
The volunteer, also a tour operator for the Thomson River, described her efforts to clean up the site over the weekend, along with other locals, packrafters, and kayakers.
Volunteers tackle mounting rubbish at a popular river site. Image source: Facebook/PackFest Victoria
'Today saw a great turnout at Coopers Creek of pack rafters, kayakers and locals to help clean up the onslaught of rubbish from the overcrowded campgrounds where many people were doing the wrong thing over the holidays,' she wrote in her post.
The rubbish was found in various places, not just within the campground but also in the river, in trees, and on the banks. Some of the items found were particularly disturbing.
'We found bags of rubbish also left by the side of the river and even a school chair. Lots of shoes, socks, people’s underwear and plenty of food packets including some larger items and some pool toys and boogie boards,' she said.
'There was the normal measure of toilet paper and sanitary pads as well as a dead rabbit wrapped in a plastic bag which was particularly disgusting,' she continued.
The volunteer stressed the importance of preserving the area and its unique ecosystem, which is home to endangered species like the Grayling and platypus.
'The Thomson River is a unique and beautiful habitat that is home to many species of flora and fauna including platypus, endangered Grayling and other species on the endangered or critically endangered list,' she wrote.
'What we did today was temporary.'
In response, social media users urged people to take responsibility for their actions and clean up after themselves.
One commenter wrote, 'If you bring it with you, take it home simple really.'
Others suggested that a campaign similar to the 'Don't Rubbish Australia' movement from the 70s was needed.
One person added: 'Need a billboard saying “Don't Rubbish Australia” like in the 70’s.'
'If you take it with you then you should take it home but unfortunately not everyone thinks that way!' said another user.
One more commenter called for stricter consequences, stating: 'Is this supposed to happen after every break/holiday/long weekend? The people that create this mess need to be held accountable. And fined through the nose.'
This issue is not isolated, as campers on K'gari also came under fire late last year for leaving behind cheap camping gear, including blow-up mattresses, tarps, and rubbish bags.
The practice of dumping rubbish on K'gari is punishable by an on-the-spot fine of $322.60, with penalties increasing to nearly $500 if food and rubbish are not secured from dingoes.
This troubling trend has raised concerns about the ongoing impact of tourism on Australia's natural spaces and the urgent need for change.
How can we balance the love for outdoor adventures with the responsibility of preserving these stunning environments for future generations?
We’d love to hear your thoughts – share your ideas in the comments below!
