If you’ve ever lived near a busy street or run a business in a bustling part of town, you’ll know the pain of finding your driveway blocked by someone else’s car. It’s enough to make your blood boil—especially when you’ve put up all the signs in the world and people still ignore them! But one Queensland business owner has taken matters into their own hands with a security strategy that’s got the whole country talking—and laughing, and arguing, too.

Let’s set the scene: Rockhampton, Queensland. A business owner, fed up with drivers treating their clearly marked driveway like a public car park, decided to get creative. Instead of more signs or angry notes, they installed an automatic sprinkler system—one that’s not just for the garden, but for any car (and driver) bold enough to ignore the warnings.


The result? A viral sensation. Videos posted by the TikTok account @rockhamptonchaos have racked up millions of views, showing unsuspecting drivers pulling into the forbidden driveway, only to be met with a sudden, soaking spray. Some even get caught with their windows down or doors open, making for a very soggy surprise and a memorable lesson in reading the signs.


The internet, as always, has opinions. Many Aussies are cheering the business owner on, calling out the 'entitlement' of those who think they can park wherever they please. 'I love that the time delay is *just* long enough to trigger after they open the door,' one commenter gleefully noted. Another added, 'It’s not a nice mist, it’s a full-on tropical storm. Love it!' There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing rule-breakers get their comeuppance, especially when it’s delivered with a splash of humour (and water).


But not everyone is on board with the wet-and-wild approach. Some reckon it’s a bit much, suggesting that clearer signage or a painted driveway would do the trick without 'ruining people’s day.' One commenter wrote, 'Seems miserable to wait for people to park and assault them with water.' Others pointed out that while it’s funny to watch, it might not be so amusing if you were the one caught in the crossfire, especially if you had your best outfit on or important papers in the car.

So, is this a case of clever problem-solving, or has the business owner gone too far? It’s a classic Aussie debate: the right to protect your property versus the risk of going overboard. And it raises some interesting questions about how we deal with everyday annoyances—do we grin and bear it, or do we fight back with a bit of cheeky ingenuity?

Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Parking woes are a common gripe across Australia, especially in city centres and near popular businesses. Councils often struggle to enforce parking rules, and private property owners are left to fend for themselves. Some resort to bollards, chains, or even fake 'tow away' signs. But as this Rockhampton business shows, sometimes a little creativity (and a well-placed sprinkler) can make all the difference.


Of course, there are legal and ethical considerations, too. While spraying water isn’t likely to land you in hot water (pun intended), more aggressive tactics could cross the line. It’s always best to check with your local council before installing any 'security measures' that might impact the public or neighbouring properties.

At the end of the day, this story is a reminder that Aussies have a knack for finding humour in the everyday—and for sparking a good-natured debate. Whether you think the sprinkler system is genius or a step too far, you can’t deny it’s got people talking.


So, what do you think, Seniors Discount Club members? Have you ever had to deal with unwanted parkers? Would you try a trick like this, or do you have your own clever solution? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this splashy saga!

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